Develop Bugs

Rate your HTC 10 speakers

Hey XDAers!
I'm considering buying the HTC 10 after my amazing experience with the One M7.
Just wondering how the built-in speakers on the 10 match up to other flagships and previous HTCs. I heard the M9's speakers were really loud and better than the M8's, which were in turn louder and better than the M7's. My current feelings on the 10, from reading reviews, is that they're great quality but not that loud, and not great for watching videos in landscape mode.
Whoever's had old Ones and/or recent flagships and can comment on the loudness and quality of the 10's built-in speakers, please share your thoughts! I'd love to be able to start playing good quality, loud music while cooking, showering, or at gatherings with friends.
Edit: Mods; maybe this should be in Guides, News, and Discussion instead?

While I do think the speakers sound good, they are not loud enough, they are around same level as my s7 edge but lower than my G5.

I has the M7, M8 and now the 10. I think they're just fine. Great sounding, loud enough. Is it the loudest? No. But will you get damn good quality from these speakers given the right media? You bet you will.

Agreed they're not loud, the quality is very good though
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

Awesome speakers and are clearer than my M8. HTC focused more on clarity it appears.
In terms of loudness? Someone had tools to test and made a video showing the 10 having slightly louder speakers.
I guess many think the opposite because of how big htc made their speakers look on their M series but if you were to open them, the speakers are actually less than half of the actual grill.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

Thanks for the responses guys!
richii0207 said:
In terms of loudness? Someone had tools to test and made a video showing the 10 having slightly louder speakers.
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Oh what, actually? Do you happen to have the video? Cause if this is true, that makes me very happy

I have to say I used my M9 everyday at work on lunch to watch TV shows. Yesterday was the first day using the 10 and it is just as loud and sounds so much better. The clearly is crazy with the 10. I am so happy with it.
Sent from my HTC 10

SponTen said:
Thanks for the responses guys!
Oh what, actually? Do you happen to have the video? Cause if this is true, that makes me very happy
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Here ya go.https://youtu.be/iIuIajsVuIk
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

richii0207 said:
Here ya go.https://youtu.be/iIuIajsVuIk
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
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Quality is very good, but what is missing is the real stereo sound from M7-M9. M10 still sounds good, better than S7. Its just not the same than before, especially if your watching a video in landscape, where stereo really mattered.
But still, its miles better than G5 and S7, cause the sound is coming right at you, not from the bottom in the direction of your hand (like S7).

In the shower, I could clearly hear music from my 6P playing. With the 10, that is no longer the case - sounds like any past phone in terms of volume. It is definitely a little higher quality than any other phone I've had though, but not bounds and leagues ahead to make it a worthwhile sacrifice for volume. So if loudness is what you're after, you will be disappointed.

Thanks guys; it's incredibly useful having a wide variety of opinions.
Nitemare3219 said:
In the shower, I could clearly hear music from my 6P playing. With the 10, that is no longer the case - sounds like any past phone in terms of volume. It is definitely a little higher quality than any other phone I've had though, but not bounds and leagues ahead to make it a worthwhile sacrifice for volume. So if loudness is what you're after, you will be disappointed.
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This disappoints me. The 6P looks great but is too big for me and stock Android is not as customisable as I'd like; otherwise I probably would've already bought it.
Maybe there's a way to increase loudness without losing too much clarity/quality? I've heard V4A can increase volume by up to 50%.

The sound quality is good, but it is not louder that HTC M8, when you hear music you can hear in both speakers, same if you are choosing a ringtone, but when you hear the phone ringing IS VERY BAD, it sounds muffled and low because the ring only sound in the lower speaker
Does somebody try to root and place viper4Afor fix this?

I have the same issue when the phone is ringing. It just doesn't sound right.

