Samsung Galaxy S20 - No Jack, No DAC, No Problems?

Summary

In this tech-savvy video, Mike discusses the exclusion of headphone jacks and DACs (Digital to Analog Converters) in recent Samsung flagships, including the Galaxy S20 series. He explains the implications for audio quality and compatibility with earphones and external microphones, noting the need for USB-C dongles with built-in DACs. Mike also touches on the challenges of charging while using wired headphones and the additional costs involved in maintaining audio functionality. He promises a future video with recommendations for DAC dongles, emphasizing his disagreement with Samsung's design choices.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The script discusses the exclusion of the 3.5mm headphone jack and secondary DAC in recent Samsung flagships, starting from the Note 10.
• 🔊 A DAC is a digital-to-analog converter that transforms digital audio data into analog signals for speakers or earphones.
• 📱 The Nokia 808 PureView, as an example, retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, unlike the Samsung Galaxy S20 which does not.
• 🔍 Samsung still includes a primary DAC for speaker audio in the S20, but lacks a secondary DAC for earphones, leading to the removal of the headphone jack.
• 👜 The removal of the headphone jack is speculated to be for space and cost-saving, despite the high price of the device.
• 🚫 Without a headphone jack, users must use a USB-C dongle with a built-in DAC to listen to audio through wired earphones.
• 🔌 Passive USB-C earphones without a built-in DAC will not work with devices lacking a headphone jack; sound will only come through phone speakers.
• 🎵 External microphones also require a dongle for connection if the device lacks a 3.5mm jack.
• 💡 The video promises a future review comparing different USB-C to 3.5mm jack dongles with built-in DACs for recommendations.
• 🔉 Bluetooth headphones are mentioned as an alternative, but criticized for sound quality, delays, and cost.
• 🔌 Using a wired headphone with a dongle on the S20 series prevents simultaneous charging, as the USB-C port is occupied.

Q & A

What is a DAC?

A DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is a chip that converts digital signals into analog signals. In smartphones, a DAC is used to convert digital audio data into analog audio signals that are transmitted to the speakers or earphones.

Why has Samsung removed the headphone jack in their recent flagships?

Samsung removed the headphone jack to save space and cost. Additionally, it aligns with the industry's trend toward using USB Type-C dongles for audio output.

Which Samsung models do not feature a headphone jack?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 series and the Note 10 series do not feature a headphone jack.

How can users listen to wired earphones on devices without a headphone jack?

Users can listen to wired earphones by using a USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle with a built-in DAC. Without this dongle, audio will not be outputted to the earphones.

Why is it important to ensure that USB Type-C earphones have a built-in DAC?

It is important because without a built-in DAC, the earphones will not function properly, and no sound will be outputted from the phone to the earphones.

What is the impact of using a dongle for wired earphones on charging the device?

Using a dongle for wired earphones occupies the USB Type-C port, preventing the device from being charged simultaneously through the same port. Users need to use a wireless charger if they want to charge their device while using wired earphones.

What are some disadvantages of using Bluetooth headphones mentioned in the video?

Disadvantages of using Bluetooth headphones include inferior sound quality, potential delays, higher cost, and other issues such as battery life and connectivity problems.

Why might users need to replace the genuine Samsung dongle sooner than expected?

The genuine Samsung dongle might have some quality issues, leading to the need for a replacement sooner than expected.

What additional accessories are needed to bring the Galaxy S20 to the level of a typical S10 device in terms of audio features?

To bring the Galaxy S20 to the level of a typical S10 device, users need to purchase a good quality USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle and possibly a wireless charger if they want to charge their device while using wired earphones.

What future content does Mike the Tech-Savvy plan to provide on his channel?

Mike plans to provide a separate video in which he will discuss and compare a couple of DACs and give recommendations on which ones to use.

Outlines

00:00

🎧 The Decline of Headphone Jacks in Samsung Flagship Phones

In this paragraph, Mike discusses the absence of headphone jacks in recent Samsung flagships, specifically the Galaxy S20 series. He explains that a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is used to convert digital audio data into analog audio signals for transmission to speakers or earphones. He contrasts the Nokia 808 PureView, which has a 3.5mm headphone jack, with the Galaxy S20, which lacks one. Mike notes that Samsung's decision to remove the headphone jack and the secondary DAC is likely driven by a desire to save space and reduce costs, despite the phone's high price. He also mentions that users now need a USB type-C dongle with an integrated DAC to use wired earphones, which is a significant change from the previous S10 series that had a headphone jack. Mike highlights the inconvenience this creates for users who wish to use wired earphones or external microphones, as they must purchase additional adapters.

