What is the loudest Android phone?

In today’s noisy world, many people desire loud and attention-grabbing ringtones and notification sounds for their phones. With popular apps like Loud Ringtones and Notification Sounds and Super Loud Ringtones catering to this demand, it’s clear there is an interest in making phones ring as loudly as possible.

But with so many Android phones on the market, which ones actually produce the highest volume levels? Let’s dive in and explore the loudest Android phones available.

Measuring Volume in Phones

The loudness of a sound is measured in decibels (dB). Decibels are a logarithmic unit used to express the intensity of a sound relative to a reference level. The quietest sound a human can hear is around 0 dB, while a loud rock concert can reach 120 dB. Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 dB can cause gradual hearing loss over time.

Most smartphones have a volume range between 60 – 100 dB, with 100 dB being extremely loud. However, the maximum volume varies between models. According to Wired, many smartphones and headphones exceed 85 dB, going up to 100 dB or slightly higher, which is equivalent to a loud motorcycle ^[1].

There are several ways to measure a phone’s volume. Apps like NIOSH Sound Level Meter can use the built-in microphone to measure ambient noise in dB. There are also specialized devices that play test tones to measure a phone’s speaker volume output across different frequencies.

Loudest Android Phones

When it comes to volume output, some Android phones stand out for their ability to produce extremely loud sound. Here are some of the loudest Android phone models currently available:

AGM H5 Pro – This rugged smartphone is designed with extra loud audio in mind. According to AGM, the H5 Pro can reach an ear-splitting 109 dB without distortion thanks to its oversized dual speakers. The H5 Pro also has a special Outdoor mode that boosts volume even higher when needed (1).

AGM X5 Pro – Another offering from AGM, the X5 Pro touts a 110dB maximum volume output. Like the H5 Pro, it has an Outdoor mode for an extra volume boost as well as large dual front-facing speakers (2).

Oukitel WP5 – With its huge single front-facing speaker, the rugged WP5 smartphone can pump out sound up to 108 dB. It also has outdoor and glove modes to enhance loudness when needed (3).

While not quite as loud as the top options, phones like the Blackview BV5500 Pro (107dB) and Ulefone Armor 9 (105dB) also have above-average maximum volume capabilities (4, 5). When shopping for an Android phone with loud audio, be sure to check the stated maximum decibel level.

(1) https://www.makeuseof.com/agm-h5-pro-review/
(2) https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-agm-x5-pro-might-be-the-toughest-5g-smartphone-yet/
(3) https://www.xda-developers.com/oukitel-wp5-rugged-smartphone/

(4) https://www.blackview.hk/bv5500pro/
(5) https://www.ulefone.com/products/armor-9/features.html

Factors that Affect Loudness

There are several factors that contribute to how loud a smartphone’s speaker can get. Some of the main factors include:

Speaker Size and Quality

Larger phone speakers with higher quality drivers are able to produce louder, fuller sound than smaller, cheaper speakers. Manufacturers often use larger speakers on flagship phones to enable louder maximum volumes (1).

Multiple Speakers

Having two or more speakers allows for true stereo sound and greater overall loudness. Top phones like the Galaxy S22 Ultra contain quad speakers for a true surround sound effect (2).

Audio Enhancing Software and Hardware

Some phones feature proprietary technology like Dolby Atmos that can digitally enhance the loudness and audio quality from a phone’s speakers (3). High-end chipsets also have audio processing capabilities.

Custom Ringtones/Notification Sounds

While default ringtones and alerts tend to be optimized for a phone’s speaker, users can download or create custom ultra loud ringtones to really make their phone scream when a call or text comes in.

Making Already Loud Phones Louder

There are a few ways to make already loud Android phones even louder, for those who really want maximum volume:

Apps like Volume Booster can override the built-in volume limit and increase volume beyond the phone’s max setting. While convenient, they do require caution as excessive volume can damage hearing.

Connecting the phone to a portable external Bluetooth speaker can allow for louder and higher quality sound. Just make sure to point the speaker away from yourself and others.

Setting a custom loud ringtone, notification sound or alarm can help make alerts stand out. Choose sounds with sharp, piercing frequencies and test different volumes to find the loudest possible settings.

