Which Android phone has the best sound system?

ByJael Lawler

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the best overall audio experience of any Android phone on the market today. With powerful speakers, a headphone jack, excellent Bluetooth connectivity, and software enhancements like Dolby Atmos, the S22 Ultra delivers truly immersive sound whether listening via speakers or headphones. Its combination of premium hardware and software gives it a significant edge over other Android phones when it comes to audio performance. In this article, we’ll analyze the S22 Ultra’s audio capabilities in depth, comparing it to other top Android phones on key metrics like speaker quality, headphone connectivity, microphone performance, and audio-focused software features.

Sound Quality

As we compare the sound quality across various premium Android phones, key factors to consider include the frequency range, distortion levels, and noise cancellation capabilities. Most flagship Android devices today support a wide frequency range, meaning they can reproduce deeper bass and higher treble sounds compared to phones from just a few years ago. For example, the latest Galaxy S22 series from Samsung boasts a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz, stretching from the lowest bass to the highest treble tones audible to the human ear [1]. This gives the Galaxy S22 series the ability to produce rich, vibrant audio across any genre of music or media playback.

In addition to frequency range, distortion is an important metric when evaluating sound quality. Lower total harmonic distortion (THD) results in purer, cleaner audio playback. Industry leading phones like the Google Pixel 6 Pro achieve an ultra-low THD rating of just 0.0008%, providing crisp details even at high volumes [2]. This lack of distortion allows listeners to better discern intricate instrumentation and vocal elements within their music.

Finally, noise cancellation capabilities help to actively suppress ambient noise during music playback or calls. Top options like the latest OnePlus 9 Pro utilize a three-microphone array to filter out up to 40dB of background noise for a truly immersive listening experience in noisy environments [1]. As noise cancellation improves across Android flagships, users can enjoy their content without distraction even in loud settings.

Overall, the premier Android smartphones today offer excellent sound reproduction thanks to their wide frequency ranges, minimal distortion, and active noise cancellation. As audio quality continues to be a focus for manufacturers, Android listeners can expect an increasingly hi-fi experience rivaling dedicated media players and audiophile gear.

[1] https://www.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3
[2] https://www.gsmarena.com/glossary.php3?term=dual-band

Speakers

The number of speakers, their position on the phone, maximum volume, and audio clarity all contribute to the overall speaker quality. High-end Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate feature stereo speakers with dedicated tweeter and woofer units for better frequency separation. The Z Fold 4 has speakers above and below the main screen that get plenty loud at up to 83.4dB. The ROG Phone 7 has front-firing speakers with dual amps for enhanced volume and an x-axis vibration motor for cleaner bass.

Budget phones may only have a single bottom-firing speaker which can sound unbalanced. But mid-range options like the Pixel 6 Pro have stereo speakers for a more immersive experience. Placement at the top and bottom helps project sound directly towards the user. Dual speakers generally sound clearer across the frequency range compared to single speakers.

Software can also enhance the speaker quality on Android phones. Features like Dolby Atmos add spatial audio for a surround sound effect. Ultimately, stereo speakers with good clarity and loud volume deliver the best overall speaker performance.

Headphone Jack

Many modern smartphones, including recent iPhones and flagship Galaxy models, have removed the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of USB-C audio and wireless Bluetooth headphones. However, there are still excellent Android options that retain the universal headphone jack for wired listening.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G stands out as the best Android phone that still has a headphone jack, according to Wired. It has a 3.5mm port on the bottom that supports plugging in wired headphones or aux cables to connect to speakers and stereos. The Zenfone 10 from Asus is another high-quality alternative with a headphone jack, praised for its excellent audio quality over both wired and wireless listening.

Other top options like the OnePlus Nord N30 5G, Moto G Stylus 5G, and RedMagic gaming phones all retain the 3.5mm port as well. For audiophiles or those with existing wired headphones, these models avoid the need for a USB-C adapter or dongle to connect legacy devices. Their inclusion of the standard headphone jack expands compatibility and provides greater flexibility for the user’s preferred listening experience.

