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.