Anker's soundcore brand has just released the Boom Go 3i, a palm-sized Bluetooth speaker that packs IP68 dust and water protection, a 24-hour battery, and a built-in 4,800mAh power bank that can top up a phone in an emergency. It's a small speaker aimed squarely at the kind of outdoor, on-the-go use that's common in Kenya — matatu rides, beach weekends in Diani or Mombasa, camping trips, and construction-site or farm use where dust is a real concern.
What's new with the Boom Go 3i
According to Anker's official soundcore product listing, the Boom Go 3i delivers 15W of output and 92 dB peak loudness using BassUp 2.0 bass-boost technology, despite measuring roughly 4 x 4.2 x 1.8 inches and weighing about 380g. It's rated IP68 (full dust and water immersion protection) and tested to survive drops of up to 1 meter. Battery life is rated at up to 40 hours in Eco mode, 24 hours with BassUp on, or about 6 hours at full volume with the light show running. It connects over Bluetooth 6.0, supports Auracast for linking multiple speakers, and can pair two units for stereo sound.
The standout feature is the reverse-charging power bank: a built-in 4,800mAh cell that Anker says can take an iPhone from 0% to 40% in about an hour. It's priced at $79.99 in the US (roughly KES 10,300 at current exchange rates before any import duty or shipping), and is not yet listed for direct sale in Kenya — but it signals where budget outdoor-speaker design is heading, and it's a useful reference point for shoppers comparing what's already available locally.
Why the power bank feature matters for Kenyan buyers
A speaker that can also charge your phone is genuinely useful here, not just a gimmick. Load-shedding and unreliable power at outdoor events, long matatu or boda rides, and weekend trips upcountry all make an emergency top-up worth having. It also means one less thing to pack — you're not carrying a separate power bank and speaker to the beach or to a shamba visit.
How it stacks up against speakers already sold in Kenya
Kenyan buyers don't have to wait for the Boom Go 3i to get similar durability and portability. Two waterproof speakers already stocked at trewrld cover the same use case:
The JBL Flip 5 offers waterproof, PartyBoost-ready sound with over 12 hours of playtime, while the Sony XB23 pairs IP67 dust and water resistance with Sony's Extra Bass tuning and Party Connect for linking multiple speakers. Neither includes a power bank function, but both are proven, in-stock options for Nairobi buyers who want rugged sound today rather than waiting on an import.
FAQ
Is the Anker Soundcore Boom Go 3i available in Kenya yet?
Not through official channels as of this writing. It's currently sold directly by Anker/soundcore in the US, UK, and a handful of other markets, so Kenyan buyers would need to import it, which adds shipping time and duty on top of the $79.99 US price.
What does IP68 actually protect against?
IP68 means full protection against dust ingress and the ability to survive continuous submersion in water beyond 1 meter, which is a step up from the IP67 rating (protection from dust and temporary submersion to 1 meter) found on speakers like the Sony XB23.
Can a Bluetooth speaker really charge my phone?
Yes, if it has a built-in power bank cell, as the Boom Go 3i does. It won't replace a dedicated power bank for a full charge, but it can add a meaningful top-up — Anker cites 0% to 40% in about an hour for an iPhone 17 — enough to make a call or pull up directions.
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