I wrote to HTC customer online ( chat) they told me that it could be a bug, may should be included in the future updates. You can to write to chat or HTC technical support so they could see several people with the same thing and fix it a little bit more quick. If somebody can help us---- welcome

So my phone isn't faulty. I thought my phone has some kind of issue for what it sounds to tiny in landscape position. My last G4 with back speaker sounded so loud and definitely not bad than Htc 10. Somebody should find some way to louden the output.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

Speaker issues/low quality

Greetings, sorry if this is redundant thread but I feel maybe this would get buried under the RL reviews. I have seen this behavior on 4 Pixel 2 XL's so far, one being mine, one being my friends and the two other's being from Verizon and Best Buy displays. Rather than explain here is a small video, excuse the mediocre quality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7FoxEZjgi0&feature=youtu.be . Not sure if it's a case of small poor quality speakers and the volume is set too loud and will be lowered in a future software update? I'm wondering if speakers are just trash in general and it's either put up with it or return it? Or the slight possibility of a bad batch of devices? Or just some freak luck to see 4 units exhibiting the same exact symptoms. Video and music playback do have the same issue at louder volumes, just not to that extent with using the speakerphone with voice calls. Has anyone else noticed this on their new devices? Thanks for your input.

Based on what i tried at verizon and comparing to my iphone 7+ its not good. Not that loud and lack of bass
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

My speakers sort of have a hum/buzz at higher volumes... Do yall's?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

nldxda said:
My speakers sort of have a hum/buzz at higher volumes... Do yall's?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's exactly what was going on to all four of the devices that I have listened to. My device, my friends device and two demo devices from Best Buy and the Verizon store. It seems to be most noticeable when making calls on speakerphone as was indicated in the video I posted. Music/videos it's still there but not as bad cause possibly the max volume isn't as loud vs a voice call. I'm guessing the speakers are too small and Google set the max volume way too high for what the speakers are capable of. Or could be something else I'm not aware of . Either way for $1k it's pretty sad.
Edit: Decided to get a replacement from Google. Hopefully the next unit isn't as bad.

Supposedly the corners of the screen are adhered to the rest of the phone using some kind of foam backers (look up the ifixit breakdown on this device). Because it's not a 'glue" and closer to a foam, this is apparently what is causing the perceived "buzzy" sound when the volume is too loud.
I will say I was watching videos on youtube last night while my phone was sitting on my dining room table, and it sounded crisp and clear even at 75% loudness. I did not notice any buzzing vibrations going through the display or the phone from the speakers.

Im curious if you hear more noise when pluged in for charging. This was issue when we had nexus 6 with stereo speaker.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

zetsumeikuro said:
Yes, that's exactly what was going on to all four of the devices that I have listened to. My device, my friends device and two demo devices from Best Buy and the Verizon store. It seems to be most noticeable when making calls on speakerphone as was indicated in the video I posted. Music/videos it's still there but not as bad cause possibly the max volume isn't as loud vs a voice call. I'm guessing the speakers are too small and Google set the max volume way too high for what the speakers are capable of. Or could be something else I'm not aware of . Either way for $1k it's pretty sad.
Edit: Decided to get a replacement from Google. Hopefully the next unit isn't as bad.
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I noticed this on 3 different Pixel 2 XLs as well. Does your replacement have it?

Mine does this as well. I'm pretty sure every one of them does. I called Google support last night and of course the tech was either playing dumb or hadn't heard of this but I really can't see how they don't know this is an issue.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I've noticed about 50% and higher and with high pitched tones on the bottom speaker of my pixel 2 xl gets like a weird vibration or rattle sound. Like something is loose or the speaker is rattling the screen.

I've been listening to mine with music full blast and no issues. Don't alter the sound with the equaliser and it's great. Bottom speaker is louder than the top, but no issues like these on mine.

I just got my 2nd RMA. All of the phones, including the original one, have exhibited the buzzing/vibration from the bottom firing speaker that you all speak of. There is a large thread that confirms this from pretty much everyone. It's very obvious at volume levels of about 80% or higher on my current device. I'm also starting to wonder if the earpiece is crappy too. I just made several rounds of calls and during each call, I could pick up a buzz during low pitched feedback from the other end.
Here is the other thread that covers this exactly. https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/speaker-rattle-distortion-t3699373
---------- Post added at 10:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
biffwitch said:
I've been listening to mine with music full blast and no issues. Don't alter the sound with the equaliser and it's great. Bottom speaker is louder than the top, but no issues like these on mine.
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It's not noticeable when playing music, especially if it's something that's fast paced. Instead, watch a YT video with dialogue, i.e. Linus Tech Tips, at full volume. You'll hear it then.

