In a world where Apple's iPad Air and iPad Pro have phased out the headphone jack, the audiophile community may find solace in a surprising new contender-the Moondrop MIAD 01. This phone, designed with sound purists in mind, doesn't just feature one, but two headphone jacks, catering to those who prefer a wired audio experience without compromise.
The Return of the Headphone Jack
The Moondrop MIAD 01 emerges as a nostalgic nod to audiophiles, incorporating not only the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack but also a larger 4.4 mm port designed for professional-grade headphones. This dual-jack setup aims to satisfy the demands for high-fidelity audio and a stable connection, essential for those using high-end headphones.
Designed for the Audio Enthusiast
For those unfamiliar with Moondrop, it's an audio equipment manufacturer based in China, according to Gizmodo. It's well known for creating high-quality planar headphones and in-ear monitors. If you want to test out MIAD 01, prepare to pay $399. It might be costly, but who knows what it can do soon.
The phone is built to support HiFi audio and features a sophisticated internal design, including a 6-layer gold-sinking audio circuit and a separate LDO power supply. It houses a Cirrus Logic Master DAC to ensure pristine sound quality and has additional shielding to minimize interference from other phone components.
Moreover, the MIAD 01 supports up to 2 TB of expandable storage, allowing users to carry their entire music library without relying on streaming services like Apple Music or Tidal. This feature is especially appealing to those who prefer owning their music in high-resolution formats.
Mid-Range Specs with a Focus on Audio
While the MIAD 01 may excel in audio capabilities, its general specifications position it firmly within the mid-range smartphone category. It sports a 6.7-inch OLED display with FHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate-standard for modern smartphones but sufficient for most users.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, it offers decent performance for everyday tasks and some light gaming.
The device is equipped with a robust 5,000 mAh battery promising up to two days of usage, 256 GB of internal storage, and 12 GB of RAM. These features ensure that the MIAD 01 can handle not only high-resolution audio playback but also the demands of daily smartphone use.
Unique Selling Points
What sets the MIAD 01 apart is not just its audio prowess but also its distinctive design.
With a retro aesthetic described as "NASA-white" with moon mission fonts, it offers a style that appeals to those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia alongside modern technology.
Despite Moondrop's own admission that the phone "makes no sense commercially," the unique features it offers could very well tap into a niche market that values audio quality above all else.
Will Moondrop Succeed in Smartphone Market
While Moondrop is primarily known in the audio device industry, its venture into the smartphone market with a device focused on high-quality wired audio could attract a dedicated following.
The MIAD 01 stands out in a market saturated with similar-looking devices, offering specific features aimed at enhancing the listening experience for audiophiles and music lovers.
The MIAD 01 serves as a reminder that there is still demand for features that prioritize user preference and quality, particularly among those who feel left behind by the current trend of removing headphone jacks.
Whether this will set a precedent for other manufacturers to follow remains to be seen, but for now, Moondrop provides a beacon of hope for audiophiles seeking a dedicated device that aligns with their love for music.
For Redditors, Moondrop does not have enough infrastructure to sustain its phone for the upcoming years. Some agree because it's still exploring another market right now.
Others recommend waiting for the 2nd gen of the 5G Hi-fi phone for a better experience.
