Samsung’s latest earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 ($180) and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($250), have raised eyebrows for their striking resemblance to Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro. From design to features, Samsung seems to have taken a page out of Apple’s playbook. But do these earbuds deliver the performance to back up their looks? Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Design
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 closely mimic the third-generation AirPods. The shape, speaker placement, and other components echo Apple’s design. Samsung’s “blade” stem adds some variation, but not significantly. The Buds 3 come in a gray option, offering a bit more contrast. The case also mirrors the AirPods, but with a clear lid that lets you see the buds inside without opening it. The USB-C port and Bluetooth pairing button are on the bottom, unlike Apple’s placement on the back.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Design
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro look a lot like the AirPods Pro. The stem is angular, and the gray color differentiates them. The case is similar to the AirPods but with a clear lid. One odd design choice is that you need to rotate the earbuds 180 degrees to place them in the case, which can be inconvenient.
Blade Lights
The Blade Lights on the Pro model are mostly unnecessary. They only serve as a second indicator for pairing mode, which is redundant because the case already has an LED indicator. You can set the lights to stay on, fade in/out, or blink, but they don’t add much value.
Comfort and Fit
Both models are IP57 rated, making them sweat-resistant for workouts. The Pro version stays in place better during activities due to its ear tip design. Both models are comfortable for long periods, with no discomfort even after hours of use.
Features
Adaptive EQ and ANC
Both Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 models feature Adaptive EQ and Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), similar to AirPods. These features monitor and adjust sound and noise cancellation based on your environment. They work well in the background, making subtle adjustments.
Advanced Features on Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Pro model includes more advanced features like Adaptive Noise Control and Voice Detect. Adaptive Noise Control adjusts ANC and ambient sound based on surroundings, while Voice Detect lowers the volume and activates transparency mode when you start speaking. These features mirror Apple’s Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. There’s also Siren Detect, which reduces volume and activates ambient sound when it hears an emergency vehicle.
Voice Commands
Both models support voice commands without needing a trigger word. You can say commands like “play music,” “volume up,” or “answer call” for basic tasks. These commands work well once you learn the accepted phrases.
Real-Time Interpreter
The Galaxy Buds 3 series also offers a Real-Time Interpreter, similar to Google’s feature on Pixel Buds. It reads and translates other languages but requires a Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6. This feature wasn’t tested due to device limitations.
Sound Quality
Galaxy Buds 3 Sound Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 offer solid audio performance with a pleasant amount of bass. The sound quality improves with minor positioning adjustments. However, the Buds 3 Pro deliver better sound quality with two-way speakers and dual amplifiers, providing deep and immersive sound.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Sound Quality
The Pro model shines with robust, enveloping sound, especially when used with a recent Samsung phone. The Pro model supports Ultra High Quality (UHQ) audio and 24-bit HiFi, providing high-resolution streaming. Both models offer 360 Audio with direct multi-channel support, but this mode doesn’t sound as good as the regular sound mode.
Also read: Google Pixel Buds A-Series Drop to $69
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 have ANC, but it’s more like slight noise reduction. The Pro model offers better ANC, but it still doesn’t match the performance of Bose or Sony earbuds. However, the transparency mode works well, providing a natural option for ambient sound.
Call Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are great for hands-free calls due to their transparency mode. The open design of the Galaxy Buds 3 also makes them suitable for calls. The call quality is decent, comparable to speakerphone.
Battery Life
Both models met Samsung’s battery life claims during tests. The Galaxy Buds 3 lasted five hours with ANC on, while the Pro model lasted six hours. Both cases provide around 20 additional hours of use. The cases support wireless charging, but Samsung hasn’t specified charging times or quick-charge features.
Competition
Despite similarities to AirPods, the main competition for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is Sony’s WF-1000XM5. Sony’s earbuds offer features like Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme audio upscaling, and automatic settings adjustments. The 1000XM5 also offers better battery life and comfort.
Conclusion
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro may look like AirPods, but they deliver solid performance. The audio quality is impressive, especially on the Pro model. While some features need polish, Samsung has created a worthy alternative for Galaxy phone users. The next step for Samsung should be to innovate and create unique features rather than mimicking Apple’s designs.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FAQ
Q1: What are the key features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3?
A1: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 come with several key features, including active noise cancellation (ANC), improved sound quality with custom-built drivers, a comfortable and secure fit, touch controls, long battery life, and water resistance.
Q2: How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3?
A2: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 offer up to 8 hours of playback time on a single charge. With the charging case, the total battery life can extend up to 28 hours. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 1 hour of playback.
Q3: Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 water-resistant?
A3: Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating. This means they can withstand splashes of water from any direction, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
Q4: Can I use the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 with non-Samsung devices?
A4: Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They work seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices.
Q5: How do I control the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3?
A5: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 feature touch controls on each earbud. You can tap, double-tap, and long-press to play/pause music, skip tracks, answer/end calls, and activate voice assistants. The touch controls can be customized through the Galaxy Wearable app.