Samsung Buds 4 Pro Challenge Established Leaders
In a quiet but significant release, Samsung has unveiled its latest audio offering, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, positioned to compete directly with, and in many aspects surpass, established leaders like Apple’s AirPods Pro. Priced at $250, these new earbuds aim to be the premier audio companion for the Android and specifically the Samsung ecosystem, offering a compelling blend of sound quality, noise cancellation, and user-friendly features.
Design and Comfort: A Refined Experience
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro sport a redesigned charging case, a departure from previous iterations. It now features a more compact, taller cube design with a tinted, clear lid, offering a satisfying magnetic closure. While slightly taller than the AirPods Pro case, it remains pocket-friendly and supports wireless charging and USB-C. The earbuds themselves have also been re-engineered. Moving away from a purely rounded stem, the Buds 4 Pro feature a more squared-off stem with a brushed metal accent. This new design not only looks distinct but also enhances usability, making the touch controls more intuitive. The reviewer noted that the buds stayed securely in his ears even during activity, a significant improvement for many users, and praised the comfort for all-day wear. The earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips, ensuring a good fit for most users. They also carry an IP57 dust and water resistance rating, similar to AirPods Pro, though the case itself does not share this protection.
Audio Performance: Immersive and Customizable Sound
Samsung has equipped the Buds 4 Pro with new drivers, including a larger subwoofer and a tweeter in each bud, powered by individual amplifiers. The result is a sound profile that the reviewer describes as “incredible” and “really, really good.” The earbuds offer a dynamic EQ setting that enhances bass and treble for a punchy, engaging listening experience, but also provide extensive customization options through the Samsung Wearable app. Users can fine-tune the sound to their exact preferences, a level of control not typically found in mainstream earbuds. Compared to audiophile-focused earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM6, which prioritize sound quality at the expense of everyday usability and comfort, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro strike an impressive balance, delivering exceptional audio in a package suitable for a wide range of activities, from workouts to flights to daily commutes.
Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound: Top-Tier Performance
The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is a standout feature. Samsung offers five adjustable levels of ANC, and at its maximum setting, it rivals or even surpasses the performance of AirPods Pro. The passive isolation from the ear tips contributes to the quiet environment, but the active cancellation effectively silences ambient noise, allowing users to hear finer details in their music or podcasts. Similarly, the ambient sound mode, also with five adjustable levels, provides a natural and clear passthrough of external sounds. At its highest setting, it’s described as “really, really good,” making conversations and environmental awareness effortless. A notable intelligent feature is the automatic switching to ambient mode when sirens or emergency vehicle sounds are detected, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the earbuds can automatically switch to ambient mode when the user starts speaking, facilitating quick conversations without needing to remove the earbuds or manually adjust settings.
Connectivity and Smart Features: Seamless Integration
Mirroring the seamless experience of AirPods within the Apple ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer instant switching between Samsung devices. This feature, along with 360° head-tracking spatial audio, in-ear ear detection for auto play/pause, a “Find My” feature, and live translate, brings them on par with Apple’s offerings. However, Samsung differentiates itself with additional features like a gaming mode to reduce audio latency and a comprehensive equalizer for deep sound customization. The earbuds also support head gestures for answering or rejecting calls.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: A Compromise for iPhone Users
While designed primarily for the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro do connect and function with iPhones as standard Bluetooth earbuds. However, users will lose access to the full suite of customization options available through the Samsung Wearable app, including the advanced EQ settings. Despite this limitation, core functionalities like ANC/ambient mode switching and touch controls remain operational, making them a viable, albeit less integrated, option for iPhone users seeking high-quality audio and noise cancellation.
Why This Matters
The release of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro signifies a major step forward in the premium wireless earbud market. Samsung’s ability to match and, in some areas, exceed the performance of the highly regarded AirPods Pro demonstrates the increasing maturity and competitiveness of the Android accessory landscape. For consumers, this means more choice and better technology across different platforms. The emphasis on user comfort, customizable sound, and robust noise cancellation in a versatile package makes the Buds 4 Pro a strong contender for anyone seeking top-tier audio, regardless of their smartphone brand, though the experience is undoubtedly optimized for Samsung users. This release further intensifies the competition, pushing all manufacturers to innovate and deliver better value and performance to consumers.
Availability and Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are available now at a price point of $250, positioning them in the premium segment of the wireless earbud market. They come in three color options.
Source: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review: Better than AirPods! (YouTube)
