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In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, we’ve seen foldable screens, 200MP cameras, and AI-powered chipsets. But one area that’s lagged behind? Speaker quality. That’s why the new Marshall smartphone—yes, the brand behind iconic guitar amps—is turning heads with its built-in subwoofer. And it’s making me ask: Why do most phone speakers still sound so mediocre in 2024?
Marshall’s Game-Changer: A Phone with Real Bass
Marshall, the legendary British audio company, has always prioritized sound over sleekness. Their upcoming smartphone (likely the Marshall London 2) doesn’t just have stereo speakers—it includes a dedicated subwoofer, delivering bass you can feel. Early testers call the audio “immersive” and “unlike anything else on smartphones.”
Compare that to flagship devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While decent, their speakers still sound thin at higher volumes—nowhere near the richness of a budget Bluetooth speaker.
Why Do Smartphone Makers Ignore Speaker Quality?
Marshall’s bold move highlights a frustrating truth: Phone brands deprioritize audio. Here’s why:
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The Thinness Trap – Brands compete to make the slimmest phones, but great bass requires space. A subwoofer in a 7mm-thick body is a tough sell.
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The Wireless Assumption – Manufacturers assume you’ll use earbuds or Bluetooth speakers. But shouldn’t a $1,000+ device sound good on its own?
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Marketing Over Performance – Cameras and screens sell phones, so brands invest in 8K video over speaker upgrades.
The Rare Exceptions That Got It Right
A few brands bucked the trend:
– LG’s V-series featured Quad DACs and solid speakers (RIP).
– Asus ROG Phones tuned speakers for gaming.
– Sony Xperia kept front-firing speakers and headphone jacks.
Yet these efforts are outliers. Most settle for “good enough” audio—until users hear something better.
Will Marshall Force the Industry to Improve?
If Marshall’s subwoofer phone gains traction, it could push Apple and Samsung to innovate. Imagine an iPhone with distortion-free Dolby Atmos or a Galaxy with punchy bass.
But for now, the message seems to be: “Just use wireless earbuds.”
The Bottom Line: Audio Deserves Better
Music, podcasts, and videos are central to our phone use—yet we tolerate weak speakers. Maybe Marshall’s gamble will prove great sound shouldn’t be a luxury.
What’s your take? Should phone makers prioritize speakers, or is wireless audio the future? Share your thoughts below!
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