brnhrd said:
I noticed this on 3 different Pixel 2 XLs as well. Does your replacement have it?
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Yup, I'm still on my original XL 2 cause there was dirt/dead pixels on my 2nd device. After hearing people don't have the issue on the speakers (which I find hard to believe). I would like to see someone without the issue supposedly doing a speakerphone call above 40% volume to show there's no distortion. So I have my third one coming and I'm pretty sure I'll end up keeping my original. I have zero confidence that I'll get a better or equal screen (w/o dead pixels or black debris particles under the glass). Makes you really think that LG has piss poor QC since the glass is generally fused in OLED displays so you would imagine they would be producing in a sterile environment.

Got one in the mail today and it sounds way better on speakerphone calls. Still has a little of the distortion at 100% volume but it's very minuscule compared to before. Manufacture date of 11/21/17.

pixel buds shipped

just got a pleasant surprise email, my pixel buds shipped, supposed to be delivered Tuesday. Weren't supposed to ship until the 20th.

Got mine last night been wearing them most of the day. Digging them so far.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

houseboatwayne said:
Got mine last night been wearing them most of the day. Digging them so far.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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How's the sound quality? I'm on the wait list, but am starting to have second thoughts. I was sold on the instant translation features, but am starting to think I should look at some more reputable headphones.

Moostafa29 said:
How's the sound quality? I'm on the wait list, but am starting to have second thoughts. I was sold on the instant translation features, but am starting to think I should look at some more reputable headphones.
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I was rocking Jay Birds that are extremely loud and seal your ear cavity and get uncomfortable after an hour of use. Compared to those, not heavy bass but good clean sound, loud enough but no Jay Birds. Solid connection to ear but light comfortable feel. You can hear outside sounds well when nothing is playing. I really like them m
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

houseboatwayne said:
Got mine last night been wearing them most of the day. Digging them so far.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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how has the battery life been, close to what they claimed?

uicnren said:
how has the battery life been, close to what they claimed?
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Don't know yet. They were quiet most of the day while wearing them.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

lucky! i ordered the just black version and mine is still saying it wont ship until december 4th!

weaver11b said:
lucky! i ordered the just black version and mine is still saying it wont ship until december 4th!
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Mine December 15!!!
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Been using them for about 2 day and they are amazing ! Order mines through the Verizon store.The only issues I'm having trouble is activating Google Assistant at lock screen which seem to be a problem and Is being look over right now.

Skitts said:
Been using them for about 2 day and they are amazing ! Order mines through the Verizon store.The only issues I'm having trouble is activating Google Assistant at lock screen which seem to be a problem and Is being look over right now.
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For those of you waiting until December - you can order from verizon right now and get them on 11/29 - https://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/google-pixel-buds-ga00205/

Skitts said:
Been using them for about 2 day and they are amazing ! Order mines through the Verizon store.The only issues I'm having trouble is activating Google Assistant at lock screen which seem to be a problem and Is being look over right now.
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Strictly out of curiosity, what do you find 'amazing' about them?

I've had mine for a few days now. They are great! Google translate is so cool.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

uicnren said:
Strictly out of curiosity, what do you find 'amazing' about them?
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I have had mine for a days- I was surprised how comfortable they were once I figured out the loop and how good they sound, particularly the Bass. I was not really expecting great sound, but these are some of the best "buds" I have heard, though I normally use over the ear. Translate is really cool too.
I did have trouble getting them paired at first but now they are good

aaronc_98 said:
I have had mine for a days- I was surprised how comfortable they were once I figured out the loop and how good they sound, particularly the Bass. I was not really expecting great sound, but these are some of the best "buds" I have heard, though I normally use over the ear. Translate is really cool too.
I did have trouble getting them paired at first but now they are good
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Click to collapse
I agree, sound fantastic. I found them easy to pair.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

How's the bass with these things? been thinking of getting them but not trying to waste my time if the bass isn't there.

