Mason Blake
The Google Pixel 3 is a smartphone developed by Google that has gained popularity among users. However, one common question that users have is whether the Pixel 3 has a built-in sound equalizer. While some music applications like Spotify and YouTube Music have equalizers within the app, the Pixel 3 smartphone line notably lacks a default system-wide equalizer in its settings, which has been a point of contention for some users.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Pixel 3 have a sound equalizer? | No built-in sound equalizer |
| Alternative | Users can download an app from the Play Store or use Spotify's built-in equalizer |
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What You'll Learn
Equalizer settings within Spotify
It seems that the Pixel 3 does not have a built-in sound equalizer by default. However, you can still adjust equalizer settings within Spotify to improve your listening experience.
To access Spotify's equalizer settings on your smartphone, go to Settings > Playback or Audio Quality > Equalizer. Here, you can adjust the equalizer to your liking. The best settings are subjective and based on your personal preferences.
If you want to listen to music as the artist intended, keeping the equalizer setting neutral is recommended. However, you may prefer the sound with different equalizer settings. For example, for general listening, slightly boosting the low (bass) and high (treble) ends can give a richer sound and make vocals clearer. If you're listening in a car, boosting the mid-range frequencies can help vocals stand out, while reducing the very low and very high ends can prevent distortion at higher volumes.
You can also adjust the equalizer for specific genres. For bass-heavy tracks, try boosting the lower frequencies (60Hz and below), but be cautious not to overdo it, as too much bass can drown out other elements of the song.
Additionally, you can use preset adjustments within Spotify for scenarios like "car," "bass," or "rap" to enhance your listening experience.
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Google Pixel 3a lacks a basic EQ
The Google Pixel 3a lacks a built-in equalizer, which is a basic feature that most modern-day phones have. This has been a known issue with the Pixel line from Google, and it is not accessible through the phone settings. However, there are some alternative options for users who want to use an equalizer with their Pixel 3a.
One option is to use a third-party music app that has a built-in equalizer, such as Spotify. Spotify has an equalizer feature that can be accessed through the app's settings. Another option is to use a system-wide equalizer app such as ViperFX, which requires root access and can be installed through magisk modules or zip flashing in recovery. There are also other equalizer apps available on the Play Store, such as Eq Blue, which has been recommended by some users.
Additionally, some users have mentioned that flashing a custom kernel that packages an equalizer, such as EX Kernel and Kirisakura, can add equalizer functionality to the Pixel 3a. However, this method requires tinkering with the phone's system, such as unlocking the bootloader and flashing TWRP, which can be complex for some users and may affect the automatic OTAs.
The lack of a built-in equalizer in the Pixel 3a can be frustrating for users who want to customize their audio experience, especially those who prefer specific sound profiles or need to make adjustments for better clarity in podcasts and audiobooks. While there are workarounds, it is still an inconvenience for users who expect this feature to be readily available on their device.
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Custom kernels for equalizers
The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL can be customised with a custom kernel, which can be downloaded and flashed via TWRP. One such custom kernel is the Kirisakura kernel, which has been noted to fix a lot of issues with the Pixel 3 XL. It is also possible to build custom kernels for Android devices, including the Pixel 3, through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This process involves selecting the right sources, building the kernel, and embedding the results into a system image.
To build a custom kernel for the Pixel 3, one must first unlock the bootloader. While root is not required, some users have noted that they had to re-root their devices. It is also important to back up your data before flashing a custom kernel, as there is a risk of device malfunction.
The Android Open Source Project provides instructions and commands for building Pixel kernels, including the Pixel 3. The production kernel branches use the prebuilt GKI kernel by default to speed up the build process. However, if you want to modify the core kernel, you can set the environment variable BUILD_AOSP_KERNEL=1 to build the kernel from local sources.
For the Pixel 6/6 Pro/6a devices, it is important to update the vendor ramdisk to avoid a mismatch with the Android build on the device, which can result in an SELinux failure and prevent the device from booting. The Android Open Source Project provides the necessary commands to update the vendor_ramdisk-DEVICE.img file and the vendor_boot partition.
