Which smartphones have better sound? Who's louder? Top loudest smartphones

Date of publication: 01/06/2017

The AndroidAuthority resource has compiled the TOP smartphones with best sound. The rating of the best-sounding smartphones will be useful for both audiophiles and lovers of good sound!

The TOP smartphones with the best sound from AndroidAuthority were compiled based on a list that included 10 models that aroused the greatest interest among fans of Android smartphones in 2016.

A similar top ten appeared in the previous Best of Android 2016 ratings (Battery, Performance and Display). Well, the “Best of Android 2016 Audio” rating itself was compiled based on measurements of SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), headphone voltage and speaker volume level.

How is the signal noisy and why is it important?

Modern phones can play not only low-quality compressed audio stored in mp3 files. The best-sounding smartphones operate with lossless tracks, reproducing studio-quality (or close to it) sound delivered in FLAC-resolution files.

Low-quality mp3 audio is associated with a 16-bit audio standard, which requires a relatively low SNR value for comfortable playback. Initially low quality compressed audio does not require fiddling with the broadcast stream, forgiving both the presence of noise and the loss of sampling frequency when decoding audio.

However, true Hi-Res Audio operates on 24-bit files that store uncompressed audio, for which it is necessary to reconstruct the signal shape from minimal losses or distortion of parameters. That's why real smartphone for audiophiles, the 2016 release is equipped with not only software, but also hardware converters (DACs), which increase the signal-to-noise ratio to a comfortable level.

As a result, trying to understand which smartphones have better sound, AndroidAuthority specialists began their tests with an SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) rating. Measurements of this parameter made it possible to identify a clear leader - HTC 10 (-105.5 dB) and a clear outsider - ZTE Axon 7 (-79.6 dB). Do not forget that only owners of devices with an SNR below -96.3 dB will be able to hear the obvious difference between mp3 and FLAC.

Carefully! Low voltage

The smartphone with the best headphone sound of 2016 cannot have low voltage on the audio port pins. Therefore, the second test was based on voltage measurements and showed the following results:

The maximum voltage was demonstrated by Lenovo Moto Z Force Droid, the minimum by Xiaomi Mi 5. Owners of the latter should not count on too powerful a signal in the headphones.

Who's louder?

Most people prefer their music to be loud and festive, so the truly best sounding smartphones of 2016 should be able to generate enough power to the speakers.

In an attempt to determine the smartphone with the best speaker sound of 2016, AndroidAuthority tested it using a decibel meter installed at a distance of 1 meter from the devices. As a result, the following results were obtained:

Most loud sound Google Pixel XL (77.8 dB) gave out, ZTE Axon 7 (76.6 dB) took second place, and Xiaomi Mi 5 (75.6 dB) took the bronze medal. The worst results were shown by the Xperia XZ, which produced only 58.9 dB. Well, since the human hearing aid is designed in such a way that an increase of 10 dB “doubles” the audible sound volume, the Sony product will transmit 4 times less than the “perceived” volume. sound power than Google's product.

And the winner of the rating of smartphones with the best sound is...

According to AndroidAuthority, the smartphone with the best sound is the HTC 10. It will suit even spoiled music lovers and connoisseurs with sensitive ears. Well, fans of loud and festive music will undoubtedly enjoy the Google Pixel XL and the 77.8 dB generated by the speakers of this phone.

The Sony Xperia XZ should be recognized as an outsider in the Best of Android 2016 Audio rating - this smartphone is in eighth place in the sound quality rating, and its speakers sound quieter than the audio system of any device examined in this test.

If you have not yet decided what is better to buy to play your favorite music - a player or a smartphone with the best sound - we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the material “Player or smartphone: an honest review”.

You can compare the prices and characteristics of the smartphones featured in the publication (as well as any other phones) in one table in our catalog.
1. Go to the “Catalog” section (in the main menu). Enter in the search bar (in the Basic Filters block) the name of the model you are interested in. Click the New Search button.
2. Next, in the search bar, enter the name of the model with which you want to compare. Click the "Add" button. The message “Data loaded into table” appears.
3. Then you can add a third, fourth (and so on) phone for comparison, repeating the steps in the second step.
4. To remove duplicate models (in different colors), check the boxes next to the name of the smartphone and click the “Compare” button under the table. Now you will see in one table only the characteristics of the models you are interested in without duplicates.
5. To compare smartphones based on specific characteristics, check the boxes next to the corresponding characteristic in the “Table Settings” block.
6. Adding models can be done at any stage - the table settings you select are saved, and so are the selected models.

