Anker SoundCore Icon Mini Review
I got a Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) tablet that sounded a little soft during video conferencing. Hence, I needed a portable external speaker. Preferably, one that can take some beating and water from accidental cup spills as it will be used by kids. The Anker SoundCore Icon Mini Bluetooth speaker fits the bill. I got the SoundCore Icon Mini off Lazada at S$34.90 (shipping included).
A look at the Anker SoundCore Icon Mini
The Anker SoundCore Icon Mini. Pity it does not come with a carrying case. The back of the packaging. 
The palm-sized Anker SoundCore Icon Mini Bluetooth Speaker. The rubberised controls at the top edge. 
The covered up ports at the side of the Anker SoundCore Icon Mini Bluetooth speaker. The micro USB charging port and AUX port underneath the cover. The rubber cover looks pretty thick and capable of keeping water out. The cord is handy in hanging the Anker SoundCore Icon Mini on bikes and bags. The rubberised back with four tiny “legs” to stabilise it on surfaces.
Waterproof (IP67)
In fact, the Anker SoundCore Icon Mini Bluetooth Speaker is rated IP67. What it means is that it is totally protected against dust and effects of temporary water immersion between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes.
Protection against accidental water splashes from toppled cups. Checked.
Sealed hard shell
The speaker has a hard sturdy body construction. Metal for the speaker grills and rubberised plastic for the sides and back. It does seems like it can take a few drops (from low height) and knocks when packed with other stuffs in the bag.
Ability to take some beatings. Checked.
Connectivity and Loudness
It connects via Bluetooth to the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) tablet effortlessly and definitely sounds louder than it looks. It also has AUX input in case the device does not have Bluetooth.
You can pair two Anker SoundCore Icon Mini speakers to a single Bluetooth device to get your wireless sound in stereo.
Sound louder than the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) tablet. Checked.
Playtime and Charging
According to its technical specifications, it has 8-hour playtime and recharges fully within 3 hours. This is great as it can last almost four lessons before needed a recharge.
Battery endurance for forgetful people. Checked.
Using Anker SoundCore Icon Mini
Snappy Bluetooth Linking
To make it simple for the little human, I paired it to only one device – Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) Tablet. It links quickly over Bluetooth after the power-on chime.
Powerful Clear Sounds
Words sound both louder and clearer through the Bluetooth speaker. This is great as the little human is using it for phonetics class. The little human can sit slightly further away from the tablet for good posture.
Conclusion
The speaker is easy to use. It went into Bluetooth pairing state out of the box and I easily linked it to the tablet. Subsequently, we just need to power it on and it links quickly to the tablet.
We no longer need to strain our ears as sounds came out louder and clearer than the muffled soft sounding built-in speakers on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) tablet.
All in all, I find the Anker SoundCore Icon Mini to be an affordable and good sounding Bluetooth speaker.
