Speakerphone (loudness, clarity)

Speakerphone (loudness, clarity) - Sony Xperia X Compact Real Life Review

Proper etiquette aside (hint: don't use speakerphone while doing your "business" in a public bathroom), rate this thread to express how you think the Sony Xperia X Compact's speakerphone performs. A higher rating indicates that you love it: it's loud and it's clear.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

Xperia is a Japanese phone made for the Japan market. Speakers on Xperia are softer because they aren't typically used. In Japan, people don't use their phone speakers. No speaker phone in public ever.. and on the trains, always headphones.
So, sales of Sony's good headphones are more important than phone speakers.
Xperia Compact is marketed directly to young professional women and busy moms in Japan,
and available as a carrier exclusive through DoCoMo.
This dictates everything from design and form to color etc.

Even with sound mods the speakers are sub par.

I've used much worse. Better than the likes of the galaxy s7. Far better than LG G3. Nowhere near as good as HTC or newer iPhones

For a bit of increased speaker volume on the Xperia X Compact, do the following: Settings app/Sound/Audio settings/Sound effects(make sure certain other options are disabled in order to access Sound effects)/Equalizer/
Set all 5 equalizer band controls to maximum. Back out of Settings app. This setting provides a noticeable increase in overall sound volume.

Other options for louder volume with certain types of media: A number of apps have a built-in pre-gain control, such as Music Folder Player and Podcast Addict. These provide a significant volume boost without a high risk of damaging speakers (as long as you're careful).

Related

Xperia S Audio Quality Feedback

Guys post your opinions on the audio quality of the device and if possible also a comparison with your previous phones.
Thanks.

Already quite heavily discussed...

Disappointed. Don't like the headset at all. got replacement and it's fine and waiting for the smart headset to come out.well hopefully it'll be the best, I love listen to music and this time I'm really disappointed with Sony for sure. (Sad Face)

Why disappointed? Everyone knows that standard headsets are bad.
Use your own, be happy.

chesterr said:
Disappointed. Don't like the headset at all. got replacement and it's fine and waiting for the smart headset to come out.well hopefully it'll be the best, I love listen to music and this time I'm really disappointed with Sony for sure. (Sad Face)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you expand a little - what exactly are you unhappy about? When you say you 'don't like the headset' - is it the sound quality or the ergonomics/comfort that you don't like? what aspects exactly are bad?
When we assess the audio performance of a phone, there are several separate aspects:
1. Audio output signal quality, i.e. the analog signal coming out of the phone jack. I would argue that this is superb, as can be witnessed by connecting it directly to a quality Hi-Fi system or high-performance headphones.
Has anyone noticed anything different in this respect - like distortion, noise or other defects? I haven't.
2. The audio quality in the main use of the device: as a telephone (unless we have forgotten that it can also make calls). Taken for granted most of the time, this audio quality was disappointing in my previous X10 - but on the X-S is significantly better. Call audio quality (including volume) is on par with the best phones I've used.
3. The sound quality when listening to music 'over the air', i.e. form the phone's built-in speaker. There are limitations how much loudness and/or bass you can extract form a tiny speaker in a tiny box - I hope nobody expects it to sound like a 500 Watt stereo system On speaker, the X-S is on par with the following models found around my household: Xperia X10, SE C905, SE C902, Nokia 5800. Differences are minor and, at this compromise level, not worth analysing. Subjectively, on built-in speaker the X-S sounds to me slightly but certainly better than the X10.
4. Audio quality via the standard headset provided in the pack. NOT (!) any extra /additional headphones - those are subject to your taste (and investment), see (1) above.
The kit headset is a hands-free unit optimised for making calls and not for music consumption. Yes, they certainly can play music (and many models do it decently, depending on the listener's audio culture and expectations) - but they absolutely must not be assessed and criticised as a musical device, they simply are not that.
Anyone who has the ears to hear the difference and values audio quality normally buys dedicated musical headphones. (Or already has them - as technology in them evolves slower than phones and they need less frequent 'updates'. I keep them over the life of 2-3 phones).
When we rely on the headset provided in the box, we voluntarily agree with the limitations - that those are a compromise, designed for making calls and also designed to minimise the cost of the bundle.
- - -
I'd like to think that we all agree with the above logic. Please feel free to prove me wrong (with facts) on any aspect of it. In this light, I would like to hear:
- What aspects of the audio is @chesterr (and others) unhappy about?
- If Sony disappoints, who else doesn't? What are you comparing the X-S with? What is your example of the ideal mobile audio experience (straight out of the box)?

