TOP best music smartphones

Almost every modern person loves to listen to music. Someone rarely does this, while others feel almost physical discomfort, forgetting their headphones at home. If you can be classified in the second category, then you probably want to choose the best music smartphone. Why not a full-fledged player? There are three reasons for this:

1. The cost is too high, comparable to top-end phones.
2. You need to buy no less expensive headphones to “rock” the player.
3. The need to carry two devices with you at all times.

A good smartphone, along with good wired headphones, is quite enough for listening to any genre. And besides that, such a device offers other functions, including mobile games and taking photos.

What are the parameters to choose a smartphone with good sound

First of all, you need to pay attention to the sound quality. It depends both on the software and on the built-in DAC. And if the software component in the future can be improved by the manufacturer, but the same cannot be done with the hardware. However, you don't need to worry about this parameter, since all smartphones in our review have an excellent DAC. But what you should pay attention to is the presence in the device:

1. 3.5 mm jack;
2. stereo speakers.

Standard audio input appears less and less in new smartphones. But not all manufacturers want to add another speaker for better sound reproduction.

Before buying, be sure to test your chosen gadget, turn on the track in the headphones, listen to it at maximum volume without using a headset, it is best to compare it on several smartphones at the same time.

The best music smartphones before 280 $

Most users don't need the most advanced devices. Often the capabilities of top-end smartphones exceed the user's needs, but the price tag for additional functions, more powerful hardware or unique chips can increase several times. To buy a good smartphone that will perfectly cope not only with music, but also with other tasks, you can only 210–280 $... This category contains both sub-flags and full-fledged flagship devices released in recent seasons.

Read also:

• Best smartphones with good speakers
• Best Chinese smartphones
• The best smartphones on the Yandex Market

1. ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL 4 / 64GB

ZenFon 5 is the perfect choice for 280 $... The device has all the parameters necessary for comfortable use:

1. productive "stuffing" based on Snapdragon 636;
2. 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory;
3. a pair of 12-megapixel main cameras manufactured by Sony;
4. good stereo speakers and 3.5 mm output.

In reviews, the smartphone is also praised for its excellent display. For the ZE620KL, the manufacturer chose an IPS-matrix with high brightness and contrast. The screen pleases with excellent viewing angles, durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protective glass and excellent color reproduction (covering 95% of the NTSC space).

Advantages:

• stunning appearance;
• excellent display calibration;
• pleasant sounding;
• perfect combination of price and quality;
• two days of autonomy with moderate load;
• convenient and fast working shell;
• quite productive filling.

Disadvantages:

• excellent camera photos are obtained only in good lighting;
• rather mediocre sound quality from the bundled headphones.

2.Meizu Pro 7 64GB

In 2017, Meizu released, if not excellent, then at least a curious flagship - Pro 7. A year and a half after the presentation, the sound quality of this smartphone remains unattainable for most new products. Responsible for it, by the way, is the CS43130 Master HIFI chip. The software component did not disappoint either, and the manufacturer's experience in creating MP3 players is immediately felt in it.
A smartphone with good sound in headphones is equipped with a MediaTech Helio P25 chip and a Mali-T880 graphics accelerator, which is a disadvantage, but forgivable given the price of 238–280 $... In addition, the device boasts a good 16 MP front camera, as well as an excellent rear camera, which includes a pair of Sony IMX386 modules (12 MP).

But the main thing here is the screens. Yes, in Meizu Pro 7 there are 2 of them at once. Both displays are made using AMOLED technology. The diagonal and resolution of the main one are 5.2 inches and Full HD, while the additional one, located on the rear panel, is 1.9 inches and 536x240 pixels. The second module is suitable for different tasks, but it is most convenient to use it to switch music and take high-quality selfies to the main camera.

Advantages:

• excellent sound in headphones;
• the presence of an additional display;
• original design;
• high-quality assembly;
• fast fingerprint scanner.

Disadvantages:

• 3000 mAh battery discharges quickly;
• no protection from water;
• few functions are tied to the second screen.

3. Xiaomi Mi6 4 / 64GB

Continuing the theme of last year's top smartphones, one cannot ignore the Mi6 model from the Xiaomi brand. The cost of this device is approximately equal to the competitor from Meizu, but its characteristics are somewhat more interesting:

1. Snapdragon 835 processor with Adreno 540 graphics;
2. variety of interfaces including IRDA and NFC;
3. sound reproduction in stereo;
4. battery with a capacity of 3350 mAh.

The phone reproduces music well, but, unfortunately, the manufacturer decided to abandon the 3.5 mm output. However, given the active transition of the industry to the USB-C port or wireless connection, this drawback is not too critical. And you can always use the complete adapter.

But in terms of photography, this smartphone bypasses most competitors with a similar price. The device uses 12-megapixel modules from Sony and Samsung, capable of taking great photos in almost any conditions. The front camera is represented by the IMX268 sensor, and it will please you quite well if you do not like taking selfies continuously.

Advantages:

• cost-quality ratio;
• wonderful main camera;
• productive "iron";
• compact dimensions - 5.15 inches diagonal;
• there is an infrared port;
• stable operation of wireless modules.

