Sony has stepped up its portable speaker game with the ULT Field 5, priced at ₹24,999. Blending premium design, impressive features, and formidable sound, this speaker is aimed at anyone looking for a stylish yet powerful option for both indoor and outdoor events. With its IP67 rating and adjustable shoulder strap, the ULT Field 5 brings together ruggedness and sleek aesthetics, promising both style and substance. But does it actually live up to expectations?
Sony ULT Field 5: Design
Let’s kick things off with the design. The Sony ULT Field 5 immediately grabs attention with its compact yet substantial build, weighing in at 3.3kg. When I first picked it up, the heft made me want to handle it carefully, but Sony thoughtfully includes an adjustable shoulder strap that makes it easier to lug around to your next party or gathering.
It’s definitely not the lightest speaker, but that weight signals durability and a premium feel. The build quality is genuinely impressive for this price. The unit I received is off-white, which looks clean and modern, though it does attract dirt quite easily. If you plan on using the speaker outdoors or in messier environments, the black colour variant would be a smarter choice.
The LED lighting around the dual passive radiators adds a vibe to the speaker, though it can be distracting in quieter settings. Thankfully, Sony lets you turn off or adjust the lighting through the Sound Connect app.
At the back, a flap hides an AUX input and a dual-purpose USB-C port for charging or powering other devices. There’s a Battery Care button, much like the ones found on smartphones, that caps charging at 90% to prolong the battery’s lifespan. There’s also a dedicated button to change up the LED lighting or turn it off entirely if it’s too distracting.
Sony ULT Field 5: Audio
Now, let’s dive into the sound performance of the ULT Field 5. Volume-wise, the ULT Field 5 is no slouch. Even at high volumes, I noticed very little distortion, which made it suitable for larger indoor events or medium-sized outdoor gatherings.
One of the standout features is the ULT 2 Mode, which boosts the bass, offering an additional punch when needed. I tested it with several genres of music, and I must say, rock-heavy tracks like Metallica’s "Master of Puppets," the kick drum and bass guitar had a consistent low-end presence.
ULT 2 also holds up well across genres. On heavier tracks like "Master of Puppets" by Metallica, the kick drum stayed punchy and the bass guitar delivered a consistent low-end presence.
I also made sure to listen to some Punjabi songs, especially those by Karan Aujla, since he collaborated with Sony this year. On tracks like "MF Gabru!" by Karan Aujla, the ULT 2 handled the bass and even the detail and clarity of the guitar, played by Zachary Stuckey, effortlessly.
However, at 50% volume, the speaker wasn’t as loud as I would’ve expected. It performed much better at more than 70% volume. ULT 2 mode improved the bass and kick drum, creating a more satisfying listening experience.
In my office cafeteria, I noticed that the sound filled the entire room when played at full volume. If you’re someone who enjoys clean, punchy bass without compromising clarity, ULT 2 is a game-changer.
Sony ULT Field 5: Battery
Sony claims 25 hours of battery life on a full charge, and in my testing, both during casual listening and at a pool party, the battery never left me worried. The quick charge feature is a bonus: just 10 minutes of charging gives you about 100 minutes of playback, which is perfect when you’re in a rush. I did run into one small issue though: the battery dropped from 40% to 20% suddenly while connected to my iPhone, even without any music playing.
Sony ULT Field 5: App Support
The Sony Sound Connect app is an important part of the ULT Field 5 experience. You can toggle between “Priority on Sound Quality” and “Priority on Stable Connection” modes. In Sound Quality mode, the app auto-selects the best Bluetooth codec (SBC, AAC, LDAC).
I liked the EQ options, which let you switch between ULT 1 and ULT 2, or use a custom 10-band EQ to really dial in your sound. However, the preset ULT modes can’t be tweaked using the 10-band EQ, you’ll have to start fresh if you want something custom.
The app also has DJ controls, letting you add effects like drum beats or voices, plus a Party Light mode for customising the speaker’s lighting. Connectivity is smooth thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and Google Fast Pair, so pairing with compatible devices is quick and easy.
Sony ULT Field 5: Verdict
The Sony ULT Field 5 offers an impressive combination of powerful sound, rugged build, and style. At ₹24,999, it’s a premium portable speaker that really delivers on loud, immersive audio and versatility. The bass-heavy performance and ULT 2 mode are especially good for those who love deep, punchy sound.
On the downside, its size and weight make it less portable than some rivals, and the EQ options are a bit limited. The occasional battery quirk is also worth noting. Still, if you’re after a stylish, durable, and genuinely powerful speaker, the Sony ULT Field 5 is definitely worth considering.
