Samsung’s Galaxy Buds range has seen quite a few design changes over different generations (raise your hands if you remember the bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live), and the latest model continues on the same path. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro made their debut along with the brand’s latest lineup of foldable smartphones and the much-hyped Galaxy Ring at the Unpacked event in July, and feature a design which is quite different from its predecessors. Samsung has even added LED lighting to the buds, which looks quite cool if you ask me. But there’s more to it than just that… Read on for the deets.
Table of Contents
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro come in a case that’s a tad larger than the one the Buds2 Pro came in and is available in white or silver. The silver is possibly the better looking of the two, but that’s just my choice. The case features a glossy body and a transparent lid that I’m not a big fan of. The build quality seems solid… it’s just that the dual-tone design and glossy plastic take a little bit away from the premium-ness. The glossy look extends to the buds, and their rounded shape and smooth finish make removing them from the case a bit of a task. It’s tough to get a grip on them you see. Once you have them out though, you can appreciate the angled stems and the light weight.
The buds are quite comfortable for wearing for long periods, and the angled stems make it easier to use the pinch gestures they come with. Each buds also has a slim white LED that lights up when you pop them back into the case, and you can even choose to keep the lights on when they’re in your ears — giving off a cool, funky vibe.
The base of the case is flat, and is home to a type-C port and a pairing button.
Specs and features
As Samsung’s flagship pair of TWS, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are loaded to the brim with features. Here’s a peek at some of the notable ones:
- Adaptive ANC
- Galaxy AI
- Touch and pinch gestures
- 360 audio
- Auto switch between devices
- Voice commands
- IP57 rating (for the buds)
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Blade lights
- 6 mics
- 4.7g (earbud), 46.5g (case)
- 48mAh battery (earbud), 515mAh (case)
- Wireless charging
- Samsung Find
- Neck Stretch Reminder
- Bixby Voice Wake-up
- AAC, SBC, SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) support
App
You need the Galaxy Wearable app to pair and configure the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, and this app can be found preloaded on Samsung phones. Users of other Android phones can download it from the Play Store, but iPhone users are out of luck. Worth noting however, that some features of the Buds3 Pro are available only to users of recent Samsung Galaxy phones. Support for high-res audio using the Samsung Seamless Codec for instance, is only limited to Samsung phones. Ditto for the AI features, which include goodies like interpreter mode, which can translate audio and route them to your ears in real time.
The Wearable app itself is easy to use, and provides a plethora of options to tweak the sound as per your preferences, adjust the ANC levels, configure the gesture controls, and make use of options like the earbud fit test. You can turn on the option to switch to ambient sound automatically (useful in calls, when voices or sirens are detected etc), toggle the gaming mode for lower latency, toggle voice commands etc. The Buds3 Pro can give you neck stretch reminders if you’re wearing them while hunched over a desk and even read notifications aloud for you. The buds can also adjust the sound automatically based on your ear shape and how you’re wearing them, and there’s adaptive ANC available too — adjusting ANC levels automatically. Clearly, there’s lot these buds pack in, with the caveat that you might mis out on a few of these if you don’t have a recent Samsung Galaxy phone.
Sound quality and ANC
Audio quality is generally very good across different genres, with the Buds3 Pro churning out clean, balanced audio, without muddying it or adding layers of its own. This bodes well for a premium pair of earbuds — with clear vocals, full and natural audio, and good separation on offer. Of course, you can tweak the sound output using the EQ options at hand, and in general, most users should be pleased with what this TWS pair has to offer in the audio department. ANC is pretty good too, though I can’t say it’s best in class. That said, you again have various options at your disposal to adjust the ANC levels as per your requirements. Voice quality for calls is extremely good too, and that’s another feather in its cap.
Battery life
The battery life of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is rated at 6 hours of music playback with ANC on, with the case adding another 26 hours. Your mileage could vary depending upon usage, but these figures are reasonable I’d say.Verdict
Launched at Rs 24,999, and now listed at Rs 19,999 on the Samsung website, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are positioned in the premium space. While the ANC can’t match the levels set by the likes of Sony and Bose, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro deliver when it comes to the all-important aspects of sound quality and overall usage. The smorgasbord of features and options provided all work in the favour of the Buds3 Pro too. A close consideration is warranted if you’re an Android user. And even more so if you’re the proud owner of a recent Samsung Galaxy smartphone, in which case you should be able to make use of all the features the brand has packed in.
Editor’s rating: 8 / 10
Pros:
- Good audio and decent ANC
- Loaded with features
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Funky lights
Cons:
- Some features restricted to Samsung phones
- ANC not best in class
- Pricey
