Top 5 Audio Smartphones of 2016: The best speakers and headphone jacks! | Pocketnow

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  • Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
  • Wrapping up 2016, we're starting off with audio! Which phone had the best speaker performance? Which phone will do the best job powering your headphones? Can there be one overall winner for the audiophiles in our audience? Time to take our final listen to all of the phones we reviewed this year and deliver a proper ranking!
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    Top 5 Audio Smartphones of 2016: The best speakers and headphone jacks! | Pocketnow
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 882

  • @sidersproductions941
    @sidersproductions941 7 років тому +22

    So glad I got the V20. One of those rare ones I plan to keep in my collection. No upgrades needed until 2018 for me.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +4

      Just like my V10 and Note 4 also. THose will be show pieces for me LOL.

    • @sidersproductions941
      @sidersproductions941 7 років тому

      The V10 was supposed to be that for me but combination of bootloop and the allure of the V20 changed that. I hope the V20 will be safe from former issues then I can add that to the Lumia 1020 as the only other phone I outright own.

    • @sethmevans
      @sethmevans 7 років тому

      Rachi Siders I wanted a V20 but with both my V10 and G4 falling victim to the bootloop I'm holding out LG for awhile

    • @Bobbylim323
      @Bobbylim323 7 років тому

      Rachi Siders reminds me of my shattered lumia 1020. Anyone else facing audio issues in the videos of their v20? It comes and go on my unit and I am wondering if it's a lemon

    • @sidersproductions941
      @sidersproductions941 7 років тому

      Hitler is actually a cat yeah no audio issues on my V20. Make sure you don't switch mid record between wide and normal though because there's a delay in the video that may throw off the audio a little. Other than that everything is top notch.

  • @AdarshPandeyFilms
    @AdarshPandeyFilms 7 років тому +26

    Before watching the video, I can surely say that 1st spot is held by the V20 or Axon 7...
    and that the iPhone will not make it to the list.

  • @akarshjain8129
    @akarshjain8129 7 років тому +178

    I'll kill myself if the V20 is missing in the list.

    • @henririba6073
      @henririba6073 7 років тому +7

      Akarsh jain happy that you are alive now😂

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +43

      Whew... Dodged a bullet there...

    • @gerard7417
      @gerard7417 7 років тому +5

      Akarsh jain same if the HTC 10 wasn't in here but it is !!!!!! love HTC forever

    • @gerard7417
      @gerard7417 7 років тому +5

      Akarsh jain same if the HTC 10 wasn't in here but it is !!!!!! love HTC forever

    • @Dame77090
      @Dame77090 7 років тому +1

      bruhs fer days I loved HTC as well so enjoy it while it is here because HTC is on life support may not be around much longer

  • @RanggaWiratno
    @RanggaWiratno 7 років тому +26

    Let's hope S8 won't be missing the headphone jack. They need to show Apple is no longer the way to go, they proved it with 3D touch, I hope they do so too in the headphone jack.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +3

      Fingers crossed...

    • @Steve-gv7qi
      @Steve-gv7qi 7 років тому

      Rangga Wiratno yes they really do

    • @RanggaWiratno
      @RanggaWiratno 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell but would you prefer a phone with an audio jack or... A phone with *2 USB C ports* cuz as you said in your iPhone audio video, DAC can be built in on the headphone itself whilst DAC on phone are mostly fixed. Imagine if say there's a cool dongle/adapter (not flappy one like Apple's but rock solid cable less one) that the manufacturer provide and with two ports (top and bottom) you can choose which is used for audio and which for charger which I think is a more viable solution to the missing audio jack problem we'll have in the upcoming future.

    • @che456ter
      @che456ter 7 років тому +3

      I've heard that Samsung bought "harman kardon"
      So I'm expecting them to put it to put that audio technology into the S8 making it a champ in the audio department.

    • @mabirc2844
      @mabirc2844 7 років тому

      "Apple is no longer the way to go"
      Yes it is, for those like me that prefer iOS over Android. Thats just plain biased to say that.

  • @TheRealTriteII
    @TheRealTriteII 7 років тому +127

    I'm proud to own my Axon 7.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +7

      :-)

    • @highlordfurer
      @highlordfurer 7 років тому +5

      Alex Oelerich
      me too I have the sweet gold version.Surfice to say I totally agree with the results of how good the audio of the phone is.

    • @b3rno93
      @b3rno93 7 років тому +1

      Alex Oelerich don't we all... tho... I hope they fix some issues with the 7.0 update...

