There are several styles of microphones, but the most common are condenser and dynamic. These descriptions specifically refer to how they convert sound waves into electrical signals.; Condenser microphones use electrically charged capacitors and are usually very sensitive to sound. This makes them great choices for capturing light, delicate noises in controlled environments, which is why they’re often used in studios. The downside is they can potentially pick up unwanted sounds, so they’re not the best choice for interviews in busy cafes. Dynamic microphones use a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet to convert sound waves into electrical signals. They are typically less sensitive than condensers, so they’re best at capturing loud, direct sounds. People also use dynamic mics in loud, bustling spaces because they can naturally filter background noise.; For smartphones, there are plenty of examples of both condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. On the whole, though, condensers are more common.;