OVERALL
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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Audio output power:3.00 WBattery life:10 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:2.1Weight:760 g

Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

80%

5.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 93% of portable speakers
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 90%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

32%

5.7

Audio

20%

5.3

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

5.5

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Controls

3%

9.0

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 87%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

32%

5.7

Audio

20%

5.3

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

5.5

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Controls

3%

9.0

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

5.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.1
Audio output power
3 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 3 W which is lower than that of 91.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.8% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
85 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 85 Hz which is higher than that of 78.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
2.1
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 2.1 which is older than that of 92% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 10 hours which is shorter than that of 53.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 12.9% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
1,430 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 1,430 mAh which is smaller than that of 79.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
5 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
760 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 760 g which is lighter than that of 51% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
12.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 12.8 cm which is taller than that of 51.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
11.8 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 11.8 cm which is narrower than that of 69.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
11.8 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 11.8 cm which is deeper than that of 68% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 9 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (89 dB vs 80 dB).
    89 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 20 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (60 °C vs 40 °C).
    60 °C vs 40 °C
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 9 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (89 dB vs 80 dB).
    89 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 20 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (60 °C vs 40 °C).
    60 °C vs 40 °C
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 17 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20 W).
    3 W vs 20 W
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • 1,170 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,430 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    1,430 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 25 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (85 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    85 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 4.21x less popular
    Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 7% worse value for money
    Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.05 vs 7.5).
    7.05 vs 7.55
  • 17 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20 W).
    3 W vs 20 W
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 25 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (85 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    85 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 3 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (89 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    89 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • 1,170 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,430 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    1,430 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    10 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
    10 °C vs 0 °C
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 3.5 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (11.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    11.8 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
mbrett.wordpress.com
17/03/2013
Summary of the review
REVIEW: JBL Play UP portable NFC BT Speaker - mbrett If you need more details about this speaker, I can provide information on its battery life, compa...
P
propakistani.pk
20/03/2013
Summary of the review
JBL PlayUp Wireless Speaker for Nokia : Review - ProPakistani
T
tchgdns.de
15/08/2014
Summary of the review
Nokia JBL PlayUp: Wireless Bluetooth speaker with NFC reviewed
(Translated)Show original
L
leganerd.com
29/07/2013
Summary of the review
Nokia Lumia 620 Review (Note: Includes in-depth test and field review of the matching JBL PlayUp speaker)
(Translated)Show original
D
dailymotion.com
31/10/2012
Summary of the review
Italian preview of JBL PlayUp (Note: Practical video test in Italian showing the behavior of the audio system)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless

  • Delivers balanced 360-degree sound distribution
  • Quick and easy tap-to-pair functionality via integrated NFC
  • Premium and durable chassis with a tactile rubberised finish
  • Clever storage base that completely hides the 3.5 mm auxiliary cable
  • Long-lasting continuous battery life tracking up to 10 hours
  • Convenient user-replaceable removable battery design

What customers don't like about Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless

  • Lacks an integrated microphone preventing hands-free speakerphone calls
  • Relies on highly outdated Bluetooth 2.1 wireless connection standards
  • Noticeably heavy and bulky form factor compared to modern pocket speakers
  • Does not support wireless Qi charging unlike its sister PowerUp model
  • Limited overall power output cap at just 3 watts RMS

Verdict

The Nokia MD-51W JBL PlayUp is a cylindrical, 760-gram portable wireless speaker that delivers 10W of power through a 2.5-inch full-range driver to produce 360-degree omnidirectional sound with a frequency response of 65–20,000 Hz and a maximum output of 94 dB. Main advantages include its seamless tap-to-pair NFC technology, aptX Bluetooth 2.1 audio streaming, and a removable 1430 mAh battery providing up to 10 hours of playback, complemented by a cleverly hidden 3.5mm audio cable in the base. However, notable drawbacks include its outdated Bluetooth version, the lack of a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls, and a rubberized finish that heavily attracts smudges and fingerprints.

Compare Nokia Md 51W Jbl Playup Wireless with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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