After weeks of testing the RUIZU X52, I can confidently say this little red warrior fills the void left by discontinued Sansa Clip players. The nostalgia hit hard when I clipped it to my gym shorts – same compact form factor, but with modern upgrades.

The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is rock solid during my morning runs. No more tangled wires! Though audiophiles should note: wired headphones deliver noticeably crisper sound than Bluetooth (tested with both budget and premium earbuds). The HFi sound quality punches above its weight class for a $40 device.

Storage capacity blew me away – my entire 90GB music library fits comfortably between the internal 64GB and 128GB microSD expansion. File transfers via USB-C are speedy, though that proprietary cable situation is annoying (lose it and you're SOL for data transfers).

Three quirks to note: 1) That up-button/lock-screen combo will frustrate you until muscle memory develops 2) The clip feels flimsier than Sansa's legendary build 3) Menu navigation has a learning curve (keep the manual handy). But these are minor tradeoffs for what you get.

Surprise standout feature? The pedometer actually works! It accurately tracked my 5K route while syncing perfectly to my workout playlist. Battery life consistently delivers the promised 20 hours – I only charge twice a week with daily use.

For gym rats, commuters, or anyone seeking a phone-free music experience, this is hands-down the best budget clip player available today. Just don't expect smartphone-level polish – embrace its simplicity as part of the charm.