Discounts, TOP and credit

Iris scanner

Mobile phone type

Telephone is a portable communication device that is used for voice communication. Some phone models, in addition to performing the main task of providing high-quality communication, have additional features: mp3 player, Bluetooth, FM radio, etc. The main advantages of phones are compact size and low cost.
A smartphone is a phone that is equipped with an operating system that allows you to install and work with additional applications, which in turn significantly expands the functionality of the device. On smartphones, the user can fully use all the capabilities of the Internet, work with email, create and edit documents, take high-quality photographs and shoot videos. In short, the smartphone has become pocket computer and became an indispensable assistant person. Smartphones, unlike telephones, have significantly large sizes(the screens of some models have already exceeded the size of 6 inches) and higher cost.

Housing type

Classic monoblock– the simplest type of case, which does not contain moving parts and is presented in the form of a monoblock with open screen and keyboard. The main disadvantage is the need to constantly block the buttons to avoid unnecessary presses. This type the body is the strongest.
Clamshell - the body consists of two parts connected to each other by a hinge. The keyboard is located on the bottom of the phone, and the screen is on the top. This design is compact in size, avoiding random clicks buttons and protects the screen. Some models are equipped with two screens: internal and external.
With hinged lid– the design of the phone has a hinged cover that protects the phone’s keyboard and prevents accidental presses on it.
A slider is a body that consists of two parts located in parallel planes and connected by a special mechanism that allows them to move relative to each other. The screen is located on the top of the phone, and the keyboard is on the bottom. This design allows for a compact phone size and avoids accidental clicks.
Slider horizontal– unlike a regular slider, the parts of the slider move apart not in a horizontal, but in a vertical plane.
Watch - mobile phone, which is made in the form wristwatch.

Thickness, mm

Memory card slot

Used to functionally expand the capabilities of the phone. Modern smartphones support memory cards up to 256 GB, which in turn allows you to store a large number of photos, music, videos, navigation maps and other information necessary for the user.

Weight, gr.

Waterproof housing

Protects your smartphone from liquid getting inside the device. Modern smartphones are equipped with two standards of dust and moisture protection: IP 67 and IP 68. Smartphones with a protection standard of IP 67 indicate complete dust protection, as well as the ability to immerse the device in water to a depth of 1 meter, IP 68 – to a depth of more than 1 meter.

Shockproof housing

Allows you to maintain the functionality of your smartphone or phone when extreme conditions operation (falls, shocks). Smartphones with shock-resistant casings are popular among construction workers, tourists and people leading active image life.

Stylus included

Color

Screen diagonal, "

Diagonal screen size, measured in inches. Smartphones with smaller screen sizes fit better in the hand. A larger screen diagonal increases the amount of information that can be displayed on it, however, at the same time, the size of the smartphone and its power consumption increase.

Touch screen

The touch screen allows you to control your smartphone using touches. Due to simplicity GUI, ease of operation, quick access to device functions, the touch screen greatly simplifies working with a smartphone. Depending on the smartphone model, touch screens can recognize from 5 to 10 simultaneous touches (multi-touch). Multi-touch makes working with a smartphone much easier and more comfortable.

Curved screen

Main screen resolution

Two screens

Performance

Built-in memory capacity, MB

Built-in memory is part of the system that is designed to store data, program codes and other necessary information. Built-in memory size plays a role important role, since the amount of information that the user can store on the phone (programs, photos, videos) depends on its volume. This parameter plays a particularly important role in those smartphones that do not support memory cards.

Volume RAM, MB

RAM is designed to store application files running on the smartphone. When you close the application, this data is deleted from it. The amount of RAM affects the number of applications that can be simultaneously running on a smartphone. If there is a lack of RAM, the speed of the smartphone will drop significantly.

