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| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
The wireless earbuds market has seen tremendous growth, with countless options available for every budget and preference. However, when it comes to Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds series has always been a top contender. The new Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro takes this legacy to the next level, offering a mix of cutting-edge features, exceptional sound quality, and a sleek design that sets it apart from its predecessors. But with the competition heating up, especially with the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Nothing Ear, does the Galaxy Buds3 Pro truly stand out? This review dives deep into every aspect of the Buds3 Pro to help you decide if they’re worth the investment.
Introduction and Unboxing: A First Look at the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
When you first unbox the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, it's clear that these earbuds have undergone a significant transformation. Samsung has opted for a more refined and modern look, with the introduction of a stem design that’s reminiscent of the AirPods Pro. Available in Silver and White, the Buds3 Pro are priced at $250 / £220 / €250, positioning them in the premium segment of the market. Inside the box, you’ll find the earbuds, a USB-C cable, and three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) to ensure a comfortable fit.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Design and Features: A Blend of Functionality and Style
At first glance, some might dismiss the Galaxy Buds3 Pro as an Apple AirPods Pro clone. However, a closer inspection reveals distinct differences that make these earbuds unique. The Buds3 Pro has a slimmer profile compared to its predecessors, with long, flat-sided stems that not only improve the design but also enhance functionality.
One of the most striking features of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is the transparent top on the charging case, complemented by subtle blue, cyan, and orange color accents. These accents indicate where each bud belongs, making it easier to place them back in the case correctly. Unlike the AirPods Pro, where the buds face inward, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro buds face outward when nestled in the case.
However, the innovative design comes with a slight drawback. The flat-sided stems require precise alignment with the angled tunnel in the case, which can be a bit tricky and might not become second nature even after extended use. This small inconvenience could be a sticking point for some users.
On the bright side, the new stem design offers enhanced control options. You can now squeeze the stem to control playback, similar to the AirPods Pro. Additionally, Samsung has added a feature that allows you to slide your finger up or down the stem for precise volume control—something that’s not available on many other earbuds, including the Nothing Ear.
A notable mention is the Blade Light on the stems, which illuminates when you place the buds back in the case. While this feature doesn’t add much to the overall experience, it’s a nice touch that gives the buds a futuristic feel.
Comfort and Fit: Tailored for Every Ear, But With Some Caveats
Comfort is a subjective experience with earbuds, and the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is no exception. The buds are designed to fit snugly in the ear, with the three different ear tip sizes providing some level of customization. However, for some users, the fit might be a bit loose, especially during activities like eating or when moving your jaw. Pushing the buds further into the ear can help, but it might compromise comfort.
The stem design proves beneficial in other ways. Adjusting the buds in your ear or removing them is easier, and doing so pauses your media playback automatically—a handy feature that adds to the overall user experience.
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| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
Sound Quality, Active Noise Cancellation, and Battery Life: A Truly Immersive Experience
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro doesn't just look good; they also deliver where it matters most—sound quality. Equipped with a 2-way driver system featuring an independent woofer and tweeter in each bud, the Buds3 Pro promises a rich and dynamic audio experience. Samsung’s Seamless Codec ensures that audio is encoded and decoded at up to 24-bit/96kHz, maintaining high fidelity throughout.
When it comes to bass, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro delivers in spades. The sub-bass frequencies are well-represented, and the overall bass response is strong, especially when using the Bass Boost equalizer setting. But what truly sets the Buds3 Pro apart is its midrange performance. Vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity and precision, offering a natural and balanced soundstage. The high frequencies add just the right amount of brilliance, making these buds a great choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is another area where these earbuds shine. Samsung has introduced adaptive noise control, which not only cancels out unwanted noise but also intelligently adjusts based on your surroundings. The buds can detect your voice and automatically turn off ANC when you’re in a conversation, and they can even detect alarms or sirens, pausing ANC to ensure you don’t miss important sounds.
During testing, the ANC performed admirably in various environments, from bustling offices to noisy streets and even on a three-hour flight. While it struggles a bit with higher-pitched sounds like human voices, it’s more than capable of handling consistent low-frequency noise, such as the hum of an airplane engine.
Battery life is always a concern with wireless earbuds, and the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers solid performance in this regard. With ANC enabled, you can expect around 5 hours of playback, with an additional 13 hours provided by the charging case. Disabling ANC extends the battery life to around 8 hours, with the case providing up to 20 hours of additional power. The case itself supports wireless charging and has a USB-C port for quick top-ups.
Additional Features: Making the Most of the Galaxy Ecosystem
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are designed to work seamlessly within the Samsung ecosystem, offering several exclusive features for Galaxy device owners. One such feature is 360 Audio, Samsung’s take on spatial audio, which creates a more immersive listening experience by simulating a multi-speaker setup. Another Galaxy-exclusive feature is Galaxy AI’s Interpreter mode, which uses the buds to translate conversations in real-time—a potentially game-changing tool for travelers and business professionals.
Voice control is another area where the Buds3 Pro excels, though it’s limited to Galaxy devices. You can issue commands like “Volume Up,” “Play Music,” or “Answer Call” without touching your phone, adding a layer of convenience for hands-free operation.
One potential downside is the custom equalizer setting. While the Buds3 Pro offers a range of preset equalizer options, creating a custom EQ profile results in a noticeable drop in volume, which could be a software glitch. Samsung is likely to address this in a future update, but it’s something to be aware of if you prefer customizing your sound profile.
Conclusion: Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth the Investment?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is an impressive addition to the wireless earbuds market, offering a mix of premium design, advanced features, and exceptional sound quality. While the stem design might be polarizing, it brings new functionality that enhances the overall user experience. The adaptive ANC, 2-way driver system, and seamless integration with Galaxy devices make the Buds3 Pro a top choice for Android users.
However, the higher price point and a few minor quirks—such as the custom equalizer volume issue and the slightly tricky case design—might give some potential buyers pause. For those who own a Galaxy device, the Buds3 Pro is likely the best wireless earbud option available, thanks to the added features that enhance usability and convenience. For other Android users, it’s worth considering whether these features justify the premium price or if a more affordable option, like the Nothing Ear, might suffice.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities: Are you looking for a pair of earbuds that offer cutting-edge technology and integration within the Samsung ecosystem? Or are you more focused on value for money? With the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Samsung has crafted a product that appeals to both tech enthusiasts and audiophiles, making it a strong contender in the ever-evolving wireless earbuds market.
What are your thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro? Do you think they offer enough features to justify the price? Share your opinion in the comments below!
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