Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro represent the latest evolution in Samsung’s popular line of wireless earbuds, succeeding the well-received Galaxy Buds 2. Positioned as Samsung’s flagship audio accessories, these new models aim to deliver enhanced audio quality, improved noise cancellation, and a host of smart features designed to integrate seamlessly with the broader Samsung ecosystem. This review aims to dissect both the strengths and weaknesses of the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential buyers.
Among the key features highlighted in this review are the advancements in sound quality, battery life, and connectivity. The Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are equipped with next-generation drivers and enhanced tuning, promising richer bass and clearer highs. Additionally, the Pro variant boasts advanced noise cancellation capabilities and customizable sound profiles. Battery performance has also seen some refinement, with both models purportedly offering extended playtime and faster charging options.
Moreover, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro come with improved touch controls and seamless device switching, which is particularly beneficial for users within the Samsung ecosystem. The integration with Bixby voice assistant and compatibility with Samsung’s SmartThings app further underscore the smart capabilities of these earbuds. This review will delve into these features, examining their real-world performance and usability.
While the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro bring several enhancements to the table, it is crucial to weigh these against any potential drawbacks. Issues such as fit and comfort, ease of use, and value for money will also be scrutinized to provide a balanced perspective. By the end of this review, readers should have a clear understanding of whether the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are the right choice for their audio needs.
Vibrant Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro delivers a compelling listening experience, particularly when paired with Samsung Galaxy devices. These earbuds are equipped with dynamic drivers that produce a rich, immersive sound profile. With support for advanced audio codecs like AAC and Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec, users can expect minimal latency and high-fidelity audio, ensuring that every note and beat is captured with precision.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro is their ability to automatically adjust the sound settings based on the type of content being played. For example, when listening to orchestral music, the earbuds emphasize the clarity of strings and wind instruments, creating a well-balanced and expansive soundstage. In contrast, genres like hip-hop and electronic music benefit from enhanced bass response, delivering punchy lows without overwhelming the mids and highs.
Compared to other leading earbuds in the market, such as the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro hold their ground with impressive sound quality. While the Apple AirPods Pro offer a slightly more neutral sound signature, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro excel in delivering a more vibrant and dynamic audio experience. Similarly, the Sony WF-1000XM4 may have a slight edge in noise cancellation, but Samsung’s earbuds provide a more engaging sound profile.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro also feature customizable equalizer settings via the Galaxy Wearable app, allowing users to tailor the sound to their personal preferences. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound or a more balanced audio experience, these earbuds offer the flexibility to adapt to various musical genres, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience for all types of users.
Solid Noise Cancellation
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro present a commendable approach to noise cancellation, primarily through their advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. This technology is designed to significantly reduce ambient noise across various environments, making it a versatile choice for users who find themselves in diverse settings.
The ANC technology in the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro utilizes both internal and external microphones to monitor and counteract external sounds. This dual-microphone system effectively diminishes unwanted noise by generating anti-noise signals, ensuring a more immersive audio experience. Whether you are on a bustling city street, in a noisy office, or commuting on public transport, these earbuds strive to offer a tranquil listening environment.
In public transport scenarios, such as on a bus or subway, the Active Noise Cancellation of the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro proves quite effective. The ANC can filter out the low-frequency hum of engines and the high-frequency chatter of passengers, providing a serene auditory experience. Similarly, in office settings where constant background noise can be a distraction, these earbuds help in maintaining concentration by muting out irrelevant sounds.
When used outdoors, the effectiveness of the ANC is slightly less pronounced due to the dynamic nature of environmental sounds. Nevertheless, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro still manage to reduce significant portions of disruptive noise, allowing users to enjoy their music or podcasts without substantial intrusions.
Comparing the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro to competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM4, Samsung’s earbuds offer competitive noise cancellation capabilities. While the AirPods Pro might have a slight edge in terms of seamless integration with Apple devices, and the Sony WF-1000XM4 may outperform in extreme noise environments, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro hold their ground well, offering a balanced and effective ANC performance.
Overall, the noise cancellation capabilities of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are solid, making them a reliable choice for users seeking to minimize distractions and enhance their audio experience in various settings.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro exhibit commendable build quality, reflecting the brand’s dedication to creating durable and reliable products. Both models feature an IPX7 rating, ensuring substantial resistance to water and sweat, making them suitable for a variety of environments and activities. This level of protection gives users confidence in their durability, whether they are used during intense workouts or in rainy conditions.
When it comes to wearability, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro cater to a broad range of ear sizes. They include multiple ear tip sizes and optional wing tips, designed to provide a secure and personalized fit. This customization helps prevent the buds from slipping out during vigorous physical activities, enhancing their practicality for fitness enthusiasts.
Moreover, the ergonomic design of the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro ensures a comfortable experience, even during prolonged use. The buds are lightweight and have a contoured shape that fits snugly in the ear, minimizing pressure and discomfort. The inclusion of memory foam ear tips in the Pro model further enhances comfort by adapting to the unique shape of the user’s ear canal, providing a more personalized fit and superior noise isolation.
In addition to comfort and fit, the secure attachment of these earbuds is noteworthy. The wing tips, available with the Pro model, add an extra layer of stability, making them ideal for high-motion activities. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who engage in activities such as running, cycling, or gym workouts, where maintaining a secure fit is crucial.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro excel in providing reliable protection and wearability. Their durable build, customizable fit, and secure attachment options make them a suitable choice for a wide range of users, from casual listeners to active individuals seeking earbuds that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyles.
They Jack Apple’s Style
The design of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro undeniably draws inspiration from Apple’s AirPods, a choice that has both its advantages and drawbacks. At first glance, the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the Galaxy Buds 3 series mirrors the iconic look of the AirPods, which is likely to appeal to consumers familiar with and fond of Apple’s design ethos. The smooth, glossy finish and compact form factor enhance the visual appeal, making the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro look modern and stylish.
