I agree.  This is the holy grail of audio quality evaluation.  Funny, however, how many don't like flat, uncoloured, playback, and will subjectively favour a more dirty, v-shaped response curve.   BTW, where did you find the measurement data for the Note 5?  Is it also available for the S6...

Yes. Audio playback is child's play for any CPU., even in a system with modest resources. What you describe (cuda + i7) isn't about improving playback audio quality, but more about realtime effects processing / transcode in real time, which isn't quite what we were discussing. But to continue...

What? I gave you a clear explanation, and it boggles my mind you responded as you did. Anyway, stop sidetracking and explain why a more powerful CPU and more RAM in a smartphone will yield improved audio. Until then, I'm calling bullsh*t. :)

  I have a pretty good grasp on logic design, and DAC / ADC operation, to tell the truth.  Which is why I'd like you to explain why you think more RAM, and a more a powerful CPU will yield improvements in audio quality.     You rather conveniently left out the important part in between...

From what I read, DAC operation in both modes is DMA, i.e., largely CPU independent. This does not support the theory that more powerful CPU and additional RAM yields higher audio quality. You will need to explain.

I agree. The DAC is one part of the audio chain, a chain in which a parts need to not only be of high quality, but work well with each other. Connect a terrific super ultra clear, made by virgins, designed by God, DAC to a mediocre preamp, the end result is mediocre audio. Connect that same DAC...

What? Powerful CPU and more RAM will affect audio performance? I can't wait to hear why that is. Please enlighten us.

  I have to say, some of my favorite recordings are the dirtier, older, slightly noisy ones from ages ago.  :D  I get it.

  Up-sampling, at best, will reproduce the original 16-bit information data exactly.  It is dependent mostly on the upsampling algorithm used (quality of interpolation to a higher resolution).  If you notice a change in the audio, the algorithm is taking liberties with the original data, and...

Regarding the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser - ASUS_Z00TD (WW_Z00T).   The OS update to Marshmallow, Android 6.01, WW_21.40.1220.1708_20160621, has made a substantial difference:   Pros:   Overall balanced sound signature, with a bias towards to warmth.  Highs are no longer as obviously rolled off...

A little earlier in this thread, I provide some subjective impressions. My Canadian variant, built on the Snapdragon 615 chipset, has disappointing audio quality.

It looks like Asus specs the Zenfone 2 Laser differently in different countries. Quite confusing. I can verify mine, the Canadian market variant, sounds pitiful:

Zenfone 2 Laser in Canada sounds quite awful. It uses the "updated" Snapdragon 615. Terrible implementation. Highs in particular are rolled off, then boosted. It sounds harsh.

I have the Zenfone 2 Laser, and its audio quality is awful. Truly the worst audio quality of any phone or tablet I've ever owned. Our phones must have different chipsets.

  So true.  I'll take that one step further:  We basically just go for the ones with the deviations [that we enjoy the most] for the amount of money that we're spending.   Once budget becomes less of an issue, we choose the gear with the deviations that sound most pleasurable to our brain.  ...