In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, the search for the perfect pair of earbuds continues. With the recent release of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, Samsung has made a bold statement, asserting its position as a top contender in the realm of true wireless earbuds. This article will provide an in-depth review of the Galaxy Buds Pro, discussing its design, features, sound quality, and overall performance. Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of these headphones to determine whether they live up to their “Pro” moniker and are worthy of a place in your audio arsenal.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro product information:
History of Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are a line of true wireless earbuds developed by Samsung Electronics, one of the world’s leading technology companies. The Galaxy Buds Pro has its origins in the company’s long history of producing consumer electronics and its continuous development of audio products. Here is an overview of the origin and creation of these popular headphones.
- Early Audio Products from Samsung: Samsung started producing audio products in the 1980s, focusing on home audio systems and speakers. Over the years, the company expanded its product lineup to include portable audio players and eventually entered the mobile phone market. Samsung’s first foray into the headphone market came with the release of wired headphones and headsets for their mobile phones.
- Transition to Wireless Technology: As wireless audio technology gained popularity, Samsung began exploring wireless headphones and earbuds. In 2016, Samsung introduced the Gear IconX, the company’s first true wireless earbuds. These earbuds featured fitness tracking capabilities and 4GB of onboard storage for music playback without a connected device.
- The Galaxy Buds Series: Building on the success of the Gear IconX, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds in February 2019, alongside the Galaxy S10 smartphone series. The Galaxy Buds offered improved audio quality, comfort, and a more compact design, as well as integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
- Iterative Improvements: The company continued to refine its true wireless earbuds with the release of the Galaxy Buds+ in February 2020. The Buds+ featured better battery life, improved call quality, and multi-device connectivity, making them a compelling choice for Samsung users.
- Introducing Active Noise Cancellation: Samsung further expanded its lineup with the Galaxy Buds Live in August 2020, which introduced a new bean-shaped design and active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. Despite their unconventional design, the Buds Live received praise for their comfort, sound quality, and ANC performance.
- The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: In January 2021, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds Pro, the culmination of the company’s efforts to create a high-quality, feature-packed true wireless earbud. The Galaxy Buds Pro combined the best elements of the previous models, offering improved ANC, sound quality, water resistance (IPX7), and a comfortable in-ear design. The Buds Pro also featured enhanced integration with Samsung smartphones, such as seamless device switching and 360 Audio with Dolby Head Tracking technology.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro has its origins in the company’s rich history of producing audio products. Building upon the success of previous models, Samsung has continually improved and refined its true wireless earbuds, culminating in the feature-rich and well-received Galaxy Buds Pro in 2021.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2021 |
| Company | Samsung |
| Official Website | www.samsung.com |
| Fit Type | In-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.8 inches (per earbud) |
| Item Weight | 0.2 ounces (per earbud) |
| Special Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Voice Detect, IPX7 Water Resistance |
| Driver Size | 11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Range | 33 feet (10 meters) |
| ANC Modes | High, Low, Off |
| Audio Codec | SBC, AAC, Scalable Codec |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (with charging case) |
| Charging Time | 2 hours (earbuds), 2.5 hours (charging case) |
| Quick Charging | 1 hour of playback with 5-minute charge |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive, customizable |
| Price | $199.99 (at launch, prices may vary) |
What is included in the delivery set?
The delivery set of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro includes the following items:
- Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds
- Charging case
- USB Type-C charging cable
- Three pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L sizes)
- User manual and quick start guide
- Warranty card (if applicable)
Please note that the contents of the delivery set may vary depending on the region or the seller. It is always a good idea to check with the retailer or the official Samsung website for the most accurate information on what is included with your purchase.
What about design, materials, assembly?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro boasts a sleek and modern design, focusing on both aesthetics and ergonomics. The earbuds feature a smooth, glossy finish that gives them a premium look. The materials used include high-quality plastic and metal components, contributing to their durability and lightweight construction.
The earbuds are designed with comfort in mind, featuring a rounded, contoured shape that fits naturally in the ear. This design aims to reduce pressure and provide a secure, comfortable fit for extended periods of use. The included silicone ear tips come in three sizes (S, M, L) to ensure a proper seal and optimal noise isolation.
The charging case is compact and has a smooth matte finish, making it easy to carry around. It features a USB Type-C port for charging and a small LED indicator that displays the charging status.