    • @omarrodriguez4237
      @omarrodriguez4237 7 років тому +2

      Alex Oelerich I bought the Axon Pro early on in the year. I was pretty pissed when the 7 was released at the same price just a month later. :/

    • @Albertoepicness
      @Albertoepicness 7 років тому +3

      my mom bought me one for christmas, they came with a " free " JBL coach bluetooth headphones, so i can't wait, thanks newegg

  • @odkKoma
    @odkKoma 7 років тому +39

    Top 1 and 2 were no surprise. Good call. But my guess is more smartphones will drop the headphone jack completely so I am interested how the list will look in 2017.
    There's much more reason to buy a stand-alone portable media player (PMP) now. Cayin i5 is an easy recommendation and Astell&Kern AK70 with a very polished design and UI will probably attract more Apple users.
    If not, at least get a proper DAC with head-amp. Like Oppo HA-2, Chord Mojo or JDS Labs C5D.
    The video didn't not mention that Android output is FIXED to 48 kHz on almost every phone. That means even lossless audio coming from a CD has to be up-sampled from 44,1 kHz to 48 kHz, something that makes most sound engineers cringe. The iPhone is LIMITED to 48 kHz, but even 24 Bit audio can be output without manipulation at 44,1 kHz or 48 kHz.
    Interestingly enough, some high-end desktop devices like RME ADI-2 Pro only support iDevices, which makes the iPhone 7 by far the most audiophile smartphone if you want to include accessories or use it to store audio that you want to take to work.

    • @djedvis
      @djedvis 7 років тому

      i dunno, i cant seem to find a difference between these bits hz and other stuff, i used my old galaxy ace 2 and now using my OP3 and i see no difference in headphone quality... I use same headphones... i dunno, what is wrong with these people, difference is not even noticable between these bits and it just increases mp3 file size.

    • @odkKoma
      @odkKoma 7 років тому +3

      There is a Golden Ears test by Philips online hat they use to train their employees' ears. You should try it.
      If you can't tell the difference between lossy and lossless audio, either your ears or your equipment sucks.
      If you listen to mainstream music, then your audio is bad quality in the first place and it is highly compressed and dynamics are flattened. It is the opposite of what high-fidelity tries to achieve.
      Listen to some Classical or Jazz from ECM Records to rate audio performance. If you don't like either genre, you should not consider yourself audiophile. In that case you can ignore the audio quality of a smartphone and just use included ear buds and cheap headphones.

    • @hydrosamedh
      @hydrosamedh 7 років тому +3

      everything is noticeable nd the sad thing is when you hear lossless files with audiophile headphones you cant unhear the difference

    • @djedvis
      @djedvis 7 років тому

      Thanks, well i can hear a difference between very bad quality sound where is noice some stutters, but i really cant hear difference between these bits and hz, probably because i havent used anything better than i currently have. Probably if i used 1000€ headphones, i would notice difference. This is actually the same minimal difference as todays smartphone cameras... they are all good, but some people still find one to be better than another, and price difference is very noticable, while quality is not noticable. I like deep/futuristic/house/pop music where i can feel beats, and i can notice where bass is super low or it is strong bass, thats the only thing what matters for me, and i use PowerAmp player for my OP3 which is probably the best music player evar.

    • @odkKoma
      @odkKoma 7 років тому +4

      Hi-fi is like wine. Once you taste better, cheaper doesn't taste as good...

  • @groomgroom12345
    @groomgroom12345 7 років тому +14

    iphone 6s/se has better audio autput than the 7? that's all i need to hear. the headphone jack removal is fucking backwards.

  • @ShellymanStudios
    @ShellymanStudios 7 років тому +15

    ZTE really outdone their selves this year!

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +13

      Very impressed with the Axon.

    • @DerHeimatlose1
      @DerHeimatlose1 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell
      I don't understand this ranking - the Axon 7 wasn't loud enough to drive most of my headphones ?!?

    • @thecommandmaster4354
      @thecommandmaster4354 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell do you have the European or Us version?

  • @davidhunsinger1587
    @davidhunsinger1587 7 років тому +7

    ZTE ripped off HTC so hard it's mind blowing.

    • @highlordfurer
      @highlordfurer 7 років тому +1

      David hunsinger
      how did ZTE rip off HTC, there is no rule stating that only HTC has to provide great audio .2016 ZTE had the better product.

    • @midnightsconfide3683
      @midnightsconfide3683 7 років тому

      David hunsinger They really did.
      It's kinda sad.

    • @davidhunsinger1587
      @davidhunsinger1587 7 років тому

      highlordfurer the design, if it didn't say ZTE on it, and you never heard about this phone before, who would you think made it?

    • @chrisrodsa210
      @chrisrodsa210 7 років тому

      They might have, or used HTC as inspiration, but what ever ZTE did the did it right, better and cheaper. Put a Axon 7 in your hands, and you'll be like "HTC who?"

    • @davidhunsinger1587
      @davidhunsinger1587 7 років тому

      Chris Rodriguez I've had one in my hands, I was largely unimpressed aside from the stereo speakers and camera. it's feels every bit as cheap as it's price tag, like the one m9 from HTC did, it carries non of the heft you would expect from a metal smartphone with that screen size.

  • @mscorzoni
    @mscorzoni 7 років тому +4

    I've been waiting this video throughout 2016. Tks, Juan!

