What should I look for?
If audio playback is the most important feature for you, you should be on the lookout for a few keywords when browsing phones.
|
Feature |
What is it? |
|
DAC |
This abbreviation stands for ‘Digital-to-analog’ converter. It allows the phone’s audio files to be sent to your headphones and converted into sound. A 32-bit DAC is better than a 16-bit DAC, as it provides higher quality audio playback, so look out for a high DAC on the spec list. |
|
PCM |
This stands for ‘pulse-code modulation’ and is used to refer to the most standard type of audio file. |
|
Headphone Amp |
With a more powerful amplifier, louder output volumes can be pushed to your headphones. The better the amplifier, the louder and clearer the sound. |
|
Hi-Fi Playback |
Hi-Fi stands for ‘High Fidelity’. The higher the bits and frequency in the DAC, the higher the quality of music that’s being pushed through to your headphones. |
|
Headphone Jack |
The headphone jack allows you to plug in a 3.5mm cable to listen to music through wired earphones. It has been removed from iPhones (7 and beyond), but can still be found on a number of Android models. |
Which high-performing audio phone is the right one for you? Browse our list or use the navigation below to jump between handsets.
LG G8S ThinQ
Price: £300 - £500
Audio features
✔ 32-bit HiFi Quad DAC
✔ 3D Sound System
✔ Headphone jack
✔ Bluetooth
✔ Air Motion allows you to control the volume with hand gestures, rather than having to touch the screen
Specifications
|
Display |
6.21 inches |
|
Camera |
Rear 12MP 12MP 13MP Front 8MP |
|
Battery life |
3,550mAh |
|
Storage |
64GB or 128GB |
|
5G compatibility |
No |
Summary
A solid and reliable choice, the LG G8S ThinQ supports both wired and wireless audio playback and comes with a hands-free option for controlling music.
Sony Xperia 1 III
Price: £1,100
Audio features
✔ Headphone jack
✔ Wind filter on recorded audio
✔ Hi-Res audio
✔ 24-bit audio
✔ Dynamic vibration system
✔ Stereo speakers
✔ Bluetooth 5.2
Specifications
|
Display |
6.5 inches |
|
Camera |
Rear 12MP 12MP 12MP 0.3MP Front 8MP |
|
Battery life |
4,500mAh |
|
Storage |
256GB or 512GB |
|
5G compatibility |
Yes |
Summary
The Sony Xperia 1 III is an expensive but feature-packed device. It has a large 4K display, perfect for displaying the most vivid detail. Its 5G compatibility makes for a speedy and buffer-free experience, and the addition of the 3.5mm headphone jack (missing from previous Sony modes) makes it an ideal choice for music lovers.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Price: £1,144.99
Audio features
✔ Stereo speakers
✔ 32-bit audio
✔ Tuned by AKG headphones
✔ Bluetooth 5.2
✔ Bluetooth Dual Audio (play through two devices simultaneously)
✔ 32-bit PCM
Specifications
|
Display |
6.8 inches |
|
Camera |
Rear 108MP 12MP 10MP 10MP Front 40MP |
|
Battery life |
5,000mAh |
|
Storage |
128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
|
5G compatibility |
Yes |
Summary
With huge storage capacities for all your downloaded music, and fast 5G for streaming, this phone is perfect for wireless audio lovers - and offers quite a lot for the avid photographer too!
Not sure on the Galaxy S21 Ultra? Check out more Samsung smartphones to find the right one for you.
iPhone 12 Pro
Price: £997.99
Audio features
✔ Dolby Atmos technology provides powerful bass and vibrations for a concert-like experience
✔ Two speakers for inclusive 3D sound
✔ Bluetooth
Specifications
|
Display |
6.1 inches |
|
Camera |
Rear 12MP 12MP 12MP Front 12MP |
|
Battery life |
2,815mAh |
|
Storage |
128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
|
5G compatibility |
Yes |
Summary
For any iPhone lovers out there, the 12 Pro is one of the best options from Apple right now. The 3.5mm headphone jack was removed from iPhones 7 and above, but you can still plug in wired headphones with a Lightning port adapter. Its built-in H1 chipset makes for a speedy experience.
If you’re interested in other iPhone models, check out our top recommendations.
LG V60 ThinQ
Price: £350
Audio features
✔ Stereo speakers
✔ 32-bit audio
✔ 24-bit audio recording
✔ Headphone jack
✔ Bluetooth 5.1
✔ Quad DAC mode
Specifications
|
Display |
6.8 inches |
|
Camera |
Rear 64MP 13MP 0.3MP Front 10MP |
|
Battery life |
5,000mAh |
|
Storage |
128GB or 256GB |
|
5G compatibility |
Yes |
Summary
The LG V60 ThinQ has a huge (almost tablet-size) 6.8 inch display as well as a big battery capacity. With 5G data, multiple storage options, and wired or wireless audio capabilities, this phone is an ideal choice for someone on the hunt for a more affordable model.
Google Pixel 4a
Price: £600 - £700
Audio features
✔ Headphone jack
✔ Bluetooth 5.0
✔ Compatible with hearing aids
✔ Stereo speakers
Specifications
|
Display |
5.8 inches |
|
Camera |
Rear 12.2MP Front 8MP |
|
Battery life |
3,140mAh |
|
Storage |
128GB |
|
5G compatibility |
No |
Summary
The great middleman of the Pixel 4 range, the 4a has both the sought-after headphone jack and Bluetooth 5.0 support. Better yet, this model is compatible with hearing aids so no one is excluded.
If you want to take a look at what else Google has to offer, feel free to browse our recommendations.
Best headphones
Some other “Best of…” lists you may be interested in:
- Best phones for under £200
- Best budget phones for internet browsing
- Best phones for vlogging
- Best phones for gamers and film fanatics
- Best phones for teens
- Best waterproof phones
- Best phone on the market
Now you’ve got your phone, but what about your headphones?
Check out some of our recommendations for wired and wireless.
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