iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone X: A Deep Dive into Their Sound Quality

When navigating through the Apple hardware lineup, choosing between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to the sound quality. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the speakers in these two devices, offering insights from both a technical standpoint and practical usage experience.

Technical Specifications and Design Considerations

From a technical perspective, both the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X are renowned for their sleek designs and high-quality components. Both devices share many similar design principles, and it's reasonable to assume that they might employ the same speaker configurations for cost-effectiveness and standardization reasons.

The majority of consumers today enjoy audio content through headphones or wireless devices, so the in-built speakers are often considered a secondary feature. Nevertheless, Apple is known for its commitment to superior audio quality, making these in-built speakers worth a detailed examination.

Listening Experience and User Feedback

Shadie and Terry's perspective highlights the subjective nature of audio quality. Shadie reasonably posits that both phones employ identical speakers due to the constraints of cost and standardization. Terry's advice to visit an Apple store for a direct comparison underscores the importance of personal experience in making this decision.

Shadie's enjoyment of using the iPhone without headphones and listening without distortion also reflects the importance of in-built audio quality. However, for a more objective comparison, Terry suggests side-by-side comparisons in an Apple store to hear the differences firsthand.

The Role of Audio DAC and Neural Engine

The System on a Chip (SoC) in both devices is where the audio DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is located. It is responsible for converting digital audio data into an analog signal that the speaker can output. Given that both devices are from the same manufacturing period, it's reasonable to assume that they share the same SoC, and consequently, the same audio DAC. This leads to consistent sound quality and reliability.

The significant difference between the two devices lies in the Neural Engine, which is primarily responsible for facial recognition and other advanced security features. While this does not directly impact the speakers, it does set the iPhone X apart from its predecessor in terms of hardware evolution.

Investment in Audio Quality

Auditory pleasure through a device's built-in speaker is an additional layer of enjoyment beyond what a separate set of headphones can offer. For those who enjoy immersive audio experiences directly from their mobile device, investing in a pair of high-quality headphones or earphones is indeed a worthwhile endeavor. However, for an all-encompassing listening experience, the built-in speakers of the iPhone can still provide superior convenience and quality.

Conclusion

Beyond the technical specifications, the decision to pick between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage habits. Whether you prioritize the advanced features of the iPhone X or the familiarity and comparable audio quality of the iPhone 8 Plus, the in-built speakers contribute to a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

Only you can make the final determination based on your unique preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize convenience, familiarity, or a more advanced user experience, both devices can provide a high-quality listening experience. Happy listening!