Overall, the Galaxy Buds Pro exhibits excellent build quality and attention to detail. Samsung has ensured that both the earbuds and the charging case are well-crafted, using high-quality materials to provide a comfortable and durable listening experience.
What about ergonomics and usability Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro has been designed with ergonomics and usability as key priorities, ensuring a comfortable and user-friendly experience for the user.
- Comfortable fit: The earbuds have a contoured shape that fits naturally in the ear, providing a secure and comfortable fit for extended periods of use. The inclusion of three sizes of silicone ear tips ensures that users can find the perfect seal and optimal noise isolation.
- Touch controls: The Galaxy Buds Pro features touch-sensitive controls on each earbud, allowing users to easily play/pause music, adjust volume, skip tracks, answer/end calls, and activate voice assistants. These controls can be customized through the Galaxy Wearable app, allowing users to tailor the controls to their preferences.
- Voice Detect: This feature automatically lowers the volume and engages ambient sound mode when the user starts speaking, making it easier to have conversations without having to remove the earbuds or manually adjust settings.
- ANC and ambient sound mode: The Galaxy Buds Pro offers active noise cancellation with two adjustable levels (high and low) to adapt to different environments. The ambient sound mode can also be adjusted, allowing users to control the level of external sound they want to let in, ensuring they remain aware of their surroundings when needed.
- IPX7 water resistance: The earbuds are designed to withstand exposure to water and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Galaxy Wearable app: The app provides easy access to various settings, such as equalizer presets, touch control customization, ANC/ambient sound mode adjustments, and firmware updates.
- Seamless pairing and connectivity: The Galaxy Buds Pro offers seamless pairing with Samsung devices and quick pairing with other devices via Bluetooth 5.0. The earbuds also support multi-device connectivity, allowing users to easily switch between devices.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers excellent ergonomics and usability, with features that cater to user comfort, ease of use, and adaptability to various listening environments.
What about connection, control and software?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers reliable connection, intuitive control, and comprehensive software support to enhance the overall user experience.
- Connection:
- Bluetooth 5.0: The Galaxy Buds Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and stable wireless connections with a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters). This ensures seamless audio playback and clear call quality.
- Multi-device connectivity: The earbuds support multi-device connectivity, allowing users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously and switch between them easily.
- Auto Switch: For users with multiple Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds Pro offers an Auto Switch feature, which automatically switches the earbuds’ connection to the device currently in use.
- Control:
- Touch-sensitive controls: The Galaxy Buds Pro features customizable touch-sensitive controls on each earbud, enabling users to play/pause music, adjust volume, skip tracks, answer/end calls, and activate voice assistants.
- Voice Detect: This feature automatically lowers the volume and engages ambient sound mode when it detects the user’s voice, allowing for seamless conversations without manually adjusting settings.
- Software:
- Galaxy Wearable app: The Galaxy Wearable app is available for both Android and iOS devices and offers an extensive array of settings and features. Users can customize touch controls, adjust ANC and ambient sound levels, choose from various equalizer presets, and update the earbuds’ firmware.
- 360 Audio: For Samsung devices running One UI 3.1 or later, the Galaxy Buds Pro supports 360 Audio, providing a more immersive and spatial sound experience with Dolby Atmos content.
- Scalable Codec: This proprietary audio codec from Samsung helps maintain a stable Bluetooth connection and minimizes audio quality loss, ensuring optimal audio performance.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro delivers a well-rounded experience in terms of connection, control, and software, providing users with a versatile and customizable audio solution that caters to various needs and preferences.
How’s the sound quality?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro delivers impressive sound quality, featuring a dual-driver setup with an 11mm woofer for deep, rich bass and a 6.5mm tweeter for clear, crisp highs. This combination results in a well-balanced and dynamic audio performance across various genres of music.
- Bass: The Galaxy Buds Pro offers deep and punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. The bass response is tight and controlled, providing a satisfying low-end without distortion, even at higher volume levels.
- Mids: The mid-range frequencies are clear and detailed, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through without being overshadowed by the bass or treble. The earbuds deliver natural-sounding vocals with a good sense of presence and warmth.
- Treble: The treble on the Galaxy Buds Pro is crisp and well-articulated, giving the audio a sense of airiness and clarity. The high frequencies are smooth, without any harshness or sibilance, ensuring a comfortable listening experience.
