Best smartphones for sound recording

best smartphones for sound recording in 2025

Recording clear, high-fidelity audio on a smartphone is now more than just a convenience — for podcasters, field recordists, content creators, and journalists, it’s essential. But not all phones are created equal when it comes to capturing voice and ambient sound cleanly. 

 

What Makes a Smartphone Excellent for Sound Recording?

Before diving into models, here’s what to look for:

Feature Why It Matters Ideal / Recommended Spec
Multiple microphone array + stereo / spatial recording Prevents muffled voice and picks up directionality At least three mics; stereo recording support
High bit-depth & sample rate support (e.g. 24-bit / 48 kHz or higher) Captures detail and headroom for post-processing 24-bit/48–96 kHz (or better)
Low-noise preamps / clean analog circuits Minimizes hiss and distortion SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) high; low THD
Good DSP / audio processing software For voice enhancement, noise reduction, and intelligent gain Onboard noise suppression, AGC, spectral filtering
Strong processing & storage Big audio files, multitrack apps, editing on phone Fast CPU, ample RAM, UFS / NVMe-class storage
Battery & thermal design Long takes + safe recording in warm conditions 4,500 mAh+, efficient cooling
Audio-friendly connectivity (jack, USB-C audio, Bit-perfect DAC) For external mics or monitoring 3.5 mm jack or high-quality USB-C / Lightning audio path

Top Smartphones for Voice & Audio Recording (2025)

Here are some standout smartphone models that excel at capturing clean audio:

1. Sony Xperia 1 VII

Sony’s latest flagship doubles down on audio heritage with features borrowed from its Walkman line. It supports Hi-Res audio, LDAC, DSEE Ultimate upscaling, and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack (rare in modern flagships) — a big plus for external mics and reference monitoring.
Its microphone array and stereo recording support make it ideal for voice, ambient, and musical captures.

2. Sony Xperia 1 VI

The previous-gen still competes strongly for audio. The phone supports stereo recording and premium audio codecs, benefiting creators who want solid performance at a slightly lower cost.

3. Apple iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Pro

While iPhones don’t typically advertise audio-specs, they remain powerful pick-ups thanks to:

  • Clean internal preamps

  • Compatibility with pro apps (e.g. Ferrite, ShurePlus)

  • Strong DSP noise handling
    What Hi-Fi ranks iPhone 16 Pro among the top phones for music and media.
    The lack of a 3.5 mm jack means you’ll want a quality Lightning audio or USB-C adapter for external recording.

4. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra / S25 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship offers powerful processing and good mic systems. It also excels for loudspeaker output. According to SoundGuys, the Galaxy S24 Ultra leads in speaker performance for immersive playback.
External audio recording is solid with USB-C audio interfaces or adapters.

Best Practices: Maximizing Voice Recording Quality

Even with a premium phone, your results depend heavily on technique. Use these tips:

  1. Select a recorded format wisely
    • Use WAV or FLAC in 24-bit / 48–96 kHz where possible
    • Avoid compressed formats (e.g. low-bit-rate MP3) for final capture
  2. Use external microphones & gain staging
    • Lavalier or shotgun mics help isolate voice
    • Maintain headroom: avoid peaking into red
    • Monitor with headphones to catch clipping early
  3. Enable noise reduction / low-cut filters
    • Many pro apps and the phone’s DSP engine allow a low-cut / high-pass filter (e.g. 80 Hz) to remove rumble
    • Use mild noise suppression, but avoid over-processing which can introduce artifacts
  4. Record in stereo or spatial when possible
    • For ambient voices, interviews, or round-table discussions, stereo recording adds realism
    • Some phones offer spatial/3D audio capture
  5. Minimize handling noise / wind interference
    • Use shock mounts, deadcats, or foam windscreens
    • Keep the phone stationary or on a stand for sensitive recordings
  6. Watch battery & storage
    • Long takes generate large files — ensure free space
    • Turn off background apps or features (Wi-Fi, GPS) to reduce interference
  7. Post-process smartly
    • Use equalization for clarity (boost 2–4 kHz region)
    • Use gentle compression to even levels
    • Use a denoiser only if needed, and always A/B test