As phone brands ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, more and more smartphone users are developing interest in advanced Bluetooth aptX codecs like aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and aptX Lossless Bluetooth because these codecs deliver sound quality that is comparable to what is obtainable via wired headphones.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 is an impressive mid-ranger that offers as close to premium flagship features and performance as possible for about half the price of said flagships. Right from the build to the internals, it is an impressive device. Sadly, despite abandoning the 3.5mm headphone jack, the Galaxy A54 lacks support for these Bluetooth codecs, among others.
Table of Contents
Advanced Bluetooth Codecs Missing in Samsung Galaxy A54
Unfortunately, the Samsung A54, and its siblings, A34 5G and A24, all lack support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Lossless Bluetooth, or Bluetooth LE Audio codecs. This omission leaves users with a limited selection of high-definition wireless headphones compatible with these devices.
Which is no surprise, considering that even premium flagship models like the Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy Folds and Flips also do not support these Bluetooth codecs. But in addition to lacking these, the Galaxy A54 also lacks LDAC. LDAC is a Bluetooth audio codec developed by Sony for delivering high bitrate and high resolution audio. The total list of Bluetooth codecs missing in this phone are:
- aptX Adaptive
- aptX HD
- aptX Lossless Bluetooth
- Bluetooth LE Audio
- LDAC
Why Did Samsung Not Include These Codecs in the Galaxy A54?
It is difficult to speak for Samsung. AptX and AptX HD are now open to public without a license fee, so it would not have cost them any fees to include these two. We could argue that because aptX Adaptive attracts a licensing fee, Samsung excluded it to save costs. The Galaxy A54 is a budget smartphone, after all.
It is also likely that Samsung wants to push its own proprietary codec, SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec), which was introduced in 2022 with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. That would make sense for the company; right? But it doesn’t help users who are looking for the best Bluetooth audio. aptX HD and Adaptive are proven and widely known for their quality; the jury is still out on Samsung’s SSC.
How To Confirm The Samsung Galaxy A54’s Bluetooth Codec Support
To check the Bluetooth audio codecs supported by your Samsung A54 phone, you need to access Developer Options. Follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap “About device” or “About phone.”
- Tap “Software information.”
- Tap “Build number” seven times.
- Enter your pattern, PIN, or password to enable the Developer options menu.
- The “Developer options” menu will now appear in your Settings.
- Go back to Settings; Developer Options will be the last item at the bottom of the screen.
- To check the list of supported Bluetooth codecs, go to Settings > Developer Options > Bluetooth Audio Codec.
You will be presented with a drop-down menu of available Bluetooth audio codecs that might include SBC, AAC, and SSC. Everything that is greyed out is not supported.
A Missed Opportunity
While Samsung Galaxy A54 remains an exceptional mid-ranger, the absence of these advanced Bluetooth aptX codecs may be disappointing for audiophiles seeking top-notch wireless audio experiences. If you prioritize advanced Bluetooth features, consider exploring mid-range and high-end models from other brands like Nokia, Google Pixel, Motorola, Sony, or OnePlus, which often provide the desired support for aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless Bluetooth, and Bluetooth LE Audio codecs.
Sorry. This is false information. A54 does have support for LDAC Codec on Bluetooth. Ensure you have updated your phone as recommended before trying this. Simply enable LDAC by connecting to a LDAC supported system and select the setting button beside the connected device and click enable LDAC Codec. Hope this helps.