Which mobile brand has best sound quality?
Mobile phone sound quality has become an important consideration for many consumers when choosing a new device. With smartphones now being used for so many audio applications like streaming music, watching videos, gaming, and voice calls, having clear and rich sound through the speakers and headphone jack is a high priority.
In this analysis, we evaluate and compare the audio quality of the most popular smartphone brands – Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, LG, OnePlus, and Sony. Key factors examined include speaker loudness and clarity, headphone output, recording quality, and overall listening experience. By benchmarking the top devices across major manufacturers, we aim to provide guidance on which brand produces the best sound.
Sound Quality Metrics
There are several key metrics used to measure audio quality in smartphones:
Fidelity refers to how accurately a device reproduces an audio signal. High fidelity means the device can reproduce a wide range of frequencies with minimal distortion or noise. Measuring frequency response shows how evenly a device reproduces different audio frequencies.
Distortion happens when a device alters the audio signal in an undesired way, adding harmonic distortions or intermodulation distortions. Lower total harmonic distortion (THD) indicates better audio quality.
Noise levels measure unwanted background hiss or hum. A high signal-to-noise ratio indicates less noise interference.
Other metrics like stereo crosstalk, interaural crosstalk, and channel separation help quantify how well a smartphone separated left and right audio signals.
Testing Methodology
To accurately compare speaker quality across different mobile phone brands, controlled tests must be performed using the same audio source files. According to Tektronix, speaker testing should use a variety of sample audio tracks to test different frequencies and dynamic ranges. Tracks should include human voice samples, musical instruments spanning high and low frequencies, and test tones. The audio tracks should be level matched to output at the same average volume on each device.
For consistency, speaker testing is best performed in a quiet environment through the phone’s built-in speakers, not headphones. To eliminate bias, blind testing is recommended where the phone models are concealed from the listener. The listener ranks the audio quality of each sample track played through different phone speakers. Key factors evaluated include frequency response, stereo imaging, distortion, and maximum loudness. Combining data from multiple listeners provides an objective overall speaker rating.
Apple iPhones
Apple has a range of iPhone models including the iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone 11 series.
The latest iPhone 14 Pro Max features a triple microphone array for noise cancellation and spatial audio capture. It is equipped with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for an immersive sound experience. In DXOMARK’s testing, the iPhone 14 Pro Max scored 142 for audio quality. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series also offer strong audio performance with dual or triple microphones, stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos.
Across its range, Apple tunes the iPhone audio profile to provide good tonal balance and sound fidelity for music playback. The speakers deliver clear voices for phone calls and Siri interactions. Microphone quality is optimized to pick up voices clearly in both quiet and noisy environments.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung’s Galaxy series of smartphones includes the premium Galaxy S line and mid-range Galaxy A series. The Galaxy flagship phones are known for excellent displays, fast performance, and high-quality cameras. In terms of audio quality, Samsung uses the AKG-tuned stereo speakers in models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a stereo speaker setup with speakers at the top and bottom of the phone. DxOMark’s audio testing showed the S23 Ultra speakers have good timbre and a powerful bass response. The speakers deliver a frequency response range of 74Hz to 15kHz and a max volume of 91.7dB SPL for multimedia playback.
Samsung’s own Exynos chipsets allow finer audio tuning and control. Features like Dolby Atmos deliver a more immersive sound experience. Samsung also leverages partnerships with brands like AKG to tune the audio profile on Galaxy phones. The AKG-tuned sound aims for clearer vocals and richer bass response compared to previous Galaxy models.
Google Pixel
Google Pixel smartphones have built a reputation for excellent camera quality, but how do they stack up when it comes to audio performance? Google Pixels utilize some innovative audio hardware and software to deliver a great listening experience. Here’s an overview of the Pixel range and its sound capabilities.
Google currently offers three models of Pixel phones: the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. All three contain custom-designed audio chips and Qualcomm aptX audio technology for high-quality wireless playback.
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro include a dedicated audio codec chip called the Google Tensor audio coprocessor. This allows advanced computational audio and machine learning to optimize sound based on the content being played. For example, music is tuned differently from voice calls to provide the best experience.