Finally got my shipped notice for mine ordered back on 10/5 (Black).... So, hope to see them Monday !

Had them about a week or so. Dynamic range and clarity are actually pretty decent (low to high); I'm not an audiophile, but I am pretty finicky relative to sound quality.
I have been using Sennheiser in-ear-canal type buds for several years (similar price range to these - $150). I find the Pixel buds comparable for sound quality, except for lack of noise isolation, but knew that going in.
Volume is good, even a bit LOUD at max range. I've read reports that people can hear what's playing on your Pixel Buds, so that might be an issue, say on an airplane.
My only complaint is the too coarse volume adjustment via swiping. Pixel 2 XL provides 25 increments, 0% to 100%. The Pixels buds only provide 7-8 increments. Way too coarse, resulting in a too loud or too soft result. I suspect this might be fixable in software (?). EDIT: I can press the right bud say "75% Volume" (even just "75%" will do it after an initial request), so maybe a good compromise.
My only other complaint is lack of a swipe gesture to switch tracks. I can press the right bud and say "skip" (even softly) to get the desired action, but I would prefer to simply swipe UP or DOWN to get this result. I've read this was the intended function, but might have been confusing for users compared with in-out volume gestures, and was disabled. I do like being able to say, "Thumbs Down" and Play Music will tag that song and skip to the next track.
Comfort for me has been good. The rope between the left and right buds is perfect. I'd surely lose them if not attached!

I dont understand why volume gesture couldnt be made to be up/down and track forward/back be swipe forward/back.

Appears there may be an issue with the Google Assistant not working on the Buds. Several Google forums are having this issue, as well as me. The Buds drop connection after 1-2 minutes and then have to be forgotten from the Pixel XL 2, in my case, then repaired. Once repaired the situation repeats itself. Contacted Google and they've heard of this issue. Supposed possible update comming but looks like they are RMA'ing the Buds. If you haven't used them in a while might want to check it out to see if you are having same issues.

cedargreen said:
Appears there may be an issue with the Google Assistant not working on the Buds. Several Google forums are having this issue, as well as me. The Buds drop connection after 1-2 minutes and then have to be forgotten from the Pixel XL 2, in my case, then repaired. Once repaired the situation repeats itself. Contacted Google and they've heard of this issue. Supposed possible update comming but looks like they are RMA'ing the Buds. If you haven't used them in a while might want to check it out to see if you are having same issues.
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I tried them but returned. Got my zolo liberty + and find them to be quite a bit better.

Too much vibration from speakers??

I was reading an article from bgr (link below) and they talked about a flaw that has not been talked about with the new pixel phones. They claim the speakers vibrate soo much when playing back music or video etc. that it feels like the vibration motor in the handset is on and is actually vibrating soo much you don't even want to hold the phone in your hand while audio is playing out the speakers.
The funny thing is I must have watched a zillion review videos and no one else has mentioned this. It would be weird that no one else caught this. I hope this is an isolated case if a case at all.
Anyone else heard of this issue?
https://bgr.com/2018/10/16/pixel-3-xl-review-supplement-design-flaw/

There's a huge difference between a flaw, and a feature/side effect. According to what is happening here the speakers are vibrating the phone from the sound of the speakers. There is no distortion, or sound issue, but a vibration side effect on the phone itself. It's like turning up your car stereo, or home theater, and the doors on the car vibrate, or the home speakers vibrate, and may even shake the walls. That is not a flaw, but a result of loud, sound speakers.

bobbyphoenix said:
There's a huge difference between a flaw, and a feature/side effect. According to what is happening here the speakers are vibrating the phone from the sound of the speakers. There is no distortion, or sound issue, but a vibration side effect on the phone itself. It's like turning up your car stereo, or home theater, and the doors on the car vibrate, or the home speakers vibrate, and may even shake the walls. That is not a flaw, but a result of loud, sound speakers.
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That's true but they claimed it was also significantly vibrating even at 50% volume. That's something I would expect at max volume. Either way we will see soon enough.

bsg411 said:
That's true but they claimed it was also significantly vibrating even at 50% volume. That's something I would expect at max volume. Either way we will see soon enough.
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Because of the IP68 rating, its pretty sealed, and thats why youre getting that vibration. Theres nowhere for that air to go so its going to bump into the case.

