Why Are There Two Speakers in the iPhone 7?
For many users, the iPhone 7 series introduced a significant change in the acoustic design, particularly in the addition of dual speakers. Traditionally, iPhone models featured a single speaker, but the iPhone 7 and later models boast two speakers located at the bottom and integrated into the earpiece. This innovative design choice aims to provide users with an immersive and enhanced audio experience.
Why Not Mono Speakers?
One of the primary reasons for choosing dual speakers over a mono system is the need for better audio quality and immersion. Mono speakers, while adequate, do not offer the full sound spectrum necessary for a cinematic or gaming experience. The iPhone 7’s dual speakers were designed to ensure that the audio output is balanced and resonant, providing users with a more realistic and engaging audio environment. Additionally, the presence of a waterproof coating on the iPhone 7 made it necessary to have speakers that could withstand various environmental conditions without compromising on sound quality.
Enhanced Audio Experience Across All Uses
Two speakers are always advantageous, especially for activities that demand high-quality sound. Watching videos on YouTube or any other video platform becomes significantly more enjoyable with dual speakers, as the audio is not confined to one point.
Moreover, the stereo listening experience which is the natural way humans perceive sound, is greatly enhanced by dual speakers. In a stereo setup, sound is perceived as coming from specific directions, which provides a more realistic and immersive listening experience whether it's for music, films, or any other multimedia content. This is particularly important during gaming, where the spatial positioning of audio is crucial to the gaming experience.
Practical Reasons Behind the Dual Speaker Design
Apple's decision to include dual speakers on the iPhone 7 was not arbitrary. There are two key reasons behind this design choice:
1. Cinematic Experience: Apple aimed to provide users with a more immersive and cinematic audio experience. Dual speakers allow for a more natural sound distribution, which can enhance the overall viewing experience, especially when watching movies or videos. This was part of the broader product strategy to make the iPhone more than just a phone but a multimedia device that could provide a cinema-like experience right in the user's hand.
2. Gaming Experience: The second reason is more practical. When playing games in landscape mode, the user's hand often covers one of the speakers, which distorts the gaming experience. Dual speakers, however, ensure that the audio is not completely obstructed, even when the phone is in portrait mode. The earpiece speaker complements the bottom speaker, providing a more balanced and clear audio experience, thereby improving the overall gaming performance.
Increased Audio Output and Dynamic Range
The inclusion of dual speakers in the iPhone 7 also brings about a significant increase in audio output and dynamic range. This means that the audio is twice as powerful as in the iPhone 6s, providing a better experience during video calls or when playing games. The dynamic range, which is the difference between the quietest and the loudest parts of the audio, is also increased, leading to a more rich and nuanced sound.
Overall, the dual speakers in the iPhone 7 represent a significant advancement in mobile audio technology. They provide users with a more immersive and engaging experience, which is essential in an era where multimedia consumption is increasingly important. For users who value their audio experience, the iPhone 7 with its dual speakers is a significant upgrade from earlier models.