Which Samsung Phones Have Stereo Speakers? (2024 Guide)

Determining Which Samsung Phones Have Stereo Speakers

Most modern Samsung Galaxy flagship phones released since 2018 (starting with the Galaxy S9) feature high-quality stereo speakers. This includes the entire Galaxy S series (S9 through S24), the Galaxy Note series (Note 9 through Note 20), and all Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable devices. Additionally, many mid-range Galaxy A series models like the A52, A53, A54, and A35 now include stereo sound to compete with premium handsets.

In our hands-on testing at the lab, we’ve found that Samsung generally uses a “hybrid” stereo setup. This means the bottom-firing speaker works in tandem with the earpiece at the top to create a wider soundstage. While not perfectly symmetrical like a dedicated hi-fi system, this configuration provides a significantly more immersive experience for gaming and Netflix marathons compared to older mono-speaker models.

Key Takeaways for Quick Reference

• Flagships: Every Galaxy S and Note model from 2018 onwards has stereo speakers.
• Foldables: All Z Fold and Z Flip generations feature dual speakers.
• Mid-Range: Most Galaxy A models numbered A33 and higher (e.g., A34, A54, A73) include stereo sound.
• Budget Models: Most Galaxy M and F series, along with lower-end A series (like the A14 or A05), typically use a single mono speaker.
• Enhancements: Most stereo-equipped Samsung phones support Dolby Atmos for a virtualized surround sound experience.

The Flagship Evolution: Galaxy S and Note Series

When I first picked up the Galaxy S9 back in 2018, the jump from the mono S8 was staggering. Samsung partnered with AKG to tune their drivers, and that legacy continues today. If you are looking for the absolute best audio performance, the flagship “S” line is where you should start.

The Galaxy S Series (S9 to S24 Ultra)

Every phone in the S9, S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, and S24 families features stereo speakers. However, the implementation has changed over the years. In the S24 Ultra, we noticed that the bottom speaker slit is now a single bar rather than individual holes, which helps with resonance and prevents lint buildup.

The Ultra models typically offer more “bass” or low-end punch due to their larger internal chassis, which acts as a natural resonance chamber. If you are choosing between a base S24 and the S24 Ultra, the Ultra will provide a noticeably fuller sound at maximum volume.

The Galaxy Note Legacy

Although the Note line was officially merged into the S-series “Ultra” models, the Note 9, Note 10 series, and Note 20 series all boast excellent stereo speakers. I still use a Note 20 Ultra for media consumption occasionally because its speakers are surprisingly loud even by 2024 standards. The Note 10 was particularly unique as it introduced a tiny “zoom-in mic” feature that worked alongside the speakers to focus audio during video playback.

Foldables: The Gold Standard for Mobile Audio

If you want the best possible “which Samsung phones have stereo speakers” answer, look no further than the Z Fold series. Because these devices are larger, Samsung has more room to fit high-quality components.

Galaxy Z Fold Series (Fold 1 through Fold 6)

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Fold 6 feature true dedicated stereo speakers. Unlike the hybrid setup in the S24 where one speaker is the earpiece, the Folds have two dedicated speaker grilles—one on the top frame and one on the bottom frame (when unfolded). This creates a much more balanced soundstage because both speakers are of equal size and power.

Galaxy Z Flip Series (Flip 1 through Flip 6)

The Galaxy Z Flip models also feature stereo speakers, but they utilize the hybrid setup (bottom speaker + earpiece). During our testing of the Z Flip 5, we found that while the audio is clear, it lacks the depth of the Fold series. However, it is still a massive upgrade over any mono-speaker budget phone.

The Mid-Range Shift: Galaxy A Series

For a long time, stereo speakers were a “luxury” feature. That changed around 2021. Samsung realized that users in the mid-range segment prioritize media consumption, leading them to bring dual speakers to the Galaxy A series.

Galaxy A Models with Stereo Speakers

Here is a list of popular mid-range models that we have confirmed feature stereo audio:

• Galaxy A33, A34, and A35


• Galaxy A52, A52s, A52 5G


• Galaxy A53 5G


• Galaxy A54 5G and A55


• Galaxy A72 and A73

If you are looking at the Galaxy A15 or A25, you need to be careful. While the A25 has moved toward stereo, the A15 and lower models often still use a single bottom-firing speaker to keep costs down.

