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Edifier QD35 Review: The Cyberpunk Speaker That Charges Your Phone
1. Introduction: More Than Just Audio
Desktop space is premium real estate. If you are going to put a speaker on your desk, it needs to justify its footprint. Most speakers do one thing: play music. The Edifier QD35 attempts to do three: play high-resolution audio, fast-charge your devices, and act as an ambient light show.
With a design that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie and features like 35W GaN charging, it is clearly targeting the modern gamer and tech enthusiast. But does combining a charger and a speaker result in a compromised “jack of all trades,” or is it the ultimate desk accessory?
In this review, we analyze the charging speeds, the “Lumia” light effects, and most importantly, the sound quality to see if this futuristic box is worth your money.
2. Key Features Explained Simply
The QD35 is packed with tech not usually found in speakers. Here is what the specs actually mean for your setup.
35W GaN Fast Charging
The Benefit: GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology allows for high-speed charging without generating excessive heat. The side of the speaker features a USB-C and USB-A port. The 35W output is strong enough to fast-charge an iPhone, iPad, or even keep a MacBook Air running. It effectively replaces a separate charging brick on your desk.
Hi-Res Audio Certification
The Benefit: This badge means the speaker can reproduce frequencies up to 40kHz. While human hearing stops around 20kHz, this capability ensures that the audible range is reproduced with extreme clarity and detail. It supports the LDAC codec, allowing Android users to stream high-bitrate music wirelessly without compression loss.
Lumia Art Effects
The Benefit: The front panel isn’t just a grille; it’s a light show. Using the Edifier Connect app, you can customize the colors and patterns. It can pulse to the music or display a soothing static clock. It adds a visual vibe to your setup that matches RGB keyboards and mice.
MDF Enclosure
The Benefit: Despite the futuristic plastic front, the cabinet is made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Wood is denser than plastic and reduces resonance, resulting in a warmer, tighter sound with less distortion.
3. Hands-On Use & Performance
We tested the QD35 on a gaming desk setup, connecting it via USB to a PC and Bluetooth to a phone.
Sound Quality
The sound is surprisingly big for a mono speaker.
The Bass: The 3-inch mid-bass driver, aided by the “MazeTube” reflex channels, produces punchy, tight bass. It won’t shake the floor, but it gives kick drums and explosions satisfying weight.
The Mids & Highs: Vocals are clear and forward. The 1-inch silk dome tweeter handles highs smoothly without being piercing. It is an energetic, “fun” sound signature perfect for pop, EDM, and gaming.
Charging Performance
We plugged in an iPhone 14 Pro. It registered “fast charging” immediately. The convenience of having a high-speed port right next to your keyboard cannot be overstated. It eliminates the need to crawl under the desk to find an outlet.
The “Clock” Feature
When not playing music, the display shows a large digital clock. It effectively replaces a separate desk clock. The brightness auto-adjusts (or can be set manually via the app) so it isn’t blinding at night.
Controls
The side knobs feel tactile and mechanical. They control volume, light brightness, and light modes. It is satisfying to physically turn a dial rather than tap a capacitive button.
4. Pros and Cons Table
| ✅ The Pros | ❌ The Cons |
|---|---|
| 2-in-1 Utility: Combines a great speaker with a legitimate fast charger. | Mono Sound: It is a single unit; no stereo separation unless you buy two (not linkable). |
| Aesthetics: Unique “container” industrial design stands out. | App Reliance: Need the app to fully customize EQ and light patterns. |
| Hi-Res Support: LDAC and USB input ensure high-fidelity listening. | Price: You are paying a premium for the design and charging tech. |
| Build Quality: Heavy MDF cabinet feels premium and solid. | Fingerprint Magnet: The glossy front panel collects dust and smudges. |
5. Comparison: The Desktop Audio Landscape
Is the QD35 the right choice, or should you stick to traditional speakers?
| Main Product Edifier QD35 |
The Traditional Choice Edifier R1280DB |
The Portable Rival Soundcore Motion+ |
|---|---|---|
| 🔧 Key Features GaN Charging, RGB Lights |
🔧 Key Features Stereo Pair, Classic Look |
🔧 Key Features Battery Powered, Waterproof |
| 👍 Pros Saves desk space, Modern |
👍 Pros True Stereo, Cheaper |
👍 Pros Portable, Outdoor ready |
| 👎 Cons Mono sound only |
👎 Cons Bulky (2 speakers), Dated |
👎 Cons No charging ports, smaller sound |
| 📐 Configuration Single Tabletop Unit |
📐 Configuration 2.0 Bookshelf Pair |
📐 Configuration Portable Bar |
| 🔋 Power AC Plug (No Battery) |
🔋 Power AC Plug (No Battery) |
🔋 Power Battery (12 Hours) |
| 🛡 Connectivity USB / BT / AUX |
🛡 Connectivity Optical / BT / RCA |
🛡 Connectivity BT / AUX |
| 💲 Price Range $$$ (Premium) |
💲 Price Range $$ (Value) |
💲 Price Range $$ (Mid-Range) |
| 🎯 Best-Use Scenario Gaming Desk / Nightstand |
🎯 Best-Use Scenario PC Setup / Record Player |
🎯 Best-Use Scenario Travel / Kitchen |
6. Who Should Buy This?
The Edifier QD35 is a specific tool for specific users:
- The Gamer / Streamer: The RGB lighting syncs perfectly with a gaming setup, and the USB connection provides lag-free audio for gaming.
- The Tech Minimalist: If you want to declutter your nightstand or desk by combining your clock, charger, and speaker into one device.
- The Android Audiophile: If you have a phone that supports LDAC, this is one of the few speakers in this class that can actually play high-bitrate streams wirelessly.
Who should skip it? If you need true stereo separation for mixing music or immersive movies, get a pair of bookshelf speakers like the Edifier R1280DB. If you need a speaker to take to the beach, buy a portable waterproof unit.
7. Comparison Summary
The Edifier R1280DB is a better “pure” speaker system because it offers physical stereo separation. However, it is large, looks old-school, and doesn’t charge your phone.
The Soundcore Motion+ is great for travel, but it lacks the bass depth, the AC power consistency, and the aesthetic flair of the QD35 for a permanent desk spot.
The QD35 is a lifestyle product. It prioritizes convenience, style, and multitasking without sacrificing audio quality.
8. Final Verdict
The Edifier QD35 is one of the coolest desk accessories released in years. It successfully combines high-quality audio with genuinely useful features like 35W fast charging.
While it is a mono speaker, the sound is rich and detailed enough to satisfy most users. It cleans up your desk, looks incredible, and sounds great. It is a functional piece of art for your workspace.
Rating: 4.6/5 stars for Innovation and Design.
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