The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro represent a significant leap forward in Samsung's true wireless earbud lineup. This review delves into the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall user experience, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. From initial comparisons to Apple's AirPods to a closer examination of its unique features, we explore whether the Buds 3 Pro live up to the hype. Expect detailed insights into the improved fit and comfort, the enhanced audio capabilities including active noise cancellation (ANC), and the convenient control scheme.We'll dissect the battery life, explore the additional features offered through the Samsung app, and ultimately assess whether the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a compelling package for the price. This comprehensive review provides an unbiased look at the earbuds' performance, addressing both their strengths and areas needing improvement, helping you determine if they are the right choice for your listening needs.
Pros And Cons
- Improved design that fixes quirks of previous Samsung earbuds
- Lighter and more balanced than predecessors, reducing ear pressure
- Secure and comfortable fit, suitable for various activities including jogging and skiing
- Thought-out and convenient controls, minimizing accidental touches
- Solid improvement in bass compared to Buds 2
- V-shaped sound profile boosts bass and treble while preserving detail
- Impressive active noise cancellation, especially in lower frequencies
- 6 hours of battery life on a single charge, 26 hours with the case and ANC on
- Hidden features in the app, such as neck stretching reminders and 360 audio
- High audio resolution output (24bit 96kHz and up to 512kbps)
- Great sound quality
- Earbuds feel a bit plasticky; glossy finish preferred over matte
- Inconvenient to use while lying on your side
- Limited backlight settings (only three styles)
- Turning backlight on/off requires holding both stems
- Ambient and adaptive sound modes function similarly
- Noise cancellation and ambient sound can cause listener fatigue and sound distortion
- Lack of support for LDAC or any version of aptX Bluetooth codec
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Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro initially drew comparisons to Apple's AirPods, but the design is a thoughtful upgrade. The transparent lens and blade lights offer a futuristic aesthetic. While the earbuds themselves feel somewhat plasticky, I'd have preferred a matte finish over the glossy one. However, the overall design grew on me upon closer inspection. The case includes a transparent cover, allowing for a quick check of the earbuds' presence without opening it.
The case is conveniently designed for quick checks on the earbuds inside without opening it. A transparent cover reveals the buds within, adding practicality to the sleek form. The lightweight design and balanced weight distribution, unlike predecessors, ensures enhanced comfort during use. This addresses a common complaint of previous models where weight concentration caused discomfort.
Comfort and Fit
A significant improvement is the enhanced comfort and secure fit. The Buds 3 Pro distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the ears. This addresses issues faced by users with previous models, such as discomfort and earbuds falling out, especially during physical activities. The secure fit is notably improved, with no issues experienced during jogging or even skiing.
These earbuds stay firmly in place, even during strenuous activities like jogging and skiing. Unlike previous iterations, the weight is better balanced, reducing ear fatigue and ensuring a more comfortable listening experience, regardless of activity level. The snug fit eliminates the constant worry of earbuds falling out.
Controls and Features
Controlling multimedia requires a press rather than a simple touch, eliminating accidental inputs. This design choice, while initially unintuitive, proves effective in preventing accidental touches. Swiping up or down the stem to control volume is a convenient addition; this gesture is performed without pressure on the stem.
The controls, while initially requiring a slight learning curve, are well-thought-out and convenient once mastered. The pressure-sensitive controls minimize accidental touches, while the volume control via stem swipe is intuitive and easy to use. However, the design might present some challenges when lying on your side.
Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The sound quality represents a solid improvement over the Buds 2, particularly in the bass. The V-shaped sound profile enhances both bass and treble, without sacrificing detail in vocals and instruments. ANC is notably impressive, effectively muffling low-frequency sounds, creating a more immersive listening experience. Ambient and adaptive modes are also offered via the app, although the adaptive mode proves less effective.
Active noise cancellation effectively minimizes ambient sounds, particularly low frequencies. While the ambient and adaptive sound modes are provided, adaptive mode functionality seems limited. The user found that neither ambient sound nor noise cancellation modes were used, as they found that they created fatigue.
Battery Life and Additional Features
The battery life, while not exceptional, manages to exceed expectations with approximately 6 hours of use with ANC on. The charging case adds considerable life for extended use. The app provides hidden features like neck-stretching reminders and 360 audio with head tracking (for Galaxy phones). There are also enhanced audio quality settings via Samsung's Bluetooth codec for users with Galaxy phones.
Additional features include neck-stretching reminders and 360 audio spatial sound with head tracking (Galaxy phones only). The support for Samsung's Bluetooth codec delivers high-resolution audio, although the lack of other codecs like LDAC is a drawback. However, the high-resolution audio output compensates for this limitation.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a compelling package of features, particularly for Samsung ecosystem users. The improved comfort, enhanced sound quality, and effective ANC make them a strong contender in the true wireless earbud market. While minor drawbacks exist, such as the glossy finish and limited codec support, the overall experience is positive.
Despite some minor drawbacks (glossy finish, less-than-ideal fit for side sleepers, limited codec support), the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are arguably some of the best earbuds available. The improved comfort, superior sound, and excellent ANC make them an outstanding choice for true wireless listening. The combination of features and quality is worthwhile