Chinese Android MP3 Players

[Yorkshire Mouth]

I didn't realise these things existed, but here we go.

There are a number of Chinese MP3 players on the market. They run on Android, and look like touchscreen smartphones.

They come with apps for most music streaming services (Amazon Music, Spotify, etc.), stream over wi-fi, and can also store your own music in MP3, FLAC, etc. Music stored on a MicroSD card.

UK prices seem to be £50-£100.

For me, I have an iPhone, and getting locally stored music on to that...let's say it could be easier. I have an old FiiO DAP, which is nice, but is only for locally stored music, no streaming apps, and no Bluetooth for headphones.

These basically look like an Android phones, but smaller and cheaper, and without the phone. So, in many ways, very much what I'm looking for, as it's a simple way for me to combine Amazon Music and locally stored music in one device.

I have seen a review online saying it runs on Android 9.0, which is quite old (I'm really not up on android, sorry). So longevity might be an issue, I'm guessing.

The Nth degree of quality isn't an issue - I will be using it with Bluetooth headphones, after all.

I just wonder, would a cheap Android phone be better/more future-proof?

Anyone, does anyone have one? Comments, etc.?

Cheers. Here's an example.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oilsky-Bluetooth-Spotify-Android-Pandora-Black/dp/B0CYZKNN7T/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2F75IK4203562&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dh2uafkwA7bC0_AtPcO_x2kA86YHLIxAxTwO9h0EUtTc17holE0M776BQMd2lMUclabJqr1o0QxOGCxImVd7yZHQXcS6EO3vy-cg9-ecHC6WnlRvZxWZBfgW804ZgeFykpt4nVnsW_E6klnKBF4Al2ew10dE-hxeO7GTQJtxrAHjGvPBEh54b244SWao0X1rNlQ6ykUMvyHezuUjqGGVReEHNgeDmEQbPNU7y9TucuUdpvADE-RVNyfiiignEGPQMgOncH9QYEK2HZ2dVMATZUX6KBsS9Dhk4p4ty7M1ApM.psNSv_nOkMsXdAtNbmSnWx1Kb2Le0gGsddTO1EFOJkw&dib_tag=se&keywords=oilsky&qid=1745923509&s=electronics&sprefix=oilsky%2Celectronics%2C109&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[Berwhale]

I would be wary of using a device with such an old version of Android (released in 2018, last updated in 2022) to access on-line content. Android 9 is the oldest version of Android supported by the current Amazon Music app, so it will be the 1st OS version to drop out of support, potentially leaving you with a devices that is no longer able to stream Amazon music.

I think an Android phone is a better way to go. You should be able to get something with Android 14/15 with at least 3 years OS & security support for around £200. Ideally you'd want a phone with an SD-Card slot and support for LDAC on Bluetooth.

*edit' CMF Phone 2 Pro has just been released for £219 (which includes some free BT earbuds). It runs Android 15 with 3 years of OS and 6 years of Security patching and an SD-Card slot (not sure about LDAC). CMF is the budget brand of Nothing Phone - I have a Nothing Phone (2) - It runs Nothing OS, which is a very sleek version of Android which is pretty much stock (a very good thing). Nothing Phone is based in the UK and is run by Carl Pei who is the guy who started OnePlus. https://nothing.tech/pages/cmf-phone-2-pro

*edit2* I just noticed that the earbuds have Dirac Opteo. Sounds interesting...

What is Dirac Opteo？​

The Buds are powered by Dirac Opteo. Dirac Opteo digitally enhances the sound in your earbuds, unlocking their full potential and providing an optimized listening experience based on patented correction technology.

Leveraging years of insights from Dirac Live's unique mixed-phase impulse response correction, Opteo employs advanced measurement-based correction technology to eliminate any unintended resonances or sound colourations, maximising the acoustic performance of the Buds. It delivers high-definition sound while enhancing vocals and deepening bass for a richer audio experience.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

At £50 I’m tempted to give one a shot.

It’s such an obvious idea for a device.