There is definitely a bit of vibration on my phone when music is played through the speakers but I currently don't find it to be an issue.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

It's there AND the speakers are much louder than the 2 and quite crisp. I'll take the trade off

A good case might absorb it some....

I think it’s a flaw. I’ve seen so many reviews praising the speakers of the pixel and I was surprised to find out that the audio experience is really subpar. Compared to my iPhone XS Max the sound is night and day. The iPhone is louder, more clear, and overall more pleasing. Another user in another thread described the pixel audio as “everyone in videos sound like their mouths are full peanut butter when they talk” and it’s a very accurate description of the sound. Not to mention the phone does indeed vibrate a ton when you get anywhere north or 35% volume and most of the sound emitted comes through the bottom speaker making the whole auditory experience sound unbalanced and not truly stereo. Both the iPhone and Pixel have the same IP68 very but the iPhone absolutely smashes the pixel as far are speakers are concerned.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just got my pixel 3 xl setup and WOW im shocked at the amount of vibration from a video. I played a video of us singing happy birthday to my daughter on my Pixel 2 xl at 50% volume and near max say 90% and there is some vibration at the edges not much at the center. i then did the same test with the pixel 3 XL and its bad at 25% volume and gets worse from there the whole back vibrates right from the center out. both test with no case. Im going to pick up a case today and see if it absorbs some. This could be a deal breaker for me, i like to watch videos on my phone and that will just get annoying

Yeah there is a lot of vibration from the speakers thru the whole phone, my 2XL did not have that, the sound is a lot Fuller and louder then that phone though.
I have the Google fabric case and it does not reduce it at all.
It does not bother me to much, the buzzing/distortion on my lower speaker bothers me a lot.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

My phone arrived today and I have a spigen case waiting for it. When I get home Ill test this out and report back how it feels.

After some more use there is some odd sound issues , sending a text through the stock app the sound makes an odd sound that is not present on my pixel 2 xl . is like a tiny crackly vibration sound . i have similar sounds from pokemon go as well ...man this really stinks , i expected the sound to be like my pixel 2 xl

The fact the phone is vibrating without distortion is pretty awesome.
It indicates fuller sound with more audio being produced in the low end.
This is fantastic news.
I'm sorry ya'll wimpy hands can't handle vibrations.

CZ Eddie said:
The fact the phone is vibrating without distortion is pretty awesome.
It indicates fuller sound with more audio being produced in the low end.
This is fantastic news.
I'm sorry ya'll wimpy hands can't handle vibrations.
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Click to collapse
It’s not a matter of hands being bothered, at least not for me, it’s a matter of the sound being **** because there is too much low end frequency and resonance and the highs and mids become almost inaudible. I won’t use it without headphones now cause I just can’t understand and clearly, the sound coming from the music or videos. Either that’s or I’ll just pick up my iPhone because it sounds like a damn IMAX Dolby experience in comparison lmao
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CZ Eddie said:
The fact the phone is vibrating without distortion is pretty awesome.
It indicates fuller sound with more audio being produced in the low end.
This is fantastic news.
I'm sorry ya'll wimpy hands can't handle vibrations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pixel 2 xl sounded nice with out the annoyance of a vibrating phone on every sound. i like fuller sound to a point. sure my hands can HANDle it ( lol sorry just being silly and had to bold hand) but do i want or like it is another story. i watched the same few videos and they sounded good on both phones ans sure the 3xl was a bit fuller but the vibrating was sorta distracting for me , there might even be some distorting from it as well.