Anyone could recommend a headset at, at max 50 dollars, for listening to music that works on it. Cable at least 1 meter and has to be in-ear.
Sent from Xperia X10 Mini Pro using CM9 by paul-xxx

Since my kplisch x10i won't work with the Sony @) I have gone back to my trusty denon ach 360's
Very nice warm sound in my opinion even though they are considered an older model.
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/accessories/earphones/301807/denon_ahc360_review.html
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium

Using Soundmagic E10s with mine and have to say I'm impressed - easily on a par with my iPhone 4s for audio quality - sounds pretty neutral to me and more than adequate for a phone imho.

maistora said:
Can you expand a little - what exactly are you unhappy about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man you're promoting Sony or something I thought that I was doing that..
well It's Sony dude they should've done more better than this, I don't blame it but I don't like the headset.Okay If you're telling me to be happy with what I get for the price that I paid for, Okay then.
BTW I'm waiting for their new Smart Headset. and Hopefully it'll be better and yes the call quality is to the maximum comparing to the other devices and they've done a pretty good job with the equaliser and with the xLoud.But I feel like I'm not getting enough Bass. Anyways I hope Smart Headset will be out soon to get

Included earbuds are always crap. If earbuds cost less than €50/$75 they are crap by definition. I've heard the audio output quality of the Xperia S is brilliant and amongst the best of all phones ever made.

chesterr said:
they've done a pretty good job with the equaliser and with the xLoud.But I feel like I'm not getting enough Bass. Anyways I hope Smart Headset will be out soon to get
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bass is very dependent on the headphones. I just tried on a pair of Sony MDR-EX81 and the bass is thumpin!
Tip: If you really wanna splurge, try the Sony balanced armature series...

I'm really impressed with the audio quality on the xs. I came from a Samsung Galaxy s2 which is a truly awful mp3 player.
The only criticism I can find with the Sony is that the highs and percussion are often more pronounced than vocals, but having said that the highs are very detailed and defined, and a pleasure to listen to!
This is the best performing phone for audio I have owned. That includes the Iphone 3gs...

Hi!
Could anyone compare the sound coming from the backside speaker to the Iphone 4 speaker output (music without headset).
Cause coming from the X10i and comparing to Iphone of my wife, x10i has a miserable sound (small tweeter behind speakerhole at the left side), Iphone4 has a much richer base when playing back music without headset.
Reading that SXS is "on par" with my X10i in that aspect is really not what i hoped to hear ....
Greetings,
Bax

Baxxx said:
Hi!
Reading that SXS is "on par" with my X10i in that aspect is really not what i hoped to hear ....
Greetings,
Bax
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
When I compare the built in speaker of my XPS with my old x10 mini pro, the x10 mini pro has a better sound, but with stock hearphones I think XPS is better.

chesterr said:
Wow man you're promoting Sony or something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm not promoting Sony. Unlike Appleheads, I am not a blind fan - every time I am buying a new device I research all products in the market, from all brands and makers. I have a (rather complex) set of comparison criteria and carefully score all available options. The fact that my last few phones happened to be Sony (Ericsson) is not brand loyalty, they just scored top marks according to my criteria. As a rationally-minded (stupid engineer) I can only compare facts and measurable parameters. 'Cool' factor, fashion trends and media hype are not among my criteria - otherwise I always gave Apple a chance in my shortlists.
Talking of audio, I cannot completely ignore the fact that among all phone makers Sony is the only one that has been making audio equipment for more than half a century, including high-quality HiFi systems and components. That includes a (very) deep vault of patents, but more important - a wealth of experience and expertise that no other phone maker has, and no 'think different' genius can easily replace.
Talking about cameras (sorry about straying off-topic for a moment) - apart from Samsung no other phone maker has any experience in making 'normal' cameras, and even they started much later and excel at the cheaper end. Sony have been making (photo) cameras longer and long before that they were making professional TV cameras used by every major broadcaster in the world. That counts for some (deep) understanding of electronic imaging that no one else has. In fact, Apple respect this and have chosen not to reinvent the steam engine, but have built a Sony camera in their phone. There can hardly be a higher recognition.
- - -
No 'Sony-heads' and blind fans here, just noticing objective facts and using my head, not my 'heart' (or other body parts).
To everyone in this forum (you must already have Sony phones, since you are here?) - and on topic: Enjoy the Sony sound, it's objectively better than others!

Sony actually include the package with livesound in malaysia .
The best bounded earphone i ever have inside phone box for the phone i brought .

Having moved from an iPhone 4 to the Xperia S I would say that the audio quality is ok but nothing special.
Listening through decent headphones (Klipsh Image X10s) the Xperia produces a good sound but I don't think it is as good as the iPhone. It is perfectly serviceable but the iPhone does a lot better in my view, especially with lossless files where you can really hear the difference on the iPhone and on the Xperia it is marginal at best compared to 320Kbps mp3.
I've no complaints about the Xperia and it beats the iPhone in most other respects but I think audio quality is an area where it could be improved.
I guess it comes down to the quality of the DACs used within it. Sony's audio experience may help but it cannot compensate for lower quality audio circuitry at the end of the day.
The output is also noticably louder on the iPhone and the Xperia may struggle to drive some headphones at a decent volume level. Its ok with mine but I find I am using 85% volume on the Xperia to get the same sound level as my iPhone running at around 70%.
Great phone though.

