HiBy - R1
Digital Music PlayerGET 18% GST INPUT
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Packed and shipped within 24/48/72 hours
Your order leaves our warehouse within 24/48/72 hours - packed, handed to our courier, and on its way.
Orders placed before 2 PM on weekdays typically ship the same day.
This doesn't mean it arrives in 24/48/72 hours - delivery takes 3-4 working days depending on where you are.
Check the delivery date above for your estimate.
READ MORE ABOUT SHIPPING
Not perfect for you? 7 days to exchange for something that is.
Not the right fit? You have 7 days from delivery to exchange.
How it works:
Return the product in original condition - box, accessories, everything it came with. We'll send you a Store Credit code via email for the full amount. Use it to order something that's actually right for you.
A few things to know:
- This is a one-time exchange. We want to help you find the one, not go in circles.
- Refunds aren't available under this policy, but your Store Credit stays with you, ready when you are.
- The product must be returned in original condition: manufacturer's box, MRP tag intact, user manual, warranty card, and all accessories.
The process:
1. Raise a request - you'll get a RET number and hear from us by the next working day.
2. Once approved, we arrange pickup.
3. We inspect the product (2-3 working days).
4. Store Credit is sent to your registered email.
READ THE FULL EXCHANGE POLICY
Defective? Tell us within 7 days. We'll take care of it.
Something wrong with your product? We'll sort it out.
Wrong product, damaged, or missing parts: Let us know within 24 hours of delivery. If it's just an accessory, we'll replace the accessory.
What we'll need:
- Product in original packaging with all accessories
- Unboxing video and images of the parcel
This helps us see what went wrong and move faster.
Manufacturing defect: Let us know within 7 days of delivery. We'll replace or refund.
The process:
1. Raise a request - you'll get a RET number and hear from us by the next working day.
2. Once approved, we arrange pickup.
3. We inspect the product (2-3 working days).
4. Replacement shipped or store credit or refund issued.
A replacement or refund will be issued if:
- The product is found to be defective
- It wasn't damaged while in your possession-
- The same product is returned in original condition - box, MRP tag, manual, warranty card, all accessories
READ THE FULL REPLACEMENT POLICY
1 Year warranty included. You're covered.
This HiBy - R1 comes with a 1 Year manufacturer's warranty from HiBy, covering manufacturing defects.
Every product on Headphone Zone is backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Need support? Start with us. We handle most brands' warranty claims directly, and for the rest, we'll help you connect with the brand.
Read about HiBy's Warranty
Earn 9,499 Club Audiophile Points - a perk of being one of us.
Earn: 1 point for every ₹1 spent.
Write a review, earn 100 more.
Redeem: 20 points = ₹1 off.
Use at checkout.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLUB AUDIOPHILE
Why HiBy is Special
Designed in China
🥊 Young Maverick Brand
New on the scene, but bringing seasoned expertise 🌟!
We get excited about young maverick brands because they often bring fresh perspectives and cutting edge innovation that challenge established players. These companies combine youthful energy with serious technical expertise, often demonstrating remarkable attention to detail and commitment to pushing boundaries. Think of them like startup tech companies they might be newer, but they're hungry to prove themselves and often deliver incredible value.
Drawing on deep industry expertise and passion for audio excellence, these brands often demonstrate remarkable attention to detail and commitment to technological advancement. They frequently deliver cutting edge technology and performance that rivals established competitors 🚀.
When you see "🥊 Young Maverick Brand" products, expect innovative excellence from companies that combine fresh energy with serious technical expertise to deliver impressive results.
Born in 2011
Why we love this DAP
🥜 Value for Money
We've found that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive. Some products punch well above their weight and deliver performance that rivals higher priced alternatives. That’s what we mean with the "Value for Money" badge. It’s our way of telling you that you’re getting something special without breaking the bank. 🥜
These products are all about maximum returns for minimal investment. You’re not just saving money you’re gaining an audio experience that exceeds expectations. Whether it’s build quality, tuning, or bundled accessories, these picks overdeliver.
When you see '🥜 Value for Money' products, expect impressive performance at an affordable price, making them a smart pick for budget conscious buyers or first time audiophiles.
🌱 Ideal for Beginners
Lost in the vast world of audio equipment?
Don't worry, we're here to guide you 🤝! We believe that everyone's audiophile journey should start with something approachable and welcoming. These carefully selected products serve as the perfect entry point into high quality sound, specifically chosen to help you navigate through sometimes overwhelming technical options. Think of them as your friendly neighbourhood guide who knows exactly where to start without getting lost in complex specifications.