05:02

💬 The Impact of Removing the DAC and Headphone Jack on Users

Mike continues the discussion by delving into the implications of Samsung's decision to remove the DAC and headphone jack from their flagship phones. He points out that while some phones still retain their DAC, users must now rely on USB type-C earphones with a built-in DAC or use a dongle to connect to wired earphones. He emphasizes the need for users to be aware of the compatibility of their earphones with devices like the S20, as not all USB type-C earphones have an integrated DAC. Mike also mentions the limitations of Bluetooth headphones, such as sound quality issues and delays, and the inconvenience of not being able to charge the device while using a wired headphone with a dongle. He concludes by expressing his disagreement with Samsung's approach, suggesting that the benefits of removing the headphone jack do not outweigh the disadvantages. He promises to provide more insights and recommendations in a future video, inviting viewers to stay tuned.

Keywords

💡DAC

DAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter. It is a chip that converts digital audio data into analog audio signals for transmission to speakers or earphones. In the context of the video, the absence of a secondary DAC in the Samsung Galaxy S20 series means that these devices do not support a traditional headphone jack, which is a significant change from previous models. The video discusses the implications of this design choice for audio output and the need for adapters or dongles with a built-in DAC for wired headphones.

💡Headphone Jack

A headphone jack is a 3.5 millimeter audio connector that allows for the direct connection of headphones or earphones to a device. The video script mentions that the Samsung Galaxy S20 does not feature a headphone jack, which is a departure from the previous Samsung models and a common feature in many smartphones. This change necessitates the use of a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for those who wish to use wired headphones.

💡Samsung Galaxy S20

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a flagship smartphone from Samsung Electronics. The video discusses the design choices made in this model, particularly the exclusion of a headphone jack and the implications for audio output. The absence of a headphone jack is a notable feature that affects the user's ability to connect certain types of audio equipment directly to the phone.

💡USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a universal serial bus connection standard that is becoming increasingly common in smartphones for charging and data transfer. In the video, it is mentioned that the lack of a headphone jack on the Samsung Galaxy S20 means that users must use a USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle if they want to use wired headphones, which is a significant change from previous models that had a dedicated headphone jack.

💡Adapter

An adapter in this context refers to a device that allows for the connection of one type of interface to another. The video script discusses the need for a USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter for users of the Samsung Galaxy S20 who wish to use wired headphones, as the phone no longer has a dedicated headphone jack.

💡Earphones

Earphones are small audio devices that are worn in or over the ear and are used to listen to audio privately. The video mentions that the Samsung Galaxy S20's lack of a headphone jack affects the use of earphones, particularly those that are not USB Type-C with a built-in DAC, requiring an adapter for audio output.

💡External Microphone

An external microphone is a device used to capture audio from the environment and transmit it to a recording device or phone. The video script notes that the absence of a headphone jack on the Samsung Galaxy S20 also affects the use of external microphones, as a special adapter is now required to connect them to the phone.

💡Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones are wireless audio devices that connect to a source device via Bluetooth technology. The video script mentions Bluetooth headphones as a potential alternative to wired headphones, but the presenter expresses concerns about sound quality, delays, and the cost of such devices.

💡Wireless Charger

A wireless charger is a device that uses inductive charging to power electronic devices without the need for a wired connection. The video script mentions that using a wireless charger could be a workaround for the lack of a headphone jack on the Samsung Galaxy S20, as it would allow for charging while using a USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter for headphones.

💡Nokia 808 PureView

The Nokia 808 PureView is a smartphone model that is used as a comparison point in the video script. It features a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, which is used to contrast with the Samsung Galaxy S20's lack of a headphone jack, illustrating the change in design philosophy over time.

💡Tech-Savvy

Tech-Savvy is the name of the channel or the persona of the presenter in the video script. It implies a focus on technology and a knowledgeable approach to discussing the features and implications of the Samsung Galaxy S20's design choices, particularly regarding audio output.

Highlights

Introduction to the topic of DACs and their exclusion in recent Samsung flagships.

Explanation of what a DAC is and its function in smartphones.

Use of a Nokia 808 PureView as an example of a phone with a headphone jack.

Mention of Samsung's exclusion of the headphone jack starting from the Note 10.

Samsung Galaxy S20 still features a primary DAC for speakers but lacks a secondary DAC for headphones.

Reasons for removing the headphone jack, including space and cost savings.

Necessity of a USB type-C dongle with a built-in DAC for audio output without a headphone jack.

Problems with passive USB type-C earphones and the need for an active dongle with a DAC.

The challenge of connecting an external microphone without a 3.5mm jack.

Discussion on the limitations of Bluetooth headphones as an alternative.

The issue of not being able to charge the device while using a wired headphone with a dongle.

The additional cost of a good quality dongle to replicate the functionality of a headphone jack.

Mention of potential problems with the genuine dongle offered by Samsung.