Obviously, I can always use my phone for Amazon Music, and I carry it with me everywhere anyway. I think I'd be interested in this just as an mp3 player with a screen and connection to Bluetooth headphones.

Or there's this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TCL-501-BLUE-32GB/dp/B0CYTFDBW2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2OAQ6CB6P4MP0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5AQuB4r6HR31-74DCd5kV6F033tmy3yGzGvWAOwswZ0t7qrkOExyCXTvbdiolbc66LZ3yv3rNd5ji1y45tv99_uOERV-k1x8MN4E4X1hAAp5PjUZ8sTKLLQPctGMZyzf8agWH2Itwd3jUPc-NfW6PtjiDFaP3efcEt2UM9gOGFZefAMZKfziRpmxCOD8aeSdVfNAbg9GaW2EOJiQt24GXPNhAax2qzo3vPHQhlgyOKw.MG9rngoEfv5D-earhbIS8T9AtkO9dxqGDgid1FjyZYc&dib_tag=se&keywords=android%2B14%2Bphone&qid=1745929867&sprefix=android%2B14%2Bphone%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-2&th=1

 

[Berwhale]

At £50 I’m tempted to give one a shot.

It’s such an obvious idea for a device.

Obviously, I can always use my phone for Amazon Music, and I carry it with me everywhere anyway. I think I'd be interested in this just as an mp3 player with a screen and connection to Bluetooth headphones.

Or there's this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TCL-501-BLUE-32GB/dp/B0CYTFDBW2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2OAQ6CB6P4MP0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5AQuB4r6HR31-74DCd5kV6F033tmy3yGzGvWAOwswZ0t7qrkOExyCXTvbdiolbc66LZ3yv3rNd5ji1y45tv99_uOERV-k1x8MN4E4X1hAAp5PjUZ8sTKLLQPctGMZyzf8agWH2Itwd3jUPc-NfW6PtjiDFaP3efcEt2UM9gOGFZefAMZKfziRpmxCOD8aeSdVfNAbg9GaW2EOJiQt24GXPNhAax2qzo3vPHQhlgyOKw.MG9rngoEfv5D-earhbIS8T9AtkO9dxqGDgid1FjyZYc&dib_tag=se&keywords=android%2B14%2Bphone&qid=1745929867&sprefix=android%2B14%2Bphone%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-2&th=1

The TCL phone looks interesting. It has a recent version of Android, a headphone socket and they promise updates for it. https://www.tcl.com/uk/en/mobile/tcl-501

Note this phone runs 'Android Go' which includes cutdown versions of Android applications designed to work better on lower spec hardware. I think this is probably good thing.

 

[somebodyelse]

If they're anything like the cheap Android TV boxes there's a fair chance they come preloaded with malware. There's a recent report below, but they have been popping up regularly over the years.
https://cybernews.com/security/android-malware-badbox-infects-million-devices/

 

[sq225917]

Just buy the fiio jm21, you'll not regret the extra cost.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

Just buy the fiio jm21, you'll not regret the extra cost.

Is there nothing in between? I mean £50 vs £180 is a pretty big step.

And most of that money is spent (wasted) on high quality DAC/headphone amplification that I’m not going to use.

 

[Berwhale]

I think the JM11 is probably the cheapest Android DAP... https://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/android-os-players?sort=pa

 

[Somafunk]

Hiby R3 ii for £130ish, I bought one to break me in to the “owning/using” dap mentality and to see if I actually wanted such a thing, within a few months I bought the Hiby R6 iii and enjoy using it, especially the peq/convulution filter options

HiBy R3 II (Gen 2) Entry-level HiFi Lossless Audio Player is now available at Hifonix

All-new design A world of music in your hand. True portable nirvana. Scroll wheel design Simple intuitive control for power and volume For quiet relaxation and headbanging excitement alike 3.2” touchscreen A truly pocketable world of music Aluminium chassis, reinforced glass front and back...

hifonix.co.uk

 

[Berwhale]

