Stereo speakers in smartphones are not just a marketing ploy, but a real improvement in the sound experience. When two speakers work together (one as the left channel, the other as the right), the effect of surround sound is created, which is especially noticeable when watching movies, playing games or listening to music. Xiaomi began to implement this technology in their devices in 2018, but not all models can boast of this feature. In this article, we will analyze which smartphones of the brand support stereo speakers, how they are implemented at the hardware level and what to look for when choosing.
It's important to understand that having two speakers doesn't always mean true stereo. Some models use the second speaker only to increase volume (mono mode), while real stereo speakers share audio channels. We've analyzed official specifications, independent expert tests and user reviews to make a current list of devices with full stereo support, and you'll learn how to check the speaker performance yourself and what settings will help improve the sound.
What are stereo speakers and why is it important?
Stereophonic audio involves splitting the audio stream into two independent channels, left and right, and in smartphones, this is accomplished by two speakers located at opposite ends of the body (usually one at the bottom, the other at the top next to the speaker), which creates a spatial sounding effect, which is especially valuable for:
- ๐ฌ Watching movies and TV shows โ dialogue and sound effects are more natural.
- ๐ฎ Mobile games โ better audible direction of sound (for example, enemy steps in shooters).
- ๐ต Listening to music โ instruments and vocals are shared through channels, like in headphones.
- ๐ฑ Voice calls โ improves speech intelligibility in hands-free mode.
Unlike monophone systems, where both speakers produce the same sound, stereo speakers require more complex signal processing. Xiaomi uses specialized audio chips (for example, AKM AK4377 or Qualcomm WCD934x), which provide channel separation and minimal distortion. However, not all models are equipped with such chips - often the second speaker simply duplicates the sound of the first, creating the illusion of stereo.
To distinguish between real stereo and pseudostereo, just do a simple test: turn on a track with a clear separation of channels (for example, where the guitar only sounds on the left and the drums on the right) and alternately close each speaker with your finger. In a real stereo, you will hear the difference in sound.
Official list of Xiaomi smartphones with support for stereo speakers
Below is a current list of Xiaomi models that feature full-fledged stereo speakers (channel split), confirmed by official specifications and tests. We have divided the devices into series for easy search. Note that some models may have regional differences - for example, global versions sometimes lack a second speaker.
| Series | Model | Year of release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship | Xiaomi 13 Pro | 2023 | Harman Kardon speakers, Dolby Atmos support |
| Flagship | Xiaomi 12S Ultra | 2022 | Symmetrical speakers with large membranes |
| Flagship | Black Shark 5 Pro | 2022 | A gaming smartphone with enhanced bass |
| Mid-Range | Redmi K60 Pro | 2023 | Speakers with support for Hi-Res Audio |
| Mid-Range | POCO F5 Pro | 2023 | Similar to the Redmi K60, but with a different branding |
Important: Some models in the Redmi Note line (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have two speakers, but work in mono mode. Also in budget devices (Redmi A series or POCO M), stereo sound is not implemented due to cost constraints. If you are looking for a smartphone with this feature, focus on flagship or mid-budget models.
โ ๏ธ Note: In some regions (such as India or Europe), the manufacturer may simplify the configuration of devices.
How to check if your smartphone Xiaomi supports stereo speakers?
If you already own a Xiaomi device and want to know if it has real stereo speakers, use these methods:
- Visual inspection: Look at the top and bottom of the body. Real stereo speakers have symmetrical grids on both sides. If the grid is just at the bottom, it's mono.
- Sound test: ๐ Enable a track with clear channel separation (such as this YouTube test). ๐ If you put your finger on the bottom speaker, if the sound is only coming from the bottom, it's mono. If the sound is still coming from the top (but the character changes), it's stereo.
Check in settings:
Settings โ Sound โ Sound quality
Dolby Atmos
Stereodynamics
Applications:
Audio Test
Speaker Test
Google Play
For more accurate diagnosis, you can use the engineering menu. Enter the phone app code ##4636##, then select Phone Information โ Audio Tests, and you can see all available speakers and their status.
Visually inspect the case for the presence of two bars |
Test the sound with the speakers closed |
Check the sound settings for Dolby Atmos|
Install a specialized application for the test |
Use the engineering menu (code ##4636##)
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Comparing Xiaomi stereo speakers with competitors: who is better?
It's not just Xiaomi that has stereo speakers, many manufacturers are embedding this feature in their devices, but the implementation can be very different.
- ๐ฑ Samsung: Flagship models (e.g. Galaxy) S23 Ultra) equipped with speakers AKG Dolby Atmos-enabled Sound is more balanced, but volume is lower than Xiaomi's.