Technical Comparison: Stereo vs. Mono Samsung Models

How to Identify Stereo Speakers on Your Samsung

If you aren’t sure which Samsung phones have stereo speakers or if your current device has them, you can perform a quick physical and software check.

The Visual Inspection

Look at the top of your phone. Do you see a thin slit for the earpiece? On stereo-capable phones, this earpiece is significantly wider or has a secondary opening on the very top edge of the frame. On mono phones, the earpiece is very small and only functions for phone calls, not media.

The “Finger Cover” Test

I use this trick constantly when reviewing new hardware:

1. Open YouTube and play a “Stereo Test” video.


2. While the audio is playing, firmly cover the bottom speaker grille with your thumb.


3. If the sound becomes muffled but you can still hear the music clearly coming from the top of the phone, you have stereo speakers.


4. If the sound almost completely disappears, you have a mono speaker setup.

Check the Settings Menu

Navigate to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects. If you see a toggle for Dolby Atmos, your phone likely supports stereo output (or at least advanced spatial processing).

Optimizing Your Samsung Stereo Experience

Having the hardware is only half the battle. To get the most out of your Galaxy device, I recommend tweaking these specific software settings.

Enabling Dolby Atmos

Samsung ships most phones with Dolby Atmos turned OFF by default to save a tiny bit of battery. Turning it on is the first thing I do with every new review unit.

• Go to Settings.


• Tap Sounds and vibration.


• Select Sound quality and effects.


• Toggle Dolby Atmos to “On.”


• Pro Tip: Set the mode to “Auto” so the phone can adjust the EQ based on whether you are watching a movie or listening to a podcast.

Using Adapt Sound

Everyone’s hearing is different. Samsung’s Adapt Sound feature is an underrated gem. It runs a series of beeps (like a hearing test) to determine which frequencies you struggle to hear and adjusts the stereo speakers to compensate. I’ve found this makes the stereo separation feel much more distinct on older models like the Galaxy S21.

Separate App Sound

If you are using your phone’s stereo speakers but want to send your navigation or music to a Bluetooth speaker simultaneously, use Separate App Sound. This allows you to maintain the stereo experience for your game on the phone while the music plays elsewhere.

Troubleshooting: Why Is One Speaker Louder?

A common complaint we hear is that the bottom speaker sounds louder than the top earpiece speaker. On most Samsung Galaxy phones, this is actually by design.

Because the bottom speaker has more physical room for a larger driver and a dedicated “box” for resonance, it naturally produces more bass. The top speaker is designed to handle higher frequencies (treble).

How to fix perceived imbalance:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.


2. Tap Hearing enhancements.


3. Adjust the Left/Right sound balance slider.


4. I usually nudge it slightly toward the “Left” (which often corresponds to the top speaker in landscape mode) to create a more centered audio image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Samsung A-series phone has the best speakers?

The Galaxy A55 and A54 currently offer the best stereo experience in the mid-range category. They feature significantly louder output and better clarity than the budget A15 or older A32 models.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 have stereo speakers?

Yes, the entire Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra) features stereo speakers tuned by Samsung’s audio engineers. The Ultra model provides the most “room-filling” sound due to its larger size.

Can I get stereo sound on a mono Samsung phone?

No, you cannot turn a mono speaker into a stereo one via software. However, you can use Dolby Atmos for Headphones in the settings to get a virtualized stereo/surround experience when using Galaxy Buds or wired USB-C headphones.

Why did Samsung remove the headphone jack on stereo phones?

Starting with the Note 10 and S20, Samsung removed the jack to make more room for larger batteries and better haptic motors. Ironically, this extra internal space also allowed them to slightly increase the size of the speaker chambers, improving the stereo quality.

Is the speaker quality better on the Z Fold or the S24 Ultra?

The Z Fold 6 wins this comparison. Because the Fold has two identical speaker grilles on the frame, it provides “true” symmetrical stereo, whereas the S24 Ultra relies on the earpiece, which is slightly less powerful than the main bottom speaker.