Samsung’s wireless earbuds have been steadily leveling up, but the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro aren’t just another step; they’re a daring leap towards the audio throne. With a design that screams “premium,” upgraded features that’ll make your ears perk up, and sound quality that aims to impress even the pickiest audiophiles, these flagship buds are clearly on a quest to outshine their competition, including their younger sibling, the standard Galaxy Buds 3. Let’s dive in and see if they have what it takes to conquer the audio realm.
Design & Comfort: Style and Substance, with a Hint of Familiarity
Gone are the days of the bean-shaped buds. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro usher in a new era with their angular, almost futuristic design, sporting a triangular stem and swappable silicone ear tips. Even the charging case gets a glow-up, flaunting a see-through lid that’s both sleek and functional. While echoes of other popular earbuds might linger, the Buds 3 Pro distinguish themselves with those eye-catching “Blade Lights” on the stems, pulsating with colors to signal battery life and connection status. It’s a subtle yet captivating detail that sets them apart.
Comfort is generally good, thanks to the lightweight build and thoughtfully angled ear tips. But like any hero’s journey,there are a few bumps in the road. The limited ear tip options might leave some users wanting a more personalized fit. We also noticed some occasional slippage during intense workouts or even with exaggerated facial expressions. While not a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on putting these buds through their paces.
Sound, ANC, and Battery
The Samsung Wearable app acts as your trusty sidekick, granting access to a plethora of features and customization options. However, this app is exclusive to Samsung Galaxy and Android devices, leaving iOS users feeling a bit left out of the party.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a major highlight, effectively silencing the outside world and immersing you in your audio adventures. While not quite reaching the noise-canceling prowess of some rivals, it’s a valiant effort, especially considering the price difference between the Buds 3 Pro and the more basic Galaxy Buds 3.
Samsung’s 360 audio with head tracking adds a spatial dimension to your music, though it occasionally stumbles with a slight delay. Battery life is a champion, offering up to 7 hours of playtime with ANC off and a whopping 30 hours with the charging case, outlasting the standard Buds 3. The customizable touch controls are a welcome addition, though they might require a bit of practice to master.
Voice calls are handled with finesse, thanks to some cutting-edge AI wizardry. And for those lucky enough to wield the latest Galaxy devices, the proprietary SSC UHQ codec unlocks the full potential of high-resolution audio, a feature the standard Buds 3 lacks.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver a sonic experience that’s a world away from their predecessors. The inclusion of a new planar driver paints a vibrant and detailed soundscape, breathing new life into your favorite tracks. Fast-paced genres particularly shine, showcasing the earbuds’ energetic and responsive nature.
When paired with a worthy audio source and high-quality files, the Buds 3 Pro truly unleash their potential, revealing hidden depths and textures in your music. However, they could benefit from a bit more oomph in the low end, and the rhythmic accuracy and dynamic range don’t quite reach the levels of some top-tier competitors.
Verdict: A Worthy Challenger Emerges
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro mark a significant milestone in Samsung’s audio journey. While not entirely flawless,they offer a compelling package of style, features, and sound quality, clearly surpassing the capabilities of the standard Galaxy Buds 3. Samsung users seeking a premium earbud experience will find these buds to be a worthy companion.While there’s still room for growth, the Buds 3 Pro are a clear signal that Samsung is ready to take on the audio giants and carve out its own place in the premium earbuds arena.
