Hey guys. My old phone’s on its last legs, so I’m planning to get something new but I really care about sound quality.
Most Bluetooth stuff isn’t great with FLAC files, as we all know, and I actually still prefer wired listening when I can.

So, what would you recommend for someone who’s serious about music

 

Last edited: Oct 22, 2025 at 6:25 AM

Get any phone that fits your needs and then spend some money on a half decent usb-c DAC/amp combo that is portable. It will add maybe 20 grams to the weight of the phone and another 10cm to the length of the cable. Not a big deal if you're going wired anyway. Better than overspending on a bad phone that happens to have decent audio.

I'm still using a Samsung A52S that has a headphones jack, but these days most of the music I listen mobile is on YouTube music so I'm not concerned at all if I'm wired or not, so I just take my Moondrop Nekocake outside most of the time.

 

Sony Xperia 10 VII - 6.1" 19.5:9 OLED with 120 Hz, Long Battery Life - 5,000 mAh Battery, THREE Focal Lengths, 3.5mm Audio, Android 15, IP65/68, Dual SIM Hybrid, Charcoal Black - €449.00

How is the sound quality when listening to music?

You can enjoy high-quality sound via the 3.5mm audio jack, wireless headphones, or the stereo front speakers.
High-quality materials and electronic components ensure powerful, balanced, true stereo sound.

Immersive display and advanced audio performance for enhanced media enjoyment

A new 19.5:9 aspect ratio makes watching content and browsing the web more comfortable. Support for a 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth viewing and scrolling. Redesigned front-facing speakers with reduced cabinet vibration suppress noise and deliver richer, deeper sound with enhanced bass and mid-bass.

Bluetooth transmission power has been doubled1 compared to the previous model to ensure an even more reliable connection. For AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) connections, the device temporarily adjusts the sound quality to prioritize the connection in crowded or unstable environments, allowing users to enjoy content regardless of location.

Security updates are provided for up to 6 years from the date of release.

https://www.sony.co.uk/smartphones/products/xperia-10m7

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FPDFGFLZ...8a422f1214531f7fdbf401341b3c04c3e2ea1711&th=1

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FPDFGFLZ...fdbf401341b3c04c3e2ea1711&th=1&language=en_GB

 

USB DACs, on the other hand, do exactly what a DAC does: They convert the uncompressed data stream they receive via USB directly into an analog signal that can be output to headphones or active speakers.

Test Winner: iFi Go Bar

With excellent, clear, and dynamic sound and excellent features including two ports and an equalizer, the iFi Go Bar is a well-deserved test winner.

Pros: Very good sound, great features, easy to use
Cons: On-device display difficult to see, rather expensive

Price/Performance Winner: FiiO KA17

At a comparatively low price, the FiiO DAC offers good, balanced sound, high resolution, and good features – both affordable and good!

Pros: Excellent sound for its price, good features, easy to use
Cons: No sound adjustment, menu navigation somewhat clunky