CPU

The most important part of a smartphone, on which its operating speed and energy consumption depend. The largest manufacturers of smartphone processors are Qualcomm and MTK. Qualcomm processors They have greater productivity and lower energy consumption than MTK, but are more expensive.

Number of SIM cards

Majority modern phones and smartphones support the ability to work with two (sometimes even three) SIM cards. In practice, this allows you to abandon the use of several phones for each individual SIM card, and use only one phone for calls to numbers different operators, and for mobile internet.

GLONASS

Russian satellite system, which, along with GPS, allows you to determine location coordinates using signals received from satellites. Sharing GLONASS and GPS allow you to more accurately determine location coordinates, and navigation program can use data from satellites of two systems.

3G (UMTS) support

The third generation network, which allows you to transfer data in a relatively high speed(in practice up to 384 Kbps). At the same time, 3G allows you to use video telephony, download audio and video files to your smartphone or phone.

WiFi

Standard for data transmission over radio channels. This technology, allows you to create wireless connection between smartphones and computers, to transfer data or provide access to the Internet.

Bluetooth

Technology wireless communication, which allows you to transmit data over radio channels. At Bluetooth assistance the user can create a wireless connection between smartphones (for data transfer), remotely control devices and exchange voice communication.

GPS module

A device that allows you to receive signals from a satellite to determine your location. The accuracy of location determination depends on the number of satellites from which the GPS module receives signals. Thanks to the GPS module, a smartphone user can use his device as a navigator.

LTE/4G

Wireless standard high speed transmission data for smartphones. This technology allows you to increase the data download speed up to 150 Mbit/s depending on the frequency. LTE/4G supports operation at different frequencies (called bands) from 1 to 44. In Russia, bands 3, 7, 20, 38 are used. When choosing a smartphone, you should make sure that the required frequency is supported by the smartphone.

NFC

Wireless communication technology that allows several devices located close to each other (no more than 5-10 cm) to exchange data. In smartphones availability of NFC allows you to make instant payments to pay for purchases in a store or travel on the subway.

SIM card type

Purpose

For the elderly

The main goal of phones for older people is to be as simple and easy to use as possible. These phones are mainly used for making calls and sending SMS. Phones for older people can be equipped with large buttons and numbers, larger screen font sizes (for people with poor vision), and a loud ringer.

Children's mobile phones

Children's phone models are available in bright colors, and the body can be made in different forms, and may also contain programs parental controls.

Platform

Android is an open operating system that allows you to install applications from third-party developers. In this regard, the production of smartphones at android base, a large number of companies are engaged, and in Play Market there is a huge selection additional applications.
Windows is a less popular operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. The main disadvantage of this operating system is a significantly smaller set of apps in the store Microsoft Store.
iOS is an operating system that is designed specifically for mobile devices, manufactured by Apple. The main advantages of this operating system are ease of use, good optimization system operation and a huge selection of applications in App store Store.

Among the users of Android devices, there are also those who are accustomed to old and loud push-button phones; they do not care about the sound quality of the speaker, they do not care about the depth low frequencies, they only care about volume. Manufacturers still do not forget such users. If you would like to go to modern smartphone without losing this feature push-button phones, we invite you to consider the loudest smartphones of this year. We'll start with the quietest smartphones in our top.

HTC One (M8) - 75.2 decibels

Yes, yes... This is the quietest smartphone on this list, but there is always a “but”: firstly, it has Boom Sound stereo speakers, and secondly, the sound of these speakers is the highest quality today. In other words, this is the most best ratio volume and quality. Because, as a rule, if the speaker is very loud, then it is not of good quality.

Meizu MX4 – 80 decibels

Regarding sound quality, the MX4 does not show anything outstanding even when using a high-quality headset, but a volume of 80 decibels cannot but please.

Oppo Find 7 – 80 decibels

A large, high-quality screen coupled with a loud speaker is perfect for watching movies, but our colleagues from phonearena They claim that the sound lacks volume and depth, let’s take their word for it.

HTC Desire 501 – 80 decibels

Desire 501 debuted in Taiwan in November 2013, more than a year has passed since its announcement, but it still boasts a very loud speaker. Do you want an inexpensive Android smartphone with a loud speaker? Desire 501 is your choice.

