Let me clarify - I can do hands-free calling but find it’s not the best option for me, since the person on the other end of the call says the audio is garbled. I want them to hear me clearly like I want to hear them so I choose to use my phone for the microphone. I also find it easier to answer a call using the phone rather than trying to click a little button on my HA. And, I like to keep the phone on my person to avoid any bluetooth disconnection and reconnection problems - most time the Jabras will reconnect no problem, but there are those days where I have to waste too much time trying to reconnect to my phone.
I need to toggle Bluetooth or disconnect reconnect the HAs in Bluetooth details, just when it does not work the first try at making a call or switching between streaming and voice texting and calls. Sometimes it works the first try but it can be finicky.
I turn it off much of the time because I have almost no issues with the ASHA protocol mode. Not since UI 6.1 and the Mar 15 2024 app update. I turn it on if I want to stream or make calls away from my phone.
However, I almost wear always a fleece vest with deep pockets for my phone…or a fanny pack when it is too hot for a vest. The ear tap to pick up calls works in both modes so I do not need to take it from my pocket when I first get a call.
My partner on the other hand puts her phone down a lot and is on the phone alot. She is not as tech savvy …to toggle Bluetooth or disconnect reconnect the HAs in Bluetooth if necessary. I had her order the phone clip+ for her Jabra EP 20 HAs and S24 Ultra. I paired my hearing aids to her phone before she got her HAs and I could go hands free on her phone as well.
It works with LE Audio the first try more then it used to but still needs the Bluetooth kick here and there. I know it can be frustrating for many. Again ASHA protocol is much better now. I love my phone.
Ohh, @DAngelo reminded me, I have to toggle Bluetooth or disconnect reconnect Bluetooth sometimes when the other end of the call can not hear me well. That most often fixes the sound on the other end. Again, LE Audio is finicky for me.
I tested LE Audio with the Intents 1 and a Samsung Galaxy S24 at the store yesterday and did not notice any difference in audio quality with the LE Audio toggle on and off. I streamed music from YouTube and a couple of files on the S24 I was testing. As an iPhone user, I was wondering if music would sound better on Android/LE Audio. Did I perhaps do something wrong?
Well as long as the phone is directly in front of you (like in the store) you would probably don’t notice any difference, you will see this when you walk away or put it in your pocket, then BTE LE will start struggling and LE Audio will work with no problems
Oh, thanks! I was expecting the streamed audio to sound better (richer) with LE Audio as well. More stability in the connection is great though—Oticon hearing aids and iPhones (using the MFi protocol) are terrible in this regard.
I experienced a huge difference having LE Audio on. The audio was amazing compared to audio on iPhone. I agree regarding iPhone and streaming quality. Has deteriorated in recent years.
You won’t notice much of a difference in the sound quality, because hearing devices are limited by their receivers that output at maximum around 8-12 kHz [differs between manufacturers]. It should be more stable and energy efficient though, plus there are upcoming benefits of Auracast.
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Your posts are very helpful. I’m picking up my first HA (Oticon Intent) next week and am concerned about LE audio connectivity. I have a iPhone XS now but might upgrade soon and iPhones don’t seem to have LE Audio now. Do you recommend Samsung S23, S23+, or S23 Ultra? (or a Google Pixel?). The S24 phones don’t seem to have LE Audio (don’t know why). Thank you.
If you don’t want issues, go with Pixels, there’s a new one coming out soon. Pixels are the de facto standard Android LE Audio implementation since they come straight from Google. Which gets you a pure unmodified Android. Samsung likes to mess around and do their own stuff, break it, then backtrack after few years and go with proper Android implementation.
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I have the Sony Xperia 1 VI that also works flawlessly with LE Audio. I tried the Pixel 8 Pro before but it had overheating issues with LTE and 5G.
I’m curious what hearing aids you’re using with your Sony phone that work flawlessly with LE Audio? (Or are you using the phone with another LE Audio device?)
My impression is that no wireless solutions consistently work “flawlessly.” The only data I’ve seen on phone reliability is from Consumer Reports which is based on survey of it’s readers. Apple, Samsung and Google phones have consistently been the most reliable with people being somewhat more satisfied with Apple and Samsung than Google.
I would say go with pixel too. I love my Samsung S23 but I more than likely will go with pixel next time.
I love my Samsung S23 even with what I deem as a minor issue with not being able to do full hands free. I don’t depend on calls just mostly text. My family and friends know i have struggled in the past with calls. But I must say than I really don’t struggle with the INTENT1 aids.
The Pixel 8 series with the exception of the 8a will be able to do Auracast when android 15 comes out, providing Google turns it on.
I not sure why the 8a is not showing Auracast capability in the beta software.
I would wait to see what happens when android 15 comes out before buying a new phone.
Doesn’t the 8a use the processor from the 7 Series?
Nope, I’m wrong. 8a uses G3 processor which is same as 8 series. The wireless chip is somewhat different as it doesn’t support wifi 7, but you’d think since it supports BT 5.3 it would support Auracast.
My Samsung 23 seems to work flawlessly with my Jabra LE Audio since the last update a couple of weeks ago.
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You would think the 8a would get it. I guess we will have to wait and see.
I’m using the Oticon Intent. Sony has had LE Audio support since 2023, because the Sony WF-1000XM5 use it as well. I haven’t had a single issue with it yet since I got the Xperia a few weeks ago.
“Sound
The speakers have been improved with less distortion at high volumes and fixed low frequency output. The Xperia 1 VI has audio technologies and formats such as High-Resolution Audio, High-Resolution Audio Wireless, LDAC, Bluetooth LE Audio and Snapdragon Sound. Combining wireless headphones activates AAC connection mode, further improving sound quality.”
Draadloze Bluetooth® 5.4-technologie, Bluetooth® LE Audio
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It is indeed a matter of waiting. However, LE audio has been around since Android 13.