Recently plumped for this with a Power User discount code and despite preferring to do video reviews to demo the audio…unfortunately been too pushed on time this week so a video version will be added later…
If you’ve been searching for the SoundCore Nano recently but have failed to find the tough, sleek little aluminium cube it might just be due to the Icon Mini…no doubt the Nano’s intended successor (@ankerofficial if the Nano is still staying around for a while, please feel to say so I can correct this 
)
In the box
SoundCore Icon Mini with attached rope loop
Micro USB Charging Cable (remain calm everyone 
)
Quick start guide & warranty card
Design
Unlike the Nano which was primarily made from aluminium-alloy, the Icon Mini in its rather pebble like shape, sports similar materials & construction to other more recent speakers in the revamped SoundCore lineup. Consisting of a soft rubberised feel main body and mesh metal front (not certain how long the branding will last though), the Icon Mini come in measuring at 95 x 76 x 32 mm with a weight of 208g, making the Icon Mini just over 50% larger but over double the weight of the Nano (54mm x 54mm x 28mm / 80g).
Features
Along with the fresh design comes a fresh power on/off sound, which kinda reminds me of a water droplet motif, fitting as the speaker is now packing an IP67 rating (something which was always missing but wanted on the Nano), so your good against dust, dirt and full submersion in water (up to 1 meter). With more real estate on the body, the standard array of button controls from speakers in the SoundCore (or most BT speakers) lineup are present, making for easy definition and control away from your phone.
Advertised at Anker’s Power Conference in Japan as containing a 3w speaker (like the Nano), the Icon Mini sounds much louder & fuller with noticeably improved bass (likely due to either a passive radiator, restructured internals or improved driver)….in the hand you can feel quite a bit of pulse when bass driven tracks are in play. The improved bass though I found to be a bit of a negative as well, with some genres sounding a bit muddy especially at high to full volume. Those who like their podcasts though will find it a nice boost.
Arriving part charged at 70%, the claims of 8hrs use from a single 3hr charge seem accurate (depending on volume) with 1-2 hours usage out of the box only slicing off 15%.
The Good
Improved audio and fuller bass
Robust construction
IP67 rating (water & dust)
Wireless stereo capabilities like several in the SoundCore lineup
Microphone for calls or AI assistant use
Not So Good
Still rocking micro-USB charging
Score 4.5 out of 5
Now let’s face it, if your after a speaker this size and with an IP67 rating, it’s for fun…on the go…use. You’re not going to be expecting audiophile level stuff, just good tones, battery life and reasonable ruggedness…all of which the Icon Mini delivers on, often in spades. Inclusion of the auxiliary port is still a nice touch for those with non-BT devices, though the flap for this and the micro-USB charge port (yep) might involuntary cause a few choice words for those without fingernails…
… Cw For the video
It’s 2019!
The 3w also had me at first when I first turned it on…the loudness is leaps and bounds beyond the Nano (which I think is very good for it’s size)
