Audiocular M71 Music Player – Nails its purpose, but is it worth it?
There’s a certain charm to devices that do one thing well. Remember the golden age of MP3 players? From the iPod Shuffle’s minimalist vibes to the Sony Walkman’s iconic style, these little gadgets once defined how we experienced music on the go. Fast forward to 2025, and they’ve mostly faded into obscurity, replaced by smartphones that can stream millions of songs at the touch of a button.
And yet, the Audiocular M71 steps into this landscape with a proposition, a standalone MP3 player for those who want to focus solely on their music. It’s a curious product – a mix of nostalgia and modern tech aimed at a niche audience. But does it offer enough to carve out its place in a world dominated by all-in-one devices? Or is it just a relic dressed up in Bluetooth and HiFi buzzwords? Let’s break it down.
Design and build: Minimalist, for better or worse
The Audiocular M71 keeps things simple. It’s lightweight, compact, and built around a 2.4-inch touchscreen. The design is… fine. It’s plastic, which isn’t necessarily bad, but don’t expect it to scream luxury. Available in black or grey, it’s understated to the point where it could get lost in your bag if you’re not careful.
It’s functional, though, and maybe that’s all it needs to be. If you’re into a minimalist aesthetic or don’t want something that distracts from its job, this might hit the sweet spot. But compared to today’s sleek devices, it feels a bit, well, basic.
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What’s under the hood?
Here’s where the M71 tries to stand out. With Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless audio, 32GB of built-in storage (expandable up to 128GB via microSD), and support for audio formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC, it’s got enough to satisfy most music lovers. High-fidelity audio support is a nice touch, especially if you’re an audiophile who refuses to compromise on quality.
Beyond the audio features, there’s a built-in FM radio, a HiFi speaker, dual headphone jacks (a surprising rarity nowadays), and even video playback. It also uses a USB Type-C port for charging, which is appreciated in 2025 – nobody wants to deal with micro-USB anymore.
On paper, the feature set seems solid, but there’s a nagging question: How often are you going to use something like video playback on a 2.4-inch screen?
Real-world performance is solid but unremarkable
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: how does it sound? Honestly, the M71 does a good job. Paired with the right headphones or speakers, it delivers crisp audio and holds its own against pricier devices. Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, and the range is decent. For those who still have a library of FLAC files sitting on their hard drive, it’s refreshing to have a player that supports them without jumping through hoops.
The user interface, though? It’s serviceable at best. The touch screen is responsive enough, but it’s not the smooth, fluid experience you’d get on even the cheapest smartphone. Navigating through your playlists feels functional but clunky. If you’ve grown used to the snappy UIs of streaming apps, this will feel like a step back.
Battery life is one of the M71’s strong points. With up to 56 hours of continuous playback (depending on how you’re using it), it’s a marathon runner compared to your phone, which probably can go a full day without a charge. That said, using features like Bluetooth or the speaker will drain it faster, so temper your expectations.
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The niche factor – Who’s this really for?
Here’s where things get tricky. The M71 is clearly aimed at a very specific kind of user: someone who doesn’t want their music interrupted by notifications, calls, or endless app updates. If you want a distraction-free listening experience, this device gets the job done.
But for the average consumer? It’s a harder sell. Why carry a separate device when your smartphone does everything the M71 can – and more? Sure, the sound quality might be better, and the battery life is impressive, but are those benefits worth the extra gadget in your pocket?
There’s also the matter of physical storage. While the expandable memory is great, it feels like a relic of an earlier era. In a world dominated by Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music, the idea of painstakingly loading songs onto a device feels like a chore.
Some quirks and odd choices
While the M71 does its job as a music player, some design choices feel a bit puzzling. The dual headphone jacks, for instance, are interesting but niche. Sharing music with a friend feels quaint, but how often is that really happening?
The built-in FM radio is another throwback. It’s functional and might appeal to those who still enjoy tuning in to local stations, but let’s be real – most people aren’t reaching for an FM tuner in 2025. Video playback feels like the oddest inclusion. On such a small screen, it’s hard to see the value, especially when you’re likely carrying a smartphone with a much better display.
Is the M71 worth it?
The Audiocular M71 is a charmingly niche product. It is priced at ₹ 2,790 and can be purchased via ConceptKart. It’s a focused, no-frills device that does what it sets out to do: play music without distractions. For some, that’s all it needs to be. The sound quality is solid, the battery life is excellent, and it’s refreshingly free from the clutter of modern tech.
But let’s not kid ourselves – this is a tough sell in a market dominated by multifunctional smartphones and streaming platforms. The M71 doesn’t offer enough to justify itself for most people. It’s a device for a very specific audience, and if you’re not in that group, you’ll probably struggle to see its value.
If you miss the days of carrying a dedicated music player, the M71 might scratch that itch. Just don’t expect it to replace your phone anytime soon.
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Satvik Pandey
Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie. View Full Profile