- Soundstage and imaging: The Galaxy Buds Pro offers a decent soundstage for in-ear headphones, creating a sense of space and separation between instruments. Imaging is accurate, allowing listeners to pinpoint the position of different sound sources within the audio.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The ANC feature on the Galaxy Buds Pro effectively reduces ambient noise, providing an immersive listening experience even in noisy environments. While it may not be on par with over-ear headphones, the ANC performance is commendable for true wireless earbuds.
- Customization: The Galaxy Wearable app provides several equalizer presets, allowing users to tailor the sound profile to their preferences. This enables users to fine-tune the audio performance to suit their individual tastes and the specific requirements of different genres.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers excellent sound quality for true wireless earbuds, delivering a well-balanced and dynamic audio performance that caters to a wide range of music preferences. The ANC feature and customization options further enhance the overall listening experience.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers respectable energy efficiency and battery life, ensuring that users can enjoy their music or calls without frequent interruptions for charging.
- Battery life: The earbuds provide up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, while the charging case offers an additional 20 hours, totaling up to 28 hours of combined usage. However, it is essential to note that battery life may vary based on factors like volume level, usage of ANC, and Bluetooth settings.
- Charging time: The earbuds take about 2 hours to charge fully, while the charging case requires approximately 2.5 hours for a complete charge. This allows users to quickly recharge the earbuds and case for extended usage.
- Quick charging: The Galaxy Buds Pro supports quick charging, where a 5-minute charge provides up to 1 hour of playback. This feature is especially useful for users who need a quick battery boost before heading out or during short breaks.
- Wireless charging: The charging case is Qi-certified, enabling wireless charging with compatible charging pads. This adds convenience and flexibility for users who prefer wireless charging options.
- Battery-saving features: The earbuds are equipped with an auto-pause feature that detects when they are removed from the ears, automatically pausing the audio playback and conserving battery life. The Galaxy Wearable app also allows users to customize settings, such as turning off touch controls, to further improve battery performance.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers good energy efficiency and battery life for true wireless earbuds, with convenient charging options and battery-saving features that enhance the overall user experience. While factors like ANC and volume levels may impact battery life, the earbuds still provide a satisfactory duration of playback for most users’ needs.
Comparison & Review:
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
Here are five similar true wireless earbuds in terms of features and cost compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro:
- Jabra Elite 85t:
- Features: Active Noise Cancellation, customizable EQ, IPX4 water resistance, wireless charging
- Price: Approximately $230 (prices may vary)
- Sony WF-1000XM4:
- Features: Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation, LDAC codec support, IPX4 water resistance, wireless charging, customizable EQ
- Price: Approximately $280 (prices may vary)
- Apple AirPods Pro:
- Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, adaptive EQ, IPX4 water resistance, wireless charging
- Price: Approximately $250 (prices may vary)
- Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro:
- Features: Active Noise Cancellation, customizable EQ, IPX4 water resistance, wireless charging
- Price: Approximately $130 (prices may vary)
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds:
- Features: Active Noise Cancellation, customizable EQ, IPX4 water resistance, wireless charging
- Price: Approximately $280 (prices may vary)
Please note that prices may vary depending on the retailer, region, or available discounts. It is always a good idea to compare prices and features to find the earbuds that best suit your needs and budget.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro | Jabra Elite 85t | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Company | Samsung | Jabra | Sony |
| Official Website | www.samsung.com | www.jabra.com | www.sony.com |
| Fit Type | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.8 inches | 0.9 x 0.8 x 0.6 inches | 1.0 x 0.8 x 0.7 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.2 ounces (per earbud) | 0.25 ounces (per earbud) | 0.24 ounces (per earbud) |
| Special Features | ANC, Voice Detect, IPX7 Water Resistance | ANC, IPX4 Water Resistance, HearThrough | Industry-leading ANC, LDAC codec, IPX4 Water Resistance |
| Driver Size | 11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter | 12mm | 6mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Range | 33 feet (10 meters) | 33 feet (10 meters) | 33 feet (10 meters) |
| ANC Modes | High, Low, Off | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Audio Codec | SBC, AAC, Scalable Codec | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (with charging case) | Up to 7 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (with charging case) | Up to 8 hours (earbuds), 16 hours (with charging case) |
| Charging Time | 2 hours (earbuds), 2.5 hours (charging case) | 2 hours (earbuds), 2 hours (charging case) | 1.5 hours (earbuds), 3 hours (charging case) |
| Quick Charging | 1 hour of playback with 5-minute charge | 1 hour of playback with 15-minute charge | 1 hour of playback with 5-minute charge |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive, customizable | Button controls, customizable | Touch-sensitive, customizable |
| Price | $199.99 (at launch, prices may vary) | Approximately $230 (prices may vary) | Approximately $280 (prices may vary) |
How do Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro users describe their experience with these headphones?