These products strike an ideal balance between quality and accessibility, featuring user friendly designs and straightforward functionality. They're specifically selected as the perfect starting point for your audiophile journey, offering serious performance without intimidating complexity or premium pricing that might discourage exploration.
When you encounter "🌱 Ideal for Beginners" products, expect approachable excellence these are your stepping stones into the world of premium audio, designed to grow with your developing appreciation for great sound.
✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth
We tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter free, and great for everyday listening.
What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade off Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.
When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle free convenience and solid sound quality great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.
⏳ Battery Life
In our experience, battery life is one of those things that separates a good day from a frustrating one. It's like having a fuel gauge you can rely on longer battery life means less charging and more uninterrupted music. Whether you're on a flight or just commuting across town, this is one spec you don’t want to overlook 🔋.
Technically, battery life refers to the hours your device can play music on a single charge. Today’s headphones and DACs can range from 4 to 40+ hours, depending on things like Bluetooth codec, volume, and active features like ANC. More battery life also means better travel and portability, though it might come at the cost of size or weight.
When you see '⏳ Battery Life' products, expect: longer listening sessions, fewer charging breaks, and stress free portability for music that goes the distance.
🔋 Battery Capacity
We usually think of battery capacity like the size of your water tank it determines how long the tap can run before drying up. In audio gear, higher capacity means more playtime, more power for your amp section, and better performance during high demand usage 🧠. It’s especially important if your gear also powers powerful drivers or amps.
Measured in mAh (milliamp hours), battery capacity helps you gauge how long your headphones, DAC, or amplifier will last between charges. Devices with higher capacity (like 3500mAh+) are ideal for extended use or when you’re away from a power source. Just know, larger capacity often means longer charging time and a slightly bulkier design.
When you see '🔋 Battery Capacity' products, expect: more power and longer playtimes ideal for travel, long workdays, or heavy use without worrying about recharging.
🐘 Storage
We tend to think of this like carrying your entire music library in your pocket no cloud, no streaming, no internet required 📀. When you see “Up to 2TB Storage,” you’re looking at gear that lets you store thousands of high res tracks, albums, and even DSD files offline, ready to play anytime.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: the device features a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB that’s a massive amount of local storage. This is especially valuable for portable audio players and offline listeners who prefer to carry their music in the highest quality formats without compromising space. No buffering, no compression just direct access to your favourite files.
When you see '🐘 Upto 2 TB Storage' products, expect: vast offline music access perfect for DAP lovers, lossless audio fans, or travel heavy audiophiles.
Why it Sounds Amazing
⚙️ DAC Chip
We like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.
When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high quality headphones perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.
🚀 Power Output
We like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.
Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.
When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.
HiBy Unveils Their Dual Hi-Res Certified Digital Music Player - The R1
HiBy presents R1, an excellent compact player embedded with a high-end DAC chip from the ⚙️ Cirrus logic - CS43131 for high-resolution audio with accuracy. It is equipped with an upgraded X1600E master control chip for enhanced performance by the music player. R1 allows connectivity with various devices, wired or wireless. It is supported by many music platforms and an external 🐘 storage of up to 2TB with continuous ⏳ playback of 15 hours. Built with a polycarbonate translucent chassis and HD IPS touch screen for intuitive operation. HiBy R1 has been certified with Hi-Res and Hi-Res Wireless, delivering an immersive music listening experience.
What our Headphone Gurus Say
What we think about HiBy R1
We don't call ourselves experts, but we actually listen to every piece of gear. So we think that we know what we're talking about.
A true stoic, a man of culture, a Harman tuning enthusiast, and a collector of mechanical watches - He is the backbone of our Headphone Gurus team. With his extensive knowledge of headphones and IEMs, he's always ready to answer your questions and engage in insightful conversations.
Talk to a Headphone Guru
Tiny Design, Pure Convenience
The R1 is the 'no-nonsense' device I didn't know I was missing. It’s tiny, simple, and just plays music. It’s not a high-end Android streamer, but that’s the point. It drives my daily IEMs easily and fits in the coin pocket of my jeans. Pure convenience.
Meet our resident headphone guru and perfume aficionado! With a deep passion for music production, he has refined his skills to expertly recommend the best audio gear.
Talk to a Headphone Guru
Massive Storage, All-Day Power
Just note, no streaming, no 4.4mm, and playlisting takes some work. But for pure offline fun but HiBy R1 is a tiny, everyday-friendly player with enough power for most IEMs and ridiculous battery life. The 2TB support is wild at this price.
