The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer a compelling blend of features for audiophiles and Samsung users. This in-depth review dives into the earbuds' performance across various aspects, from their punchy sound profile and effective active noise cancellation to their comfortable fit and sleek design. We'll explore whether these premium earbuds justify their price tag by examining their strengths and weaknesses in detail. We'll also compare them to competing models to help you determine if the Buds3 Pro are the right choice for your needs.This review covers sound quality and EQ customization options, evaluating the bass response and overall clarity. We'll assess the comfort and usability of the earbuds, including the touch controls and fit. The design, build quality, and water resistance will also be examined. Furthermore, we'll test the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation (ANC) in various environments and evaluate call quality and battery life. Finally, we'll consider their integration within the Samsung ecosystem and compare them to other top-performing earbuds on the market.
Pros And Cons
- Nice upgrades from the non-pro version (silicone ear tips, vastly improved ANC)
- Punchy low end well-suited for dubstep and hip hop
- Evenly reproduced vocals and cymbals in the treble range (with slight de-emphasis)
- Comfortable fit and stay in ears well
- Stylish and lightweight design
- IP57 rating against dust and water
- Good passive noise blocking
- Effective active noise cancelling
- Voice detect feature turns off noise cancelling when speaking
- Doesn't leak a lot of audio
- Good design combining comfort and utility
- Hefty price tag
- Base heavy sound profile (even with EQ presets)
- Bass can overwhelm higher frequencies or result in cluttered rhythm section
- Slight shifting out of place while chewing or talking
- Some displacement when using touch controls
- Difficulty changing ear tips without ripping them
- Battery life caps out at about 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC on (4.5 hours with calls)
- Mic isn't great at separating voice from background noise
- Limited to two devices linked to the same Samsung Galaxy account for multi-device pairing
- Doesn't support standard Bluetooth multi-device pairing
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Sound Quality: Punchy Bass and Balanced Treble
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro deliver a punchy low-end, ideal for genres like dubstep and hip hop. Treble frequencies, encompassing vocals and cymbals, are reproduced fairly evenly, though a slight de-emphasis might lessen clarity. The bass boost extends into the low mids, potentially overpowering higher frequencies in certain tracks, resulting in a cluttered sound depending on the song's mix.
While the app offers EQ presets, they are all quite bass-heavy. For a less bass-forward sound, users will need to manually adjust the nine-band graphic equalizer. This makes the Buds3 Pro suitable for various music styles if you're willing to adjust accordingly, making them a great fit for workouts or any moment demanding powerful audio.
Comfort, Fit, and Controls
The earbuds boast a comfortable fit thanks to included silicone ear tips. While some minor shifting during chewing or talking might occur, it's not excessive. The touch controls are intuitive once mastered; each action produces a distinct sound confirming registration. Control remapping within the app provides further customization options.
The consistent audio quality between ears is noteworthy, providing a reliable listening experience once the ideal fit and controls are set. The design is stylish and lightweight, offering a secure fit during light workouts.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro's design is sleek and modern. Their build quality is excellent, featuring an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. The lightweight plastic case is both stylish and portable, with a satisfying closing mechanism.
The combination of comfort, durability, and stylish aesthetics makes the Buds3 Pro a standout in terms of design and functionality. The case itself is a pleasing accessory, well-suited for convenient portability.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance
The Buds3 Pro offer two ANC modes: Active and Adaptive. Active mode proves more effective in most scenarios, effectively blocking out low-frequency sounds like engine noise and AC rumbles, while also reducing higher-pitched noises.
While not completely eliminating conversation sounds, it significantly softens them. A voice detect feature automatically switches to ambient mode when speaking. Outdoor performance is good against traffic noise, though louder sounds like subways might still be heard. Wind noise is generally well-managed.
Call Quality, Battery Life, and Additional Features
Call quality is decent; the microphone captures voices clearly, though background noise isolation isn't perfect. Battery life is around 6 hours with ANC on, dropping to 4.5 hours during calls. The case provides additional charge.
The Buds3 Pro integrate well with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, offering features such as Adaptive EQ and seamless multi-device pairing with other Samsung devices. They also support AAC, SBC, and LE Audio codecs for broader compatibility.
Overall Verdict and Comparisons
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro excel in sound quality, ANC, and comfort for Samsung users. However, their limited multi-device pairing and relatively short battery life hold them back compared to more versatile options.
Alternatives like the Sony WF-1000XM5 offer longer battery life, broader device compatibility, and a different sound profile. The Nothing Ear (1) provide a budget-friendly alternative with decent noise cancellation, multiple device pairing, and more extended battery life. The best choice depends on individual priorities and ecosystem preference.