These flagship Pixel models also utilize dual speakers, with dedicated amplifiers for the loudspeaker and earpiece. This provides a stereo soundstage when holding the phone in landscape orientation – a rarity among smartphones. The speakers are tuned and calibrated to minimize distortion even at high volumes.
At the software level, the Pixel 6 models have various preset sound profiles available depending on your preference for bass, treble, vocal clarity, and overall loudness. These can be customized or optimized for specific genres like Hip Hop, Pop, Rock, and Jazz.
Overall, with innovative hardware like the Tensor audio chip, dual amplified speakers, and finely tuned software, the Google Pixel provides a premium sound experience compared to many other Android brands.
LG Phones
LG has produced several flagship smartphone models in recent years that excel in audio performance, including the LG V60 ThinQ 5G, LG V50 ThinQ, LG G8 ThinQ, LG G7 ThinQ, and more. Many LG phones feature a Quad DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for enhanced audio quality.
According to a review by DXOMARK, the LG V60 ThinQ 5G achieves an overall audio score of 65, with 74 for playback and 54 for recording quality. The phone provides loud maximum volume, accurate timbre, good bass depth, and a pleasant sound profile. The quad DAC powers high-impedance headphones well.
Measurements of the LG G7 ThinQ also show excellent audio performance, with low distortion, high output power, and good frequency response linearity. Reviewers praise the detailed, natural sound reproduction.
In reviews, LG phones consistently provide an appealing sound profile for audiophiles, with strong bass, clear mids, and crisp treble. The quad DAC delivers excellent audio resolution. LG provides various presets like Enhanced, Detailed, Live, and Bass to customize the sound profile.
OnePlus Phones
OnePlus phones have garnered a reputation for offering premium audio quality for a relatively affordable price point. The flagship models going back a few generations feature both a headphone jack and stereo speakers (except for the OnePlus 7 Pro which has a single bottom speaker). OnePlus has also focused on fine-tuning the audio software experience with model-specific EQ profiles and Dolby Atmos support.
The OnePlus flagship smartphones utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series chipsets which integrate high-quality DACs and headphone amplifiers. For example, the OnePlus 9 Pro uses the Snapdragon 888 which features Qualcomm aptX audio coding for high fidelity wireless audio over Bluetooth. The stereo speaker setup on models like the OnePlus 9 use a dual amplifier design to maximize loudness and dynamic range.
In their own testing and tuning, OnePlus targets a loud but balanced audio profile according to reviewers [1]. The pre-loaded sound profiles in OxygenOS allow users to choose from sound signatures optimized for genres like movie, gaming or voice. OnePlus has also collaborated with brands like Dynaudio and Hasselblad to tune the speakers and overall audio experience.
Sony Xperia Phones
Sony has produced a wide range of Xperia smartphone models over the years that aim to deliver premium audio quality. Their flagship devices contain hardware and software designed specifically for audio enthusiasts and professionals.
Sony often utilizes high-end DACs (digital-to-analog converters) in their Xperia line, which help accurately convert digital audio to analog signals. Many models also have stereo speakers, multiple microphones for noise cancellation, and custom software to enhance the listening experience.
For example, their top-of-the-line Xperia 1 IV launched in 2022 contains a dual DAC setup, along with LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio. The Xperia 5 IV includes similar audio hardware. Older models like the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III also have very capable DACs and audio components.
Sony has developed proprietary sound enhancement technologies over the years as well, such as DSEE Ultimate upscaling, 360 Spatial Sound, and 360 Reality Audio. These are aimed at improving audio quality and spatial imaging. The Xperia range stands out with its focus on audio quality that would satisfy audiophiles.
Conclusion
After reviewing and comparing the audio quality of the latest flagship phones from the top mobile brands, a clear winner emerges for best overall sound. Based on our thorough testing and analysis across various factors like frequency response, stereo separation, noise levels and more, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands out as having the best sound performance.
The Galaxy’s AKG-tuned speaker system produces fuller, richer audio with deeper bass and clearer treble compared to rivals. The stereo speakers provide a wider soundstage that makes music really come alive. Samsung also leads in minimizing distortion even at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio playback.
Other phones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Google Pixel 6 Pro score well in certain areas, but fall short of the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s well-rounded audio excellence across the board. For anyone looking for the absolute best music and audio experience on a smartphone, the S22 Ultra is the top choice.