Audiocular M302 Review: Is This Budget Android DAP Worth ₹4,000?

Audiocular M302 review: It enters the competitive budget digital audio player market with an attractive official price tag of ₹4,130 and the promise of Android functionality. With 16GB internal storage, microSD expansion up to 512GB, and support for high-resolution audio formats including FLAC and lossless streaming, it appears to offer compelling value on paper. But can this budget-friendly Android DAP deliver where it matters most—audio quality?

In our extensive testing with various audio sources, IEMs, and external DACs, we’ve uncovered some critical insights that potential buyers need to know before making a purchase decision. This comprehensive review examines the M302’s build quality, real-world battery performance, audio capabilities, and whether it justifies its price point in a market where smartphones increasingly offer quality audio output.

Audiocular M302 Specifications:

Key Takeaways

• The Audiocular M302 is priced at ₹4,000 and supports high-resolution audio formats
• Real-world battery life is disappointing at only 2 hours of continuous playback
• Internal DAC performance is weak with insufficient power output for quality IEMs
• Device experiences noticeable heating after playing 5-6 consecutive songs
• Type-C port feels loose and wobbles when connecting external devices
• Plastic build quality raises durability concerns
• Performance improves significantly with external DAC, but this defeats the purpose
• Better alternatives exist: M72 and HiBy R1 offer superior audio quality at similar price points
• Verdict: Not recommended for audiophiles or serious music listeners

What’s in the Box?

Upon receiving the device, the package includes the MP3 player itself, a protective cover, a Type-C charging cable, a screen protector, and a pair of earphones. At a price point of ₹4,000, the accessory bundle appears reasonable for this market segment.

However, the moment you hold this digital audio player (DAP), the cost-cutting measures become immediately apparent. The entire construction consists of plastic materials that feel inexpensive to the touch. The build quality raises durability concerns—whether the device can withstand accidental drops remains questionable.

Design and Physical Features

The right side of the device houses the volume controls and power/unlock button. A microSD card slot supports expandable storage up to 512GB, complementing the 16GB of internal storage. Speaker grills are positioned at the top, while the bottom features a Type-C charging port that doubles as a connection point for Type-C in-ear monitors (IEMs) or external digital-to-analog converters (DACs).

Unfortunately, the port quality reflects the overall budget nature of this device. When connecting external DACs or IEMs, noticeable wobbling occurs within the port—a concerning indication of potential long-term reliability issues.

Software and Display

The device operates on Android 9.0 with a minimalist user interface displayed on a 4-inch screen. While the display quality is acceptable, it falls short of excellence. Navigation is facilitated through touch buttons at the bottom, allowing users to access back functions and recent applications.

Pre-installed applications include HiBy Player, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, JioSaavn, and access to the Google Play Store for additional downloads.

Battery Performance: A Major Letdown

Rather than relying on manufacturer specifications which says upto 50 hours of playbacl, real-world testing revealed disappointing results. Starting at approximately 80% charge, continuous Spotify playback at maximum quality settings drained the battery to 20% in roughly two hours—with the display turned off and volume set at 70%. This test was conducted without any external DAC connected, making the rapid battery depletion particularly concerning for a dedicated music player.

For users expecting all-day listening sessions, this battery performance is unacceptable and falls far short of what competing devices offer.

Audio Quality: The Deal-Breaker

Here lies the fundamental problem with this device. While it technically supports high-resolution audio formats—including Apple Music Lossless and FLAC files—the internal hardware fails to deliver on this promise.

The built-in DAC produces underwhelming results. When connecting standard 3.5mm IEMs, the audio output lacks sufficient power and clarity. For a device whose primary—and arguably only—purpose is music playback, this deficiency is unacceptable.

Additionally, after playing five to six consecutive tracks, the device begins generating noticeable heat from the rear panel, raising questions about thermal management and component quality.

Interestingly, when paired with an external DAC, performance improves significantly. However, this raises a fundamental question: if the device requires external hardware to perform its core function adequately, what justifies its existence?

The Core Problem with Audiocular M302

This situation is analogous to purchasing an air conditioner that excels at every feature except cooling. If a digital audio player cannot deliver superior audio quality through its internal components, its value proposition becomes questionable.

Final Verdict

The device isn’t entirely without merit, but its use case remains unclear. If you simply need something that plays music files within this budget range, it functions—but your smartphone likely offers comparable or better audio quality through its internal DAC while providing significantly more functionality.

For those serious about portable audio, consider traditional dedicated music players like the M72 or HiBy R1. These devices focus on audio performance rather than attempting to be budget Android devices with music capabilities.

Recommendation: Unless you have a specific need for an Android-based music player and already own a quality external DAC, this device is difficult to recommend. The weak internal DAC, poor battery life, questionable build quality, and heating issues make it challenging to justify the ₹4,000 investment when smartphones and dedicated music players offer better alternatives.

Also Check Best Budget DAC for IEM to pair with this DAC.

The Audiocular M302 is not recommended due to weak audio quality, poor battery life, and heating issues. Consider M72 or HiBy R1 instead.