  • @TheDivine699
    @TheDivine699 7 років тому +3

    Best smartphone reviewers, keep it up, also i tried axon 7 and htc 10, and htc is better in headphone jack

  • @MACS0462
    @MACS0462 7 років тому +13

    That moment when the phone you are using at the moment is #1 😎😎😎

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      You chose well. :-)

    • @MACS0462
      @MACS0462 7 років тому +2

      JuanBagnell 300 bucks at best buy? Major steal.

    • @chrisrodsa210
      @chrisrodsa210 7 років тому +1

      Mario Cortinas Mine was 300$ At Best buy after the 50 gift card.

    • @MACS0462
      @MACS0462 7 років тому +1

      Chris Rodriguez that's what I meant. it's a great deal!

    • @chrisrodsa210
      @chrisrodsa210 7 років тому

      Yeah it was, couldn't beat it.

  • @mixasja
    @mixasja 7 років тому +3

    Thank you PocketNow. Please keep including audio quality via headphone jack in your phone reviews. !!

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      :-)
      We can always use more help sharing :-)

  • @lukasmurmann625
    @lukasmurmann625 7 років тому +7

    The V20 should have been in first place. Maybe the Axon 7 got a little louder, but the pure quality from the V20 is superior.

    • @bignate2814
      @bignate2814 7 років тому +7

      Lukas Murmann maybe with headphones but dual front facing speakers are going to beat a single bottom firing speaker.

    • @chrisrodsa210
      @chrisrodsa210 7 років тому +5

      Lukas Murmann Cousin has the V20 I have the Axon 7. Tested audio with headphones. Side by side no real difference, both blew away my other cousin's iPhone 7. But Axon 7's speakers are just too good.

  • @MRbeqa100
    @MRbeqa100 7 років тому +2

    When we see on diagram that one phone has higher volume headphone output then another it dont means that it is more enjoyble to listen or better balanced, that is another story, to be honest never tested LG or Axon7 but HTC is by far my favorite it is just amazing blows you away, noticeably better than any iPhone

  • @okniceguy
    @okniceguy 7 років тому +9

    switched to the V20 after the late Note 7. other than the scratchy, static-y noise when manipulating headphones while connected, great choice.

    • @midnightsconfide3683
      @midnightsconfide3683 7 років тому

      okniceguy how would an LG v10 compare to the v20 in the sound department?

    • @okniceguy
      @okniceguy 7 років тому

      Tez PLP my very first LG electronic ever bought. I can't tell you. But removable battery, ir blaster, secondary screen that works better than Samsung's, and more paralleling you the topic of this video, the sound is amazing (though I wish it did have dual speakers).

    • @midnightsconfide3683
      @midnightsconfide3683 7 років тому

      okniceguy I don't mind the speakers much. I just heard that the DAC and amp on the v10 could still compete with newer phones.

    • @okniceguy
      @okniceguy 7 років тому

      Tez PLP ok, well, unfortunately I can't say as I've never owned an LG prior to this.
      but my off-the-hip suggestion is to stay with the V10 if it's only incrementally better.

    • @midnightsconfide3683
      @midnightsconfide3683 7 років тому +1

      okniceguy alright man, thx😎

  • @SonySMRTLim
    @SonySMRTLim 7 років тому +24

    HTC 10 and LG V20. It's that simple.

  • @3dkiller
    @3dkiller 7 років тому +4

    axon 7 dac and speaker quality is just amazing.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +4

      It really was a brutal competitor this year. Even more so when you consider the price.

  • @MiracleWarriors
    @MiracleWarriors 7 років тому +13

    It is sad that no Sony's smartphone made your list.
    I could test the XZ and I loved what I heard...

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +4

      XZ was an improvement over the X Performance, but still fell behind the Xperia Z in our testing.

    • @MiracleWarriors
      @MiracleWarriors 7 років тому +4

      JuanBagnell I understand . But Sony needs to step up their game.
      I remember my old Xperia Z2 had one of the best sound of that year among with the Z3 , it was one of the most complete phones on the market with magnetic charging, digital tv(in some countries) etc etc. Now Sony's phones got downgraded with less sound quality, no tv no magnetic charging, less durable materials , still used the same old 3G RAM since the Z2 etc.
      Oh well.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +5

      Z3 was a great high water mark for Sony. Wish they could get back to that...

    • @supertigerman013
      @supertigerman013 7 років тому

      +JuanBagnell Wait what, it actually fell behind Xperia Z? Or were you just meant to say "Z3"? I'm a bit confused...

    • @NeXMaX
      @NeXMaX 7 років тому +2

      Like Juan said, we want a new Sony phone that's as good or better than the Z3.
      That was the undisputed Sony champ.

  • @poetsfan
    @poetsfan 7 років тому

    I really appreciate the effort and time you guys take to bring us your observations on the audio hardware on today's smartphones. No other tech reviewers take audio as seriously as they do other aspects like camera and screen quality. Please keep up the good work!

  • @RenatoLaporte
    @RenatoLaporte 7 років тому +33

    Makes me laugh that over the 3 high-end , high-priced phones, only the one without a proper headphone jack made the list.
    Sammy and Google screwed a big time, and I cannot understand.
    The manufacture behind the Pixels has the knowledge to do great audio, Google should have licensed it's technology, the AMP on the Nexus 9 is AMAZING.
    Sammy has their own DAC/AMP made with cirrus logic, this package is great IMO but is nowhere to be found in a SnapDragon Galaxy device.

