Best Budget Smartphones with Exceptional Audio Quality
In today’s mobile marketplace, budget smartphones have evolved significantly, offering premium features at accessible prices. One standout feature consumers increasingly demand is audio quality. Whether for streaming music, gaming, or video calls, clear sound can greatly enhance the user experience. This article reviews some of the best budget smartphones under $400 that excel in audio quality.
1. Samsung Galaxy A32
The Samsung Galaxy A32 is a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts on a budget. It features stereo speakers that deliver a well-balanced sound profile. The A32 supports Dolby Atmos, enhancing the surround sound experience, particularly when streaming content or playing games.
Audio Features:
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a rich sound experience without the need for external speakers.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Creates immersive audio suitable for both music and movies.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: A much-preferred feature for traditional headphone users, ensuring compatibility with various audio accessories.
Audio Performance: The sound is crisp with good bass response, making it suitable for pop, rock, and even classical music.
2. Nokia G50
The Nokia G50 offers impressive audio capabilities, particularly in the expandable and versatile audio options. Equipped with dual speakers, it boasts a loud and clear sound that benefits from DSP enhancements.
Audio Features:
- Dual Speakers: Produce louder audio without distortion, whether for calls or media.
- Custom EQ Settings: Allows users to tailor their audio experience according to personal preferences.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Retains compatibility with older headphones and audio devices.
Audio Performance: Voice calls are clear and crisp, while music playback offers depth and richness, suitable for a wide array of genres.
3. Moto G Power (2021)
The Moto G Power (2021) combines strong battery life with solid audio features that won’t break the bank. It features a single bottom-firing speaker, but the quality is surprisingly good for hands-free calls and media consumption.
Audio Features:
- Single Speaker with Good Output: Though it’s a single speaker, it provides good clarity.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Perfectly compatible with wired headphones and various audio devices.
- Stereo Bluetooth Support: Allows for connection to high-quality Bluetooth audio devices.
Audio Performance: The speaker output is crisp, making it ideal for podcasts and audiobooks, and the headphone experience is enhanced thanks to a customizable audio profile in its software.
4. OnePlus Nord N200 5G
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone that also prioritizes audio quality with its capable hardware. It offers a balanced audio experience with added software enhancements.
Audio Features:
- Stereo Speakers: Provide a robust audio experience with good separation across frequencies.
- Dual Mic Setup: Enhances voice capture for calls and recording.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Great for those who prefer wired audio solutions.
Audio Performance: The Nord N200’s audio quality is well-rounded, with a good bass response for music and clear highs for dialogues in shows and movies.
5. TCL 20 SE
The TCL 20 SE brings an immersive audio experience at an affordable price. With its loud speakers and dual mic system, it is a reliable choice for those who prioritize sound.
Audio Features:
- Loud Mono Speaker: Delivers an energetic sound experience that is particularly good for video watching.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Enhances versatility by allowing traditional wired connectivity.
- Native Support for Hi-Res Audio: Can process high-resolution audio files for superior listening.
Audio Performance: Its audio performance is notably impressive for a budget phone, providing surprisingly good lows for music and clear mid-range frequencies for voice calls.
6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 combines affordability with impressive audio performance. Its stereo speakers offer an engaging sound profile, ideal for casual listening or movie watching.
Audio Features:
- Stereo Speakers: Allows for a wider soundstage, making music and media playback more enjoyable.
- Hi-Res Audio Certification: Ensures high audio fidelity when using compatible headphones.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Adheres to the traditional headphone standards.
Audio Performance: This device stands out for its audio clarity and balanced sound, making it suitable for a wide variety of audio experiences, from gaming to music.
7. Realme 8
The Realme 8 is known for its vibrant display and solid performance but does not skimp on audio capabilities either. It features a single bottom-firing speaker, yet its tuning enhances playback quality.
Audio Features:
- Bottom-Firing Speaker: Delivers decent volume and clarity for the size.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Keeps it convenient for wired audio enthusiasts.
- Customizable Sound EQ: Users can tweak audio settings to their preference.
Audio Performance: The speaker performs well for casual use, while many users will appreciate the enhanced experience provided by wired headphones.
8. Google Pixel 5a
The Google Pixel 5a may stretch the budget limit slightly, but its audio quality justifies the price increase. This device boasts excellent adaptive audio technology.
Audio Features:
- Stereo Speakers: Superior sound output with good highs and mids, especially for voice calls.
- Adaptive Sound: Automatically adjusts the sound settings based on surrounding environments.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Ensures users can utilize wired headphones without a hassle.
Audio Performance: Google’s audio optimization shines through, making it ideal for all forms of media consumption.
9. Vivo Y72 5G
The Vivo Y72 5G merges 5G capabilities with solid audio performance. It includes stereo speakers that perform admirably for both entertainment and calls.
Audio Features:
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a crisp and loud audio output for games and videos.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Offers the convenience of traditional audio connections.
- Audio Optimization Features: Built-in enhancements for a tailored listening experience.
Audio Performance: The audio output is clean, with good depth suitable for all genres of music and audio content.
10. Infinix Note 10
The Infinix Note 10 is an underrated budget device featuring powerful audio capabilities through its dual speakers and audio enhancements.
Audio Features:
- Dual Speakers: Offer an expansive soundstage for a budget smartphone.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Allows traditional headphone use.
- Dedicated Audio Tuning Features: Different presets for various listening scenarios.
Audio Performance: This phone’s speakers provide an immersive experience, making it ideal for media consumption, particularly in quiet environments.
Key Considerations for Audio Quality in Smartphones
When choosing a budget smartphone for audio quality, consider the following aspects:
- Speaker Configuration: Stereo speakers typically deliver better sound than mono. Look for devices with quality tuning and audio enhancements.
- Audio Processing Technology: Features like Dolby Atmos or Hi-Res audio certification significantly improve playback quality.
- Wired Connectivity: The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows for a wider range of audio accessories.
- Software Enhancements: Many smartphones offer customizable EQ settings, which can help you tailor the audio experience to your liking.
Conclusion
When shopping for a budget smartphone that prioritizes audio quality, the options listed above stand out due to their immersive sound capabilities. With advancements in technology, even budget models are equipped to deliver a satisfying audio experience. Whether you’re a music lover, gamer, or simply someone who enjoys watching videos on the go, these smartphones provide excellent audio performance without stretching your budget. Consider your specific needs and preferences to choose the right model for you.