Additionally, the Android tree contains only prebuilt kernel binaries, so recent kernels, including the Pixel 3 kernels, require sources from multiple git repositories. The use of the "repo" approach ensures a correct source directory setup.
Custom kernels can provide various benefits, including improved performance, battery life, and smoothness, as well as fixing sound issues. However, it is important to proceed with caution and follow the appropriate instructions and commands for your specific device and situation.
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EQ settings in iOS vs Android
The Google Pixel 3 does not have a built-in sound equalizer. Users have expressed disappointment over the absence of this feature, particularly when compared to other smartphones that offer a basic EQ setting. However, it is possible to flash a custom kernel that includes an equalizer, although this requires some technical knowledge and may void your warranty.
When it comes to EQ settings, both iOS and Android offer different options and capabilities. iOS has a built-in equalizer specifically for the Music app, which allows users to fine-tune the sound output according to their preferences. This equalizer offers 22 options, including the ability to raise bass, high-mids, and treble tones. Additionally, some Bluetooth headphones with companion EQ apps can be used to adjust the EQ for any sound coming through the headphones, including apps like YouTube.
On the other hand, Android does not have a default built-in equalizer, but there are several third-party equalizer apps available on the Google Play Store. One popular option is Wavelet, which offers tight integration with Android devices and includes profiles for over 3,000 headphone models. It also accepts text files for precise EQ adjustments. Another option is Equalizer FX Pro, which provides a simple and user-friendly interface for those who don't need extensive customization.
While iOS offers a more streamlined approach with its built-in EQ, Android provides flexibility through third-party apps. These apps can offer more advanced features and customization options, but they may require rooting your device and may not always function properly on certain devices. Additionally, the changes made using third-party apps may only be temporary and may not persist when the app is closed.
Ultimately, the choice between iOS and Android EQ settings depends on personal preferences and the level of customization desired. Both platforms offer viable options, but it's important to consider the specific device, available apps, and user-friendliness when making a decision.
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Google Pixel software updates
Google Pixel phones receive regular software updates that include new features, security enhancements, operating system updates, bug fixes, and more. These updates are released in phases and roll out gradually, becoming active the next time the device is restarted. The availability of updates depends on the carrier and device and may take a few weeks to arrive on a particular device. Users will receive a notification once an update is ready to install, and they can also manually check for updates by opening the Settings app and tapping System Software Update.
Now, regarding the sound equalizer, it appears that the Google Pixel 3 and 3a lack a built-in equalizer, as indicated by user discussions on Reddit. Some users have mentioned that they had to resort to flashing a custom kernel or using third-party equalizer apps to add equalizer functionality to their Pixel devices. However, it is important to note that software updates for Google Pixel phones may introduce new features and enhancements, so it is possible that equalizer settings or audio improvements could be included in future updates.
To ensure that your Google Pixel device is up to date with the latest software, including any potential audio enhancements, it is recommended to regularly check for and install available updates. As mentioned earlier, you can check for updates by going to the Settings app and tapping System Software Update. Additionally, keeping your device updated can provide you with the latest security patches and improvements to enhance the overall performance and stability of your Pixel phone.
It is worth noting that after a major software update, your Pixel battery may drain more quickly than usual as the phone works to download, optimize, and set up the new software. This behavior is normal, and you can refer to Google's support page for tips on improving battery life and resolving any battery-related issues. Staying up to date with the latest software updates ensures that your Pixel device benefits from the latest features, security patches, and performance optimizations offered by Google.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Pixel 3 does not have a built-in sound equalizer.
It is unclear why Google omitted the music equalizer from the Pixel 3. However, some apps have equalizer settings because the feature is still part of the Pixel hardware.
You can download an app with equalizer settings from the Google Play Store or use the equalizer within certain apps, such as Spotify.
Yes, you can flash a custom kernel that packages an equalizer. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing TWRP, which stops automatic OTAs.
No, the Pixel 3 XL also lacks a built-in sound equalizer.
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