Disadvantages:

• too easily soiled case;
• no 3.5 mm jack.

4.HTC U Ultra 64GB

HTC was once one of the market leaders. It was her Android smartphones that were the ultimate dream of young people and business people, and the appearance and quality of the devices of the Taiwanese manufacturer caused genuine delight. Today, the brand has lost its former popularity, which is associated with an unsuccessful pricing policy. Among all the company's smartphones, we managed to find only one, for which it's not a pity to give money - U Ultra.

Like the model from Meizu, the reviewed smartphone has a second display (2.05 inches). But it is located not behind, but immediately above the main one. It is necessary for displaying notifications, calendar events, weather forecast, music control, quick access to contacts and opening favorite applications.

This phone is perfect for music lovers. An advanced DAC, as well as the ability to customize the sound "for yourself" provide pleasure from any composition. But you will have to listen to music on your smartphone through the USB-C port, since the manufacturer has abandoned the 3.5 mm jack, which is familiar to many. Fortunately, the package already includes earplugs that can compete in quality with headphones in the middle price segment.

The U Ultra also has Sense Companion. This is a potentially interesting option, but not very useful in practice. But the device monitors physical activity well.As important advantages of the device, you can also highlight the QHD resolution of the display with a diagonal of 5.7 inches, which provides a pixel density of 515 ppi. True, the chosen "hardware" is not always enough for a smartphone for modern games, if this is important to you.

Advantages:

• the presence of an auxiliary display;
• support for microSD cards up to 2 TB;
• very clear and color-rich display;
• very interesting shell HTC Sense;
• very fast charging;
• protective glass Gorilla Glass 5;
• optical stabilization of the main camera;
• productive hardware platform.

Disadvantages:

• there is no standard audio output;
• strong heating in games;
• mediocre autonomy.

5. Meizu 15 4 / 64GB

The review of the best music smartphones continues with one of the most beautiful models on the market. In a sense, this smartphone even bypasses the design of Apple's solutions. The phone with the laconic name 15 stands out for its maximum symmetry. Moreover, it concerns not only the fingerprint scanner on the front panel, the same width of the upper and lower frames, as well as the location of the rear camera, but also the front camera. It is located strictly in the center, which looks quite unusual and stylish.

The cameras shoot, by the way, just great, for which we should thank Sony (the Meise 15 has the IMX350 and IMX380 sensors. For the front panel, the company chose a 20-megapixel IMX376, so selfie fans will be delighted. Lovers of excellent sound will also not be disappointed with the combination of Cirrus Logic CS35L35 and Qualcomm Fluence.Moreover, you can connect headphones to a smartphone via a regular 3.5 mm jack.

Advantages:

• face unlock function;
• smart fingerprint scanner;
• stunning appearance;
• great sound in headphones;
• high-quality AMOLED display.

Disadvantages:

• no NFC module.

The best premium music smartphones

Want not only great sound but great functionality as well? Choose top smartphones from leading manufacturers. For the review, we have chosen two wonderful devices from popular Chinese brands, the same number of mobile phones from South Korean giants, as well as the most advanced phone model from Apple at the beginning 2025 of the year. All smartphones presented in this category are distinguished by perfect build quality, attractive appearance and high performance. At the same time, the cost of some review devices is quite affordable for the average buyer.

1. Meizu 16th 6 / 64GB

Meizu's company has been particularly prolific this year for flagships. Not even half a year had passed before the Chinese brand announced the 16th model, which replaced the device with the index 15. As can be judged from the reviews, the smartphone has changed markedly compared to its predecessor. Firstly, the 6-inch screen of the smartphone now occupies a large area of ​​the front panel (almost 85%), and the top-end (at the time of the device's release) Snapdragon 845 processor with Adreno 640 graphics is installed here.

Perhaps the 16th can be called a real ideal for almost any buyer. But, unfortunately, Meizu still does not understand the importance of NFC for the international market, so this module is missing in this smartphone.

Meizu purchases displays from Samsung, so their quality is similar to the current flagships of the South Korean giant. By the way, the AMOLED display for the 16th was not chosen by chance, because only with it it was possible to implement a fingerprint scanner under the screen. It works quite quickly and accurately, but for convenience, when a high level of protection is not required, the user can choose to unlock by face.

Advantages:

• the area occupied by the display;
• performance and speed;
• fingerprint scanner under the display;
• the presence of a 3.5 mm jack;
• very fast battery charging;
• competitive price;
• vibration (reminiscent of Apple's Taptic Engine).

Disadvantages:

• no slot for installing a memory card;
• no NFC.

2.Samsung Galaxy S9 64GB

While the whole world is waiting for the full announcement and start of sales of the new Galaxy S10, the cost of which is expected to be as impressive as the set of characteristics, the best choice from the Koreans in the popular S-line is the “nine”.The first thing that stands out in the Samsung smartphone is the excellent speaker sound (stereo). They are dealt with by the AKG company bought by the manufacturer, so among the Android devices S9 is clearly in the lead in terms of sound.

