If there’s one thing Android does better than iOS, it’s Bluetooth audio.
The debate between Android and iOS users is endless. But, when it comes to Bluetooth headphones, Android seems to have the upper hand.
Here’s why Android users often enjoy a better Bluetooth audio experience:
1. Wide Codec Support
Android’s approach to audio codecs is like a well-stocked toolbox – you’ve got options for every job.
While iPhones primarily stick to AAC, Android supports a variety of codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC.
This diversity isn’t just about numbers, though. It translates to richer, more detailed sound that can make wireless listening more enjoyable.
LDAC, for example, can send up to 990 kbps of data, leaving AAC’s 250 kbps limit in the dust.
But here’s where Android really shines – it puts you in control. You can switch between codecs on the fly, balancing quality and efficiency based on your current needs.
Critical listening session? Crank up LDAC or aptX HD. Need to stretch your battery life? Switch to a less data-heavy codec like SBC or AAC.
2. Potentially Better Sound Quality
“Bluetooth” and “superior sound quality” aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath. But, Android devices often have an edge in this department.
It’s not just about the wider codec support we just discussed. Some high-end Android phones also have extra features that can improve sound quality.
For example, some Android phones use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound technology. This tech works well with Android and includes features like low-latency audio and high-resolution support.
Snapdragon Sound uses Qualcomm’s processors to provide better audio quality. It supports high-quality codecs like aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless. Meaning, you can technically bridge the gap between wired and wireless sound quality as this can support up to CD-quality streaming.
Unfortunately, iOS can’t use these Qualcomm technologies due to its different hardware architecture.
Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem makes sure it has consistent performance across its devices. But, this comes at the cost of flexibility and support for third-party technologies like Qualcomm’s advanced codecs.
3. Faster Pairing and Connection
Google Fast Pair technology makes connecting Bluetooth devices a breeze. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy to find nearby devices and lets you pair them with just one tap.
But Fast Pair isn’t just about that initial handshake – it also got a long memory.
With this, your devices sync with your Google account, so reconnecting across your Android devices is easy.
What’s more, Fast Pair goes the extra mile by offering you the right companion app for your headphones without manually searching the Play Store. A pop-up usually appears with the option to download the companion app once you connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Android device.
Apple’s chips offer similar conveniences to AirPods and Beats. But, they’re largely confined to the Apple ecosystem.
Fast Pair, on the other hand, works with a wide array of Bluetooth headphones, giving Android users a more universal and flexible solution.
4. More Convenient Controls
Android’s Bluetooth settings are easier to use and more flexible than iOS.
Need to switch Bluetooth outputs on the fly? Changing the codecs? Adjusting device-specific settings? It’s all there in the settings menu.
Plus, you have the option to go to ‘developer mode’ on some Android devices and choose a different Bluetooth profile.
This flexibility is great for people who often switch between devices or need to adjust their audio settings on the go.
iOS, in contrast, can be confusing when using non-Apple headphones. You often have to go through many settings menus and sometimes use specific apps for basic tasks.
5. More Brand-Specific Improvements
Android devices often get unique updates from manufacturers, leading to better Bluetooth features.
For example, OnePlus updates improved Bluetooth connectivity in cars, and Samsung introduced Scalable Codec to boost audio quality and stability.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Android 15 update also promises to introduce Auracast, which will let users connect multiple headphones to one device.
These manufacturer-specific improvements and system-wide updates show how Android’s flexibility can lead to quick advances in Bluetooth audio, often faster than iOS.
On the other hand, Apple maintains strict control over hardware and software in its ecosystem. This ensures a consistent Bluetooth experience across all iOS devices. However, this approach limits the variety of improvements, so they happen less often and usually only on specific devices.
6. Faster Issue Fixes
When Bluetooth problems happen (and they often do), Android’s open system often leads to quicker solutions.
The community buzz on platforms like Samsung Community means issues are quickly identified and brought to manufacturers’ attention. This crowd-sourced troubleshooting often results in rapid fixes rolled out in updates.
iOS, with its more controlled environment, takes a different approach.
Yes, Apple’s structured support community and beta software program provide a platform for users to report issues. But, the centralized nature can sometimes slow down the resolution process for specific Bluetooth problems compared to Android’s more spread-out, community-driven approach.