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Here are the handsets with the best smartphone speakers

Speakers aren't always the top priority on a new smartphone, but a little bit of tuning goes a long way.
By
August 1, 2023
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
MSRP: $1,199.00
Check price
Positives
Powerful, flexible camera setup
Great battery life with solid charging
Convenient S Pen
Excellent software update promise
Premium materials and display
Great performance
Negatives
Will be too large for some
Limited base RAM for the price
Expensive, especially for extra storage
Google Pixel 7 Pro
MSRP: $899.00
Check price
Positives
Unique design
Flexible, high-class camera setup
Upgraded fingerprint scanner and modem
Clean Pixel UI software and exclusive features
Long-term software support
Incredible value
Negatives
Tensor G2 still runs hot at times
Slow charging
Asus ROG Phone 7
MSRP: €999.99
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Positives
Brilliant gaming performance
Elite gaming features
Excellent battery life
Fast universal USB PD charging
Customizable UI and settings
Great accessories
Negatives
Middling cameras
Limited IP rating
Update policy could be further improved
Motorola Edge Plus (2023)
MSRP: $799.00
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Positives
Excellent wired charging
Powerful performance
Premium construction
Snappy refresh rate display
Good value
Solid camera trio
Negatives
Video stabilization is lacking
Limited camera zoom
Edge display is prone to accidental presses
Some customized bloatware
No always-on display option
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
MSRP: $1,099.00
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Positives
Excellent display
Powerful SoC
Advanced UI experience
Negatives
Expensive
Very heavy
Relatively slow charging
Sony Xperia 1 V
MSRP: $1,399.99
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Positives
Excellent battery life
Great build
Improved cameras
Solid performance
Price cut over previous gen
Negatives
No update commitment
Older display tech
Mediocre charging
Still expensive
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
MSRP: $1,528.00
Check price
Positives
Great display
Brilliant camera array
Powerful processor
Stunning design
Negatives
Limited availability
Gets hot under stress
Messy software
Not as good value as the Pro
OnePlus 11
MSRP: $699.99
Check price
Positives
Eye-catching design and finish
Stunning display
Powerful peak performance
Blazing-fast wired charging
Excellent software update promise
Negatives
No wireless charging
Hit or miss camera colors
Awful low-light shots
Mediocre zoom capabilities
Limited water resistance

Most phone speakers are not that great, mainly because of their size. However, a few handsets are available that pay more attention to audio than others, offering better quality sound and even front-facing speakers in some instances. Here are the smartphones with the best speakers.

Smartphones with the best speakers:

Editor’s note: We will regularly update this list of smartphones with the best speakers as new devices launch, but the latest isn’t always the best! We’ll always focus on the best audio rather than the newest, but natural tech improvements may mean clear winners are newer devices. Read on!


Samsung Galaxy S 23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra homescreen in hand
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra seems to keep showing up on many of our best lists. And for good reason; this device offers an impressive experience across the board. It has stunning performance, a gorgeous screen, S Pen support, great battery life, amazing cameras, and more. Unsurprisingly, this is also one of the best phones with the best smartphone speakers.

In our Galaxy S23 Ultra review, we mention these speakers are “nothing short of remarkable.” We specifically praise the volume, mentioning it’s one of the loudest phones we’ve ever used. Not only that, but we couldn’t notice any distortion coming from the earpiece or down-firing speaker. And while bass could be better, we were still impressed by the overall experience.

Sadly, there is still no headphone jack, but you get plenty of Bluetooth support, and you can still use dongles. It’s also worth noting that this phone is expensive, starting at $1,199 MSRP.

Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
AA Editors Choice
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
New 200MP main camera • Beautiful display • S Pen functionality
MSRP: $1,199.00
The Ultra release of Samsung's 2023 flagship line
Powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 as the smaller models in the series, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers larger storage capacities and a whopping 200MP camera. S Pen support and a 6.8-inch display make the Ultra ideal for note-takers on the go.

Galaxy S 23 Ultra specs:

  • Display: 6.8-inch QHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 200, 12, 10, and 10MP
  • Front cameras: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Pixel 7 Pro hazel rear of the phone on a book
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

As usual, Google’s latest flagship phone stands out thanks to its excellent photo quality, stock Android implementation, and brisk updates. But you’re also getting a phone with some of the best phone speakers, thanks to its dual-speaker setup.

The Pixel 7 had pretty good speakers, but we found the Pixel 7 Pro speakers to be much more impressive. This device has the loudest speakers we’ve heard in a while. It uses both the earpiece and a down-firing unit, and these happen to offer little to no distortion.