The sound quailty of the phones speaker is good.
The bundled headphones are poor.
The sound output via analogue is okay but not great.
The call quality is very good.

I moved from iphone 4 to xperia arc to samsung s2 to samsung note to xperia s.
Xperia arc's noise level is too high and both samsung s2 and note sounded too soft.
If lack of low frequency is not a concern to you, iphone obvious has a more open and detailed mid-range frequency reproduction (e.g. vocal voices). However, I still prefer XS for the more balanced sound.
output volume from XS is too low... hope it will be fixed by firmware upgrade.
anyway, XS is the best music player among all mobile phones i've ever had.
btw, I am using Shure 425 earphone and 840 headphone.

I don't think xs has good quality of sound indeed, I heard that there is a deficit for android or Qualcomm chips dealing with 48k (or 44.1k sound ). I am not sure about it but the default music player does improve music quality a lot.
Sent from my LT26i

Proper etiquette aside (hint: don't use speakerphone while doing your "business" in a public bathroom), rate this thread to express how you think the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge's speakerphone performs. A higher rating indicates that you love it: it's loud and it's clear.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

Comparing it to my edge+, less loud, less clear.
Waiting for root to change the mixer_gains file
It's a solid 7.5

The speaker is crap

GoogleFan said:
The speaker is crap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps because of the water proof properties of the phone?

kittiyut said:
Perhaps because of the water proof properties of the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily..
The Xperia Z line of phones were water resistant, and they had speakers that were fine. Granted, they were low in volume (max volume wasn't very high really..), but they sounded very nice.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I'd say that the volume is fine but it's not the best quality. I'm quite fussy with speakers as I listen to many podcasts via the speaker. I'm reasonably happy. Better than Z5, worse than 6P.

hows it compared to s6 edge??

prashantgmenon said:
hows it compared to s6 edge??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s6 edge perform much better both with quality and volume section

prashantgmenon said:
hows it compared to s6 edge??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am using the s7 edge exynos and comparing to my s6 edge plus...They both are loud
In terms of clarity however, the s6 edge beats the s7 edge. I think this is due to the water resistant material used in the s7 edge

Judging coming from an S6 edge to S7 edge.
Headphones, the S6 edge was louder and clearer.
Speaker, S6 edge is much better. Luckily I barely use the speaker.
Bluetooth, loudness and quality is the same.
I haven't tried Adapt Sound yet on the S7 edge, as I did with the S6 edge. Maybe that would make a difference once I do.

When play music or video in high volume , Speaker was distortion.

Quite weak: low sound level and avergage souynd quality.

I am geting buz
Few day back I am getting a small buz noise can any one had idea about that

Night and day coming from an m9. Samsung needs to step up their game.

The quality of the speaker is not the best , but it's OK. I got used to it, and I like how level of loudness - S7 Edge is louder than my previous phone - Sony Xperia Z2.

S7 Edge loudspeaker volume is soft or low
Loud Speaker is a bit disappointing. Even the volume is 100%, the sound is bit low. Hopefully an updated ROM will help to resolve the issue. Nevertheless, this is a great, superb phone.

Mine's loud, and the quality is fine (for a phone). I haven't noticed any distortions or anything, so I'm starting to wonder what the hell you people are doing with your phones. I can hear it when it's ringing and I have no issues with clarity or volume when I watch videos.
I have the Exynos version (gold), built on March 15th (in Vietnam).

+ 1 Mine is also very loud. I have had many phones HTC 7, 8 LG 2,3,4 Galaxy S3,S5,S6 Note 3 and 5. This may not be as clean as the HTC's but it is louder. I'd say its a toss up in loudness vs the LG's. LG G4 may have been a tad louder. What separates this phone from the rest (other than note 5) is the volume booster option when using speakerphone (very handy for the work I do). Very happy with volume and quality of sound. Probably hands down best phone I have ever owned and can't believe I am saying that without root. If the screen were flat it would be the perfect phone for me, but its close enough.
I have the gold verizon version SD820 built in Korea

[Exynos] I think the headphone quality is quite good (barely, if even, noticeable change from s6 edge), speaker is not as good Im afraid, probably has to do with the waterproof mesh inside.

It's a phone speaker, and it's good for what it is. People are claiming it's bad, but I don't know what they're using it for, audiophile engineering maybe?
If you want proper sound get a pair of decent headphones. Make no mistake tho, the speaker on this is more then decent in terms of loudness and "clarity".