The Samsung Galaxy S8 is being considered as one of the best products in the smartphone market until the next iPhone comes out. It has a great display, stellar performance and an extremely capable pair of cameras. It looks good too, particularly with its bezel-less ‘Infinity Display’. And, unlike the iPhone 7, it features the favourite 3.5mm audio jack.
However, the presence of the 3.5mm headphone jack also signifies Samsung’s efforts for a great audio experience to music enthusiasts' existing arsenal of audio devices. That is highlighted by the fact that Samsung packs in a pair of headphones co-developed by HARMAN and tuned by AKG. Let’s check out what makes the Galaxy S8’s audio experience a notable one.
UHQ Audio Playback
Recognising the importance of audio technology, Samsung equipped the Galaxy S8 with Ultra High Quality (UHQ) Audio Playback capabilities with UHQ 32-bit and DSD support. This, along with support for digital recordings up to 32 bit/384kHz, ensures that the smartphone can reproduce the full range of sound from recordings that have been mastered from better than CD quality music sources. In simple words, the Galaxy S8 does not downsample audio files, so the user can experience music and sound much closer to the original recording. Recording quality, too, has also been improved thanks to the High Acoustic Overload Point (AOP) microphone that minimises distortion in noisy environments.
Dual Audio
The Galaxy S8 was the first smartphone to feature Bluetooth 5. This aids in dual audio functionality that lets users stream audio to two distinct audio devices simultaneously. The wider bandwidth of Bluetooth 5 means that users will also be able to control the volume of distinct outputs separately.
Separate App Sound
The new Separate app sound function permits users to simultaneously broadcast sounds from two individual apps using their Galaxy S8 smartphone and a separate device. This means that, for instance, a user may listen to GPS navigation via their Galaxy S8’s speaker while streaming music to their car’s Bluetooth audio system at the same time. The volume of the audio, meanwhile, can also be controlled independently.
Adapt Sound 6.0
The Galaxy S8’s Adapt Sound 6.0 function has been improved with new Preset and Advanced modes to allow for enhanced audio personalisation. Clinical research and statistical analysis of people’s hearing patterns were used to develop three preset sound profiles optimised for people by age: under 30 years, between 30 and 60 years, and over 60 years. Users can select a preset profile according to their age, or opt to use the ‘Advanced’ mode to test their hearing and find the best sound for them. The Galaxy S8 will then automatically adjust the audio output for calls, music and video based on their specific needs so they can enjoy a truly tailor-made audio experience.
SoundAlive 4.1
The latest Galaxy flagship is also backed by SoundAlive 4.1, a tool that gives the user the ultimate control over sound quality and effects. The tool features an easy-to-use, 9-band Equalizer with six pre-set options to tweak the phone’s audio; a UHQ Upscaler to enhance sound resolution, and Surround Tube Amp Pro and Concert Hall effects.
Extra Volume
There’s nothing worse than having to make or take a call in a noisy environment, such as a crowded café or heavily-trafficked street. But the Galaxy S8’s Extra volume feature makes it possible to increase the call volume without sacrificing sound quality by simply tapping an icon, right from the call screen.
Interview Mode
To better capture an interview using the Galaxy S8’s Voice Recorder app, users can activate Interview mode. In this mode, sounds near the top and bottom of the phone are amplified, while those closer to the sides are suppressed to ensure the voices of both the interviewer and interviewee are crisp and clear.
UHQ Upscaler
To enhance the sound resolution of music and videos even further, users can activate the UHQ upscaler via the Entertainment Mode settings menu.
Superior, In-Box Earphones
For the Galaxy S8, Samsung worked with HARMAN to create AKG-tuned earphones that deliver pure, superior sound. Included as an in-box accessory, the new high-performance earphones have dual drivers — 11mm and 8mm— to offer uncompromised audio for unbeatable sound quality. In addition, the earphones have a comfortable hybrid canal fit for improved noise cancellation and are made from anti-tangle, metal-fabric material.
