Samsung’s Galaxy Buds $180 & Galaxy Buds Pro for $250 are inevitably inspired by Apple’s third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro. In fact, everything that defines a tablet, right from the physical appearance to this list of features that I have outlined, Samsung appears to have copied Apple. The Headphones’ features such as Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive EQ, and Voice Detect are inspired by Apple’s Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Like how Apple saves the best for its additionally, the best functions of these headphones are noticeable when used with new Samsung gadgets. If you have a newer Galaxy phone, these earbuds could have been the AirPods you’ve been looking for.
Design:
- Even both products’ shapes are similar, especially if one compares Galaxy Buds 3 to Apple’s third generation of AirPods.
- Samsung has thrown a new approach with the ‘blade’ design for the stem and an option of grey color on the strip.
- The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro look similar to the AirPods Pro with an angular stem with the gray color as its main distinguishing feature.
Moving further into the explanation of the design peculiarities, it is important to explain as to why Samsung has chosen the ‘blade’ design; the answer is simple – to be unique, yet familiar. For changing the volume, rotations with the palm swipe are possible while pinches allow for toggling between the play command and the noise command. It is rather easy to swipe through tiles, but pinching entails a certain degree of learning. First, touching the flat panel with your index finger on the side opposite the backside does not apply sufficient pressure on them to get the controls to work. You cannot cut it perfectly until you have a firm grip on the blade with your finger. It is, however, important to learn how to do this once you get the hang of it, operating the controls is easy.
These are large ergonomic considerations of the design. Decisions such as adding a transparent cover on the case, for example, are functional, as it aids users in seeing the earbuds without having to open the case. It may seem trifling, but it has an additional level of usability. It is located at the bottom near the bottom-firing speakers alongside the USB-C port and the Bluetooth pairing button, which is different from the placement of the buttons as seen in Apple’s devices with the buttons tucked at the backside.
Design Flaws and Advantages
The peculiar decision is what should be avoided regarding the manner in which the earbuds are placed in the case. After taking the Galaxy Buds 3 out of your ears, you have to flip them around to insert them into the case. This may at first glance appear trifling but when done several times within a day, it is irritating. Samsung’s rationale for this design is these Blade Lights are meant to be visible when the buds are charging in the case, however, it does not seem logical to cause such inconvenience.
Blade Lights:
- The Blade Lights themselves are an example of something unrelated to the game.
- Despite this, only they can be seen when the buds are in the case, which also includes another LED that signals pairing mode, which is quite unnecessary since the case itself has an LED to show this.
- You can also have these lights turn on, dim or turn off, and blink either during the use of the buds, and while this does not appear to add convenience in any way, it does seem slightly more of a gimmick.
Considering more the use of the Blade Lights, one can see that Samsung intended to create something new and striking on the earbuds. However, this decision May not be fulfilled with all the users out there. Some may like this visually compared to text, whereas others may consider this unnecessary as there are other metrics that can convey the functions. Coming to the IP57 rating these headphones are waterproof and designed to easily survive your workout session; as a result, they are sweatproof. The Pro version that comes with the ear tips is more secure during several vigorous activities. As for comfort, both models are good providing hours of usage without getting uncomfortable.
However, there are some disadvantages with Samsung; especially the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have had quality control problems. One of the issues we identified is that the ear tips are easily torn when pulled out from the earbuds; an especially critical factor if the ear pieces have to be reused. This problem does not exist for the non-pro model of the Galaxy Buds 3 as Samsung does not include these tips. Samsung has ceased its shipments about this, and this shall be updated on this review in due time with more details from the company.
Notable Features
Various features of the Galaxy Buds 3 series designed by Samsung resemble the features of Apple’s device. For sound adjustments, they have adaptive EQ while for noise cancellation there is adaptive ANC for the two models. These features run discreetly in the background though they are felt when the content of the earbuds quietly raises during a noisy sound.
- There is also the new earbud feature like the Adaptive Noise Control; it automatically adapts ANC and external sound in real-time, and Voice Detect, which lowers the volume and turns on the Transparency mode when it hears you speaking.
- These features are Samsung’s knockoffs of Apple’s Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
- Furthermore, Siren Detect reduces the volume and plays background noise once a siren is detected from an emergency car.
