Which phones have highest audio quality?
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of which smartphones currently offer the highest audio quality. Audio quality refers to how accurately a phone reproduces recorded sound, based on factors like frequency range, dynamic range, distortion, and noise. Superior audio quality provides a richer, more immersive listening experience for music, videos, phone calls, and other audio content.
With smartphones now a primary device for listening to music and other audio, audio quality has become an important factor for many users in choosing a phone. This article will examine the latest smartphones with the best audio performance based on their hardware components, audio codecs and software enhancements. It will showcase test results on audio quality and offer recommendations for those seeking the most premium listening experience from a smartphone.
Audio Hardware
A phone’s audio hardware has a major impact on its audio quality. Here are some key components that determine how good a phone sounds:
Microphones: A high quality external microphone can drastically improve audio recording on smartphones. Some top options include the Rode Lavalier II lapel mic and the Shure MV88+ stereo condenser mic, which work seamlessly with iPhone and Android devices (source). Dedicated mics like these capture clearer audio than built-in phone mics.
Speakers: Larger phone speakers with better frequency response and volume produce richer, louder sound. Phones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max have excellent built-in stereo speakers that rival some dedicated Bluetooth speakers.
Headphone Jacks: While many phones are dropping the 3.5mm headphone jack, its inclusion still provides the most universal wired headphone connectivity. High-end phones may retain the jack or use USB-C audio instead. Adapters can add a headphone jack back to jackless phones.
Audio Codecs
Bluetooth audio relies on codecs to compress and transmit audio signals wirelessly between devices. Some common audio codecs used in smartphones include:
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) – Developed by Apple, AAC is supported on iOS devices and is also widely used on Android. It can handle bitrates up to 320kbps. AAC provides good audio quality and efficient compression.[1]
aptX – Created by Qualcomm, aptX aims to improve on the standard SBC codec that comes with Bluetooth. aptX provides lower latency and better sound quality than SBC. It supports 16-bit audio at sample rates up to 48kHz.[2]
LDAC – An audio codec developed by Sony that can support Hi-Res Audio up to 32-bit/96kHz over Bluetooth. At its highest quality setting, it reaches speeds up to 990kbps. LDAC provides excellent quality but may be less stable.[1]
There are some key factors that determine which codecs a device uses, including the Bluetooth version, hardware, OS, and software optimizations done by the device manufacturer.
Software Enhancements
Most smartphone manufacturers also include their own audio tuning and enhancements to improve the listening experience. For example, Motorola includes SRS WOW HD, an audio enhancement technology that expands stereo width and provides stronger bass. Many Android phones also include Dolby Atmos technology for more immersive surround sound.
There are also many equalizer apps like LouderLogic available on app stores to customize the frequency response. Surround sound effects can be added through apps like Dolby On to make music feel wider and more spatial. While hardware ultimately determines audio quality limits, software enhancements can help optimize and improve the listening experience.
Audio Tests and Results
Standardized audio testing methodologies have been developed to evaluate and compare the audio quality of different smartphone models. Recent studies have utilized mobile apps and headphones to conduct audiometric testing in a controlled environment. For example, one study used the Mimi Hearing Test app under quiet conditions to test the accuracy of smartphone-based audiometry, finding it had 89% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and an AUC of 0.95 compared to traditional audiometric testing, indicating excellent performance (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8477297/).
Other studies have tested and ranked various smartphone models for their audio reproduction capabilities across different frequency ranges. In a comprehensive test comparing the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, OnePlus 9 Pro, and other flagships, the iPhone 12 Pro Max scored the highest for audio quality, providing the most accurate frequency response and distortion-free playback (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9764761/). However, other factors like headphone amplification, DAC quality, and software enhancements also impact audio performance.
Case Studies
Let’s do an in-depth comparison of the audio quality in two of the leading flagship smartphones on the market – the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
According to audio testing done by DXOMark, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra scores well for tonal balance and voice reproduction but is lacking when it comes to bass and lower frequencies. There are some user complaints about poor sound quality and weak bass response on the S22 Ultra at Reddit forums as well.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max features powerful stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a surround sound experience. Reviewers praise the 14 Pro Max for loud volumes, minimal distortion at high volumes, and excellent clarity across the frequency range. The four-speaker system creates an immersive soundstage that’s impressive for a smartphone.
While the Galaxy S22 Ultra has very good audio, the iPhone 14 Pro Max seems to edge it out when it comes to fuller bass response, louder volumes and overall audio fidelity due to its cutting edge hardware and software optimizations.
Buying Considerations
When shopping for a smartphone optimized for audio, there are a few key factors to prioritize:
Audio Quality: Look for phones with high-end internal DACs (digital-to-analog converters), powerful amps, and audiophile-grade components like the Sony Xperia 1 IV. Avoid cheap DACs or amps that can degrade audio performance.
