Looking for crystal-clear sound? Explore the top smartphones with the best audio quality for music lovers, featuring superior speakers, high-res audio, and immersive listening experiences.

Smartphones with Best Audio Quality for Music Lovers: Top Picks for 2024

For audiophiles and music enthusiasts, a smartphone isn’t just a device for making calls or browsing the internet—it’s a portable sound system. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite playlist, streaming a live concert, or simply unwinding with a podcast, the audio quality of your smartphone can significantly impact your listening experience.

At Gadget Explorer Pro, we know how crucial high-quality audio is for music lovers. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the smartphones with the best audio quality for music lovers in 2024. From crystal-clear sound to powerful bass and immersive audio experiences, these phones deliver exceptional sound performance and are a must-have for anyone passionate about music.

Why Audio Quality Matters in Smartphones

Audio quality is often overlooked when choosing a smartphone, but it’s essential for anyone who loves music, podcasts, or even binge-watching series. Here’s why you should prioritize it:

1. Richer, Fuller Sound

Good audio quality delivers a more immersive listening experience. With high-fidelity sound, you can enjoy every nuance of a track, from the deep bass lines to the intricate melodies.

2. Less Distortion at Higher Volumes

Phones with advanced audio processing minimize distortion, even at high volumes. This means you can enjoy your music loud without compromising on quality.

3. Enhanced Streaming and Gaming Experiences

Many streaming services now offer high-resolution audio. A smartphone with superior audio capabilities allows you to enjoy this enhanced quality. Additionally, gaming is more immersive with clear sound effects and rich background music.

4. Premium Listening Options

Top smartphones often support high-definition Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD, LDAC, or AAC, which means you can enjoy wireless music with minimal quality loss. With these options, audiophiles can experience studio-quality sound without needing wired headphones.

Top Smartphones with Best Audio Quality for Music Lovers in 2024

1. Sony Xperia 1 V: A Music Lover’s Dream

Sony has been at the forefront of audio technology for decades, and the Sony Xperia 1 V brings that expertise to the smartphone world. This flagship phone offers a superior listening experience, especially for audiophiles who crave detail and clarity.

Key Features:

• High-Resolution Audio: Supports Hi-Res audio and DSEE Ultimate upscaling for near studio-quality sound, even with compressed files.
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack: For purists who prefer wired headphones, the Xperia 1 V includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for lossless sound.
• LDAC and 360 Reality Audio: LDAC ensures high-quality Bluetooth streaming, while 360 Reality Audio makes compatible tracks sound immersive, as if you’re surrounded by the music.
• Dual Front-Facing Stereo Speakers: These speakers deliver rich, balanced sound with good separation, ideal for watching videos or listening to music without headphones.

Pros:

• Incredible sound clarity and detail
• Compatible with high-res audio formats
• Supports immersive 360 Reality Audio
• Retains the 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons:

• Expensive
• Average battery life compared to some competitors

Who Should Buy This?

The Sony Xperia 1 V is perfect for audiophiles who want a versatile smartphone with top-notch sound quality. Whether you’re using wired or wireless headphones, the Xperia 1 V’s audio capabilities make it a stellar choice for music enthusiasts.

2. LG V60 ThinQ: For the True Audiophile

Although LG has exited the smartphone market, the LG V60 ThinQ remains one of the best options for audiophiles thanks to its Quad DAC and exceptional sound capabilities. It’s a bit harder to find, but if audio quality is your top priority, this phone is worth the search.

Key Features:

• Quad DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): Provides richer, fuller sound when using wired headphones. This feature is a standout for audiophiles.
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack with Hi-Fi Sound: The V60 ThinQ offers one of the best headphone listening experiences with its powerful DAC, which minimizes distortion and delivers precise sound.
• DTS

  3D Surround Sound: Enhances the audio experience with surround sound, whether you’re listening with headphones or using the phone’s speakers.

• Bluetooth aptX HD: Supports high-definition Bluetooth audio for high-quality wireless music streaming.

Pros:

• Best-in-class DAC for wired audio quality
• Surround sound capability
• Excellent for high-resolution audio playback
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Limited availability due to LG exiting the smartphone market
• No longer receiving software updates

Who Should Buy This?

If you’re a true audiophile and don’t mind using an older model, the LG V60 ThinQ provides exceptional audio quality with its Quad DAC and high-fidelity audio support. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate wired listening and superior sound processing.

3. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: Premium Sound for Apple Enthusiasts

The iPhone 14 Pro Max not only offers an impressive display and powerful processing but also delivers superb audio quality. Apple has continued to improve its audio technology, making this iPhone model an excellent choice for Apple users who value good sound.