Bluetooth Audio

Android phones offer high-quality wireless audio thanks to support for advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD, LDAC, and now aptX Lossless which can transmit CD-quality audio while preserving full dynamic range (https://www.androidauthority.com/lossless-bluetooth-audio-2740550/). The latest aptX Adaptive codec can adjust bitrate on the fly to preserve audio quality in changing conditions. Bluetooth 5.2 extends range to 800ft outdoors or 262ft indoors (https://www.androidauthority.com/bluetooth-le-audio-pros-cons-3257883/). Multipoint allows connecting to multiple devices simultaneously so you can seamlessly switch audio between your phone, computer, and tablet.

Microphones

When it comes to mobile microphones, Android phones have several good options. The AKG Lyra is a high-quality USB microphone made specifically for Android that provides studio-quality audio recording directly on your phone. It features a 4 capsule condenser microphone array for crystal clear sound.

Other top microphones include the Rode SmartLav+ lavalier microphone and the Shure MV88+ stereo condenser mic, which both connect via the phone’s headphone jack and provide excellent noise cancellation and audio quality for interviews, podcasts, vocals and more (Riverside.fm). Higher-end Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 series also have multi-mic arrays built in for noise cancellation during calls and recordings.

Overall, Android phones support a wide selection of professional external mics via USB-C or headphone jack, as well as very capable built-in mics and noise cancellation abilities. This makes them excellent choices for mobile audio recording and content creation.

Audio Hardware

Many premium Android phones now include high-quality digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and amplifiers to improve audio performance. DACs convert digital audio signals into analog for headphones and speakers, while amps boost the signal for louder, clearer sound. The LG V60 ThinQ features a Quad DAC for enhanced audio quality through wired headphones. Meanwhile, brands like Asus and Razer have partnered with companies like ESS and Cirrus Logic for custom audio hardware in gaming phones. The Asus ROG Phone 5 uses ESS Sabre audio technology, while the Razer Phone 2 has a THX certified amplifier and DAC. Beyond DACs and amps, some phones also offer other proprietary audio hardware. For example, Sony’s Xperia 1 II and 5 II boast technology like 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos tuning for immersive listening.

Software Features

When evaluating Android phones for sound quality, it’s important to look at the software features that enhance and customize the audio experience. Many Android devices now include advanced audio processing capabilities and effects through the operating system and manufacturer pre-installed apps.

A key software feature to consider is the equalizer (EQ) presets. For example, Android’s Audio Effects API allows apps to offer multiple EQ presets optimized for different genres, from classical to hip hop. Companies like Sony and LG add their own proprietary presets for enhanced bass or treble.

Spatial audio is another emerging software capability using 3D processing to mimic surround sound over stereo headphones. Android TVs support Dolby Atmos for spatial audio, while smartphones rely on manufacturer apps. For example, Samsung offers Adapt Sound for personalized tuning and 3D surround effects.

Beyond presets, some Android phones allow manual customization of the sound profile. Apps like the LG Audio Tuning app provide granular controls over frequency response. Advanced manual tuning delivers more flexibility to audiophiles in shaping the audio to their preferences.

Accessories

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is compatible with a wide range of audio accessories to enhance the listening experience. Some recommended accessories include:

Compatible Headsets:

Speakers:

With high-quality built-in speakers and rich audio capabilities, the Galaxy S22 Ultra can be paired with various headsets, speakers and soundbars for an immersive listening experience anywhere.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands out as the Android phone with the best overall audio experience. With its powerful quad speaker setup, headphone jack, latest Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, multiple microphones, premium hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, and software enhancements like Dolby Atmos support, the S22 Ultra is hard to beat for music, movies, gaming, and calls.

The four speakers on the S22 Ultra can get incredibly loud without distortion, providing an immersive listening experience. Having a headphone jack gives you the flexibility to use wired headphones if desired. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a stable, low latency connection to wireless headphones and speakers. An array of microphones helps isolate your voice on calls even in noisy environments.

Under the hood, the S22 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor with lots of memory and storage, allowing it to effortlessly drive audio performance. Software like Dolby Atmos can further enhance the soundscape.

With all these strengths combined, the S22 Ultra delivers phenomenal, multifaceted audio across the board. Whether listening through the built-in speakers, plugging in headphones, going wireless, or making calls, the S22 Ultra provides an excellent auditory experience unmatched by other Android phones.

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