In our Pixel 7 Pro review, we mention that higher pitches outperform the bass notes, but that is a common occurrence in smartphones. There’s also plenty to like in terms of general audio. It supports plenty of Bluetooth codecs, such as LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. You should get a pretty good experience if you go with wireless headphones.

Google Pixel 7 ProGoogle Pixel 7 Pro
AA Editors Choice
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Best Google camera • High-quality display • Big battery
MSRP: $899.00
The Pixel 7 Pro is the top-of-the-line phone on Google's roster.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro takes the best features from the Pixel 6 Pro, and makes them even better. Enjoy numerous camera upgrades and some fun new software tricks, all for the same cost as the last-gen Pixel phone.

Pixel 7 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: Google Tensor G2
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 48, and 12MP
  • Front camera: 10.8MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

ASUS ROG Phone 7

ASUS ROG Phone 7 back standing Tetris lights
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The following top picks for the best phone speakers are the two gaming phones that are part of the ASUS ROG Phone 7 series. Not only do they have excellent speakers, but they also have an old-fashioned 3.5mm headphone jack.

The ASUS ROG Phone 7 front-facing speakers are great out-of-the-box, but they get an added bonus if you decide to also purchase the AeroActive Cooler 7 accessory. Aside from featuring another 3.5mm headset jack, this optional accessory also has a subwoofer to improve the bass.

Audio quality aside, the device also comes with impressive specs, a gorgeous design, an amazing battery life, and a gorgeous screen with a 165Hz refresh rate.

ASUS ROG Phone 7 UltimateASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
AA Editors Choice
ASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
Blisteringly fast gaming performance • Packing with gaming features • Bundled cooler
MSRP: €1,199.99
The ultimate gaming phone of 2023
Level up your gameplay even further with the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate from ASUS with the exclusive ROG Vision rear display, unique colorway, AeroActive Portal cooling and bundled AeroActive cooler accessory, and more.
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Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
See price at Asus
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
Asus ROG Phone 7Asus ROG Phone 7
AA Editors Choice
Asus ROG Phone 7
Brilliant gaming performance • Elite gaming features • Excellent battery life
MSRP: €999.99
Level up your play with the ROG Phone 7
With next-level performance and full-on software customization, serious mobile gamers should look no further than the ASUS ROG Phone 7 to gain a competitive advantage.

ROG Phone 7 specs:

  • Display: 6.78-inch, FHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 12/16GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 13, and 5MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 6,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

ROG Phone 7 Ultimate specs:

  • Display: 6.78-inch, FHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 13, and 5MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 6,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)

motorola edge plus 2023 display on purple chair
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Motorola isn’t known for making phones amazing flagships, but the Motorola Edge Plus (2023) shows it knows how to make things sound good. In our Edge Plus review, we mention the speakers are excellent. And this was the case even at peak volumes. It might not take the crown, but it is definitely one of the best phones with the best smartphone speakers.

Everywhere else, we have very little to complain about with the Motorola Edge Plus. The device offers great performance, a premium construction, a smooth 165Hz refresh rate, and fast 68W wired charging.

As if all those pros weren’t enough, the Motorola Edge Plus also happens to be relatively affordable for what it offers. It has a $799.99 MSRP, and competes with phones that may cost well over $1,000.

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)Motorola Edge Plus (2023)
AA Editors Choice
Motorola Edge Plus (2023)
Excellent wired charging • Powerful performance • Premium construction
MSRP: $799.00
Finally cutting edge
The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) combines premium performance, excellent wired charging, and a refined construction, and does so while lowering the asking price to its most competitive point in a long time.

Motorola Edge Plus (2023) specs:

  • Display: 6.67-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 50, and 12MP
  • Front camera: 60MP
  • Battery: 5,100mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Apple iPhone 14 series

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max purple back - The best phone speakers
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

We can have the Android vs iPhone argument all you want, but at the end of the day, we can’t deny Apple makes some pretty good phones, with a generally pleasant experience across the board. The same applies to the iPhone 14 series, which happens to also have some of the best speakers in mobile.

All four devices come with dual speakers; one in the earpiece and one firing downwards. In our iPhone 14 Pro review, we found that these are very well-tuned, and we had no issues raising the volume. There was no distortion. As it goes with mobile phone speakers, the bass isn’t great, though.

Aside from the speakers, these iPhones come with great audio features. These include Bluetooth 5.3, spatial audio when paired with Apple’s headphones, and Dolby Atmos.