    • @ashikmahmud9131
      @ashikmahmud9131 7 років тому +2

      Rena Chan Haha, makes me laugh too that the one without headphone jack is better for audio than other one's in it's price range

    • @ashikmahmud9131
      @ashikmahmud9131 7 років тому +7

      JayY1Thousand are you serious? iPhone has water resistance yet it also has stereo speakers unlike s7

    • @mharro88
      @mharro88 7 років тому

      pixel xl headphone audio is better than the iPhone and S7 edge

    • @troy5568
      @troy5568 7 років тому +5

      Rena Chan XZ is waterproof, and it has "REAL" dual front-facing stereo speakees and a magical headphone jack. What's the excuse?

    • @MichaelPSmith-mp1fk
      @MichaelPSmith-mp1fk 7 років тому +1

      Admiral Ashik you better check this out... There are no stereo speakers on the iPhone... Only stereo holes. . www.technobuffalo.com/2016/09/16/iphone-7-plus-teardown-battery-ram/

  • @hossainabeer
    @hossainabeer 7 років тому +1

    juan bagnell is an asset for pocketnow. he is probably the only reviewer who takes audio seriously.
    fact is, headphone output comes first, then the camera. so 3.5mm jack is essential. that's why lg was able to sold 200,000 of v20 in USA alone, while apple saw its first decline in decade.
    axon 7 headphone output is a little noisy, and clicks out a lot. v20 is the dj here

  • @phillipmorales8213
    @phillipmorales8213 7 років тому

    I am so insanely shocked you made the ZTE Axon 7 #1!!! I love that phone so damn much I'm glad you put it at the top 3 it deserves its place up there.

  • @marcoleitao6069
    @marcoleitao6069 7 років тому +3

    Hi to all the wonderful people out there!

  • @matthewrtrego
    @matthewrtrego 7 років тому

    Proud ZTE Axon 7 owner here. I agree with the author's suggestion as well! Incredible value. Sounds great with over the ear and IEM solutions and the front-facing speakers are truly the best I've ever heard.

  • @alexchavez1011
    @alexchavez1011 7 років тому +1

    Watched this on my axon 7 while I may not use headphones that often I really do appreciate the front firing speakers they sound great

  • @francob911
    @francob911 7 років тому +1

    Awsome video Juan! would be great 2 more videos before the end of the year ... 1. Top 5 best battery life 2. Top 5 mobile Cameras

  • @ionut15091
    @ionut15091 7 років тому

    thnks juan, this is probably the only channel that does this and greant all around reviews

  • @azlanmusa8732
    @azlanmusa8732 7 років тому +1

    Well done Juan!!! Always enjoy your content.

  • @ronaldlagos9972
    @ronaldlagos9972 6 років тому +2

    are you going to do this top on 2017???? i need to choose my next smartphone based on this!

  • @shizzy_Snorlax
    @shizzy_Snorlax 7 років тому

    Proud V20 owner. I'm honestly looking to get some high quality headphones to really push this DAC to the max but it drives my basic headphones very well.

  • @generaxz5929
    @generaxz5929 7 років тому

    I switched from an Oneplus One to the Axon 7 this year and I really like it, the difference is enormous. I bought Sony MDR-EX650 in-ears and together with the Axon they deliver a great output for not too much money. But there are some translation errors in the software, so if you want to use your phone with another language than english, be warned that there might be some confusing translations.

  • @WillNewcomb
    @WillNewcomb 7 років тому

    I am no audiophile but I'm well pleased with the speaker output of my iPhone 7+. Way better than any previous iPhone. This is worth listening to instead of feeling embarrassed about the quality.

  • @fuzz33594
    @fuzz33594 7 років тому +1

    Juan Carlos - I bought the A7 instead of the HTC 10 in no small part because of your audio review and was not disappointed. I hope HTC brings back dual, front-facing speakers. (BTW - thanks for the link to the Stilo. I forwarded it to my wife and Santa left it under the tree. You can add Santa's Helper to your diverse resume')

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      YAY! Santa is a pretty rad dude :-)

  • @king014
    @king014 7 років тому +1

    now this is the category that matters most to me :) thanks for the video pocketnow!

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +1

      You're very welcome.

    • @king014
      @king014 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell thank you! i'm a big fan of your reviews, specially the real camera, and real audio reviews 😊 keep up the good work! 😊

  • @rayman1951
    @rayman1951 7 років тому

    I will be keeping my HTC M9, purchased April of 2014. Very happy with my speakers and headphone jack.

  • @BriefNerdOriginal
    @BriefNerdOriginal 7 років тому

    Finally a serious comparison sound review. Thanks

  • @gmanz5914
    @gmanz5914 7 років тому +2

    v20 is very good for audio playback with headphones

  • @supervegetto1087
    @supervegetto1087 7 років тому +1

    I was going to get the GS7 but thanks to your reviews i got the iPhone 6S and i do't regret my choice at all, Samsung's phone is clearly superior to the iPhone in almost every other way but i just love Audio quality too much i couldn't risk getting the GS7! Thank you Juan you are the best..