Key Features:

• Spatial Audio: Brings a surround sound-like experience, making it perfect for immersive music listening and movie watching.
• Dolby Atmos Support: Delivers cinema-like sound quality, adding depth and clarity to both music and video content.
• Improved Stereo Speakers: The speakers produce clear, balanced sound with minimal distortion even at high volumes.
• High-Definition Bluetooth Support: Works seamlessly with Apple’s AirPods and other high-quality wireless headphones, thanks to support for the AAC codec.

Pros:

• Rich, immersive sound quality with Spatial Audio
• Supports Dolby Atmos for a cinematic experience
• Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem
• Clear stereo speakers

Cons:

• Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack
• Limited codec support compared to some Android devices

Who Should Buy This?

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is ideal for Apple users who want a phone that delivers premium sound quality, especially when paired with Apple’s AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. Its Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support make it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys immersive audio experiences.

4. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Best for Versatile Audio

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse smartphone that excels in many areas, including audio quality. With features like Dolby Atmos and support for high-definition audio codecs, the S23 Ultra provides a fantastic listening experience, whether you’re using wired or wireless headphones.

Key Features:

• Dolby Atmos and AKG-Tuned Speakers: The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s speakers are tuned by AKG, providing rich and detailed sound with Dolby Atmos support for an enhanced audio experience.
• Bluetooth aptX HD and LDAC Support: These codecs allow for high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth, perfect for wireless music lovers.
• Advanced Audio Settings: Samsung’s One UI includes detailed audio settings, allowing you to customize the sound output to your preference.
• High-Resolution Audio Support: Can play FLAC and other high-resolution audio formats, which is ideal for audiophiles.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with Dolby Atmos
• Great high-resolution audio support
• Customizable sound settings
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack
• Expensive

Who Should Buy This?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is perfect for Android users who want a premium smartphone with superior audio capabilities. Its support for advanced Bluetooth codecs and Dolby Atmos makes it versatile for both wired and wireless listening.

5. Google Pixel 7 Pro: Exceptional Audio with AI Integration

The Google Pixel 7 Pro combines Google’s top-notch AI technology with impressive audio capabilities. While it may not have a headphone jack, its speakers deliver rich, clear sound, and it supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs for audiophiles who prefer wireless listening.

Key Features:

• Dual Stereo Speakers: Provides loud and clear audio for music, movies, and games, with good separation and depth.
• Adaptive Sound: Uses AI to adjust sound settings based on ambient noise, delivering an optimal listening experience in any environment.
• Bluetooth aptX HD: Supports high-quality wireless streaming for a richer audio experience with compatible headphones.
• Google Assistant Integration: Allows hands-free music control and provides real-time assistance with voice commands.

Pros:

• Clear, powerful stereo speakers
• Adaptive sound for dynamic audio experiences
• High-quality Bluetooth streaming with aptX HD support
• Affordable compared to other flagship models

Cons:

• No 3.5mm headphone jack
• Limited audio customization options

Who Should Buy This?

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is ideal for Android users who want a phone with strong audio quality and smart features. Its adaptive sound capabilities and Google Assistant integration make it perfect for those who enjoy seamless, AI-enhanced music experiences.

6. ASUS ROG Phone 6: Best Audio for Gaming and Music Enthusiasts

While designed for gamers, the ASUS ROG Phone 6 also offers one of the best audio experiences on a smartphone, with powerful speakers and advanced audio features that make it perfect for music lovers who enjoy a bold, immersive sound.

Key Features:

• Dual Front-Facing Stereo Speakers: The ROG Phone 6’s speakers are some of the loudest and clearest in the smartphone market, providing great sound quality with impressive bass.
• AudioWizard Tuning: This feature allows you to customize your audio settings, from bass and treble to surround sound effects.
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Rare in high-end phones, the ROG Phone 6 includes a headphone jack with support for Hi-Res audio.
• Quad DAC Support: Provides rich, detailed audio with wired headphones, making it ideal for audiophiles.

Pros:

• Excellent speaker quality for both gaming and music
• Highly customizable audio settings
• Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack with Hi-Res audio support
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Bulkier design due to gaming features
• Limited availability in some regions

Who Should Buy This?

The ASUS ROG Phone 6 is perfect for music lovers who also enjoy gaming. With high-quality speakers, advanced audio settings, and Hi-Res audio support, it’s one of the best choices for anyone seeking a versatile phone with powerful sound capabilities.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Smartphone for Audio Quality

When it comes to audio quality, choosing the right smartphone can make a significant difference in your listening experience. From the Sony Xperia 1 V for those who want superior detail and clarity, to the ASUS ROG Phone 6 for loud, immersive sound, there’s a smartphone out there for every music lover.

At Gadget Explorer Pro, we believe that the best smartphone for audio is one that meets your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for pristine sound quality or a casual listener who enjoys high-quality streaming, any of the phones on this list will deliver an outstanding audio experience.