What is LHDC, and how does it differ from LDAC?

LHDC is a high-quality audio codec supporting sampling rates up to 192 kHz and bitrates up to 1 Mbps. Unlike Sony’s LDAC, LHDC is optimized for devices from OnePlus, OPPO, and other brands, offering broader wireless audio capabilities.

Which devices support LHDC in Android 17?

Currently, LHDC support is available on Google Pixel smartphones running Android 17. Future updates may bring the codec to devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and other manufacturers due to its native integration into the OS.

Are special earbuds required to use LHDC?

Yes, LHDC requires compatible wireless earbuds or headsets, such as OnePlus Buds Pro 3 or devices from Nothing and OPPO. High-quality audio is only achievable when both the source and receiver support the codec.

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Hardware

Android 17 Adds High-Quality LHDC Audio Codec Support for Pixel

June 22, 2026

Photo: Android Authority

Quick answer

Android 17 introduces built-in support for the LHDC v5 audio codec on Pixel devices, enabling high-quality audio streaming at up to 96 kHz on compatible earbuds.

Google has integrated support for the LHDC v5 audio codec into Android 17, marking a significant improvement for Pixel smartphone owners. Users can now select this codec in Bluetooth settings when pairing compatible earbuds, such as the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, and enjoy audio with sampling rates up to 96 kHz. Previously, Pixel devices were limited to Sony’s LDAC or standard codecs like AAC and SBC, which did not always deliver optimal quality with third-party devices.

Savitech, the developer of LHDC, confirmed that native integration into Android 17 means automatic support for the codec on future smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and other brands. This expands opportunities for users leveraging high-quality wireless earbuds and headsets. Theoretically, LHDC 5.0 supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz and bitrates up to 1 Mbps, though real-world performance depends on Bluetooth limitations and audio source constraints.

To enable LHDC on Pixel devices running Android 17, users must navigate to the Developer Options and select the codec in the Bluetooth menu. Note that the option will only appear when paired with compatible earbuds. The update is already available on the Pixel 9 Pro and other models running the latest OS version.

Common questions

What is LHDC, and how does it differ from LDAC?: LHDC is a high-quality audio codec supporting sampling rates up to 192 kHz and bitrates up to 1 Mbps. Unlike Sony’s LDAC, LHDC is optimized for devices from OnePlus, OPPO, and other brands, offering broader wireless audio capabilities.
Which devices support LHDC in Android 17?: Currently, LHDC support is available on Google Pixel smartphones running Android 17. Future updates may bring the codec to devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and other manufacturers due to its native integration into the OS.
Are special earbuds required to use LHDC?: Yes, LHDC requires compatible wireless earbuds or headsets, such as OnePlus Buds Pro 3 or devices from Nothing and OPPO. High-quality audio is only achievable when both the source and receiver support the codec.

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