G3 – 81 decibels

Do you want a loud flagship but don't like the design and skin of the One M8? Then you should pay attention to the flagship of the Korean giant – LG G3, which was introduced in May 2014. However, a loud speaker is not its main difference, because the G3 was one of the first to receive a QHD display.

Samsung GALAXY S5 – 81 decibels

Even if the current generation of GALAXY S-line was not so successful, it has quite attractive characteristics, including a loud speaker, the volume of which can reach up to 81 decibels. Unlike Find 7, GALAXY S5 has quite deep and bassy sound.

Samsung GALAXY Note 4 – 84 decibels

In addition to the fact that this is the best tablet phone, it is also one of the most loud smartphones on the market. For lovers large displays, stylus and loud speaker, it fits like no other.

Samsung GALAXY Note Edge – 87 decibels

With the exception of its innovative curved screen, the Note Edge delivers colossally loud sound at 87 decibels, head and shoulders above its closest competitors.

Among large quantity of various models of mobile electronics, there have always been devices that are aimed at a certain category of users, be it smartphones with a powerful battery or big screen. Manufacturers always try to take into account consumer tastes and preferences, endowing their products with certain advantages.

The international market has not forgotten about audiophiles, for whom there are a lot of interesting models with high-quality audio chips and speakers. And even if you are not like that, but at the same time you love high-quality and clear sound when, for example, incoming call or you have set an alarm that you must hear, then you will probably be interested in a device with good sound.

And if you are already interested, then you should definitely look at the list of recommendations below, consisting of ten very different smartphone models, from budget new products to the leaders of the current smartphone market, with a good audio component, which have become the best in their segments.

10th place: DEXP Ixion E350 Soul 3

When considering any category of devices, we, traditionally, start with the budget class, paying attention to some of the best models. This time the list opens with a smartphone from a Russian company produced in the Middle Kingdom. The gadget itself is very simple and in terms of the hardware platform it received a 4-core Spreadtrum SC7731 chipset, paired with 512 MB of RAM, which is enough for reliable operation of the system, but not for modern toys.

For its low cost 3,248 rubles it has a good 5-inch display with HD resolution, which leaves a pleasant impression from the first glance at the smartphone. He also pleased with his very good sound, which was at a level above average, thanks to which he took this position.

Among others positive qualities This model is worth noting the presence of support for wireless 3G networks, which is not often found in smartphones of this price category, as well as the battery, which shows good time battery life despite the small, at first glance, capacity of 2000 mAh.

9th place: HTC Desire 628 Dual Sim

The next place is occupied by great smartphone from a well-known Taiwanese company that lately experienced many ups and downs associated with their devices in the smartphone market, but contrary to the expectations of many competitors, they are still afloat and continue to delight their loyal fans.

The smartphone has good front-facing stereo speakers, which can be easily muted by putting the device, for example, in the front pocket of your pants, but the sound quality in fact remains very pleasant. Another nice side of the smartphone is the optical modules, which have a resolution of 13 and 5 megapixels for the main and front cameras, respectively.

I was also pleased with the computational side of this model, which is presented eight-core processor MediaTek MT6753, clock frequency 1.3 GHz, working in conjunction with 3 GB of RAM, which for a price tag of 10,610 rubles just great. The volume of internal memory in the device is 32 GB, of which about 25 GB will be available to the user.

8th place: Lenovo Vibe X3 32Gb

Lenovo never stops experimenting with its own devices, bringing them new, fresh and modern design, and also endows them with their own merits. One of these notable models was Lenovo Vibe X3, which has received a very ergonomic and reliable body, on the front panel of which, in addition to a high-quality 5.5-inch Full HD display, there are two stereo speakers that offer pleasant sound.

The main camera has a resolution of 21 megapixels and is capable of delighting photography lovers with pictures high quality. For those who like to take selfies more, the manufacturers did their best and awarded the smartphone with an 8-megapixel front camera. A non-removable battery received a capacity of 3500 mAh, which is not so much, given the display parameters, but with moderate use it will be more than enough.