  • @kentstark3104
    @kentstark3104 7 років тому

    i'm still rocking the HTC M8
    this thing still rocks! these phones are ever so slightly better than the M8, but i still can't see a significant reason to upgrade...
    its an old phone tho for today's standards, but still kicks ass...

  • @stephenmusic69420
    @stephenmusic69420 7 років тому +3

    Next year the iPhone is gonna be top of the list. Lightning has easy development guides and companies are already making lightning headphones, not USB-C. The adapter that comes with the Moro Z doesn't work with every USB-C device, so that market is already fragmented

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      Super frustrating that it should just use a standard USB audio profile.

    • @stephenmusic69420
      @stephenmusic69420 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell is there a USB audio standard that's used by all manufacturers? I watched a review of the Moto Z that said its USB-C to 3.5 didn't work with all USB-C phones

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      No phone manufacturer is using a consistent standard but Apple. Even the Pixel lacks support for most USB audio devices I've tried with it. Really frustrating that they just don't use what would be compatible with a Linux kernel. Basic USB audio I/O should be universal.

    • @stephenmusic69420
      @stephenmusic69420 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell I thought USB meant Universal Serial Bus, so it'd be universal. Shame that such a great I/O is being fragmented, because technically the HTC 10 and LG V20 dont have USB-C, as it doesn't support variable-volt charging (QuickCharge), so most USB-C phones are just USB-C shaped microUSB ports.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      Yup. And really a bummer that many people won't really know the difference or benefits.

  • @mariaelenacabrera9721
    @mariaelenacabrera9721 7 років тому

    Loved the video Juan! Yes, my phone made the list!

  • @hbkhari
    @hbkhari 7 років тому

    No one is reviewing the smartphone audio better than Juan Bagnell .. Great and very unique tech reviews from "gadgetsguy" JBagnell
    👏👍

  • @NoName-jz4lc
    @NoName-jz4lc 7 років тому +7

    Oneplus 3T FTW.

  • @ohlalacesttrop5616
    @ohlalacesttrop5616 7 років тому

    i had a chance listening to music on v20 when it's on the market. personally i think it is the best audio quality of smartphone one can get. but for a audiophile like me, audio on smartphone is only for easily carrying with only. good vid! and keep it up

  • @mindyaownbusiness4028
    @mindyaownbusiness4028 7 років тому

    When I'm out the house I use wireless headphones, but because I love hearing my music at a quality my wireless headphones can't produce and could possibly break them, I plug in a 3.5 in my phone when I get home.

  • @nicklovinit
    @nicklovinit 7 років тому

    Hell yeah it did! been using the Axon 7 since it came out in Canada. But this year was more convenience for me. Bluetooth headphones, USB c wireless receiver for wireless charging etc

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      I think quite a few people will make the wireless jump.

    • @freddywayne
      @freddywayne 7 років тому

      Nick Basra - USB type c wireless receiver for wireless charging?! Please clarify? I'm just switching from a Nokia Lumia 1520 to ZTE Axon 7 and I would love to continue using my wireless charging plate.

  • @JogieGlenMait16
    @JogieGlenMait16 7 років тому

    it has to be said, pocketnow can now do good mobile audio reviews...

  • @solomond
    @solomond 7 років тому

    Please give more reviews on all the famous audio devices available, like DAC and earphones and headphones.

  • @VoloKinProject
    @VoloKinProject 7 років тому

    +JuanBagnell the Honor Note 8 didn't make the list only because you didn't have a review unit. The loudspeaker is mono, but the headphone output is greater than the iPhone 7.

    • @Albertoepicness
      @Albertoepicness 7 років тому

      Honor 8?
      its a 5.2inch phone, not a note

    • @VoloKinProject
      @VoloKinProject 7 років тому

      Alberto 9324 Honor Note 8, not Honor 8. Completely different phones. Google it.

    • @Albertoepicness
      @Albertoepicness 7 років тому

      VoloKin Project i had never heard of it, its cool

    • @VoloKinProject
      @VoloKinProject 7 років тому

      Alberto 9324 it's China exclusive, that's why it's not very popular but it's a beast. I'm working on the review as we speak.

    • @Albertoepicness
      @Albertoepicness 7 років тому

      VoloKin Project ooh, i can't wait to watch it, also please talk about the audio quality, do some comparisons

  • @yahyakebbe1205
    @yahyakebbe1205 7 років тому

    Love your videos.
    Do all the mentioned phones have 24 bit audio out put?

  • @George-nx4bp
    @George-nx4bp 7 років тому +8

    only reason I watched this is because I figured my phone would be number one, I was correct

  • @Albertoepicness
    @Albertoepicness 7 років тому

    i knew the L uoxV would be first place i mean, it has a case, screen protector, good charger, earbuds, 2 year warranty, out of the box, its great

  • @shaunleow6585
    @shaunleow6585 7 років тому

    Rocking the HTC 10, and really loving it. Although I'm sad at the removal of the stereo speakers that my old M8 sported, the 10's speaker solution is very interesting, and while it'll never be better than stereo speakers, it still sounds really good for what it is.

