A smartphone’s audio capabilities can not only affect the quality of a phone call, but can also make or break one’s mobile entertainment experience. Which is exactly why Samsung has incorporated new and improved audio features, functions and controls into the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Find out more about them below.

UHQ Audio Playback

Recognizing the importance of audio technology, Samsung equipped the Galaxy S8 with Ultra High Quality (UHQ) Audio Playback capabilities with UHQ 32-bit and DSD support*.

This, along with support for digital recordings up to 32 bit/384kHz, ensures that the smartphone can reproduce the full range of sound from recordings that have been mastered from better than CD quality music sources. In other words, the Galaxy S8 does not downsample (or compress) audio files, so the user can experience music and sound much closer to the original recording. Recording quality, too, has also been improved thanks to the High Acoustic Overload Point (AOP) Mic that minimizes distortion in noisy environments.

Dual Audio

The all-new Dual Bluetooth Audio feature provides users with the facility to simultaneously stream audio to two sets of headphones or speakers, while also allowing them to control the volume of the outputs separately.

Settings > Connections > Bluetooth

Separate App Sound

The new Separate app sound function permits users to simultaneously broadcast sounds from two individual apps using their Galaxy S8 smartphone and a separate device. This means that, for instance, a user may listen to GPS navigation via their Galaxy S8’s speaker while streaming music to their car’s Bluetooth audio system at the same time. The volume of the audio, meanwhile, can also be controlled independently.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Separate app sound

Adapt Sound 6.0

The Galaxy S8’s Adapt Sound 6.0 function has been improved with new Preset and Advanced modes to allow for enhanced audio personalization. Clinical research and statistical analysis of people’s hearing patterns were used to develop three preset sound profiles optimized for people by age: under 30 years, between 30 and 60 years, and over 60 years.

Users can select a preset profile according to their age, or opt to use the Advanced mode to test their hearing and find the best sound for them. The Galaxy S8 will then automatically adjust the audio output for calls, music and video based on their specific needs so they can enjoy a truly tailor-made audio experience.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects

SoundAlive 4.1

The latest Galaxy flagship is also backed by SoundAlive 4.1, a tool that gives the user the ultimate control over sound quality and effects.** The tool features an easy-to-use, 9-band Equalizer with six pre-set options to tweak the phone’s audio; a UHQ Upscaler to enhance sound resolution; and Surround, Tube Amp Pro and Concert hall effects.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects

Extra Volume

There’s nothing worse than having to make or take a call in a noisy environment, such as a crowded café or heavily-trafficked street. But the Galaxy S8’s Extra volume feature makes it possible to increase the call volume without sacrificing sound quality by simply tapping an icon, right from the call screen.

Interview Mode

To better capture an interview using the Galaxy S8’s Voice Recorder app, users can activate Interview mode. In this mode, sounds near the top and bottom of the phone are amplified, while those closer to the sides are suppressed to ensure the voices of both the interviewer and interviewee are crisp and clear.

UHQ Upscaler

To enhance the sound resolution of music and videos even further, users can activate the UHQ upscaler via the Entertainment Mode settings menu.

Settings >Device Maintenance >Performance Mode>Entertainment

Superior, In-Box Earphones

For the Galaxy S8, Samsung worked with HARMAN to create AKG-tuned earphones that deliver pure, superior sound. Included as an in-box accessory, the new high-performance earphones have dual drivers — 11 and 8 millimeters — to offer uncompromised audio for unbeatable sound quality. In addition, the earphones have a comfortable hybrid canal fit for improved noise cancellation and are made from anti-tangle, metal-fabric material.

*DSD64 and DSD128 playback may be limited depending on the file format.

**Some features are only available when the device is connected to a pair of earphones.

The LEVEL headset series is expanding with the release of the LEVEL Active, a Bluetooth-enabled headset specially designed for exercise and outdoor activities.

For people on the move, having headphones that fit comfortably is essential. The LEVEL Active can help achieve this with its soft silicon earhooks as well as comfortable wingtips and in-ear eartips. The earhooks wrap over the entire ear, securing the headphones firmly in place, while the wingtips that come in two sizes perfectly match the shape of the user’s ears for a secure fit. Additionally, the in-ear eartips also come in three different sizes, not only providing a comfortable fit but also preventing distractions from outside noise.

The LEVEL Active is also splash resistant, allowing users to work out without worrying about damaging their earphones with sweat. These new earphones feature an ultra-thin P2i nano-coating, which covers the inside of headset and protects it, giving users peace of mind while they participate in their outdoor activities.

Getting started with a new LEVEL Active is quite easy. It can be connected to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone with a long press of the Bluetooth icon on the controller. On the headphone controller, hold the Bluetooth button and a blue light will flash on the left headphone to let users know that the phone and LEVEL Active have connected. Once enabled, the user can utilize the controller to play/pause audio tracks, change tracks and control the volume.

To gain more functionality and customizability, the LEVEL Active can be paired with latest version of the Samsung Level app. Users just download the app from Galaxy Apps or the Google Play Store.

Once the LEVEL Active is connected to the phone, the user can set up the features and notifications quickly. From the home screen, the app shows Notifications, Active key, User manual and More, along with volume control and battery.

The Notifications menu lets users control what alerts and messages they receive from their phones while wearing the LEVEL Active. For people who just want to exercise with limited interruptions, they can select Settings on the upper right, then select Limit notifications. With Limit notifications engaged, users will only receive alerts for incoming calls and alarms.

The Active key function is where users control how their LEVEL Active headphones monitor their workout. If the user turns on this feature, they can select whether to connect the Clock, Timer or S Health to the LEVEL Active. If S Health is selected, the user can then choose whether to record workout information for walking, running, cycling or hiking.

By pressing the Active Key on the right headphone for a second, LEVEL Active will play back the selected results, including from exercise time and distance, via sound alerts.

Charging the LEVEL Active is also straightforward, with a microUSB connector located in the left headphone. The user just lifts off the back cover on the headphone, revealing the connector slot. When connected to a computer or other device and charging, the LED light on the left headphone shines red. Once fully charged, it changes to blue.

With the release of LEVEL Active, people who want to enjoy their favorite tracks while working out have an option that’s hassle-free and ready to move. Whether someone is a serious runner, a gym rat, or just looking to get a bit healthier, the LEVEL Active fits any level of activity and helps make working out a bit more fun.

Starting August 19 in the United States, the LEVEL Active will soon be coming to Europe, China, Russia, Turkey, Korea and other countries. The Level headset series including the LEVEL U, LEVEL U Pro and LEVEL U Pro ANC is already available around the globe.