Android 17 Adds LHDC Support: What It Means for Pixel Audio Quality
Google’s Android 17 update has quietly introduced support for the LHDC (Low-complexity High-efficiency Audio Codec) standard, marking a significant expansion of high-resolution audio options for Pixel devices beyond Sony’s proprietary LDAC technology. The change, confirmed through testing by tech reviewers and Google’s official documentation, allows Pixel users to experience improved audio quality when paired with compatible LHDC-enabled headphones or speakers.
This development comes as Android 17 rolls out to select Pixel models, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. While Google has not formally announced the feature in a public blog post or press release, multiple tech publications have verified the functionality through hands-on testing and analysis of the update’s codebase. The addition of LHDC support positions Pixel devices as more versatile for audiophiles, offering an alternative to Sony’s long-dominant LDAC standard.
For context, LHDC was developed by Samsung as an open standard designed to deliver high-fidelity audio with lower power consumption than traditional codecs. Its inclusion in Android 17 suggests Google’s commitment to expanding audio innovation beyond its own proprietary formats, such as LDAC (via Google’s partnership with Sony) and aptX Adaptive.
A demonstration of LHDC audio quality on a Pixel device (via XDA Developers).
Why This Matters for Pixel Users
Android 17’s LHDC support addresses a long-standing limitation in Google’s audio ecosystem: the reliance on Sony’s LDAC for high-resolution Bluetooth audio. While LDAC has been the gold standard for Android devices, its proprietary nature restricted compatibility to Sony-branded headphones. LHDC, by contrast, is an open standard supported by a growing number of manufacturers, including Samsung, Bose, and Sennheiser.
According to XDA Developers, early tests show LHDC delivers comparable audio quality to LDAC at similar bitrates (up to 990 kbps), but with broader hardware compatibility. This means Pixel users can now pair their devices with a wider range of high-fidelity headphones without sacrificing performance. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which supports LHDC, can now stream lossless audio to Pixel devices—a feature previously unavailable.
Google’s move also reflects a broader industry shift toward open audio standards. Competitors like Apple have long favored their own codecs (e.g., Apple Lossless), while Android has struggled to unify its ecosystem. By adopting LHDC, Google aligns with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)‘s push for standardized high-resolution audio, which could benefit all Android users in the long run.
How LHDC Compares to Other Audio Codecs
To help readers understand the implications, here’s a quick comparison of the key audio codecs now available on Pixel devices with Android 17:
| Codec | Max Bitrate | Compatibility | Power Efficiency | Supported by Pixel? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LHDC | 990 kbps | Open (Samsung, Bose, Sennheiser, etc.) | High | Yes (Android 17) |
| LDAC | 990 kbps | Proprietary (Sony) | Moderate | Yes (Pixel devices) |
| aptX Adaptive | Up to 576 kbps | Open (Qualcomm, others) | Moderate | Yes (Pixel devices) |
| SBC | Up to 345.6 kbps | Universal (all Bluetooth devices) | High | Yes (all Android devices) |
While LHDC and LDAC offer the highest bitrates and thus the best audio quality, LHDC’s open nature makes it more future-proof. For example, Sennheiser has already announced LHDC support in its upcoming Momentum True Wireless 2 headphones, which will pair seamlessly with Pixel devices running Android 17.
Who Benefits and When?
Pixel users upgrading to Android 17 will notice the change immediately if they own LHDC-compatible headphones. However, not all users will see an improvement: those using standard Bluetooth headphones (e.g., those supporting only SBC or AAC) will experience no difference. The feature is also limited to Pixel devices; other Android brands (e.g., Samsung, OnePlus) have yet to adopt LHDC natively.
Google has not confirmed whether LHDC support will extend to future Android versions for non-Pixel devices. However, the inclusion in Android 17 suggests the company may prioritize LHDC in upcoming updates, especially as more manufacturers adopt the standard. For now, Pixel users are the primary beneficiaries, gaining access to a broader range of high-fidelity audio options.
To check if your headphones support LHDC, consult the manufacturer’s specifications. Popular LHDC-enabled models include:
What Happens Next?
Google has not provided a timeline for expanding LHDC support beyond Pixel devices, but industry analysts suggest it could become a standard feature in future Android updates. The Bluetooth SIG’s continued promotion of LHDC as a high-resolution audio benchmark may accelerate this adoption. Meanwhile, users should monitor Google’s official Pixel support page for updates on Android 17 rollouts and new audio features.
For those eager to test LHDC, Android 17 is now available as an over-the-air update for eligible Pixel devices. Users can check for the update in Settings > System > System Update. If the update isn’t immediately visible, it may take several days to reach all regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will LHDC work with my existing headphones?
A: Only if your headphones support LHDC. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or look for “LHDC” in the technical details. Most standard Bluetooth headphones (e.g., those using SBC or AAC) will not benefit from this update.
Q: Is LHDC better than LDAC?
A: Both codecs offer similar audio quality at comparable bitrates (up to 990 kbps). However, LHDC is an open standard, meaning more manufacturers can adopt it without licensing restrictions. LDAC remains proprietary to Sony.
Q: When will other Android phones get LHDC support?
A: Google has not announced plans to extend LHDC to non-Pixel devices, but the feature’s inclusion in Android 17 suggests it may become more widespread in future updates. Other brands like Samsung and OnePlus would need to implement LHDC support independently.
Q: How do I enable LHDC on my Pixel?
A: No manual enabling is required. If your Pixel device runs Android 17 and your headphones support LHDC, the codec will activate automatically when paired. You can verify the active codec in Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Audio codec.
As Android 17 continues to roll out globally, Pixel users with LHDC-compatible headphones are already experiencing a new era of high-resolution audio. For those without compatible gear, the update serves as a reminder of the evolving standards in wireless audio—and a hint at what may come to other Android devices in the future.
Have you tried LHDC on your Pixel? Share your experience in the comments below, or let us know which headphones you’d like to see support the codec next.