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro users generally describe their experience with these headphones as positive, highlighting several aspects that contribute to their satisfaction. Here are some common themes found in user feedback:
- Sound quality: Many users praise the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds Pro, appreciating the well-balanced audio, deep bass, and crisp highs. They find the audio performance to be excellent for a wide range of music genres.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Users are generally impressed with the ANC feature on the Galaxy Buds Pro, reporting that it effectively reduces ambient noise, making the listening experience more immersive in various environments.
- Comfort and fit: Many users find the Galaxy Buds Pro comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their ergonomic design and the inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes. Users appreciate the secure fit, especially during workouts or outdoor activities.
- Battery life: Users generally express satisfaction with the battery life of the Galaxy Buds Pro, finding it sufficient for daily use. They also appreciate the quick charging feature, which provides a significant boost in playback time after just a few minutes of charging.
- Connectivity and controls: Users report stable Bluetooth connections and seamless pairing with their devices. They also appreciate the customizable touch-sensitive controls, which offer convenient access to essential functions without needing to reach for their smartphones.
- Water resistance: The IPX7 water resistance rating is well-received by users, who find the Galaxy Buds Pro suitable for workouts, runs, or other activities where they might be exposed to sweat or light rain.
However, some users may experience minor issues or preferences, such as:
- ANC effectiveness: A few users might feel that the ANC performance is not on par with over-ear headphones or other premium true wireless earbuds.
- Touch controls: Some users might find the touch controls to be overly sensitive or accidentally triggered when adjusting the earbuds in their ears.
Overall, most Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro users describe their experience as positive, appreciating the sound quality, comfort, ANC, and other features that contribute to a satisfying listening experience.
Pros and cons of headphones Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| Excellent sound quality | ANC not as effective as over-ear headphones |
| Well-balanced audio performance | Touch controls might be overly sensitive |
| Effective Active Noise Cancellation | |
| Comfortable and secure fit | |
| Ergonomic design with multiple ear tip sizes | |
| Good battery life | |
| Quick charging feature | |
| Stable Bluetooth connectivity | |
| Customizable touch-sensitive controls | |
| Seamless device pairing | |
| IPX7 water resistance rating | |
| Compatible with Galaxy Wearable app | |
| 360 Audio and Scalable Codec support |
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is a compelling choice for true wireless earbuds that offers a well-rounded user experience. With excellent sound quality, effective Active Noise Cancellation, and comfortable fit, these earbuds cater to a variety of music preferences and usage scenarios. The IPX7 water resistance rating, good battery life, quick charging feature, and customizable touch-sensitive controls further enhance their appeal. While some users might find the ANC not as effective as over-ear headphones or touch controls to be overly sensitive, the overall experience remains positive for most users. If you’re in the market for high-quality true wireless earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro should be on your shortlist.
Our Review
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro : Basic questions, basic answers:
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Is Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 better than Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Pro are designed to cater to different user preferences and have varying features. To determine which one is better depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Sound quality: Both the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Pro offer excellent sound quality, but the Galaxy Buds Pro features a dual-driver setup (11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter), which provides a slightly better and more dynamic audio performance.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The Galaxy Buds Pro has more effective ANC compared to the Galaxy Buds 2. The Pro version has adjustable ANC modes, providing better noise reduction in various environments.
Water resistance: The Galaxy Buds Pro comes with an IPX7 rating, which is more water-resistant than the IPX2 rating on the Galaxy Buds 2. This makes the Pro version more suitable for workouts and activities where water or sweat exposure is likely.
Price: The Galaxy Buds 2 is positioned as a more affordable option compared to the Galaxy Buds Pro, making it a better choice for those on a tighter budget.
Size and comfort: The Galaxy Buds 2 are slightly smaller and lighter than the Galaxy Buds Pro, which may offer a more comfortable fit for some users.In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro generally offers better sound quality, more effective noise cancellation, and superior water resistance, while the Galaxy Buds 2 is a more affordable and compact option. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs, priorities, and budget.
Last Updated on November 14, 2023
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