Samsung’s latest flagship earbuds, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, may not be the most innovative in terms of design, but they shine where it truly matters: sound quality, transparency mode, and voice call performance. Priced at $249.99, these earbuds compete with the likes of Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 and Technics AZ80, delivering rich, immersive audio while also featuring practical voice commands that don’t require a wake phrase. Here’s a comprehensive review of what these earbuds have to offer.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro design feels a bit unoriginal. The stemmed design doesn’t stray far from familiar territory, resembling AirPods, especially in the white color option. However, Samsung added some distinction with angular stems and LED strips on the charging case, which glow when you squeeze the stems. Though these lights may look flashy, they don’t serve much functional purpose like indicating battery levels.
The charging case’s transparent lid also adds a modern touch, but like many earbuds in this range, it lacks any dust or water resistance. The earbuds themselves are IP57 rated, making them resistant to dust and water, but the case could’ve used more protection.
Comfort and Fit
Despite the uninspired design, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provide a comfortable, stable fit. The stemmed form factor ensures they stay in place during daily use, even for extended periods. Whether you’re at the office or on the go, these earbuds feel snug without causing discomfort.
Audio Quality and Features
The Buds 3 Pro excel in sound quality. Samsung has incorporated its Seamless Codec Ultra High Quality (SSD UHQ) for users with Galaxy devices, offering a richer, more detailed listening experience, particularly when streaming lossless audio tracks. Even when paired with non-Samsung devices, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the sound remains clear and punchy across genres.
For those who enjoy different styles of music, the Buds 3 Pro offer a balanced audio signature with crisp highs, deep lows, and clear mids, making them suitable for everything from podcasts to bass-heavy music.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
While the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sound great, their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) could be stronger. In comparison to competitors like the AirPods Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Samsung’s ANC struggles to completely block out external noise. However, the Transparency Mode is exceptional, allowing you to hear ambient sounds clearly, which is particularly useful in noisy environments or for staying aware of your surroundings.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Voice Controls and Features
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is their voice control. Unlike most wireless earbuds, you can give voice commands like “volume up” or “next song” without needing to say a wake word like “Hey Bixby.” The feature is intuitive and works reliably, making it a breeze to control music and adjust settings hands-free.
Samsung has also borrowed a lot from Apple’s control scheme, with pinch gestures to play/pause, skip tracks, or switch between ANC and transparency modes. You can also slide your finger along the stem to adjust volume. These controls, while functional, don’t always feel as fluid as on the AirPods Pro due to the angular design of the Buds 3 Pro.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The battery life on the Buds 3 Pro is solid, easily lasting through a day of use. You can stretch the battery even further by disabling certain features like voice controls. However, the charging case doesn’t support water or dust resistance, which is a downside compared to other competitors that offer more durable cases.
One limitation of the Buds 3 Pro is the lack of true multipoint connectivity, which means you can’t pair them with two devices simultaneously. However, Samsung’s auto-switch feature makes switching between Galaxy devices quick and hassle-free. Even with non-Samsung devices, switching between connections is relatively smooth without needing to manually disconnect from one device to pair with another.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are undoubtedly the company’s best earbuds in terms of sound quality and overall performance. While their design isn’t groundbreaking and the ANC could be more robust, the excellent sound, clear transparency mode, and innovative voice controls make them a strong contender in the premium wireless earbuds market.
For those already in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a no-brainer. Even for non-Samsung users, they offer a compelling mix of sound fidelity, comfort, and convenience — provided you can live without true multipoint connectivity.
Pros:
- Stellar sound quality
- Intuitive voice controls without a wake word
- Comfortable fit for long-term wear
- Clear transparency mode
Cons:
- Active noise cancellation could be stronger
- No true multipoint connectivity
- Lack of durable water/dust-resistant charging case
If sound quality and comfort are your top priorities, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deserve serious consideration.
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