Mayur, a headphone guru, dives deep into J-pop, J-rock, and anime openings. With expert insight on IEMs and headphones, he shows how the right gear can transform and upscale your music experience every time for all listeners.
Talk to a Headphone Guru
Smooth Navigation, Truly Portable Audio
The R1 feels like a iPod that fits perfectly in your hand, offering Hi-Res offline music in a truly portable package. Its straightforward UI makes navigation smooth, and Bluetooth support adds wireless freedom, but lacks music streaming app support.
Theon is a Headphone Guru who values perfect balance in audio. His patience and extensive experience in the world of sound enable him to recommend the right gear tailored to each listener's needs.
Talk to a Headphone Guru
Ultra-Light Daily Companion
In hand, the Hiby R1 feels like a tiny smartwatch-sized player that is small, compact, and super light. The screen is tiny but still quite usable, and the touch response is sensitive enough that even light taps register easily, making it a fun little DAP for pockets and daily commutes.
3.5mm Headphone Output
HiBy R1 features a 3.5mm headphone output that allows you to connect with pair devices.
Type-C Interface
HiBy R1 houses a Type-C interface for charging the device.
Micro SD Card Slot
HiBy R1 is equipped with a micro SD card slot that allows you to insert the 🐘 SD card for external storage.
Accessories to Get you Started
Accessories You Must Have
Don't Forget To Add This
All You Need To Know About The HiBy R1
Power: 101mW
Power: 70mW
Operating System: HiByOS (Linux-Based)
Logic SoC: X1600E
Audio Resolution: DSD256 & PCM384kHz/32bit
Audio Formats Supported: mp3, wav,ape, flac, dsf, dff, iso,cue, wma, ogg, aac, opus, aiff
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1
Hi-Res Bluetooth Codecs Supported: LDAC, aptX (Transmit Only) AAC, SBC
Wireless Audio Features: Airplay, DLNA, HiByLink
Resolution: 800*480
Micro SD: Supports Up To 2TB
Chassis Materials: Polycarbonate Chassis With Glass Back
Dimensions: 83.5*51.1*12.35mm
Weight: 70g
Battery Capacity: 1150mAh/3.8V
Play Time: 15h
Standby Time: 400h
Charging Time: <2h (0%-100%)
Font Size: Adjustable
2. Protective Film *3 (2 Preinstalled On Screen, 1 Spare)
3. USB 2.0 Cable *1
4. Card Extraction Pin *1
5. User Manual *1
6. Warranty Card *1
7. Certification *1
8. Strap *1
9. Outer Packaging *1
10. Mesh Pouch *1
Resources
Things we really think you should know
Most of these started as a question somebody asked us, in the store or in the comments. We've been sharing answers for years, and these are the ones that matter most for gear like this. Some cover the basics. Others get into the things that quietly change how everything ends up sounding.
Don't sweat it, this
HiBy - R1 comes with a 1 Year warranty
from HiBy that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about HiBy's warranty in India.
The buttons feel good as well, they have a nice tactile feel and are easy to reach for even when they are in your pocket.
I found the R1 an easy device to get into and learn while offering some advanced features that made it more useful than initially anticipated.
Cirrus Logic CS43131
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
3.5mm (Single-Ended) +
4.4mm (Balanced)
3.5mm (Single-Ended) +
4.4mm (Balanced)
IPS Touchscreen (800x480)
1.99" IPS Colour Screen
1.8" Circular LCD (360x360)
Upto 15 Hours
Upto 15 Hours
Upto 12 Hours
External: Upto 2TB (microSD)
Internal: 512MB
External: Upto 256GB (microSD)
External: Upto 2TB (microSD)
Upto 101mW
Upto 250mW+250mW @ 32Ω
Upto 280mW+280mW @ 32Ω
USB Type-C
Bluetooth 5.1 (LDAC)
USB Type-C
Bluetooth 5.3
USB-C
Bluetooth 5.4 (LDAC)
WiFi (AirPlay)
1. HiBy R1
2. USB Cable
3. Protective Film
4. Strap
5. User Manual
6. Warranty Card
1. Snowsky Echo Mini
2. USB Cable
3. Quick Start Guide
4. Warranty Card
1. Snowsky Disc
2. USB Data Cable
3. Quick Start Guide
4. Warranty Card
5. Sticker
Have a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
What is the warranty period on the HiBy R1 and how do I claim warranty?
What DAC chip does the HiBy R1 use, and how does it affect sound quality?
What operating system does the HiBy R1 use, and what are its benefits?
Which streaming services are compatible with the HiBy R1?
How to remove the Volume Lock on the HiBy R1?
