This is a clock radio that has a number of features, however – I use it for the most basic of functions. First, it is smart set clock. Second, it is an FM radio. And third, it has a Qi Charging pad. All three of these features are important enough for me to select this clock radio over other choices. I don’t know things like memory, or CPU (yes, they will have one), but none of that is important considering it is a clock radio, and not a computer.
The first reason I bought this clock radio is for the Smart Set feature. This is supposed to allow the clock radio to automatically set itself based on a time server that the clock radio will automatically connect to. Since we move our times in Spring and Autumn, the clock also needs to know the date so it knows when to change times. I have yet to see this in action since I bought this clock radio after the time change. It should set itself automatically in Spring though.
As with most clock radios, this one has an FM tuner. I listen to 105.9 WXDX in Pittsburgh, and I need a radio on to have any sort of half decent sleep at night. This radio serves that purpose. Obviously, the radio will remember the last channel that it was set to when powering the radio back on. This is nothing special as most digital clock radios these days will do that.
The last feature is Qi Charging which I managed to test out last night. My iPhone 14 supports Qi Charging. Before, I had a separate MagSafe charging puck that was used to charge the phone. With the Qi Charging pad, I no longer need to have a separate puck plugged in. This was my biggest concern about the clock radio, but I am happy that it works as expected.
The Good
For the most part, everything just works. The Qi charging pad charges my phone, the radio plays the radio station, and the clock works for the most part with one condition (noted in the bad). The clock radio is small and compact, but large enough to host a phone for charging. The radio was easy to set which was good, even though I only listen to one station. I am happy with the features of this clock radio.
The Bad
Two things. First, the LED for the clocks are red which screams more loudly in the dark than blue or green. Thankfully, this has contributed very little to the sleep, but still – I would have rather blue or green.
Next, the smart set feature seems to be a few minutes fast in regards to the time. This is not only compared with my phone, but also with another Emerson smart set clock radio that I have in the living room. This isn’t as much as an issue since I am rarely looking at the time during the night, so the 3 minute difference isn’t much of a big deal. Still – it will be nice to have an accurate time.
The Ugly
There is not much else to complain about this clock radio. The only things that are a negative are mentioned in the bad portion of this blog entry.
Verdict
While not necessary for every room, if I was to need a new clock radio in the bedroom in the future – I would consider this model even despite the bad aspects of the clock. I bought this clock radio for $25 from Amazon.
The couple of Emerson clock radios I had many years ago never displayed the correct time, either. Good to hear that, for the most part, you are pleased with your purchase.