The presenter's opinion on the disadvantages of removing the headphone jack outweighing the benefits.

Announcement of a future video discussing and comparing different DACs and offering recommendations.

Invitation for viewers to subscribe for more similar content and to leave comments with questions or suggestions.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello everyone this is Mike welcome to

my channel might the tech-savvy today

we'll have a short discussion about Dex

and inclusion or rather the exclusion of

them in the recent Samsung flagships and

not only the most recent Samsung tag

ships but all recent devices in general

so what's a Dec 1st digital to analog

converter and it's a chip that basically

converts digital signals into analog

signals in smartphones of today a deck

is used to convert digital audio data

into analog audio signals that are

transmitted to the speakers or to the

earphones through the headphone jack I

have here a Nokia 808 PureView and as

you can see right here on the top we do

have the headphone jack 3.5 millimeter

headphone jack nothing out of the

ordinary

this galaxy s 20 does not feature a

headphone jack

Samsung has been excluding this since

the note 10 last year well basically the

phone still does have one DAC which is

used to bring sound to the speaker's one

here one here but doesn't have a

secondary deck and as a result does not

feature a headphone jack

this was their previous implementation

they had the headphone jack here in

d'Este or D well the whole s10 series

but for D s 20 just like for the note 10

they chose to get rid of it and now

let's talk about why they might remove

the DAC were first let's just talk about

why they would remove the headphone jack

there are a number of phones that keep

their deck if you do have a deck in your

phone you can use any type of adapter

including those that do not have an

integrated DAC or just like Samsung bit

they can remove the deck all together

for long with the headphone jack of

course and this means

that you have to use a USB type-c dongle

which is mandatory to have the deck

included otherwise nothing will be

outputted here this is probably done to

save space and cost not that this device

is cheap by any means it's over 1,000

euros and well it just brings less

features than the previous one at least

from a headphone jack perspective this

is the reason why to listen to Wired

earphones you now have to have a USB

type-c to 3.5 millimeter dongle just

like this one with a built-in deck if

you try to use a passive USB type-c

dongle and passive earphones just like

basically any normal earbuds let's say

you will get nothing through the

earphones and the sound will only come

up through this phone speakers what you

need to know is that also some USB

type-c earphones are passive as well and

they lack a built-in deck so we have to

make sure whenever you buy a pair of

earphones for your let's say s 20 s 20 +

s 20 Ultra or not Sam or basically any

other device that does not have a deck a

couple more examples would be the recent

pixel flagships other than the pixel 3a

and picks up three Axl the reason to

have a flagships

the latest oneplus devices and the list

can continue you have to be very sure

that the USB type-c earphones that

you're buying have a built-in deck

otherwise they won't work it's the same

case with the external microphone

previously you could have very easily

connected an external microphone through

the 3.5 millimeter jack but now you have

to get a dongle for it and yeah

basically the same story which dongle to

choose well this is a different question

altogether and I will try to answer it

in a different video

I will review a couple of USB type-c -

3.5 millimeter

Jack don't lose then I'll try to give

you a couple of recommendations I know

Bluetooth headphones can be a solution

but for me they aren't the sound quality

isn't up to par there are delays and

there are problems with that as well

it's not a perfect solution by any means

not to mention the price and of course

if you are using a wired pair of

headphones with this latest series

Samsung Galaxy you will not be able to

charge your device at the same time

because the USB type-c port is occupied

by the dongle you can use a wireless

charger but this is basically an extra

purchase and it's not cheap either it

heats up the battery a lot it has its

own disadvantages basically to bring

this is 20 to the level of a typical s10

device or any other phone with headphone

jack you have to spend quite a few money

for a good quality dongle and of course

take into account that it's not an ideal

solution I know for a fact that the

genuine don't go that Samsung offers can

have some problems they aren't perfect

by any means and you might need a

replacement sooner than you think this

is not a rant video I'm not making this

video to describe my lack of

satisfaction with this I'm merely

stating the facts but yeah I cannot say

I agree that much with what Samsung has

done with the s20 it's true that some

downloads are quite inexpensive and it's

not really a problem but it's an extra

accessory and I I don't believe that the

benefits here outweigh the disadvantages

so yeah this is my opinion at least I

made this video to give you a quick look

on decks on what are you supposed to do

if your phone doesn't have one what are

you supposed to do if your phone has one

but doesn't have a headphone jack as

previously said I'll have a separate

video in which I'll discuss and compare

a couple of decks and give you

recommendation let's say so stay tuned

for that I hope you enjoyed this video

if you did please do press the thumbs up

button if you'd like to see more similar

videos in the future also press the

subscribe button which will be displayed

right here in the bottom left port if

you have any questions or suggestions

feel free to leave them in the comment

section below

thank you so much this was Mike the

tech-savvy Osho great day bye