  • @RiceCubeTech
    @RiceCubeTech 7 років тому

    still have a micro 4/3 camera. it's small enough to be a point and shoot but I also use it for professional photos.

  • @okccardude
    @okccardude 7 років тому +1

    Juan, I don't understand why the Idol 4S isn't on this list? You said yourself that the headphone output was "nipping at the heels" of the OnePlus 3.
    More importantly, most people say the stereo speakers are clearer and louder than the Axon 7.
    Please explain?

  • @shreyagrawalcool
    @shreyagrawalcool 7 років тому

    My iphone 7 rocked the list with that little dongle for wired 🎧

  • @rockyescape8989
    @rockyescape8989 7 років тому +1

    juan/pocketnow could you do a dac review? like what's the best and what are the options to pair with a smartphone.

  • @megaskimming
    @megaskimming 7 років тому

    We really fucking need this reviews, you are the only one doing this! YES!
    Would be amazing if you do it as well for the lower priced phones.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      We're still building this series, but we can always use more help sharing :-)

  • @yasserouacha6299
    @yasserouacha6299 7 років тому

    headphone Jack : HTC 10 for sound quality ( lowest noise floor and best dynamic range) , v20 and axon 7 for loudness .

  • @mogi-sane4661
    @mogi-sane4661 7 років тому

    Excellent video Juan. Looking forward to the rest of the wrap up. I'm mainly using the iPhones lightning earpods on the 7 and looking at getting a decent pair of wireless ear phones in the future.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      I would definitely recommend it. EarPods make me cringe. VERY poor isolation from outside noise.

    • @mogi-sane4661
      @mogi-sane4661 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell you said so in your initial audio review on the iPhone 7 yes. Will get me a decent pair of wireless headphones in 2017. Thanks for the reply.

  • @sikhatheist651
    @sikhatheist651 7 років тому

    I love the audio reviews! Thank you for doing this.

  • @SteveDion
    @SteveDion 7 років тому +4

    Do these phones treat Bluetooth audio differently (I.e: do the top phones deliver better wireless audio)?

    • @Neo.555
      @Neo.555 7 років тому

      Steve Dion i also want to know that!

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +1

      That's tricky to pin down. What you're really testing there is the DAC quality of the headphones and the phone's ability to stay connected with Bluetooth. If a phone has full support for APTX and has good BT reception, that's about as good as we can expect for BT audio. Some minor differences in how the music app might tweak EQ, but quality is pretty well capped.

    • @SteveDion
      @SteveDion 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell so buying top tier BT headphones (QC 35, Mom2) vs middle tier (Beats Solo 3) are not worth it then?

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +1

      Tough to outright say "worth it". Again, the signal coming from the phone is compressed, so there's only so much a DAC can do to a compressed audio signal. I look at BT as a whole list of compromises and benefits. After a certain price point, I'm almost equally weighing factors like fit and finish, comfort, noise reduction tech, etc against sound "quality".
      Take the Bose for instance. Very pleasant EQ profile for most genres of music. Great noise reduction. Comfortable to wear, good battery life, and a simple style which doesn't scream "strip club DJ". You're paying top dollar for a well rounded and stylish accessory, but actual music quality will still fall behind a good cabled pair of headphones.

  • @julianeccleshall8397
    @julianeccleshall8397 7 років тому +1

    no one's review better than Juan !

  • @BradleyLarcher
    @BradleyLarcher 7 років тому

    Great list. I really like the Axon 7, even though I don't own one, it might just be my next device. I currently own the Asus ZenFone 2 Laser and just recently found out it has aptX audio support. Currently shopping around for some headphones to take advantage of it

  • @deucedaprodeuca
    @deucedaprodeuca 7 років тому

    The Bluedio UFO Plus Extra Bass Bluetooth headphones takes care of any issues with no earphone jack.

  • @ilarionasavgoustou7427
    @ilarionasavgoustou7427 7 років тому +7

    what about leeco le pro 3 and alcatel 4s?

    • @unboxrocko
      @unboxrocko 7 років тому +3

      ilarionas avgoustou In my opinion the 4s has the best speakers out there

  • @MrSilver8000
    @MrSilver8000 7 років тому

    Is it only me that thought the title said "Android phones..." then got confused when iPhone popped up, then realised it said "Audio".

  • @georgiivanov61
    @georgiivanov61 7 років тому +8

    Alcatel Idol 4 and 4S anyone?