Further down, integration of such extended options indicates the continued quest by the firm to provide consumers with smart technologies with highly improved usability. Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC are always in sync to support the best sound quality wherever the headset is used. It also helps users that are in environments where well, ambient noise changes very often. For example, carrying out the recording while commuting in a noisy subway or while walking on the street of a city might present certain difficulties for audio clarity. Envelopment controls change the sound character instantly, and for all such systems, equalization is maintained.
Although it operates in such a manner, the duration between the reduction of volume and the initiation of the transparency mode could be enhanced. At present, the acoustics decrease first, and the transparency mode comes a couple of seconds later, thus, a temporary drop in volume is required until optimal audio is reached. On the positive side, Voice Detect is not activated by coughing like frequently encountered in similar solutions of other TWS earbuds. Essential voice commands include play music or stop, increase volume or decrease volume, and answer phone call and the ease of the system is that once you remember the allowed phrases you can use it fluently.
The Live Translation feature or the one referred to as the Real-Time Interpreter, like Google Pixel Buds, translates another language as you say it. This comes in handy when working on a document with coworkers, and some of them speak another language, or when one is a tourist. Nevertheless, it is available only on a Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6 with One UI 6. 1. 1, limiting its accessibility. The inclusion of such a feature demonstrates Samsung’s attempt to extend beyond simple audio features, in an attempt to transform their earbuds into all-in-one solutions for the daily user.
Sound Quality
The sound quality produced by these earbuds is good with the bass being particularly refreshing. There are no outstanding frequencies that leap out from the competition, but bass is solid; good support for punchy highs and full mids. However, the volume quality is from the position of the earbuds in the ear which may need occasional repositioning for the best sound experience.
- If sound is of major importance, it would be wise to go for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They have two speakers and two amplifiers, therefore, they offer quality sound with deep two way bass. Actually, connecting to a Samsung phone released in the last few years opens the Ultra High Quality (UHQ) audio and the 24-bit HiFi. Both models support 360 Audio that has direct multi-channel support though in this mode, treble is boosted and bass gets reduced.
Although, when focusing deeper on the questions of audio performance, it is also important to look at the engineering of these earbuds. The application of two-way speakers and dual amplifier devices in the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro proves Samsung’s commitment to sound quality. This configuration also increases the size of the sweet spot which is beneficial because this way the sound stage is wider and thus the music is experienced in a more realistic manner. Thus, the Division of frequencies helps in bass having its own identity as mids and highs have their identity but are interconnected. Thus, in tracks with intricate rhythm sections, each of the instruments which make it is audible without distorting the general sound.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in their ultimate is capable of producing powerful and immersive sound similar to other high-end TWS earbuds whenever there is lossless playback. Heavy bass track is another area that has been covered and this is evident on the tracks such as “Cross To Bear” by Balance and Composure; in this particular model bass is complemented with vocal and instruments without any form of distortion. While I myself am a fan of the tuning in the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, it’s good to see Samsung try at least.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
Another feature that is worthy of mention is that the Galaxy Buds 3 are earbuds of the open type but still have ANC support. However, on this model specifically the ANC is more like a slight noise cancellation and does little to background noise. Samsung probably included this feature to counter nip rumors that Apple would incorporate ANC on the regular AirPods. For noise cancellation, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds are preferable compared to the Galaxy Buds 2 earbuds.
Continuing the analysis of ANC functionality, it can be stated that Samsung had intended to provide as much functionality as possible, even if it took away from utility. It is rather unorthodox to incorporate ANC in an open-type earbud like what we have here. Due to the limited seal in the ear canal, the level of the noise cancellation is somewhat reduced. However, it proves that Samsung does not want to leave any option unexplored or any feature unused. As for the users, who like the principle of the open-fit design but still would like to have some noise cancellation, the latter might be minor in conditions of low noise.
I found ANC in the Pro model has not the usability of Bose or Sony but it blocks low to moderate sounds fairly well. As many other competitors, it is weak at emitting human voices, but, when switched to transparency mode, the app offers natural background sounds. While Apple AirPod Pro are still ahead on this aspect, Samsung’s transparency mode enhances calls and an awareness of the environment without eliminating sound to a great extent.
