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Jarrdon Author

Level 1

5 points

iPhone 13 Pro Bluetooth Mic Quality Terrible

I just picked up an iPhone 13 Pro, switching over from a Samsung S21 Ultra. When I'm connected to any bluetooth device, the audio quality of my voice through the mic is terrible. I use Whatsapp regularly and all my voice messages sounds muffled and tinny. I get the same sound quality issues using the iPhone's voice memo app. Using the Airpod Pros the quality is a little better, but nowhere near as clear as using the phone's mic.

I'm on iOS version 15.2.1. Music and voice messages I receive sound good, it's only the outgoing voice from me that has terrible audio quality. With the S21 Ultra, there was no noticeable difference in my voice quality while connected to any bluetooth device vs the phone's mic, all were clear and full.

iPhone 13 Pro

Posted on Jan 24, 2022 12:16 PM

Similar questions

26 replies

dimi7777

Level 1

22 points

Mar 5, 2022 1:00 AM in response to DWSC1962

On Android phones you can set the samplingrate you want to record ...at least in the voice memo app.

On iOS unfortunately you cannot choose.

The transmission between Bluetooth device and iPhone is the problem not the phone itself.

When I record 10sec voice memo with Bluetooth microphone on Android the file size is approx 360 kByte. (Which makes sense since I've set it to 256kbits/s)

When I record 10sec voice memo with Bluetooth microphone on iOS the file size is approx 160 kByte.(-->128kbits/s)

Both files have the same format: mpeg-4-audio

It looks like there is some processing being applied to the recording .. maybe a low-pass filter, since the highs ( and mids) are muffled

When you record a 10sec voice memo with the microphone of the iPhone (no Bluetooth device connected), the file size is approx

400 kByte (-->320kbit/s)

The quality is perfect

Mar 21, 2022 1:07 PM in response to Jarrdon

I’ve also recently bought my first iPhone, a 13 Pro.

I also have major issues with the audio quality of voice messages - never experienced such with my Android phones.

This is very devastating, I cannot record a voice message via WhatsApp walking the streets. All I get is distorted white noise.

I have paid over 1100€ for that thing.

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,557 points

Mar 4, 2022 8:26 PM in response to dimi7777

You can use regular headphones with the Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack adapter.

Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter - Apple

Jarrdon Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 24, 2022 12:31 PM in response to Smilin-Brian

I have the latest update available and have tried the hard reset a couple of times and nothing works

Jarrdon Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 31, 2022 1:16 PM in response to dimi7777

After searching and speaking with tech support, the only idea I had left was to return the iPhone. I'll just be sticking with my Samsung.

deggie

Level 10

167,327 points

Jan 31, 2022 2:05 PM in response to dimi7777

Not on my phone. What tests are you using to determine the microphone quality?

dimi7777

Level 1

22 points

Jan 31, 2022 2:08 PM in response to deggie

A normal hearing test. And objectively speaking you can clearly tell the difference apart. I wish I could Upload some audio files here to prove my point

deggie

Level 10

167,327 points

Jan 31, 2022 2:11 PM in response to dimi7777

If you are referring to just listening with your ears that would be subjective not objective unless you are doing double blind testing.

dimi7777

Level 1

22 points

Jan 31, 2022 2:34 PM in response to deggie

I did this blind test with 4 colleagues' Android and apple users and all told me same opinion. You can clearly hear the difference. I wish I could upload some audio files to prove it

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,557 points

Feb 1, 2022 7:59 AM in response to dimi7777

If you mean Apple employees, there are none.

All of us here except for a few employees clearly identified as such are just users like yourself.

Mar 25, 2022 9:30 AM in response to artursrtur

I made a hardware test at the store. There was an issue with my mic. They’ve replaced it in 3 hours, now seems to be fine.

iPhone 13 Pro Bluetooth Mic Quality Terrible