However, this design choice raises questions about originality and brand differentiation. By adopting a design so closely aligned with a competitor’s product, Samsung risks diluting its brand identity. The resemblance to AirPods might give the impression that Samsung is following rather than leading in innovation. This perception could undermine the company’s reputation as a pioneer in the tech industry, where distinctiveness often equates to desirability.
From a user interface perspective, the design similarities extend to functionality as well. The Galaxy Buds 3 series features a touch-sensitive surface for controls, much like the AirPods. While this provides a familiar and intuitive user experience for those transitioning from Apple products, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to unintentional commands, which can frustrate users. Additionally, the fit and comfort, although generally satisfactory, might not suit everyone, particularly those who found the AirPods’ design less ergonomic.
On the positive side, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro benefit from this design approach by being highly portable and aesthetically pleasing. The streamlined look complements a wide range of personal styles and occasions, from casual to formal settings. Yet, the lack of originality could be a missed opportunity for Samsung to establish a more unique and innovative identity in the competitive market of wireless earbuds.
Limited and Unconvincing AI
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro come equipped with a variety of AI-driven features, prominently including adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and side functionalities like siren detection. These features are marketed as enhancing the user’s auditory experience by intelligently adjusting to the surrounding environment. However, in practice, the performance of these AI capabilities proves to be somewhat underwhelming and inconsistent.
Adaptive ANC is designed to automatically modulate noise cancellation levels based on the ambient noise around the user. While the concept is promising, real-world application often leaves much to be desired. Users have reported that the adaptive ANC struggles to maintain a balance, frequently oscillating between noise cancellation levels in environments where background noise fluctuates rapidly, such as busy streets or open office spaces. This erratic behavior can be more distracting than the ambient noise itself, thereby undermining the intended benefit of the feature.
Another AI-driven functionality, the siren detection feature, aims to enhance user safety by alerting them to emergency sounds such as sirens or alarms. Although this feature could theoretically be a life-saver, its practical reliability is questionable. There have been instances where the buds failed to detect nearby sirens in an urban setting, or conversely, where they mistakenly identified non-emergency sounds as sirens, causing unnecessary interruptions. This inconsistency diminishes user confidence in the AI’s ability to genuinely improve their auditory experience or safety.
Moreover, the integration of these AI features appears to lack refinement, as they do not seamlessly blend into the user experience. Instead, they often feel like add-ons that require constant user attention and adjustment. For example, users might find themselves frequently toggling the ANC settings manually, defeating the purpose of having an adaptive system. Similarly, the siren detection feature may necessitate turning off due to false alarms, making it more of a hassle than a helpful tool.
In conclusion, while the AI features in the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are innovative in theory, their practical execution falls short. Both adaptive ANC and siren detection, though ambitious, fail to consistently deliver the convenience and enhancement they promise. This limited and unconvincing AI performance ultimately impacts the overall user experience, leaving room for significant improvement in future iterations.
Disappointing Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro have made strides in various areas, yet their battery life leaves much to be desired. Compared to previous models and competing products in the market, these new earbuds fall short in delivering a lasting performance. The Galaxy Buds 3 offer about 5 hours of playback time with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, and approximately 8 hours without it. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro slightly improve on this, with up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 9 hours without. However, these figures pale when compared to the likes of the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4, which offer more substantial battery longevity.
In real-world usage scenarios, the battery life can be even more of a concern. For instance, during a typical day of intermittent listening, phone calls, and the occasional use of AI-powered features, users have reported needing to recharge the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro by late afternoon. This can be particularly inconvenient for those who rely on their earbuds for extended periods, such as during long commutes or workdays. While the included charging case does provide additional charges, extending the total battery life to around 20 hours, it still lags behind the competition in terms of overall endurance.
Charging time is another area where the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro seem to underperform. A full charge takes around 2 hours, which is relatively slow compared to other high-end earbuds that offer faster charging solutions. Additionally, with ANC and AI features activated, the battery drains more rapidly, further highlighting the need for frequent charging sessions.
User feedback on the battery performance has been mixed. While some appreciate the convenience of the wireless charging case and the quick charge feature that provides an hour of playback from a 10-minute charge, many express frustration with the need for frequent recharges. Given the premium positioning of the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro, expectations for battery life are understandably high, and in this regard, Samsung seems to have missed the mark.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro present a blend of intelligent features and high-quality audio, yet they fall short of brilliance. Throughout our review, we highlighted the superior sound quality, enhanced by active noise cancellation and ambient sound control, which both models offer. Additionally, the improved battery life and quick charge capabilities make these earbuds a convenient choice for users on the go.
However, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are not without their weaknesses. Connectivity issues and occasional software glitches were notable drawbacks that detracted from the overall user experience. Additionally, while the design is sleek and comfortable, some users might find the fit to be less secure during rigorous activities.
Despite these shortcomings, the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are formidable contenders in the wireless earbuds market, particularly for those already integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. Their seamless integration with Samsung devices, coupled with the smart features like voice assistant compatibility and customizable touch controls, provide a compelling reason to consider these earbuds.
Looking ahead, Samsung has hinted at upcoming updates that may address some of the current issues, such as improved connectivity stability and additional software features. These potential enhancements could significantly elevate the user experience and make the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro even more appealing.
In conclusion, whether the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro are worth purchasing depends largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize sound quality and smart features, and are willing to overlook some minor technical hiccups, these earbuds could be a valuable addition to your tech arsenal.
We invite you to share your own experiences with the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro or ask any questions you might have. Your insights and inquiries can help others make informed decisions about these intelligent, yet imperfect, earbuds.