- ๐ฑ Apple: The iPhone stereo speakers appeared in the iPhone 7, but they are smaller and inferior in bass. But the sound processing at the software level is one of the best.
- ๐ฑ OnePlus: Nord series models and flagships (OnePlus 11) have stereo speakers, but without branded audio chips โ the sound is bright, but less detailed.
- ๐ฑ Realme/OPPO: They use larger speakers, but often save on processing โ the sound is loud, but with distortions at high volume.
Xiaomi stands out for its flagships (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) using Harman Kardon speakers with support for Hi-Res Audio, which gives a wider frequency range (up to 40 kHz) and minimal distortion, but in the middle segment (such as the Redmi K60), sound is inferior to competitors due to a simplified amplification scheme.
If sound quality is critical to you, look at Xiaomi or Black Shark flagships, which are the top price/quality brands in this segment. By comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro speakers sound cleaner, but their maximum volume is 15% lower than the Xiaomi 13 Pro.
๐ก
If you care about volume, choose models with large diameter speakers (for example, Black Shark 5 Pro). For high-quality sound, flagships with support for Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos are better suited.
Frequent problems with stereo speakers in Xiaomi and how to solve them
Even in the top Xiaomi models, users sometimes experience problems with stereo speakers, and here are the most common faults and ways to fix them:
- ๐ One speaker is not working: Check if the speaker is covered with a cover or film. Clean the speaker grille with a soft brush. Update the software โ some firmware has bugs with sound. If the problem persists, the plume may have gone (requires repairs).
- ๐ Sound distorted at high volume: Turn off all sound effects in Settings โ Sound. Try another audio player (like Poweramp) If distortion remains, maybe the speaker membrane is damaged.
- ๐ Speakers are mono: Make sure the stereo is on in the audio settings. Check if there's third-party software that blocks the stereo. Reset the audio settings to the factory.
If the problem is not solved after all the manipulations, you should contact the service center. Often the malfunction is related to hardware, such as oxidation of the contacts on the motherboard or damage to the audio chip. In Xiaomi models with a 3.5 mm connector (for example, the POCO X3 Pro), the problem can lie in the audio jack, which sometimes turns off one of the speakers.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the smartphone yourself to repair speakers - in most Xiaomi models they are glued to the body and connected with thin plumes. Incorrect intervention can damage microphones or antennas.
How to improve the sound of stereo speakers on Xiaomi?
Even if your smartphone supports stereo speakers, you can make the sound even better with customization and third-party apps. Here are some proven ways:
- Turn on Dolby Atmos: Go to Settings โ Sound โ Sound quality and effects and select Dolby Atmos profile. Dynamic mode is good for music, Movie is good for movies.
- Set up the equalizer: Find the equalizer in the same audio menu. For bass, increase the sliders by 60 Hz and 250 Hz, for brightness by 10 kHz.
- Use third-party players: Apps like Poweramp or Neutron Music Player have advanced audio settings, including support for Hi-Res Audio and their own equalizers.
- Update your firmware: Newer versions of MIUI often improve sound processing algorithms. Check for updates in Settings โ About Phone โ System Update.
For models with LDAC support (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can additionally activate this codec in the Bluetooth settings. This will improve the sound when connecting wireless headphones, but will not affect the speakers of the smartphone.
How to enable hidden audio settings in MIUI?
The future of stereo speakers in Xiaomi smartphones: what to expect?
The trend to improve sound in smartphones continues to evolve, and in 2026 Xiaomi announced several innovations that could be introduced in future models:
- ๐ฎ Ultrasonic speakers: Technology similar to Sony Dynamic Vibration System, where the smartphone body vibrates as an additional sound emitter.
- ๐๏ธ AI-based adaptive sound: Microphones will analyze the acoustics of the room and automatically adjust the equalizer.
- ๐ Energy-efficient audio chips: New versions of Qualcomm WSA8835 Improved sound without increasing battery consumption.
- ๐ง Integration with headphones: Stereo speakers of the smartphone and wireless headphones Xiaomi will work synchronously to create surround sound.
Already in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it is expected to use speakers with graphene membranes that will provide clearer high frequencies and less distortion, and the possibility of models with three speakers (two lower + one upper) for even more surround sound.
Important: according to leaks, in 2026 stereo speakers will appear even in some budget models of Redmi (Series Note 13), but with a simplified scheme โ without support for Hi-Res Audio. This will make the feature more affordable, but the sound quality will be inferior to the flagships.
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If you care about sound, look not only at the stereo speakers, but also at the audio chips you use, and Harman Kardon or AKM sound much better than the budget options.