    • @mattcossey
      @mattcossey 7 років тому

      Georgi Ivanov I was thinking the same I love my idol 4s audio sounds great I prefer it over my iPhone tbh

  • @ajs458
    @ajs458 7 років тому

    Great video. Very informative. Never discerned the difference in audio quality with the iPhone 7 plus as compared to previous models. I'm glad to see the one plus three t there on this list. I have been dying to switch away from iPhone for a while now and have had my eye on that phone.
    In terms of headphones, I am moving towards Bluetooth. Love the convenience of wireless and with getting the Bose Quietcomfort 35's for Christmas, I should not lose on the quality of sound. I'll let you know.

  • @Egyaquatic
    @Egyaquatic 7 років тому +1

    i hope to get it soon i love it Axon7

  • @valencianoflx
    @valencianoflx 7 років тому

    I use the Galaxy s7 and to be honest I like the audio on this phone it's sounds great for me. I'm not a professional on audio but the S7 gets the job done and gets it right and it's surprisingly loud and punchy bass when you have your headphones plugged in.

  • @dan1996DO
    @dan1996DO 7 років тому

    I completely agree with this list. In terms of picking one phone solely based on audio, i'd go with the V20 for those moments when i shoot video and want the best audio recording to go along with it. It truly is a production powerhouse of a phone. But that price and availability though... Fingers crossed the G6 will have those capabilities, although i highly doubt it.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      Huge opportunity for LG, but I agree. I don't think it likely that G6 will have all the "pro" software features of the V.

    • @dan1996DO
      @dan1996DO 7 років тому

      Still, there's the hope that it will get a camera port from the next V phone (V30?) since the hardware might be very similar, as so far V phones kinda use the same hardware as G phones from the same year. My daily driver is a G4 and i've installed the V10 camera app thanks to xda-developers and it works great, i'm also seeing interest in porting the V20 app to the G5, so maybe if LG doesn't give the G6 manual video, there might be hope for the community to pitch in.

  • @petterv6604
    @petterv6604 7 років тому +2

    Why didn't you mention the lightening iPhone headphones? Most of them sound amazing

    • @Gabilleta
      @Gabilleta 7 років тому

      Pete Jskksk My friend, if you consider those QUALITY headphones...you have not used any REAL good headphones. The V20 can drive headphones up to 600 ohm. Im using 50 ohm headphones and I can't go past 50% before it gets too loud and uncomfortable.

  • @Krisishere
    @Krisishere 7 років тому +2

    funny that the only phone witch is possible to buy here in Norway out of all these phones is the iShit 7

    • @Krisishere
      @Krisishere 7 років тому

      POMF AND COREY IN THE HOUSE BEST ANIMES​ already tried it, returned it after one week.
      Hated ios the design and the fake home button... And not to mention the removal of jack... Poor jack, what did he ever do to them?
      Can't forget to say that the s7, lg v20, huawei mate 9 and the pixel has far more superior cameras than the iShit

  • @DraVin09
    @DraVin09 7 років тому +1

    The idol 4s should be in the list

  • @justinbergmans36
    @justinbergmans36 7 років тому

    Funny because gsm arena which also tests audio had the iPhone 7 as maybe the best of the bunch. I think pocket now is deducting points because they don't use the proprietary lightening jack which does produce some of the cleanest audio.

  • @TheDigitalJedi777
    @TheDigitalJedi777 7 років тому

    ... rockin' a HTC 10 haven't been disappointed with the sound ( using BOSE headphones ) *thumbs up*

  • @geoserenity
    @geoserenity 7 років тому +8

    ok, i'm an android guy but, why bitch about the adaptor for the iphone?just leave it on the end of your headphone lead and you're fine

    • @bignate2814
      @bignate2814 7 років тому

      Geo Belmont then they would always have to carry their headphones with them. MKBHD had a story where he took an Uber and couldn't use his iPhone in the car because he didn't have his dongle.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +1

      Or I dunno, how about when I move my headphones from my phone to my tablet/laptop/desktop? At least moto gave us a rubber band to help keep the adapter connected to the headphones...

    • @geoserenity
      @geoserenity 7 років тому

      bignate2814​ you say then he'd have to use his headphones but, that's the point of the adaptor. And f he takes earphones out with him instead of headphones (which i seem to be in the minority of thinking that's a good idea) then he can just stick the adaptor on the earphones.
      Or he could say fuck it and get a 3rd party adaptor with lightning pass through and cement it in. I'd do that one

    • @bignate2814
      @bignate2814 7 років тому

      Geo Belmont I meant the Uber had a 3.5 mm radio hook up and he couldn't use his phone because he didn't have the adapter with him because he didn't plan on using it. first world problem I know. Juan's reasoning is better.
      If you cement the adapter into the headphones you lose modularity with it and if you cement it into the phone it will eventually break.

    • @geoserenity
      @geoserenity 7 років тому

      bignate2814 ah, well there's probably a cheap one you can hook on a keyring

  • @Varni8
    @Varni8 7 років тому

    From 0:15 to 0:20 best part of this vid. Juan with the dance moves. 👍🏽👍🏽
    Do you mind disclosing the track that gave such inspiration?

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      Oooof... I can't remember...