Call Quality
The transparency mode of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro makes it possible to engage in calls without the use of your hands to hold the phone, therefore, speak normally without the need to shout. With more openings to it, voice and video calls improve on the Galaxy Buds 3 earbuds as well. To the person on the other end of the call, the audio quality will be just a little better than if you were using the speakerphone, meaning that these earbuds are somewhat middle-of-the-road as far as calling quality but should be adequate for most users.
For a deeper examination on call quality, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature multiple mics that ensure your voice is heard while rejecting the surrounding noise. This configuration particularly comes in handy to improve the clarity of the conversations during the call by prioritizing your voice. The transparency mode improves upon this by permitting the background noise to pass through more fluidly and without the ear-clogging sensation felt from execution in cheaper sets with intensified transparency. This is especially helpful in business organizations because in communication, there is the need to use simple language particularly when dealing with technical aspects of business.
Battery Life
Samsung being the subject of testing, the Galaxy Buds 3 as well as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro both deliver the company’s advertised battery life. The normal Galaxy Buds 3 in this regard is five hours whereas the Pro model offers six hours with ANC on and the volume set at between 50-75 percent. Based on the comparison of both cases, it is seen that both cases provide approximately 20 more hours of noise cancellation and both can be charged wirelessly. Samsung has not provided time taken to charge the device or the fast charging capabilities and this review will be supplemented with more details if availed.
However, for a detailed battery discussion, the endurance of these earbuds under these states is quite incredible. The capability to perform continuously across all use cases – listening to music, making calls, to the execution of complex functions of ANC and transparency mode are reflected in the efficient power control in these devices. Also, the feature of Wireless charging boosts the versatility aspect by enabling the earbuds to be charged without worrying about cables. This could, however, be in exchange for a longer battery life as seen by the removal of the quick-charge details on the phone’s design.
The Competition
However, Apple’s own earbuds aren’t the direct rivals to the Galaxy Buds 3 and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro primarily because they are mostly incompatible with Android. That is why the Sony WF-1000XM5 is a much better candidate for the title of the best completely wireless noise-canceling headphones. Some of the many functions of Sony’s earbuds include Speak-to-Chat voice technology, DSEE Extreme Sound, ‘Smart’ Adaptive Sound that has options for the type of activity or environment you are in; Android and iOS compatibility. Due to the ergonomic design and longer battery life than Samsung and Apple’s devices, Sony WF-1000XM5 appears to be unique.
Besides, it is crucial to outline how specifically Sony’s WF-1000XM5 performs better in different aspects that could be weaknesses in the products made by Samsung. Such as Speak-to-Chat that will stop playing audio when it senses you are speaking and reverse when it notices that you are mute. Such a hands-free control becomes especially valuable in the context of a given setting’s changing conditions. DSEE Extreme further improves audio quality by ‘stretching’ the audio data of compressed files for a better sound experience. Besides, that Sony can provide good experiences for both Android and iOS users makes the company a contender with no narrow specialization.
Wrap-Up
First of all, Samsung released the earbuds which look like AirPods This decision criticized mediocre performance. But the Verizon, standard Galaxy Buds 3 come off as unexpectedly good in audio quality, especially the Pro model’s audio performance. Samsung might make Voice Detect sharper but the firm understands the importance of providing the galaxy phone users the kind of experience that Apple’s AirPods give the iPhone users. In future, Galaxy Buds should bring something new to design that sets them apart from AirPod clones.
Altogether, Samsung has managed to create a pair of earbuds that are quite powerful and filled with the features that make the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro worthy rivals on the market. Samsung must therefore maintain progression and commit time towards a better user interface in order to create its earphones as the go-to brand for all its Galaxy users and for everyone who wants a good earphone apart from Apple’s AirPods.
All in all, both Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are symbolized as Samsung’s major advancement in the development of audio solutions designed as a perfect match for Galaxy devices. In that regard, though replicative of the AirPod style, Samsung has included enough novelties and differentiations to make them distinctive. In this manner, Samsung can strengthen its presence in the wireless earbuds market through the constant progression of the said products.