If I believe AudioScienceReview, phones with a dedicated DAC (much of LG) are far better, spec-wise, than phones using the amp in a modern Snapdragon handset.

If I believe AudioScienceReview, phones with a dedicated DAC (much of LG) are far better, spec-wise, than phones using the amp in a modern Snapdragon handset. In other words, you're plugging expensive headphones into a mediocre driver.