    • @Varni8
      @Varni8 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell Good work though, entertaining content, even for the none audiophile like myself.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      I think all people should have access to good audio, regardless if they're audiophiles or not :-)

  • @nowfalahamed2505
    @nowfalahamed2505 7 років тому +1

    using a 6s plus and pretty happy with the audio

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      You should be. It's solid and performs better than the iPhone 7.

    • @nowfalahamed2505
      @nowfalahamed2505 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell i feel the same way too not worthy of an upgrade

  • @brettooops7663
    @brettooops7663 6 років тому

    I'm "rocking" both wired and wireless headphones, the ones I use depends on what my battery level is at

  • @rhythmcaster2018
    @rhythmcaster2018 7 років тому

    Greeting Juan. Would you consider doing a review on headphones?

  • @Bromillham
    @Bromillham 7 років тому +1

    Wow the Axon 7 is number 1. I thought the V20 had that top spot for sure.

  • @mehdiriver
    @mehdiriver 7 років тому

    The audio quality is also good on the s7s, it needs samsung's earphones to woork properly. If we plug othet headphones, the audio will dramatically drop.

  • @dreissacs6681
    @dreissacs6681 7 років тому +1

    I absolutely agree with this list

  • @IrisProductions23
    @IrisProductions23 7 років тому +1

    Pretty off topic but, will there be a Top 5 Smartphone Cameras of 2016 in the near future?

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому

      Maybe tomorrow?
      Stay tuned :-)

    • @IrisProductions23
      @IrisProductions23 7 років тому

      looking forward to it! I bought my Honor 8 based on your reviews, so I'm excited to see if it'll make the list.

  • @pengwaffe
    @pengwaffe 7 років тому

    just picked up an axon 7, best decision of the year

  • @StephenMai-cs8sy
    @StephenMai-cs8sy 7 років тому +1

    top 4 smartphone for music : 1mashall, 2 vivo xplay 6, 3 meizu pro 6s, 4 lg v20

  • @simplydan
    @simplydan 7 років тому

    Juan, you mentioned in the video that the Axon 7 lacks proper 24 bit support so my question is should I still load my "24 bit" CD rips or just not bother with it?

  • @mr.2cents.846
    @mr.2cents.846 7 років тому +1

    Have you forgotten the Alcatel 4S?; How could you?? Has amongst the best front facing speakers.

  • @markschoch9509
    @markschoch9509 7 років тому

    the reason the audio jack is becoming a thing of the past is because of bluetooth headphones, and even more so the truly wireless bluetooth earphones like bragi, earin, samsung IconX, kanoa, etc. if you go on amazon or ebay you can see the Chinese knockoffs have already flooded the market and some of these knockoffs actually have good sound quality.
    whether its wireless charging, bluetooth/wifi/cloud file transfer, or bluetooth earphones/headphones, pretty soon these phones won't have anything that can or will need to be plugged into them.

  • @Some1Something
    @Some1Something 7 років тому +5

    Just bought the Philips SHP9500, will never buy a phone with no headphone jack.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +5

      Oh those are nice...

    • @Some1Something
      @Some1Something 7 років тому

      JuanBagnell even though I got them only for gaming and general use, I still notice how good they sound.

  • @Hasithism
    @Hasithism 7 років тому

    Kinda sad you guys hadn't reviewed the Marshall London smartphone. It seemed very promising in the audio department and might have trumped a few phones in this list

  • @Shao526
    @Shao526 6 років тому

    Hey Juan can you do an audio review for 2018 including the Sony XZ1 and hi-fi audio?

  • @Angel-em7ig
    @Angel-em7ig 7 років тому

    I have the HTC 10 with the shure se425 earphones, sound is spectacular

  • @hsken5608
    @hsken5608 7 років тому

    What do you mean with: "ZTE lacks support for true 24-bit output"?
    According to the specs on the webiste it has a dedicated Audio Chipset: AKM 4962 and the 4490 as a dedicated DAC, with following specs:
    Resolution: 32 bit thats even more then 24bit?
    Sampling Frequency: 96 kHz
    MIC max input: 2.02 Vpp
    S/N ADC: 102 dB
    So don't really get what you mean when saying its lacks support for 24-bit, as I thought that was one of the strengths of this phone?
    Would appreciate some clarification ;)

  • @noiaverse
    @noiaverse 7 років тому

    Hey Juan, you should have Vivo Xplay 5 Elite in your hands.
    I heard great audio reviews from this device in head-fi forums. :)

  • @DarkLordLinkOfficial
    @DarkLordLinkOfficial 7 років тому

    I'm extremely happy with the HTC 10 as an overall phone, and one of the reasons I got it was because of the audio quality. However after hearing about the LG V20 I wish the HTC 10 had those features.

    • @SomeGadgetGuy
      @SomeGadgetGuy 7 років тому +1

      V20 is on another level for headphone quality, but the HTC 10 certainly isn't a slouch.

    • @mrcraggle
      @mrcraggle 7 років тому +1

      DarkLordLink no V20 in the UK so the HTC was next on my list

  • @derzulya
    @derzulya 7 років тому

    LG G5 with B&O "friend" is also really good. Maybe worth mentioning.