razor237 said:
My pixel 2 xl sounded nice with out the annoyance of a vibrating phone on every sound. i like fuller sound to a point. sure my hands can HANDle it ( lol sorry just being silly and had to bold hand) but do i want or like it is another story. i watched the same few videos and they sounded good on both phones ans sure the 3xl was a bit fuller but the vibrating was sorta distracting for me , there might even be some distorting from it as well.
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This is my exact experience! If I’ve been watching videos on my pixel and then pick up my iPhone to watch a video it’s like I’ve steeped into an imax theatre with the Dolby atoms experience it’s so much better [emoji23]. Google needs to push an update to the sound tuning ASAP
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pure+ said:
This is my exact experience! If I’ve been watching videos on my pixel and then pick up my iPhone to watch a video it’s like I’ve steeped into an imax theatre with the Dolby atoms experience it’s so much better [emoji23]. Google needs to push an update to the sound tuning ASAP
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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Yeah i was comparing to my pixel 2 xl figured it was a fair comparison both with similar front firing speakers .... i i remember correctly my nexus 6P had some sound issues that was solved by updates so maybe they can reduce it a bit

razor237 said:
Yeah i was comparing to my pixel 2 xl figured it was a fair comparison both with similar front firing speakers .... i i remember correctly my nexus 6P had some sound issues that was solved by updates so maybe they can reduce it a bit
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I was just totally shocked because I’ve seen so many reviews praising these speakers especially when compared to the two new iPhones and that’s just not been my experience at all. Maybe it’s preference but I can’t imagine how these things are define as clear, crisp, etc
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love the phone but hate the distortion of the speakers, I don't listen to music that much but it is so bad, even on YouTube videos.i might have to return this thing.
I have seen 3 phones so far and they all have that issue. Maybe I have to switch to the 10s Max.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

marcocb8 said:
I love the phone but hate the distortion of the speakers, I don't listen to music that much but it is so bad, even on YouTube videos.i might have to return this thing.
I have seen 3 phones so far and they all have that issue. Maybe I have to switch to the 10s Max.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
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Yeah everyone was going on about the notch and that's not too bad at all but the sounds is more of an issue for me at least , the 10s Max does sound good and doesn't vibrate like the 3xl, i was just comparing to my wife's. but man the only issue with that is using iOS

Question Terribly tinny and imbalanced sound?

I noticed that the sound quality of the built-in speakers is... terrible... to be putting it mildly. Initially I thought there was just a lot of bass but during calls the sound is very "sharp" but not in a good way, more like hurting my ears piercing. When I'm playing videos or music, not only is the top speaker at most half of the lower speaker's volume, but the overall experience is like the phone was dropped into a tin can. I already tried Wavelet to balance the speakers but the sound quality still is abysmal. My 3.5 year-old S9+ outperforms the 6Pro by far. The little things that bother me with this phone keep adding up and I'm not sure how many more I can take. At least the call quality should be OK, right?

.... Hopefully it ain't anything wrong with your device but I definitely don't have such an issue. I think the sound is great. Honestly I'm kind of impressed at how well the top speaker sounds yet I can barely even see the speaker based on how seamless the screen goes into the frame at the top.
Is it the best sound of any smart phone... No I'm sure it's not. Is it better than my pixel 4XL which had great sound to me, Yes. They are actually the same loudness yet the 6 pro sound is clearer at full volume. I understand that sound is subjective however I would have to 1000% disagree with you.

manners400 said:
.... Hopefully it ain't anything wrong with your device but I definitely don't have such an issue. I think the sound is great. Honestly I'm kind of impressed at how well the top speaker sounds yet I can barely even see the speaker based on how seamless the screen goes into the frame at the top.
Is it the best sound of any smart phone... No I'm sure it's not. Is it better than my pixel 4XL which had great sound to me, Yes. They are actually the same loudness yet the 6 pro sound is clearer at full volume. I understand that sound is subjective however I would have to 1000% disagree with you.
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Same here but not quite as loud as my Note 20 Ultra.

manners400 said:
.... Hopefully it ain't anything wrong with your device but I definitely don't have such an issue. I think the sound is great. Honestly I'm kind of impressed at how well the top speaker sounds yet I can barely even see the speaker based on how seamless the screen goes into the frame at the top.
Is it the best sound of any smart phone... No I'm sure it's not. Is it better than my pixel 4XL which had great sound to me, Yes. They are actually the same loudness yet the 6 pro sound is clearer at full volume. I understand that sound is subjective however I would have to 1000% disagree with you.
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So there might be something wrong with the device? The sound is basically like a 48 kbit MP3 file
EDIT: Maybe I'll head over to Best Buy this weekend to talk to the folks there and get a replacement if necessary.

