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Galaxy S20 Bluetooth codec support matters more than most people realize, because the codec decides how much audio data your phone can send to wireless headphones and earbuds before quality starts to suffer. This review is a research-based look at which codecs the Galaxy S20 family is generally documented to support, how those codecs affect sound, and who will notice a real difference. It is written from manufacturer specifications and patterns reported by owners, not from our own lab measurements. If you listen mostly to compressed streaming audio on casual earbuds, you may hear little gap between codecs. If you own high-resolution headphones or care about lossless-style detail, the codec list is worth understanding before you buy.
Product Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S20 lineup, which includes the standard S20, the S20+, and the S20 Ultra, launched as a flagship Android family. For wireless audio, the key point is that the phones use Bluetooth hardware and software that negotiate a codec with each pair of headphones. A codec is the compression method used to encode audio before it is transmitted over Bluetooth. The phone and headphones must both support the same codec for it to be used. If they do not share one, the connection falls back to the baseline codec, which is SBC on nearly every Bluetooth device.
Samsung’s audio approach on these phones centers on a few things: a codec list visible in Developer Options, automatic codec selection based on what the connected headphones advertise, and support for Samsung’s own ecosystem features. The Galaxy S20 is not a dedicated audio product, and its Bluetooth behavior depends on firmware version, so codec availability can change after software updates. Check your own settings rather than assuming a particular codec is present.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the codecs the Galaxy S20 family is generally documented to support, along with what each one is known for. Figures for bitrate are the commonly cited maximums for each codec standard rather than guaranteed rates on this phone.
| Feature | Galaxy S20 Family | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| SBC | Supported (baseline) | Mandatory on all Bluetooth audio devices; widest compatibility, lowest efficiency. |
| AAC | Supported | Better sound than SBC at similar bitrates; the default choice for Apple devices. |
| aptX / aptX HD | Supported on compatible firmware | Qualcomm codec family; aptX HD supports higher-resolution audio when headphones also support it. |
| LDAC | Supported on compatible firmware | Sony codec designed for high-bitrate transmission, up to around 990 kbps in its highest mode. |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 class (per manufacturer listings) | Supports stable connections and standard audio profiles; not the same as codec support. |
| Codec selection | Manual in Developer Options | Lets you choose the codec when multiple options are available. |
Keep in mind that some codec availability depends on the specific model and carrier firmware. Manufacturer documentation for the S20 series is the best source to confirm the list on your exact device.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers a broad codec set, including AAC, aptX family and LDAC on supported firmware, which covers most modern headphones.
- Manual codec selection gives control that many phones hide entirely.
- Works well with Android’s standard Bluetooth stack, so common headphones pair without special apps.
- Automatic codec negotiation generally picks a sensible option when you do not change anything.
- Useful for listeners who want to try higher-bitrate codecs with compatible headphones.
Cons
- Codec options can vary by firmware version, and some features may be missing or removed after updates.
- Higher-bitrate codecs drain battery faster on both phone and headphones, which owners often mention on long listening days.
- Manual selection is buried in Developer Options, which can confuse less technical users.
- You get no benefit from a premium codec unless the headphones also support it.
- Lossy codecs, including LDAC and aptX HD, are still compressed; they are not lossless.
Performance Analysis
Codec performance comes down to three factors: the bitrate the codec can use, how well the encoder handles the audio, and whether the connection stays stable. SBC typically runs at bitrates that can produce audible artifacts in complex music, such as cymbals or dense orchestral passages. AAC, at comparable or higher bitrates, usually sounds cleaner to most listeners. The aptX family and LDAC push more data per second, which can preserve more detail when the source file and headphones are good enough to show the difference.
Owner reports on Galaxy phones often describe three patterns. First, many people never change the codec and are satisfied with automatic selection. Second, listeners who switch to aptX or LDAC report clearer high frequencies and more separation, but only with headphones that actually support those codecs. Third, a noticeable number of users say connection dropouts or stutter appeared after certain software updates, which is why keeping firmware current and testing with your own headphones is worth doing.
Latency is another consideration. Standard codecs introduce delay that matters for video and games. Low-latency modes exist on some codec implementations, and you should check whether your headphones and phone both enable them. If you watch a lot of video, a codec with better stability may matter more than one with the highest peak bitrate.