While making an already loud phone louder may seem appealing, it’s best done in moderation. Permanent hearing loss can occur from prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels.

Downsides of Loud Phones

One of the main downsides of loud phones is potential hearing damage. For example, according to the CDC, damage to the inner ear, or cochlea, from loud noise can lead to permanent hearing loss over time (CDC). The sensitive hair cells in the cochlea can be irreversibly damaged when exposed to extremely loud sounds, like those from phones at maximum volume.

Even short exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. As noted by the NIH, noise-induced hearing loss can happen immediately with sudden, extremely loud noises or over time with repeated exposure to loud sounds above 85 decibels (NIH). Since many phones can produce sounds over 100 decibels at max volume, there is a real risk of hearing damage.

Another issue with loud phones is disturbing those around you in public places or confined spaces. Playing music or audio loudly from a phone speaker can disrupt others and make it difficult to hear conversations or announcements. This can be frustrating and inconsiderate. There are limits to acceptable noise levels in many shared spaces like public transportation, restaurants, and offices.

Best Uses for Loud Phones

Loud phones can be incredibly useful for certain situations and individuals. Here are some of the top uses for phones with amplified volume:

Outdoor and Noisy Environments – Loud phones make it easier to hear conversations even in places with significant background noise. This includes busy urban settings, concerts, sporting events, and being on the go. The extra volume ensures you don’t miss important calls just because you’re in a loud area (Healthy Hearing).

Alerting Hard of Hearing Users – People with mild to moderate hearing loss often have trouble hearing phone conversations at normal volumes. Amplified phones boost sounds up to 30 decibels to make speech clearer for those with hearing challenges (Hearing Review). This allows hard of hearing individuals to communicate effectively on the phone.

Fun Personalization – Loud ring tones and volume levels provide a simple way to customize your phone experience. Rather than standard ringtones, loud phones let you express your personality with booming sounds that are uniquely yours. The extra noise can also help avoid missing calls when your phone is buried in a purse or pocket.

Quieter Alternatives

If you are looking for an Android phone that is quieter by default, here are some good options to consider:

The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro offer a minimalist Android experience that reduces unwanted notifications and distractions. They utilize the clean Android 12 operating system with fewer bells and whistles. You can also easily enable Do Not Disturb mode to limit interruptions.

For privacy focused options, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and OnePlus Nord N10 have good security features to reduce spyware risks and unwanted tracking which can lead to frustrating ads and notifications.

Using a good case like the Spigen Thin Fit can dampen noise both for yourself and others around you. Sound-proofing your environment with furnishings, curtains and other materials can also minimize noise impacts.

Turning off keyboard clicks, touch tones, charging sounds and other audio effects in your phone’s Sound settings is another simple way to reduce ambient noise.

Summary

When looking for the loudest Android phone, a few key models stand out. The LG V20, Galaxy Note 9, and Sony Xperia 1 all max out volume over 90 decibels, making them some of the loudest phones on the market. Flagship models like the Galaxy S9 and Pixel 3 XL also pump up the volume with dual front-facing speakers.

Loud phones are great for listening to music, watching videos, and taking calls on speakerphone. However, prolonged exposure to volumes over 85 decibels can damage hearing over time. Loud phone users should be mindful of keeping volume at a safe level when possible.

In the end, the LG V20 reigns as the loudest Android phone, hitting up to 103 decibels. With an amp and high impedance headphones, the V20 offers an unrivaled audio experience. Noise conscious users may prefer quieter phones like the Galaxy S10e or iPhone 11 Pro. But for those seeking maximum loudness, the LG V20 delivers powerful sound in a slick package.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between an extremely loud Android phone or a quieter model comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Loud phones excel at being heard in noisy environments, amplifying music and videos, and getting your attention even from afar. However, they can disturb bystanders in public spaces and may not offer the same audio fidelity as phones tuned for music lovers.

Before purchasing the loudest phone available, carefully consider when and where you’ll use it most. While loud volumes are useful in some situations, you may find yourself turning the volume down in others to avoid bothering those around you. Consider aphone that allows granular volume control, so you can easily adjust loudness based on your surroundings.

What experiences have you had with loud phones? Do you seek out the loudest models or prefer a quieter headphone experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.