Can Samsung Galaxy play FLAC?
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio. Unlike lossy formats like MP3, FLAC preserves the quality and details of the original audio by compressing audio without removing information. FLAC files can store CD-quality audio while taking up much less space than uncompressed files like WAV or AIFF.
Many audiophiles prefer listening to FLAC files over compressed formats because it provides the full quality and nuance of the original source recording. FLAC is capable of retaining sampling rates between 8 to 192 kHz and bit depths up to 24 bits. This allows it to reproduce even the subtle details and dynamics that get lost in lossy compression.
With the rise in high-resolution streaming and download services, more consumers want the ability to play back FLAC files on their smartphones. Since FLAC provides superior audio quality, audiophiles seek phones that can take full advantage of FLAC’s lossless compression to enjoy studio-quality music on the go.
Samsung Galaxy Hardware Capabilities
Samsung Galaxy phones are equipped with high-quality audio hardware that enables them to play lossless audio files like FLAC. The Galaxy S20 and newer flagship models contain a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor with an integrated Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec chip. This audio chip can decode up to 384kHz/32bit PCM audio and supports playback of lossless formats including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, and more.
Previous Galaxy models like the S10 contain Exynos processors with integrated audio chips capable of 192kHz/24bit audio decoding. While not as advanced as the newest models, these chips still support FLAC playback. Overall, Samsung’s focus on high-resolution audio hardware ensures their Galaxy lineup can take full advantage of lossless audio files.
Native App Support
Samsung’s default music player app, called Samsung Music, has supported FLAC playback since around 2018 according to this Reddit thread: [Discussion] Samsung music does support .flac files. The app identifies and indexes FLAC files, and allows you to play them back properly through the phone’s speakers or when connected to Bluetooth devices.
However, some users have reported issues with gapless FLAC playback in the Samsung Music app, as noted in this Samsung Community forum thread: Samsung music. So while basic FLAC support exists, the experience may not be seamless.
Overall, Samsung’s own music app has supported FLAC playback for a number of years now across their Galaxy smartphone lineups like the S and Note series. But the app itself seems to lack some advanced features that audiophiles may want.
Third Party App Options
There are several excellent third party apps available on Android for playing FLAC files. According to various Reddit users, some of the most popular and highly-rated options include Poweramp and Onkyo HF Player.
Poweramp in particular seems to be a favorite, with Redditors praising it for its customization options, quality audio output, and support for a wide variety of audio formats including FLAC. Many consider it one of the top Android apps for audiophiles. Onkyo HF Player also gets high marks for FLAC playback thanks to its hi-res audio support and audio tuning features.
Other popular recommendations include Musicolet, VLC media player, and AIMP. These apps are free, work well with FLAC files, and offer robust music libraries, EQs, tag editing, and playlist creation tools.
With quality third party apps like these, Android users have excellent options for listening to FLAC music collections on their devices.
Using External DACs
One way to play FLAC files on your Samsung Galaxy device is by using an external USB Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Many high-end audiophile DACs now include USB-C connections that are compatible with Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy.
By connecting an external DAC via the USB-C port, you can bypass the internal Galaxy DAC and amplify the analog signal directly from the external DAC. This helps provide higher quality audio and support for lossless formats like FLAC that take advantage of the external DAC’s superior components.
According to reviews on Android Police, some of the top USB-C DACs for Android include the Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt, the iBasso DC05, and the HiBy FC3. These portable DACs are designed specifically for Android and allow you to enjoy studio-quality FLAC audio from your Galaxy device.
You will need a USB-C to USB-C cable or adapter to connect the external DAC. Some users on Reddit also recommend using an OTG adapter for increased compatibility with external DACs. Once connected, the Galaxy should automatically route audio through the external DAC when headphones are plugged in.
Bluetooth Capabilities
Most modern Samsung Galaxy devices support high quality audio playback over Bluetooth using advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC. These codecs can transmit audio at higher bitrates than the standard SBC codec, resulting in better sound quality. However, both your Galaxy device and your Bluetooth headphones/speakers need to support the same advanced codec for it to be utilized.
