Conclusion - Sony's mobile air conditioner convinces
With the Reon Pocket Pro, Sony is launching a technically sophisticated wearable on the market that goes well beyond previous generations. The cooling performance is noticeably effective, the device is usually quiet, portable, smart controllable and a real relief in many everyday situations.
Of course, it does not replace a fully-fledged air conditioning system, but it offers a surprisingly high level of comfort when travelling, in the office, on the train or when commuting, both on hot and cold days.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
At the time of testing, the Reon Pocket Pro is available exclusively at Sony for 199 £.
Case and wearing comfort - Reon Pocket Pro with thermal module
The Reon Pocket Pro measures around 134 x 58 x 36 mm and weighs approx. 194 g (without temples and extension). It is worn directly in the upper back/neck area via a neck strap. The housing has a high-quality finish, is minimalist and discreet. It is barely visible under a shirt, but depending on your perspective, it may be perceived as a small hump.
Wearing comfort is good overall: the neckband supplied can be individually adjusted, is comfortable against the skin and offers a secure fit, even when moving. Wearing it for long periods of time was not a problem during the test, and we didn't find the mobile air conditioner annoying even during a working day in the home office. However, depending on the intensity of your own movements, the positioning must be corrected, as otherwise the impression is created that the cooling or heating surface is not ideally positioned.
Sony supplies the Reon Pocket Pro with a water-repellent housing (IPX4), which is protected against sweat and light rain. However, it is not designed for sports use. The casing remains cool, even during prolonged use. The fan actively filters the air to prevent heat build-up.
Performance - Reon Pocket Pro makes a noticeable difference
The centrepiece of the Reon Pocket Pro is a double thermal module that can both cool and heat. In cooling mode, temperatures are actively reduced via a small metal plate (stainless steel SUS316L) on the neck. In heating mode, the same area is heated. We found the heating to be pleasant, but it was more helpful in cooler rooms and less so when it was really cold. Cooling works surprisingly efficiently even at high ambient temperatures and noticeably reduces the strain caused by the heat. However, when it was really warm (more than 28 °C), a fan can also be heard, which removes the heat from the device.
It is controlled via the Reon Pocket app (Android / iOS), in which the temperature intensity, mode (manual or automatic) and profiles can be set. Smart mode automatically adjusts the cooling/heating output to environmental and body parameters that are recorded by integrated sensors (movement, temperature, humidity). The most important functions can also be accessed via dedicated buttons on the device.
Energy Management - Enough power for a day at the office
As expected, the battery life of the Sony Reon Pocket Pro is heavily dependent on the intensity of use. It is said to be able to cool for up to 34 hours, with maximum power (5 levels) the runtime is reduced to 5.5 hours. A maximum of 10 hours is specified for heating (4 levels).
In everyday use, we were able to use the mobile air conditioner on a long working day on a hot summer's day without recharging. However, at around three hours, a full battery charge also takes quite a long time.
Notebookcheck Conclusion
The Sony Reon Pocket Pro is a sophisticated, portable thermal device that offers noticeable relief in both hot and cold conditions. It impresses with its quiet cooling/heating performance, smart sensor functions and decent wearing comfort. Anyone who is often on the move or cannot use air conditioning will find this a practical, albeit expensive, solution for everyday use.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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