funnycreature said:
So there might be something wrong with the device? The sound is basically like a 48 kbit MP3 file
EDIT: Maybe I'll head over to Best Buy this weekend to talk to the folks there and get a replacement if necessary.
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funnycreature said:
So there might be something wrong with the device? The sound is basically like a 48 kbit MP3 file
EDIT: Maybe I'll head over to Best Buy this weekend to talk to the folks there and get a replacement if necessary.
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Click to collapse
I have no complaints about the sound from mine. Nothing like you've described. I do hope that you get it worked out.

In developer settings you can change the stereo balance if you need to.

kboya said:
I have no complaints about the sound from mine. Nothing like you've described. I do hope that you get it worked out.
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Thank you! I'll let y'all know

ironically a semi audiophile on reddit did a full on rant today how the audio had too much bass
meanwhile reviews say the speakers sound good and have actual bass for once but the mids/high increase the higher the volume gets
honestly these are very good sounding speakers for a smartphone especially when i compare to my galaxy note 9

For me the speakers are great, I have compared the sound with the iphone 13 and I have to say the pixels are better, at least for me. I know that for some they have too much bass, but for me it is perfect

funnycreature said:
I noticed that the sound quality of the built-in speakers is... terrible... to be putting it mildly. Initially I thought there was just a lot of bass but during calls the sound is very "sharp" but not in a good way, more like hurting my ears piercing. When I'm playing videos or music, not only is the top speaker at most half of the lower speaker's volume, but the overall experience is like the phone was dropped into a tin can. I already tried Wavelet to balance the speakers but the sound quality still is abysmal. My 3.5 year-old S9+ outperforms the 6Pro by far. The little things that bother me with this phone keep adding up and I'm not sure how many more I can take. At least the call quality should be OK, right?
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I don't know how good the S9+ sounds, never had one. What I can tell is that the P6 Pro sounds good, it has a slight imbalance between top and bottom, but in terms of clarity and bass, it's a good sounding phone speaker. So either your expectations are extraodinary, or your device is defective. Best go to the place where you bought it and ask that the store rep compares the sound of your phone to one that they have on display, that way you can quickly find out if your device has a defect.

Thank you all! Is there a good app or sound piece that I can use to test?

Morgrain said:
I don't know how good the S9+ sounds, never had one. What I can tell is that the P6 Pro sounds good, it has a slight imbalance between top and bottom, but in terms of clarity and bass, it's a good sounding phone speaker. So either your expectations are extraodinary, or your device is defective. Best go to the place where you bought it and ask that the store rep compares the sound of your phone to one that they have on display, that way you can quickly find out if your device has a defect.
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I wanted to go to the local Betsy Buy (bought it online through BB) but it's not available there. Not sure they could give me a device to compare mine to

I honestly felt the same way comparing the 6P to my 2 XL. the 6P sounds rather flat and unbalanced. Much prefer the older device.

crucialcolin said:
I honestly felt the same way comparing the 6P to my 2 XL. the 6P sounds rather flat and unbalanced. Much prefer the older device.
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Wow really? You have them side by side and compared? I ask because my 4 XL was definitely better than my 2 XL and the 6 Pro is definitely louder and has more range than my 4 XL at all volume increments. I agree it's ever so slightly louder on the bottom speaker than the ear piece one but it's not horrible.

EeZeEpEe said:
Wow really? You have them side by side and compared? I ask because my 4 XL was definitely better than my 2 XL and the 6 Pro is definitely louder and has more range than my 4 XL at all volume increments. I agree it's ever so slightly louder on the bottom speaker than the ear piece one but it's not horrible.
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I checked out the demo models at best buy both the 6 and pro. I will say at max volume the new devices are cleaner sounding.

crucialcolin said:
I checked out the demo models at best buy both the 6 and pro. I will say at max volume the new devices are cleaner sounding.
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Yeah in your home or reasonably quieter area than Best Buy, the difference is very noticeable. I keep all my sound volumes a little lower than my 4 XL settings because it's that much louder.