5 Best Phones for Music in 2023(Expert Reviewed)
Nothing beats a great-sounding phone. In a time when music can be easily streamed and downloaded, having the best phones for music is a plus.
Audio quality is not something that people make a priority when they shop for a phone. Often, they give priority to camera quality, OS, and other technical stuff. They settle for the average when it comes to sound.
But not if you’re an audiophile and a music lover. If you often listen to music or if you’re picky about the quality of sound that comes off the speaker or the headset, then you’ll surely find these devices worthy of your attention.
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Best Phones for Music in 2023
Are you looking for something that can transmit nice sounds to your headphone? Or are you searching for something with high-end internal speakers? Or both? Whatever it is you want, be it wired or wireless listening, an Android phone with best audio quality is all you need. Here are some of the best phones for music to consider.
Groove to funk or jazz, chill with the blues or bang to the tune of rock music with these phones:
1. Google Pixel 2 XL – $ 579
If you’re not just into listening to music, but making music as well, the Google Pixel 2 XL is one of the best out there. It does not only boast great music capabilities but software optimization as well.
This Android phone is known for its high-quality front stereo speakers, which produce loud and clear output, with deep and rich audio.
It also has a noise suppression feature, which makes it great for audio recording as well. And to top it off, it is equipped with 3 mics. It supports AptX HD audio codecs, Wireless HD audio with LDAC, and Qualcomm AptX and uses Bluetooth 5.0., the specs making it the best phone for audio.
However, instead of a 3.5 audio jack, this phone uses a USB Type-C port. But no worries, because Google provides an adaptor for this.
2. LG V40 ThinQ – $949.99
Owning high-end earphones or headphones isn’t enough. It needs a great-sounding phone too so you can fully enjoy its quality. LG V40 ThinQ is arguably the best there is in the market when it comes to wired listening.
Not to bore you on the technical aspect, but this phone features a high-quality quad DAC, which is basically responsible for producing the sound from your digital file into your earphone or headphone. Not to mention its high amp output modes.
What does this mean? Even if the LG V40 ThinQ doesn’t actually have the highest quality speakers, it’s still one of the best phones for music as long as you have the right earphone.
It is great for increasing dynamic range and reduces distortion in the signal. And even if you don’t have an earphone, you can still enjoy listening to music right off its speakers or the B&O earphones that comes with it making it the best LG phone for music.
3. HTC U12 Plus – $627
Back when other companies were focusing on video quality, cameras and other aspects, one brand focused on making phones with the best quality for music. HTC U12 Plus is the company’s latest comeback.
This phone may not be the same as the HTC phones of the old, but it still is one of the best today when it comes to audio quality. Equipped with BoomSound Hi-Fi speakers, the HTC U12 Plus is still the bomb.
The downside is that it does not come with a headphone jack. However, it has an adapter cable with high-end DAC. So it still is great for wired listening. Also, if you want wireless listening, this phone supports aptX HD and LDAC.
4. Samsung Galaxy S9 – $498.89
Loud audio isn’t for everyone. But if you’re one of those who really want to rock the room with loud music, then Samsung Galaxy S9 is just the perfect phone for you. To be honest, it is the best Samsung phone for music as well. Read on to know why!
For a smartphone, the Galaxy S9 is definitely loud. Even if you don’t max the volume, you’ll still get loud and crisp sound. Thanks to its AKG-tuned speakers, with driver on the bottom.
While other companies are ditching the 3.5 mm jack, Samsung is keeping them. Adapters are great, sure; but they can sometimes be annoying, right? The old, handy jack is still reliable and is therefore one of the best phones for audiophiles.
The only downside of this phone is that it does not have a quad DAC. So if you’re a meticulous audiophile, you might try other phones here in the list.
Related: Best Samsung Galaxy S9 Deals
5. Sony Xperia Z3 – $197.73
Whether you’re listening music through loudspeakers or via headphones, Sony Xperia Z3 is a phone you can rely. Equipped with “xloud” technology and Walkman app, it produces clear and loud sounds, without the crackling noise.
As a leading name in sound enhancement, it is no wonder why Sony smartphones also carry such legacy. This phone comes with DSEE HX, Clear Audio+, Sony 3D Surround Sound Technology, and xLoud Experience.
It even comes with noise-cancellation earphones. Also look out for Sony’s newest flagship Xperia.
Suggested reads:
The Definitive Android App Guide for Musicians: 18 Music-Related Apps
7 Best Music Player Apps for Android
5 Best Hi-Res Digital Music Players for Android
People Also Ask on Best Phones for Music
How to link phones for music?
The easiest way to do this is to download an app that can sync phones to stream music to various devices. As to which app, there are plenty of choices to choose from that are available on Google Play.
What are the best earphones for music?
Some of the best earphones available today are Betron MK23 Earphones, LETSCOM Bluetooth Headphones IPX7, and SENSO Bluetooth. These are based on a list of earphones for Android we made. But there are surely plenty of other choices out there.
Which phone has the best DAC?
LG V40 is the best phone with DAC. Not to bore you on the technical aspect, but this phone features a high-quality quad DAC, which is basically responsible for producing the sound from your digital file into your earphone or headphone.
Signing Off – Best Phones for Music
What good is great music if you can’t enjoy them? Sure, you can always listen through your laptop or player. But nothing beats enjoying music blasting through your phone. It’s more portable and convenient.
In the end, the best one boils down to our own personal preferences. Based on actual tests and reviews, the abovementioned phones are the best for the music lovers and the audiophile.
So crank up the volume loud and drown the noise of the world with your favorite tunes, old and new. Listen and chill out.
What do you think about these Android phones in terms of audio quality? Check them out and tell us what you think. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us by leaving a comment below.
you forgot moto g7 plus. stereo set-up with good audio from the headphones as well
I asked razer about their bluetooth codecs, they said the razer phone 2 does not support aptx or ldac. Did you test the phone and have those codecs work?