The hardware platform raises no questions. But keep in mind that the hardware in the S9 differs depending on the version: Exynos and Mali or Snapdragon and Adreno. The display of a Samsung smartphone is traditionally for the manufacturer made using AMOLED technology, and its resolution is 2960x1440 pixels (18.5: 9 ratio). With a diagonal of 5.8 inches, it provides a high pixel density of 568 ppi, which is the best among all the models in the TOP.

Features:

• resource-intensive games and applications run smoothly;
• excellent display calibration and high pixel density;
• for the first time in the Galaxy S line, stereo speakers appeared in the phone;
• unlocking by fingerprint, face and iris;
• protection of the device from water and dust according to the IP68 standard;
• one of the best displays in its class;
• excellent sound.

3. Xiaomi Mi8 6 / 128GB

We can talk for a long time about which smartphones have good sound, but not all of them will be affordable for an ordinary user. This is especially true if you need a productive device, and the budget for its purchase is strictly limited. In this case, it is worth choosing the Mi8 from Xiaomi. This smartphone is equipped with the most powerful hardware Snapdragon 845 and Adreno 630. The amount of RAM and ROM for the top configuration Mi8 is 6 and 128 gigabytes.

Please note that 3D scanning is used exclusively in the Explorer Edition for Face Unlock. In other versions of the Mi8 smartphone, only the camera is used for this.

The AMOLED display of Xiaomi Mi8 impresses with the quality of the calibration, and its brightness (maximum 600 cd / m2) is enough for comfortable use on a sunny day. Also, the 6.21-inch screen takes up an impressive 84 percent of the bezel and boasts HDR10 support. As for the sound, it is quite decent here. True, you will have to connect headphones either via USB-C (there is a 3.5 mm adapter in the kit), or via Bluetooth (version 5.0).

Advantages:

• the appearance resembles the current iPhone;
• dual-band GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and NFC;
• stunning screen;
• the highest performance in any task;
• the quality of the main and front cameras;
• incredibly fast fingerprint scanner;
• excellent price for the declared characteristics.

Disadvantages:

• there is no 3.5 mm headphone output;
• copying the design (if you are worried).

4. LG G7 ThinQ 64GB

The best music smartphone from LG is the most interesting Android device for music lovers in principle. Its cost starts from 34 thousand. For this amount, the buyer receives a stylish device with protection from moisture, water, dust and shock. Pleases also the "filling" of a quality phone made by LG:

1. 6.1-inch IPS-screen (3120x1440 pixels, 563 dpi);
2. Snapdragon 845 (8 cores up to 2.5 GHz);
3. Adreno 630 (operating frequency up to 710 MHz);
4. 4 gigabytes of RAM;
5. 64 GB storage (UFS 2.1).

But, of course, the G7 ThinQ was able to get to the second place in the ranking of the best music smartphones precisely because of its excellent sound. Excellent stereo speakers, a 3.5 mm jack, and an advanced audio chip allow you to enjoy music not only with headphones, but also without them. By the way, the "ears" with the device are already included, and they are suitable for constant use and do not cause a desire to quickly throw them away.

Advantages:

• Military Standard 810G protection;
• the case is not afraid of water and dust;
• optimization and hardware are excellent;
• loud stereo speakers deliver simply gorgeous sound;
• shooting with the main camera always pleases with the speed and quality of the resulting images.

Disadvantages:

• the battery is weak (3000 mAh);
• controversial placement of the Google Assistant button.

5. Apple iPhone Xs Max 64GB

The list of smartphones with high-quality sound is continued by the best model from the American company Apple - iPhone Xs Max. This device, like other new items of the "apple" brand, for the first time in the line can boast of support for two SIM. But the devices officially supplied to the Russian market are equipped with one slot, and the second SIM card is electronic.This negates any benefits of such an innovation. However, if you manage to buy a version intended for the Chinese market, then there are already two slots for SIM-cards.

The large 6.5-inch display with a resolution of 2688x1242 pixels (pixel density 456 ppi) looks unusual in the iPhone. This allows you to conveniently watch movies, play all modern games and chat on social networks. By the way, the smartphone processes all tasks instantly, and it is impossible to find an application that can make the smartphone think even for a moment. Thanks for this is the new Apple A12 Bionic and 4 gigabytes of fast LPDDR4X RAM.

Advantages:

• reference assembly and quality of materials;
• perfectly worked out design;
• the best sound on the market;
• perfect computing power;
• perfect display calibration;
• splash, water and dust resistant.

Disadvantages:

• there is no 3.5 mm adapter included;
• the quality of pictures in low light deteriorates significantly;
• terrible bundled headphones (as for the average price of $ 1500).

Which smartphone for music to buy

Manufacturers rarely create phones with an eye only for music lovers. For this reason, the presented rating of music smartphones can also be recommended for those who like to play and take pictures. The clear winner of the review is Apple's Xs Max. However, its cost is too high for the average user, so to save money, you can choose competitors on Android from South Korean brands or, if the budget is very modest, smartphones from Xiaomi and Meizu. But keep in mind that Meizu is still not installing NFC on their phones.