Samsung has unveiled its latest additions to the Galaxy Buds lineup with the introduction of the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. These new earbuds mark Samsung’s departure into the realm of stem-style designs, akin to Apple’s popular AirPods, a first for Samsung’s buds. Positioned as premium offerings, the Galaxy Buds 3 are priced at $180, while the higher-end Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are available for $250. Both models are now available for preorder and are set to ship starting July 24th, with a special offer of a free case for those who preorder before July 23rd.
Galaxy Buds 3: Open-style Earbuds
The Galaxy Buds 3 follow in the footsteps of Samsung’s earlier open earbuds like the Galaxy Buds Live. Available in white or silver, these earbuds feature active noise cancelling (ANC), although its effectiveness may be limited due to the open design which allows ambient sound to leak in. Designed for users who prefer a more open fit without ear tips, the Galaxy Buds 3 are noted for their lightweight comfort and secure fit compared to similar models like the AirPods 3. They feature pinch controls similar to Apple’s latest AirPods, swipe controls for volume adjustment, and ear-detection sensors that pause audio when a bud is removed from the ear.
Audio performance is driven by a single 11mm dynamic driver, promising adequate sound quality suitable for premium open earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 3 boast up to 6 hours of battery life with ANC off and 5 hours with it on, complemented by a wireless-charging compatible case and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. They are also IP57 water and dust-resistant, offering protection against water spray.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung’s flagship earbuds
Positioned as Samsung’s new flagship, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also available in white and silver variants. Unlike the Galaxy Buds 3, the Pro model features noise-isolating capabilities with multiple ear tip sizes for a secure fit and enhanced active noise cancelling (ANC) and transparency mode. The ANC is adaptive, analyzing internal and external sounds in real time for optimized noise cancellation quality.
Audio quality is enhanced with a 10mm dynamic driver and a separate planar tweeter, promising clearer highs, along with dual amplifiers to minimize wireless interruptions. The Buds 3 Pro also feature Adaptive Noise Control, Siren Detect, and Voice Detect functionalities for automatic adjustment of noise levels based on surroundings.
Special features and compatibility
Both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro offer Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) for high-resolution audio streaming (up to 24bit/96khz) and are compatible with LE audio and Auracast features. Galaxy smartphone users benefit from automatic pairing and audio switching, including compatibility with Galaxy PCs. Unique to Galaxy devices is the Interpreter feature, enabling real-time language translation when paired with devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6.
Early impressions and conclusion
While these initial insights are based on limited hands-on time, the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro showcase Samsung’s strategic move into the premium earbud market dominated by Apple. With features like adaptive ANC, enhanced audio drivers, and seamless integration with Galaxy devices, Samsung aims to deliver compelling options for users seeking both style and functionality in their earbuds. For a comprehensive review including sound quality and performance comparisons, stay tuned for upcoming full reviews.
Samsung’s decision to embrace a stem design may draw comparisons to Apple, yet it reflects a practical approach to ensuring better fit and user experience, addressing feedback from previous models. As the market responds to these new offerings, the ultimate test will lie in how well the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro perform in delivering superior audio and functionality compared to their competitors.