See price at Best Buy
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Unbeatable software support
Powerful SoC
Dynamic Island
See price at Best Buy
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Premium design and build
Upgraded main camera
Dynamic Island
See price at Best Buy
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
SOS satellite system
Updated 12MP camera
Large-display base model iPhone

iPhone 14 specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch, 1,170 x 2,532
  • SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 12 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
  • Battery: 3,279mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

iPhone 14 Plus specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, 1,284 x 2,778
  • SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 12 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
  • Battery: 4,323mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

iPhone 14 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch, 1,179 x 2,556
  • SoC: Apple A16 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP + 3D LiDAR depth scanner
  • Front cameras: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
  • Battery: 3,200mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

iPhone 14 Pro Max specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, 1,290 x 2,796
  • SoC: Apple A16 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP + 3D LiDAR depth scanner
  • Front cameras: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
  • Battery: 4,323mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

Sony Xperia 1 V

Sony Xperia 1 V headphones plugged in - The best phone speakers
Harley Maranan / Android Authority

Sony has offered smartphone speakers with great audio quality for a long time, including other original big brand ideas like being one of the first to commit to offering water-resistant Android phones. To the goods: the Sony Xperia 1 V kept the stereo front-facing speakers, still offers a 3.5mm port, and brings IP68 water/dust resistance to the party.

These speakers offer high-resolution audio and Dolby Atmos support. Additionally, you’ll enjoy Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) and a dynamic vibration system.

Otherwise, Sony’s phone is quite impressive, offering top-of-the-line specs for outstanding performance, a great camera experience, a simplified but elegant design, and a 4K display. Just be ready to pay a pretty penny for it, as it carries a $1,399.99 price tag.

Sony Xperia 1 VSony Xperia 1 V
AA Recommended
Sony Xperia 1 V
Excellent battery life • Great build • Improved cameras
MSRP: $1,399.99
A classic, refined.
Sony continues to deliver powerful portable cameras that also happen to be smartphones. The Xperia 1 V rocks top hardware, powerful cameras, and the ability to connect to Sony DSLR cameras to enhance your shooting experience.

Xperia 1 V specs:

  • Display: 6.5-inch, 4K
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Xiaomi 13 series

Xiaomi 13 Ultra back lying on chair - The best phone speakers
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Xiaomi 13 series is nothing short of amazing. This lineup includes the Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Xiaomi 13 Ultra. These devices have stunning performance, gorgeous designs, outstanding camera systems, and great battery life. They’re also some of the best phones with the best speakers.

In our Xiaomi 13 Pro review, we mention these speakers are crisp, loud, and we couldn’t notice any distortion. Even at high volumes. It uses a down-firing speaker and the earpiece, coupled with Dolby Atmos tuning.

The only downside is that the Xiaomi 13 devices are very hard to find in the USA. You can get them imported, though. And those in other markets can probably get a hold of them.

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Great display
Brilliant camera
Stunning design
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Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Powerful sustained performance
Really fast charging
Great design
See price at eBay
Xiaomi 13
1%off
Xiaomi 13
Powerful performance
Really fast charging
Great design

Xiaomi 13 specs:

  • Display: 6.36-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4,500mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Xiaomi 13 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.73-inch, WQHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50.3, 50, and 50MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4,820mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Xiaomi 13 Ultra specs:

  • Display: 6.73-inch, WQHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 12/16GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 50, 50, and 50MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

OnePlus 11

oneplus 11 back glass standing - The best phone speakers
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
OnePlus 11 back

OnePlus doesn’t usually stand out in terms of speaker quality, but it did things right with the OnePlus 11. The stereo speakers are placed in the earpiece and the bottom. In our OnePlus 11 review, we found these to be “impressively loud and punchy.” They offer Dolby Atmos tuning. And, as you would expect, this one also struggles with bass, something we’ll just have to live with for some time.

Otherwise, it’s a pretty good phone, overall. We love the design, it has a stunning display, powerful performance, and the fast charging is insane at 100W (80W in the USA). The price is also pretty enticing, which means OnePlus had to make some sacrifices.

The device lacks wireless charging, for example. Its camera isn’t great, and it comes with a lesser IP64 rating.

OnePlus 11OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11
Powerful peak performance • Blazing-fast wired charging • Excellent software promise
MSRP: $699.99
OnePlus is simplifying its lineup and packing all the goods into one flagship device
The OnePlus 11 is all about speed, thanks to 80W wired charging and Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It also features a third-generation Hasselblad camera setup, an IP64 rating, and OnePlus' most aggressive pricing in years.

OnePlus 11 specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8/12/16GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 48, and 32MP
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

These are the best smartphone speakers, in our opinion. It’s rare that a phone doesn’t have some kind of loudspeaker, but this is all about those that do it better. We’ll also be keeping an eye on new models that fit the bill, so stay tuned for updates to this list of best phone speakers.