For example, many Galaxy S and Note devices support aptX and aptX HD, allowing improved audio quality when connected to compatible Bluetooth headphones like those from Sony or other brands (https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00080348/). Some newer Galaxy flagships like the S20 and S21 also support LDAC for even higher quality wireless audio.
That said, a limitation is that some carrier-branded Galaxy models have had advanced codecs like aptX HD disabled. So even with compatible headphones, you may be stuck with lower quality SBC audio (https://www.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/z3ou6u/bad_bluetooth_audio_quality_because_of_missing/). Checking your specific Galaxy model’s specs can clarify its codec support.
Overall, while the hardware is capable, taking full advantage of Samsung’s high quality Bluetooth audio depends on your particular device model, audio peripherals, codec support, and OS software. Consult Samsung’s resources to optimize settings and troubleshoot any connectivity issues.
File Management Tips
Properly organizing your FLAC files is key to being able to easily access your high-quality music library on your Galaxy device. Here are some tips for managing your files:
Use desktop apps like MusicBee or Mp3tag to organize and tag your files before transferring them to your phone. Add metadata like album, artist, genre, and year to make browsing easier.
Transfer FLAC files to your Galaxy device via cable or cloud storage rather than lower quality compression like Bluetooth. Store them on your phone’s internal storage or SD card.
Use Android apps like BlackPlayer, Poweramp, or GoneMAD to browse your on-device FLAC library. They allow quick access to songs by album, artist, genre, etc.
FLAC files take up a lot of space. Consider compressing less critical albums to a lower quality before transferring for casual listening.
Audio Settings Optimization
To get the most out of listening to FLAC files on your Samsung Galaxy device, there are some audio settings you can tweak:
Enable developer options by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping Build Number 7 times. Then go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Audio Routing. This allows audio output through USB which can improve audio quality. Refer to this guide for more details.
Go to Settings > Sound and Vibration > Sound Quality and Effects and choose an audio preset like Rock or Pop that enhances the audio. You can also use the equalizer to customize the sound profile.
Enable Dolby Atmos under Sound Quality and Effects for a more spatial, surround sound experience. This can make FLAC files sound more immersive.
Disable audio effects like Adapt Sound that can degrade audio quality. Stick to the basics like the equalizer for the purest listening experience.
Consider using high quality wired headphones or speakers with your Galaxy device, as opposed to lower quality Bluetooth audio which can bottleneck FLAC quality.
With some basic tweaks to the audio settings, you can optimize your Samsung Galaxy to fully take advantage of FLAC’s high-resolution audio capabilities.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
While most Samsung Galaxy devices are capable of playing FLAC files, there are some limitations and compatibility issues to be aware of:
Older Galaxy models may have trouble playing FLACs smoothly, especially larger high-resolution files, due to hardware limitations. This can lead to skipping, stuttering, or inconsistent playback [1].
The native Samsung Music app may not fully support FLAC playback and metadata on some devices. Users have reported “Failed to play track” errors for FLACs specifically [2].
Android 10 and newer versions seem to have removed native FLAC decoding, so FLACs may not play in apps like Samsung Music without a third party app fix [3].
Larger FLAC collections may be harder to manage due to limited internal storage on some models. Using external SD storage is recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, most Samsung Galaxy phones have excellent support for playing FLAC audio files. The hardware is capable of handling high-resolution FLAC with large file sizes and bit depths up to 24-bit/192kHz. Many users report great audio quality and listening experiences, especially with high-end Galaxy models.
Both the native Samsung Music app and several recommended third party apps like Poweramp provide seamless FLAC playback and music library management. Connecting to external DACs via USB-C or Bluetooth can further enhance the listening experience. With some basic setup and optimizations, Galaxy phones can become great high fidelity portable music players.
There are a few minor limitations to be aware of, like lack of gapless playback and max volume restrictions in some apps. But overall, Samsung Galaxy phones offer excellent FLAC support and audio quality for audiophiles. The vibrant Super AMOLED displays and cutting-edge hardware create an immersive listening environment for lossless audio on the go.