Portable players quickly gained popularity in the last decade, wiping out cassette and disc players. But it turned out that they were not destined to sit on the throne for long. Just as quickly, mobile phones made us forget about pocket MP3 players, taking on all their functions (and even more). Some budget-class players are now produced by the Chinese and do not arouse much interest due to their mediocre sound. Pocket players are trying to maintain their position in the Hi-End category, surpassing phones in sound quality. However, among mobile phones there are already many devices that can compete with players for several hundred dollars. Our rating of smartphones with good sound is dedicated to them.

It’s clear that you shouldn’t expect good (in general, not by smartphone standards) speaker sound from a mobile phone. There are outstanding devices that are noticeably ahead of their competitors in this regard, but their capabilities pale in comparison to more or less decent acoustics. The reason lies in the fact that the small speaker is physically incapable of delivering powerful bass, in his frequency spectrum There will always be an upward skew.

Achieve with headphones great sound much easier. To do this, you need to install a normal discrete DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which turns the set discrete signals recorded track into sinusoidal electrical pulses supplied to the speaker and forming sound waves. You also need a separate amplifier to increase power sound signal. Without it, it will be problematic to rock any headphones other than cheap earbuds. The best smartphones in terms of sound quality presented in our selection meet these requirements.

All smartphones with good sound, presented in the selection below, were released in 2016 or 2017, are equipped with up-to-date and productive hardware, Android OS version 6 or higher, and are distinguished by a balance of other characteristics. The exception is the iPhone 6s: it appeared at the end of 2015. However, the stock of relevance of Apple technology is somewhat greater than that of its competitors, so for an iPhone 1.5 years is not yet old. We decided not to include the 7 because the absence of the still relevant 3.5 mm jack is perceived ambiguously.

HTC U Ultra - a powerful music camera phone

HTC has always focused on good sound, and the HTC U Ultra is no exception. This is a flagship device based on the chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, equipped with a 5.7″ screen with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. RAM capacity - 4 GB. A DAC is responsible for audio playback, supporting decoding of 16-bit audio with a sampling frequency of up to 192 kHz.

You can record music in internal memory, with a capacity of 64 or 128 GB. If this is not enough, and you want to place your audio library in LoseLess format, you can use a memory card. The smartphone also has good camera 12 MP, equipped with an optical stabilizer, an additional 2-inch display screen and a 3000 mAh battery.

Meizu Pro 6 Plus - almost Samsung

Meizu began its journey as a manufacturer of MP3 players, so it is not surprising that it also pays great attention to sound quality in its phones. Meizu Pro 6 Plus is a flagship device assembled using Samsung components. It is equipped with a powerful Exynos 8890 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of storage. A DAC that supports 32-bit audio decoding at 192 kHz is responsible for music playback. This is more than enough to get high-quality sound from tracks in FLAC, so you also need headphones to match the device (Chinese ones for 200-300 UAH will obviously not be enough).

In addition to the processor, Samsung Meizu Pro 6 Plus also received a screen. He's the same as Galaxy Note 5, with a diagonal of 5.7″ and a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. But the camera for this music device was made by Sony (however, for Samsung flagships they are also produced by the Japanese), but the software for it is also Samsung. The camera is equipped with a 12 MP matrix with enlarged pixels and optical stabilization. The quality of the pictures can be called excellent, almost like in the Galaxy S7. But they ask for the device only from 10 thousand, which compared to the same Samsung is not so much.

Samsung Galaxy S7 - a compact flagship

Samsung has already introduced the new flagship S8, but the Galaxy S7 remains interesting. After all, it costs noticeably less than the new product, and you can buy it now (at the time of writing, there are 3 weeks left before the S8 goes on sale in Ukrainian retail). Among other things, the list of its characteristics includes a DAC that supports audio decoding in 24-bit format, with a sampling frequency of up to 192 kHz. The Exynos 8890 chipset is good at many tasks, and 4 GB of RAM is also pleasing. You can store music in 32 or 64 GB of internal memory, and if there is not enough, add a flash drive.

