Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro debuted with a new “earbud and stem” design, and now the brand’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro furthers that design with a more refined look. The blade-shaped aesthetic has given way to refined brushed nickel accents. In doing so, Samsung has also improved sound quality, active noise reduction (ANC) performance and comfort.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro can compete with industry heavyweights including the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2.
But should we still be interested in the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro? And what exactly is new in the latest model? I wore them for five days to find out. Here’s what pair of headphones you should buy this time of year.
Technical characteristics of the Buds 4 Pro
- Battery life 7 hours (ANC off), 30 hours with charging case.
- Indice de protection IP IP 57 (dustproof and waterproof, earphones only).
- Additional Features interprète en temps réel, Bluetooth Super Wideband, commandes vocales, détection de sirène, Low Energy Audio.
- Prix 250 €.
Technical characteristics of the Buds 3 Pro
- Battery life 7 hours (ANC off), 30 hours with charging case.
- Indice de protection IP IP 57 (dustproof and waterproof, earphones only).
- Additional Features real-time interpreter, Bluetooth Super Wideband, voice commands, head gestures, Low Energy Audio.
- Prix 250 €.
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if…
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
1… you are looking for the best sound from Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 3 Pro both reproduce great sound, but the new version has more character. The sound of the Buds 4 Pro is more balanced than that of the Bose and Sony, thanks to a new 10.5 mm dynamic driver and a 6.1 mm planar magnetic tweeter whose adjustment has been improved this year.
The Buds 4 Pro place less emphasis on treble than their predecessors. You can always adjust the EQ to fine-tune your experience, but the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro reproduce a wider, airier soundstage, making them more enjoyable.
These are Samsung’s best-sounding headphones yet.
2…ANC performance is important to you
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have solid ANC performance, but it wasn’t up to par with flagship earbuds from Bose, Sony, and Apple. That changed this year; The new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are capable of improved ANC performance, which is on par with the AirPods Pro 3.
Samsung’s fourth-generation earphones do a great job at attenuating low frequencies, like the hum of car engines and air conditioners.
I also really liked their ambient mode, generating a more natural sound than last year’s model.
3… you prefer headphones with a more high-end design
Samsung’s blade-shaped design with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro didn’t last long (RIP…I liked it). The angular blade-shaped design has been replaced by the more classic-looking Buds 4 Pro. You have a flat stem with a polished finish and easier-to-use controls. These headphones have a more premium and sleek look than their predecessors.
I loved the semi-transparent case of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and that design element is still present on the Buds 4 Pro, albeit in a new form.
The new Samsung earbuds are easier to slip into a pocket thanks to a smaller case, but they will both fit in the small pocket of your jeans.
4…you want the latest features
Both Samsung earbud models have a similar set of features, including spatial audio and gesture controls.
However, if you own a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 8.5, you can enjoy a few new features on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
For example, you get Bluetooth 6.1 support (up from Bluetooth 5.4 on the Buds 3 Pro), Seamless codec support with 24-bit/96kHz audio (on compatible Galaxy phones), and impressive noise reduction during calls.
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if…
Jada Jones/ZDNET
1… you like original designs
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro weren’t for everyone, due to their LED-equipped design and angular edges.
But I’m sure some users like them.
If you’re one of them and you’re looking for a pair of Samsung headphones with a “gamer” look, the Buds 3 Pro are made for you.
2… you can find them on sale
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro cost €250. Although they are cheaper than the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 (€300) and the Sony WF-1000XM6 Earbuds (€300), they are not cheap.
If you’re looking for a more affordable pair of high-end headphones, watch for promotions on the latest generation of Buds 3 Pro.
Author’s choice
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro may seem like a simple upgrade, but to me they’re a significant step up from the last generation of Samsung earbuds.
They fit me better, and I prefer their polished metallic look to the sharp, all-plastic corners of the Buds 3 Pro. These fourth-generation earbuds are also easier to control and sound significantly improved for voice calls.
Add to that their great sound and active noise reduction (ANC) performance, and you have a winning product.
Source : “ZDNet.com”