Hiby R3 ii for £130ish, I bought one to break me in to the “owning/using” dap mentality and to see if I actually wanted such a thing, within a few months I bought the Hiby R6 iii and enjoy using it, especially the peq/convulution filter options

HiBy R3 II (Gen 2) Entry-level HiFi Lossless Audio Player is now available at Hifonix

All-new design A world of music in your hand. True portable nirvana. Scroll wheel design Simple intuitive control for power and volume For quiet relaxation and headbanging excitement alike 3.2” touchscreen A truly pocketable world of music Aluminium chassis, reinforced glass front and back...

hifonix.co.uk

Does that have an Amazon Music or Spotify app?

 

[Somafunk]

Does that have an Amazon Music or Spotify app?

Ahh bugger, not directly as it only supports tidal/qobuz , you can get Spotify by linking it with your phone but that defeats the purpose you want one for .

Sorry,

 

[Somafunk]

Perhaps the Hiby M300?, Mark Ryan/SuperReview on YouTube uses one as his primary player and seems very satisfied with it, given the other players he has at his disposal I’d consider it a good recommendation - he is entirely foo free with his channel

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CL3YRLF7/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B0CL3YRLF7&pd_rd_w=yJckq&content-id=amzn1.sym.7b0d8b34-54be-4fd2-9baf-2d658b11dc53&pf_rd_p=7b0d8b34-54be-4fd2-9baf-2d658b11dc53&pf_rd_r=ZZ3NYMA060A23BGZ9WTA&pd_rd_wg=Eb8E3&pd_rd_r=2b7587ef-4338-4a45-87f3-381f83d505c5&s=electronics&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

Perhaps the Hiby M300?, Mark Ryan/SuperReview on YouTube uses one as his primary player and seems very satisfied with it, given the other players he has at his disposal I’d consider it a good recommendation - he is entirely foo free with his channel

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CL3YRLF7/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B0CL3YRLF7&pd_rd_w=yJckq&content-id=amzn1.sym.7b0d8b34-54be-4fd2-9baf-2d658b11dc53&pf_rd_p=7b0d8b34-54be-4fd2-9baf-2d658b11dc53&pf_rd_r=ZZ3NYMA060A23BGZ9WTA&pd_rd_wg=Eb8E3&pd_rd_r=2b7587ef-4338-4a45-87f3-381f83d505c5&s=electronics&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

Now that's getting a lot closer.

 

[Berwhale]

There are cheap Android 13 MP3 players, which would give it more legs, but I wouldn't expect any OS or security updates at this price...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Android-Spotify-Audible-Touchscreen-Black/dp/B0DJP2Z9PT

 

[Chrispy]

MP3 player? Why?

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

MP3 player? Why?

To listen to music.

Okay, that reply was as flippant as the question.

Asa I've said already, I already have an old FiiO DAP for listening to local storage, hardwired headphones. I'd like something which will transmit audio Bluetooth to my wireless headphones.

Given the stepdown in quality with Bluetooth, and the fact that MP3 320kbps is a pretty decent compromise...well, there's your answer.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

There are cheap Android 13 MP3 players, which would give it more legs, but I wouldn't expect any OS or security updates at this price...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Android-Spotify-Audible-Touchscreen-Black/dp/B0DJP2Z9PT

That's excellent, many thanks.

At that price I'm happy to take a punt. As for the future, well I change my iPhone every two years anyway, so I suppose I'm sort of used to that.

If I get one of these I'll report back.

Many thanks to everyone for their help and advice.

 

[Berwhale]

MP3 player? Why?

The cheap players on Amazon are usually marketed as 'MP3 players', even though they also play many other formats. Let's face it, what we might call a 'DAP' would be called an 'MP3 player' by most non-audiophiles.

 

[Saponetto]

By choosing BT as elected media transfer, anything above mp3 320kbps appears to me quite pointless...
Green light for these players.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

By choosing BT as elected media transfer, anything above mp3 320kbps appears to me quite pointless...
Green light for these players.

Bingo!