The device display has a diagonal of 5.1″, but high resolution 2560x1440 pixels. The camera pleases not with its resolution (which is only 12 MP), but with enlarged pixels, increased light transmittance of the optics, and optical stabilization. That's why the Galaxy S7 is not only the best music smartphone 2017 from this company, but also the best camera phone on the market in general. The battery capacity is only 3000 mAh, but in terms of autonomy the device is not inferior to devices with a thicker battery. Of course, the gadget is not very cheap, but if you need a gadget that combines good sound and camera with bright screen and small dimensions - it's worth it.

Apple iPhone 6s - musical and with an apple

Apple once became famous for its MP3 players, but the release of the iPhone made its own adjustments. Mobile devices equipped with a separate DAC have inherited all the advantages of players and even expanded their functionality. On paper, the decoder parameters are not very impressive: 16 bits, up to 44 kHz. But even this is more than is required for MP3 and is quite enough for listening to LoseLess formats, such as Audio CD rips. The apple gadget has powerful processor with strong graphics, 2 GB of RAM and from 16 to 128 GB permanent memory for storing music.

6s — latest iPhone, equipped with a standard headphone jack. This is a smartphone for music lovers who do not want to switch to new headphone models or use adapters. There is also a good 12 MP camera on board and a 4.7-inch screen that recognizes pressure. Although the battery is small (1700 mAh), energy consumption is balanced and battery life is normal.

LG G6 - frameless and musical

Sharp's release of smartphones with minimal bezels around the display was of no particular interest to anyone. But as soon as Xiaomi did this, others rushed to create something similar. The first frameless flagship of 2017 from a famous brand is LG G6. New flagship The Korean company received an elongated 5.7-inch display with a resolution of 2880x1440 pixels. It occupies almost the entire front panel, and therefore the G6 fits even more comfortably in the hand than 5.5-inch “regular” phablets. Also on board there is a Snapdragon 821 chipset, 4 GB of RAM and 32 or 64 GB of ROM for files. There is also a slot for a flash drive.

A DAC that decodes 32-bit is responsible for the sound in the device. digital signal with frequencies up to 192 kHz. The device also has dual camera, supporting optical stabilization, at the back and a 3300 mAh battery. Despite using last year's chipset, the gadget is really powerful and demonstrates decent battery life.

Huawei P10 - Chinese music flagship

Huawei has been experimenting with two cameras for a long time, and since 2016, Leica engineers have been taking part in the development of optics for them. It is not known exactly how big this participation is, and what else is there from Leika besides the logo, but the cameras take decent pictures. The device is equipped with the Kirin 960 chipset, one of the most powerful chips for smartphones. The sound is processed by a decoder capable of “digesting” a 24-bit signal with a frequency of up to 192 kHz. You can store music in 32 or 64 GB of internal storage or expand the space with a MicroSD flash drive.

The device is equipped IPS display at 5.1″ with FullHD resolution. The cameras have a resolution of 12 MP (primary color) and 20 MP (additional black and white, increasing the clarity of the photo). The battery capacity is 3200 mAh. Everything about this device is excellent, but the lack of oleophobic coating is a let down. It interfered with the operation of the fingerprint scanner, so they abandoned it. So the user will have to carry a cloth with him to clean the screen, as it collects fingerprints faster than usual.

LG V20 - musical and with two screens

LG V20 - best smartphone for a music lover who not only listens to music, but also shoots videos. If you often attend concerts and want to capture the most outstanding parts of them, this device is what you need. A DAC that supports a 32-bit signal with a frequency of up to 192 kHz is responsible for sound reproduction. The sound subsystem is certified by B&O, a well-known manufacturer of expensive acoustics. But that's not all: in addition to the DAC, the V20a also has an ADC ( analog-to-digital converter) for microphones, recording sound in 24 bits, with a frequency of 48 kHz. With it, when filming the performance of your favorite artists, you won’t hear an unpleasant gurgle instead of a bass line, or an unpleasant screech instead of a high-pitched solo.

The main screen of the device has a diagonal of 5.7″, with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. A small 2-inch display is called upon to help him, displaying the time, notifications and other useful information on a locked device. Built-in memory 32 or 64 GB, there is a slot for a flash drive. There is also a proprietary dual camera equipped with laser autofocus. This is a worthy device for an audiophile, with parameters close to the G6, but sold noticeably cheaper.