LDAC (Low Latency Audio Codec) has become an integral part of the wireless audio landscape, focusing on providing a seamless experience when streaming high-resolution sound over Bluetooth. With smartphone users seeking devices that deliver excellent sound quality, a frequently asked question is “does the Samsung A14 support LDAC?”
Whether you’re thinking about purchasing the Samsung A14 because of its audio fidelity or wondering about its LDAC support, then you’ve landed in the right place. This blog will take a closer look at whether Samsung A14 has LDAC support, the advantages of LDAC, and how to optimize your audio experience on this smartphone.
What is LDAC?

Before addressing the main question, it is important to explain what LDAC actually is and why it matters.
LDAC stands for Low Latency Audio Codec, which is a Bluetooth audio codec by Sony. This allows for a much richer audio experience compared to the typical SBC codec commonly employed by Bluetooth devices as aptX supports bitrates up to 990 kbps. This means that high-resolution audio (FLAC or WAV files for example) can be streamed wirelessly without a major loss in quality.
For those with wireless headphones or speakers that support the codec, LDAC is far more desirable as it maximizes sound quality over Bluetooth.
Does the Samsung A14 Support LDAC?
If you’re wondering whether the Samsung A14 supports LDAC or not, let me help you out.
The quick answer: No, the A14 does not support LDAC.
Although the high-end Samsung models support LDAC, the A14 is meant for budget purchase. Hence, it does not have LDAC codec support out-of-the-box. The A14 does support Bluetooth audio streaming, however, it uses the more widely-used SBC and AAC codecs to transmit audio over wireless, which is fine for casual listening, but may not provide the audiophile quality sound offered by LDAC.
Why The Samsung A14 Can’t Stream LDAC?
Most mid-range and high-end smartphones offer support for LDAC. The Samsung A14 focuses on mid-range offers and is a part of the budget segment of the Samsung A-series aiming for more performance on a budget. Although it delivers satisfactory audio playback for the average user, several of the high-end audio options, such as LDAC support, seemed to be excluded to keep the price point lower on the Galaxy series.
Furthermore, in addition to LDAC support, hardware compatibility is needed, as LDAC support requires a Bluetooth chipset that may facilitate high-resolution audio streams along with software support to deliver and run this functionality properly.
High-Quality Sound Alternatives for Samsung A14
But does the Samsung A14 support LDAC? No, it doesn’t, but you can still have a great audio experience with some other codecs and accessories:
- Use AAC-Compatible Headphones or Bluetooth Speakers: The Samsung A14 does support AAC, and this codec is supported by most wireless headphones and speakers. AAC, in particular, tends to result in sound quality better than SBC (the default option) on Apple devices, so it works better for many W1- and H1-equipped wireless audio setups.
- Wired Audio Options: If you’re an audiophile and prefer to avoid the limitations of Bluetooth, you can use wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack (the Samsung A14 still has this port). Sound quality is excellent with no compression.
- Upgrade to a Higher-End Model: If LDAC is fundamental to your listening experience, you may need to consider upgrading to a higher-end Samsung device—say, the Galaxy S22 or S23—that supports LDAC.
Conclusion
The Samsung A14 is a good budget phone with decent sound, but no LDAC. That said, many people are using AAC-compatible Bluetooth devices or just using wired headphones, where there are still the best ways of enjoying good audio. If LDAC support is a must, you’ll need to step up to a higher-end Samsung Galaxy device.
With some understanding of your audio needs and a different way of thinking about it, the Samsung A14 is not a bad purchase for music lovers.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use things like Music Centric EQ on Samsung A14?
The Samsung A14 doesn’t come with LDAC support, but it does with standard Bluetooth audio codecs like SBC and AAC. These codecs provide fine sound for casual listening but fall short of the LDAC which has true high-res audio streaming capabilities. - Q: How can Samsung devices get LDAC?
If LDAC is a must for you, you should consider one of these models. Devices like the Galaxy S21, S22, and S23 series support LDAC. - Q: My Samsung A14 needs to be loud for audio.
Use high-quality wired headphones, Bluetooth devices that support AAC, or external DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) to help improve your audio.