Counterclockwise: FM radio is past its peak

16 December 2018
Do you feel like fewer and fewer phones have a radio receiver? Our data shows while there's a definite decline, many models still have it.

Sort by:

  • L
  • L337
  • LcH
  • 17 Dec 2018

Digital Audio Broadcast, or DAB.
I can see all the memes already, if it ever gets popular.

    Sso, 16 Dec 2018FM radio is the main reason to buy Pocophone F1.Nice to have a flagship with FM Radio

      For me FM Radio is essential in my Smartphone, before purchasing a new one I certify that it has FM radio, all others are excluded.

        Dawman, 17 Dec 2018Much to the contrary to this article, FM Radio consumption ... moreMobile internet in many third world countries is also really expensive (even by western standards), so streaming just isn't an option.

          Much to the contrary to this article, FM Radio consumption is showing solid increasing trends in economies like India, Middle East. LATAM and Africa. These are geographies where there is relatively lesser penetration of internet, but huge availability of low end Android Smartphones. Seems to be a direct correlation of these factors. Also, despite of the huge influx of streaming applications in such territories, the interactivity of Radio FM with RJs and their social handles, there is a distinct utility of this medium. Advertising rates in terms of CPM are still manageable on Radio as a format and the hyperlocal nature of marketing seems to be a solid factor in favour of Radio. Whilst I do believe that the 'Format' of Radio may change from AM/FM to Digital, Radio will not just vanish !!.. Much to Freddie Mercury's Radio Gaga... was visionary I feel !!...

            Another thing the article go wrong is that it claims that you must have wired earphones connected. Actually the mobile phones Lenovo S920 and S820 had a built-in FM antenna so you could listen to FM radio without any earphones connected.

            But of course, all phones should have 3,5mm connector anyway.

              Kingslayer, 17 Dec 2018Just listening to Christmas music on KOST 103.5 using my 4.... moreMy Dreams would have songs from the Radio. LMAO

                • F
                • FarFan
                • iB9
                • 17 Dec 2018

                I use FM radio a lot, even with crappy ads. It gives me a break from same music on streaming sources, it works everywhere (except subway, but there are 2G internet at best).

                I just wanted to say that all manufacturers kill UI and UX of FM apps through time. Sony had great app, with favorite stations built in music search, widgets, controls from headset, etc. and ended by removing 3.5 (company that introduced walkman). Now I specially ordered version of LG G6 with FM, and the app allows me only choose my favorite stations after unlock the device and going to app and then swiping into favorite.

                  Forgot to say that the mentioned channels in Sweden and the UK are public service channels without any advertising.

                    Lots of incorrect details both in the article and the comments...

                    DAB isn't a successor for FM radio in many places, in Sweden DAB was again scrapped and will not be implemented for the foreseeable future.

                    Also people claim that just because they don't have anything good on FM radio it's the same everywhere, but it's totally wrong. For example, in the UK (BBC) or Sweden they have many channels with high quality content (documentaries, underground music etc).

                    FM radio isn't going away just because many spotify-hipsters think so. There are even a lot of quality channels available via AM radio (medium wave) and long wave.

                      DAB+ is the successor to terrestrial radio? Pfft... Gimme a break.

                      I don't know about in other countries, but they got halfway through rolling it out in Australia and then abandoned it... Of course, "officially" it's still rolling out - but they've made no progress in years and I've been directly told by numerous radio stations (both as a listener and in a professional capacity) that there are no plans to roll it out in the foreseeable future.

                      FM radio has a lot of life left in it, at least in Australia, and if something IS going to replace it anytime soon, it'll be one of those streaming music services (such as Spotify or Apple Music)...

                        • B
                        • BleurdeuR
                        • f{X
                        • 17 Dec 2018

                        Gandalfdenvite, 16 Dec 2018Phone manufacturers talk to network providers, network prov... moreSpot On!

                          • ?
                          • Anonymous
                          • LEi
                          • 17 Dec 2018

                          FM is only good for national emergencies, clearly. The music ain't good, the ads aren't good, the only good thing about it is availability in case nothing else works.

                          So...just get a cheap basic phone, everybody.

                            • ?
                            • Anonymous
                            • mhy
                            • 17 Dec 2018

                            lg v30 have fm radio

                              Yes, with FM slowly being replaced by DAB, they should move that way. It makes a phone more future proof as well.

                                My LG V20 was the last "complete" smartphone.

                                1. IR blaster
                                2. Removable battery
                                3. Headphone jack
                                4. Expandable storage
                                5. FM radio

                                I don't care about water-resistance, bezel-less, or curved displays. Not even Telephoto.

                                I still use my V20 every single day just as a TV remote. Too bad my LG G5 RS988 lacks FM radio. Sprint-branded had it but I needed to download an apk for it. And it wouldn't play through the speakers like my T-Mobile-branded V20 can.

                                Yet, for some reason, I still prefer my G5, Essential, and iPhone SE over my more complete V20. I guess because I don't like the V20's awkward size and the UI lags the most.

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • 0Bh
                                  • 17 Dec 2018

                                  The first condition when I look for a phone is the FM
                                  RADIO ! A phone without FM RADIO simply does not
                                  exists further for me. Luckily XIAOMI understands this
                                  great truth. Hope also SAMSUNG will return the FM
                                  RADIO in all phones, also in flagships, not only in
                                  budgets.

                                    Just listening to Christmas music on KOST 103.5 using my 4.5-year-old Xiaomi Mi 3 last night and this morning made me miss having FM radio again. It can actually help me sleep better at night. My dreams would have songs from the radio.

                                    Oh, well. Now we live in an era without a headphone jack. I love my Essential Phone that I'm typing on right now but no headphone jack, no expandable storage, no FM radio, no removable battery, and no IR blaster really does bother me sometimes.

                                    Ten years ago when FM radio was still common on phones should now be considered the good ol' days.

                                      Talk stations during the day sometimes, but we are fortunate to have an all blues/jazz local station that does NOT play commercials. A low power community station.
                                      Other than that, I stream my music because I want to listen to music, not the commercials.

                                        • A
                                        • Ares
                                        • 847
                                        • 16 Dec 2018

                                        I use FM radio in my car, at home sometimes and when i go to run, plus music too. But i'm not going to waste a peny of my data plans in streaming music or radio, that literally eat them due to the stupid brand/carriers conspiration... decisions... For me it's clear, no FM radio = NO BUY.

                                          2 of 5