Wired Headphone Support: Many phones are dropping the 3.5mm headphone jack, but it’s still ideal for pure analog audio output. Consider phones like the LG V60 ThinQ that retain the jack.
Bluetooth Codecs: Opt for advanced Bluetooth audio like aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC which offer improved fidelity over standard SBC. Sony and LG phones tend to have great codec support.
Speakers: Look for front-facing stereo speakers with large drivers, amplifiers, and Dolby Atmos support for an immersive listening experience without headphones.
Storage Space: With high-res audio files being large, opt for at least 128GB of onboard storage and expansion slot support.
Beyond audio, also consider the processor, display, battery life, camera, and other standard features that suit your needs and budget.
Future Outlook
As smartphone audio technology continues to advance, there are several emerging technologies that show promise for the future:
One exciting development is the use of directional audio or “sound beaming” technology, which uses ultrasonic waves to create audio that can only be heard by the intended listener. This allows for a more private listening experience without the need for isolating headphones. Companies like Noveto are developing products in this space.
New audio codecs like MQA are also being developed that can deliver Hi-Res quality audio at much lower file sizes, allowing for improved audio quality without taking up as much storage space on phones. Additionally, new lossless audio formats like Sony’s LDAC show promise for delivering CD-quality wireless audio.
As smartphone processors and amplification hardware continues to improve, we can expect even more powerful audio capabilities directly from phones. Features like stereo speakers, headphone amplifiers, and integrated DACs should become more commonplace.
In general, the expectation is that smartphone audio quality will continue to get closer to audiophile-levels, while remaining convenient and accessible to everyday users. Key goals will be achieving CD-quality wireless audio, more personalized directional sound, and smaller file formats that retain high quality.
Recommendations
When it comes to choosing a smartphone with excellent audio quality, there are a few key options to consider depending on your budget and needs:
Best Smartphones for Audio Quality Currently
If budget is not a major concern, some of the top choices for audio quality include:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – With support for lossless audio and Dolby Atmos, plus a very powerful internal amp, the iPhone 13 Pro Max sets the bar for smartphone audio.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – Samsung’s latest flagship also supports Dolby Atmos sound with AKG-tuned drivers and intelligent upscaling of audio.
- LG V60 ThinQ – Featuring Quad DAC technology and High-Res Audio support, the LG V60 delivers audiophile-level quality and customization.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV – Sony’s expertise in audio shines through in the Xperia 1 IV, with front-facing stereo speakers, high-res wired and wireless playback, and Dolby Atmos.
Budget vs Premium Options
For those looking for great audio without the premium price tag, consider these budget-friendly choices:
- Google Pixel 6a – Google’s mid-range Pixel 6a still supports high-res audio playback and packs an impressive dual speaker system.
- OnePlus Nord N20 – With dual speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and an AI-powered audio tuning system, the Nord N20 punches above its weight for audio.
- Motorola Moto G Power (2022) – The Moto G Power includes a headphone jack, stereo speakers, and support for high-resolution audio at a very affordable price point.
The premium flagship smartphones tend to offer more powerful internal amps, leading to better volume, dynamics, and driving high-impedance headphones. They also boast more advanced DACs (digital-to-analog converters), higher bitrate/bandwidth support for lossless audio, and spatial audio technologies like Dolby Atmos. That said, many budget phones still provide excellent audio quality, but may lack some codec support or audio format compatibility. Pay attention to the internal specs like DACs and amps when comparing different models.
Conclusion
After reviewing the latest smartphone models, a few key takeaways emerge. First, there is no definitive “best” phone for audio quality – there are excellent options across various price points. However, some phones consistently rise to the top in audio tests and reviews, like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Google Pixel 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
These flagship phones all pack powerful audio hardware like headphone amps and quality DACs, combined with optimized software like Dolby Atmos. They provide an excellent listening experience across music, videos, gaming and calls. Beyond the hardware, other factors like high-resolution audio support and EQ customization also impact sound quality.
While specs are important, personal listening preferences and budget also come into play when choosing a phone. There is no one-size-fits-all option. However, consumers prioritizing audio quality now have more excellent choices than ever. Smartphone audio has improved drastically over the years and will likely continue advancing.
With refined hardware, software optimizations and new audio technologies like spatial audio, the line between audiophile products and mainstream smartphones continues to blur. Moving forward, we can expect heightened audio expectations from mobile devices alongside our cameras, displays, 5G connectivity and processing power. Delivering an immersive, nuanced and customizable audio experience in a smartphone package remains an exciting frontier.