Pros
- Dual-alarm functionality
- Good clarity and detail
- Plenty of preset storage
- Good build quality
Cons
- Only seven hours battery
- Inconsistent reception
- Flat bass in Bluetooth mode
If you’re looking for a bedside radio, the Lenco PDR-046GY is a solid choice with a large number of presets and dual-alarm functionality.
This portable DAB+ radio has a natural aesthetic to it with its smooth wood panel and grilled fascia. The radio is built from recycled plastic, wheat fibre and natural bamboo materials and comes in black or white.
There are a large number of buttons on the top surface, including presets, alarm, snooze, menu, modes, channel selection and volume controls. There’s a 2.4-inch display on the front of the radio, with a USB-C charging port and aux input around the back. There’s also a telescopic antenna for radio reception.
The battery life is quite short at just seven hours. For comparison, the Roberts Revival Petite 2 has a 20-hour battery life, allowing you to go a lot longer between charges. That said, charging is relatively fast so it shouldn’t take long to get the radio up and running again.
When it comes to listening, you can choose between DAB, DAB+ and FM radio, as well as Bluetooth 5 for streaming from a mobile device. The radio signal reception isn’t the strongest we’ve tested, but there are a generous 60 total presents (30 DAB and 30 FM), with the ability to allocate your five favourites to physical buttons and the rest listed under the Preset Memory button.
Plug the radio in, and you can access the alarm function. This includes dial alarm functionality, with the choice to wake up to the radio or a buzzer.
The 6W stereo speaker delivers a solid performance with good clarity and detail in radio programmes. The sound is crisper than the Roberts Revival Petite 2 and voices don’t sound quite as natural. However, the larger build of the Lenco enables a bigger and louder sound and allows the radio to push to higher volumes without distortion.
Bluetooth streaming causes the bass to sound flat and the performance to lose detail, though the treble and vocals remain clear. There are also a range of EQ settings to explore, with the Normal, Classic, Jazz, Pop, Speech and Rock presents allowing you to adjust the tone and loudness of the sound.
Reviewer: Kob Monney
Full Review: Lenco PDR-046GY