Battery impact is real. Higher bitrates require more radio activity. Owners often note that switching from SBC to LDAC shortens listening time on both devices. For daily commuting, this trade-off is usually small. For long travel days with a single charge, it can matter.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Galaxy S20 is a strong choice for Android users who want a phone with flexible Bluetooth audio options and who already own, or plan to buy, headphones that support aptX, AAC or LDAC. It suits people who listen to a mix of streaming music, podcasts and video, and who want the ability to fine-tune codec behavior.
You should skip this if you rely on a wired-only audio setup, if you mostly listen to basic earbuds that only support SBC, or if you want a phone whose audio features are guaranteed to stay unchanged through every update. Listeners who want the simplest possible audio experience, without any codec menus, may find an iPhone or a dedicated audio device easier to live with.
Buying Guide
Before you rely on the Galaxy S20 for better audio, confirm three things. Check that the headphones list AAC, aptX or LDAC in their specifications. Enable Developer Options on the phone and look for the Bluetooth audio codec menu. Then test with your own music and a few minutes of video to see whether the connection is stable. If you are still learning how codecs and connections interact, our guide to Bluetooth Codecs Explained: SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, LC3 covers the differences clearly. For broader connection concepts, Headphone Connectivity: Bluetooth, LE Audio and Wired is a useful companion.
If you are shopping for headphones to pair with the Galaxy S20, look at headphones that support the codecs you want to use. Some well-known options worth comparing include the Sony WH-1000XM5, which supports LDAC on compatible Android devices; the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which relies on AAC and works best with iPhones; and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which use AAC and their own proprietary features. View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon
Also consider the headphone category. Over-ear models usually have larger batteries and more room for higher-bitrate hardware, while true wireless earbuds often prioritize size and may support fewer codecs. Our breakdown of Headphone Technology Explained: ANC, Codecs, Spatial Audio explains how these features fit together. A mid-range over-ear option may balance codec support and battery life well, as covered in 9 Best What's a Good Mid-range Over-ear Bluetooth Headphone That Works Wells for Both Music and Video Calls (2026): Expert Picks.
FAQ
Does the Galaxy S20 support LDAC?
Support for LDAC depends on firmware and on whether your headphones also support the codec. Check the codec list in Developer Options on your specific phone. If LDAC is not shown, it may not be available on your build.
How do I change the Bluetooth codec on a Galaxy S20?
Enable Developer Options by tapping the build number several times in About Phone. Then open Developer Options, find the Bluetooth audio codec setting, and select the codec you want. Reconnect your headphones afterward to make sure the change takes effect.
Is AAC better than SBC on Android?
In most listening tests described by reviewers, AAC sounds cleaner than SBC at comparable bitrates, particularly on complex music. The actual difference depends on your headphones, source file and ears.
Will a higher-bitrate codec drain my battery faster?
Yes, in general. Higher bitrates require more radio activity, and owners often report shorter playback time on both the phone and the headphones. The effect is usually modest for everyday listening.
Why does my Galaxy S20 keep using SBC?
The phone falls back to SBC when the headphones do not support the codec you selected, or when the connection cannot sustain a higher-bitrate option. Confirm that both devices share a codec and that your firmware is up to date.
Are wireless codecs lossless?
No. SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC are all lossy codecs. They compress audio to fit within Bluetooth bandwidth. LDAC and aptX HD preserve more detail than SBC, but they do not match wired lossless playback.
Can I improve sound quality without changing codecs?
Yes. Use high-quality source files or streaming settings, keep the phone’s equalizer neutral unless you need adjustment, and ensure the headphones have a good fit. These changes can matter as much as the codec itself.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy S20 family offers a solid set of Bluetooth audio codecs for Android users, including AAC, the aptX family and LDAC on supported firmware. Its strength is flexibility: you can let the phone choose automatically or take manual control when you want to test higher-bitrate options. Its weakness is that codec availability depends on software version, and the best audio results require headphones that share the same codec. If you already own compatible headphones or plan to buy them, the phone is a capable partner. For a simpler experience, you may prefer a platform that handles codec choice behind the scenes. Consider the headphone you already use, check the codec list on your own device, and decide from there. View on Amazon