2. Click the about Section.
3. Click the firmware version below the HiBy logo multiple times till it tells you 'You are a Developer'.
4. Now you go back to the main menu and click System. Navigate to Developer Options and toggle the Volume Lock off.
How long does the HiBy R1’s battery last, and how long does it take to charge?
Other Details
| Generic Name | Digital Audio Player |
| Importer Details | Importers Name: Ferrari Video Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020 Contact No: 044-24420733 |
| Net Quantity | 1 |
| Manufacturer Details | Name: HiBy Music Limited Address: Room 01,21f, Prosper Commercial Building,9 Yin Chong Street, Kowloon, Hongkong |
| Package Contents | HiBy R1 *1 Protective film *3 (2 preinstalled on screen, 1 spare) USB 2.0 cable *1 Card extraction pin *1 User manual *1 Warranty card *1 Certification *1 Strap *1 Outer Packaging *1 Mesh pouch *1 |
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Compact digital audio player that "punches way above its price" with neutral, warm sound. Customers praised excellent value, intuitive UI, 15-hour battery life, and crisp display. Minor concerns include lack of internal storage, limited power for low-sensitivity IEMs, and UI features like queue management. Great for beginners seeking distraction-free listening.
- A very small DAP that punches way above its price.
- Delivers smooth, balanced, non-fatiguing sound, making it ideal for long listening sessions.
- HiBy R1 punches far above its weight with beautiful display and refined experience.
Ditching all the music subscriptions and buying a DAP is really a great experience, R1 is a pocket rocket, looks small and delivers with premium feel for the price
We hope these bring you many nights of falling in love with your music again.
A very small DAP that punches way above its price. It has a neutral sound so tweaked the MSEB to get the sound I prefer and it has not disappointed. Got one and a half hours from 10% usage of the battery, so it should give the advertised 15 hours of playback. I also own a FIIO M21 and a Sony Walkman NW A306, so I know a thing or two about good sound, and this DAP is very good.
We love knowing that these have found a place in your daily ritual.
I absolutely love its compact size.
The only four missing things in my view-
1. Double Tap to Wake
2. Standalone Volume Slider in UI - currently must click volume button to trigger it
3. Ephemeral Queue Management - play next, add to queue, etc
4. Configurable home screen tiles - I never want to stream media, or read books, and those tiles annoy me. Also I don’t think “about” and “wireless” deserve separate tiles of their own. They can be tucked into settings, thereby making the home screen much more clean and intentional.
Apart from these (some might argue nitpicking) I absolutely love this device.
And honestly speaking I love the slickness and responsiveness of the UI, not facing any lag. I just ensured all my album arts are 400x400 and <200kb
This is a great DAP, with more than enough storage for all my music. The UI/UX is intuitive. Power is adequate for most IEM's. I have it hooked up to an external DAC and AMP playback is seamlessly and both EQ and MSEB has plenty of options and configurations to play with for everyone's personal preferences and listening taste.
Got this as I was curious about DAPs. Was confused between this and Snowsky mini but I am glad I chose this. It is tiny and provides great sound quality. The screen is also crisp and UI is nice. I wanted to get away from my phone and this made it possible.
Pros:-
1. Good sound quality
2. Wifi. Therefore, it gets pretty easy to transfer music, update Album Art and update via OTA.
3. Tiny and portable but I wished they made it, ever so slightly, slimmer
4. Bluetooth
5. Works with external DACs.
6. Tidal support.
Cons:-
1. Doesn't have player queue. So you can't choose a song and mark it as 'Play next'. Also if your shuffle is on and you might want to listen to previous song, it will shuffle that too and on restart it might play a recently played song again
2. No sorting method in song list. It will only be alphabetical. No recently added or something else.
3. The previous button doesn't replays the song, it just goes to the previous track.
Overall, it is great product and value for money. Highly recommended.
So glad to hear you’re enjoying it and that it’s helping you focus on the music! Keep the music playing!
It’s a good music player for this price range. I’m not an audiophile, I just wanted a dedicated music player, and it delivers the quality I expected.
We’re delighted that you loved the product! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
At first glance, the HiBy R1 may not look too appealing on the spec sheet. It packs just a single Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, which seems underwhelming, especially when compared to competitors like the Shanling M0 Pro, which features dual ESS Sabre DACs—a brand known for its refined sound quality.
Initially, I was hesitant to pick the R1 because of this, but in real-world use, the HiBy R1 punches far above its weight, especially when you consider its 3-inch touchscreen display. Song navigation is a breeze, and for someone like me who has a large music library, this is a huge win. In contrast, navigating on the Shanling M0 Pro's smaller display feels cramped and can be a bit of a hassle.
