Unveiling the Stereo Speakers in the iPhone XS: Why They Don't Sound Like Professional Audio

Apple's iPhone XS has been praised for its advanced technical specifications, including its stereo speakers. These speakers are designed to provide a richer audio experience, but their effectiveness might not be as obvious as expected. Let's delve deeper into why these speakers exist and how they perform.

What are Stereo Speakers?

First, let's clarify what stereo speakers are. In a stereo system, the left and right channels are distinctly separate, allowing for a more immersive audio experience. This is achieved through the speakers being positioned a certain distance apart, typically several inches, to create a stereo effect.

iPhone XS: Design and Specifications

The iPhone XS, like its larger sibling the iPhone XS Max, does come with stereo speakers. However, the earpiece—one of the two speakers—is not as widely spaced as traditional stereo setups. This design choice can lead to confusion and questions about the effectiveness of these speakers.

Why Aren't the Stereo Speakers as Pronounced?

One of the reasons why the stereo speakers in the iPhone XS might not seem as pronounced as expected is due to their close positioning. As stated by Apple, the speakers are designed to provide a wider stereo playback but with a separation of only a few inches. This is significantly less than the several inches needed for a truly pronounced stereo effect.

Practical Considerations

To understand the limitations, consider the size of the speakers themselves, which are approximately the size of a pinkie fingernail. With such tiny speakers and limited separation, it's challenging to achieve the separation needed for a noticeable stereo effect. Additionally, the iPhone XS lacks bass response, which further diminishes the audio quality.

Comparisons with Other Devices

In comparison to Android devices with stereo speakers, the iPhone XS's speakers seem limited. Users might notice that even on larger Android devices like the flagship models, the stereo effect is more pronounced due to the better speaker placement and size. For instance, owning Android phones with stereo speakers for two years before the iPhone XS, one might recognize the difference but find the iPhone XS's stereo effect less pronounced in real-world scenarios.

The Role of Head Position

The effectiveness of stereo speakers is also heavily influenced by the listener's head position. The separation required for a clear stereo effect is approximately 20 centimeters, which is comparable to the width of the average human head. With the iPhone XS's speakers only 6 inches apart, the stereo effect is less noticeable. This is particularly the case when you're listening from a fixed position, as the ears are closer to the speakers.

Alternative Solutions

Another reason why stereo speakers on mobile devices like the iPhone XS might not be as effective is the practicality of such a design. As mentioned, for the concept of stereo speakers to work well, they need to be separated by a usable distance. This is why devices like the iPad, which can accommodate a wider separation between speakers, do have stereo speakers and perform better in this regard.

AirPods Solution

A common workaround for stereo audio on mobile devices is using accessory headphones like AirPods. These devices are designed to provide a more immersive stereo experience due to their proper placement and larger size. AirPods not only cover both ears but also elevate the speakers, providing a more pronounced and dynamic audio experience.

Conclusion

In summary, while the iPhone XS does come with stereo speakers, their effectiveness is limited by their close positioning and limited size. The separation of just a few inches is insufficient for a noticeable stereo effect. However, for those who are willing to step outside the phone and use external headphones or earbuds, a more immersive stereo audio experience is achievable. The design of stereo speakers in mobile devices continues to evolve, and with advancements in technology, we can expect more effective implementations in the near future.