Sound Quality
The HiBy R1 leans toward a warm-neutral sound signature, with a pleasant emphasis on low mids and sub-bass rumble. The highs are smooth, avoiding fatigue, but if you’re pairing it with sharp or bright IEMs (like some KZ models), the treble sharpness can become noticeable.
That said, it does struggle with low-sensitivity IEMs (below 105dB). You'll find yourself cranking the volume to 70–75+ to get satisfying output. However, high-sensitivity IEMs (above 105dB) perform exceptionally well, often reaching full potential below volume level 55.
Features That Matter
MSEB Tuning: One of the HiBy R1’s best features is its MSEB (MageSound Eight-Ball) tuning system, allowing fine-grained sound customization based on personal taste. It really elevates the experience.
Streaming Support: It supports TIDAL and Qobuz, though note that TIDAL requires a premium subscription.
Control Chip: The X1600E chip manages UI and system response impressively. The device feels snappy and fluid.
Final Verdict
Under ₹10,000, your choices narrow down to the HiBy R1 and Shanling M0 Pro. If you prioritize raw power, 4.4mm balanced output, and DAC specs, the M0 Pro is a great pick. But if you want intuitive UI, a beautiful display, MSEB tuning, and a smoother, more musical experience with high-sensitivity IEMs, the HiBy R1 won’t disappoint.
I would’ve loved to see dual CS43131 DACs, but even with one, the HiBy R1 delivers a refined experience that feels much richer than its price tag suggests.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Pros: Beautiful display, great UI, MSEB tuning, warm & smooth sound, Build quality - 4/5 ( Hard plastic)
Cons: Weak for low-sensitivity IEMs, lacks dual DAC.
We appreciate your thoughtful review so much! It’s a pleasure to know you’re enjoying the product—thank you for your support!
HiBy - R1
We hope these bring you many nights of falling in love with your music again.
It's easy to use, with a lovely EQ and MSEB for precise tuning. Navigating through stuff is a breeze. The battery life feels good I guess. It's dac is enough to power my CCA Lyra, Tangzu Wan'er SG, and SG2 Red Lion.
We're so glad you found a pair that truly resonates with how you listen.
But only if you are able to get out of the buyers remorse 😭, this was bought from my birthday money, totally worth it in the end, I paired it with my KZ castor Pro ( bass improved ) and music has never sounded better.
There is nothing like that moment when the gear disappears and only the music remains.
Great DAP for beginners.
We're so glad you are part of our tribe of people who truly choose music.
Nice DAP.
We're so glad you found a pair that truly resonates with how you listen.
HiBy - R1
We're so glad these could help bridge the gap between you and your music.
Started using it slowly and it has so much potential to be my Spotify replacement. Only issue is if it has some internal storage it would have been amazing
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with the HiBy R1, Santhosh. Welcome to the family of people who choose music. ❤️
It's a value product at this price range. It's a good music player to get started as an audiophile. I would recommend using a DAC for a better experience. Works great with my Audio-technica m50x headphones.
I am thrilled you are loving the HiBy R1, Prasanth. I am sure there were songs that made you stop and really listen!
Nice compact DAP
it really exceeded my expectations. the audio quality is good. build quality is awesome. its so small and handy and I like how it's translucent on the borders. another thing I liked is that there are holes for phone charms or wrist straps (one which is provided in the box itself). most importantly, the dark mode option is available.
there is a minor issue however(not a dealbreaker though). when sorting by artists, the "the" in the artist's name is not ignored causing them to be all grouped up under the "T" section.
overall this is an amazing product, especially for this price.
HiBy - R1
The HiBy R1 is a compact, no-nonsense music player made for listeners who want pure, distraction-free audio. It delivers a smooth, balanced, and non-fatiguing sound, making it ideal for long listening sessions, especially with IEMs. The lightweight HiBy OS is fast and lag-free, battery life is solid, and the pocket-friendly size makes it easy to carry everywhere.
It’s not about raw power or flashy features — the R1 is about simplicity, stability, and musical enjoyment. A great choice if you value clean sound and stress-free listening from HiBy.
We’re glad you’re enjoying the HiBy - R1! 😊 Its simplicity, balanced sound, and portability make it a perfect companion for long, stress-free listening sessions. Keep the music playing
Loved the product. Been using it for 6-8 months qbd i am happy with it.
The sound quality is great. BT connectivity flawless. Quobuz works well. Looks good too. All in all, HiBy R1 is all that it intends to be and that too in a super small, pocket friendly size.
HiBy - R1