Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: A Copycat Success
Review of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Similar to AirPods, but with standout features and impressive sound quality. Worth considering.
My first experience with wireless earbuds was with Samsung’s Galaxy Gear IconX in 2018 and I really loved them. They were small, sounded great for their time and didn’t resemble typical AirPods.
Later, I upgraded to Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live which featured a unique bean-like design. They were comfortable to wear but they sacrificed features like Active Noise Cancellation, battery life and sound quality.
Now we have Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro which bear strong resemblance to Apple’s AirPods Pro. While design may not be original I believe this choice makes them better than previous versions. Familiar design actually works in their favor, combining comfort with improved performance.
People often call any stem-toting wireless earbuds “AirPods clones,” and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro don’t escape this label. Their design may remind you of a mix between Apple’s earbuds and Toblerone. But while they look familiar these earbuds offer more than just their appearance.
Launched in 2024 alongside Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are company’s latest top-end earbuds. They replace aging Buds 2 Pro and deliver on high expectations associated with Samsung’s “Pro” products.
These earbuds sound fantastic, offering powerful bass and clear treble, making any genre of music enjoyable, whether it is high-pitched opera or deep synthwave.
- Galaxy Buds 3 Pro look like AirPods Pro but have angular stem and an LED strip.
- They deliver great sound especially with EQ adjustments and features like UHQ, 24-bit audio and Dolby Atmos.
- Sound is impressive but Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) could be better compared to other earbuds.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Type | Wireless |
| 🔋 Battery Life | 5–6 hours (buds only, ANC on) |
| 🔊 Noise Cancellation | ANC, Ambient Sound |
| 💧 IP Rating | IP57 (buds only) |
| ⚡ Charging Type | Wireless and USB-C quick charging |
| 🎧 Driver Size | 10.5mm/6.1mm Planar |
| 💰 Price | $250 |
| 🔄 Multipoint Support | Auracast |
Pricing and Availability
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are available for purchase directly from Samsung’s online store as well as from major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. These earbuds come in two color options: White & Silver.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Specifications
- Battery Life: Earbuds provide up to 6 hours of usage on single charge, with additional 20 hours available through charging case when Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is turned on.
- Charging Case Included? Yes, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come with charging case that supports both USB-C and wireless charging.
- Brand: Samsung
- Supported Codecs: These earbuds support 24-bit/96kHz Samsung Seamless Codec, ensuring high-quality audio for compatible Samsung devices.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4
- IP Rating: With an IP57 rating, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are water and dust resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
- Solo Bud Mode: Yes, you can use either earbud independently in solo mode.
- Colors: Available in White & Silver.
Design: Familiar Yet Refined
Design of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is first thing that catches your eye. They bear striking resemblance to Apple’s AirPods Pro, with their stem body, ear tip shapes and even case design. Earbuds, especially in White, look almost identical to AirPods Pro. However, Silver variant adds slight twist that helps them stand out.
Despite similarities, Samsung has introduced few unique elements. “Blade” stems of earbuds are angular and feature LED strip that runs down entire length of each earbud. These LEDs can stay on or blink while in use. Although they are intended to be distinguishing feature, they seem more like gimmick and don’t offer much practical value aside from serving as indicator for pairing mode.
Improved Touch Controls
One of standout features of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is reliable touch controls, significant improvement over Samsung’s previous earbud designs. Earbuds accept swipes for volume control and pinches for playback and noise control on stem. These controls are intuitive and easy to master, thanks to angular shape of stems.
Charging Case: Familiar but Different
Charging case for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro shares similar shape to AirPods Pro case but with few Samsung-specific differences. Most notable is clear lid which allows you to see earbuds inside without opening case. While this doesn’t add much functionality, it does help case stand out from Apple’s design. USB-C port and Bluetooth pairing button are located at bottom, differing slightly from Apple’s back placement. Additionally, earbuds need to be rotated 180 degrees to fit into case, quirky design choice that seems to be Samsung’s way of differentiating itself.
One feature that’s missing from case is built-in speaker which would have been useful for locating earbuds through Samsung’s Find My Device service.
Durability and Comfort
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are built to last with IP57 rating that makes them water and dust resistant. This durability is particularly beneficial for those who use earbuds during workouts or outdoor activities. Earbuds come with ear tips that ensure secure fit, preventing them from falling out even during intense movements.
In terms of comfort Galaxy Buds 3 Pro excel. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods making them ideal for long work sessions, commutes or workouts. Despite their snug fit, they do not cause discomfort, even after hours of use.
Excellent Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly shine. They are equipped with two-way speakers and dual amplifiers which deliver deep, immersive sound with impressive bass. These earbuds support Ultra High-Quality audio and 24-bit HiFi when paired with newer Samsung phones.
Out of box, earbuds sound good, but they truly come to life after tweaking EQ settings and enabling UHQ, 24-bit audio and Dolby Atmos. Sound quality becomes richer and more immersive with clear mids and balanced bass response. However, it’s worth noting that cranking up volume can cause sound to become slightly treble-heavy.
Active Noise Cancellation
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer decent Active Noise Cancellation, but they fall short when compared to other high-end earbuds. While they handle low-to-moderate background noise well, they struggle with higher frequencies and human voices. Transparency mode, on other hand, works effectively, providing a natural ambient sound.
During testing, there was minor issue with a crackling sound in right earbud when ANC was enabled without audio playing. This seems to be an isolated case and may not affect other users.
Packed with Useful Features
Samsung has loaded Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with features and many of which are similar to those found in Apple’s AirPods Pro. These earbuds include Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC which adjust sound and noise cancellation based on your surroundings. These features work reasonably well, though they may not be as precise as expected.
Another notable feature is Voice Detect, which lowers volume and activates transparency mode when you start speaking. However, delay in switching to transparency mode can be a bit disorienting.
Real-Time Interpreter feature, currently limited to Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, translates spoken language directly into your ear in real-time. While it’s a cool concept, accuracy and speed of translations depend on clarity of microphone’s input, which can sometimes result in awkward delays and inaccurate translations.
Decent Battery Life
Battery life of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is fairly standard for high-end earbuds. With ANC enabled, they provide around six hours of use, with an additional 20 hours available through charging case. In default settings- earbuds perform as expected, lasting advertised six hours and charging quickly in case.
However, when using advanced features like 24-bit audio, Dolby Atmos, and UHQ audio, battery life takes a hit. In such cases- earbuds last around three-and-a-half to four hours before needing to be recharged. Despite this, case keeps earbuds powered up long enough for multiple sessions.
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Should You Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
If you’re looking for new wireless earbuds and are already part of Samsung’s ecosystem, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a strong choice. While their design may not be most original, they offer significant improvements over previous Samsung earbuds. Touch controls are intuitive and responsive and fit is comfortable and secure, even during long periods of use.
Sound quality is where Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly excel especially after fine-tuning EQ settings and enabling advanced audio features. They deliver a rich and immersive listening experience that surpasses expectations. However, ANC could be better, particularly in handling higher frequencies.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are excellent pair of earbuds that offer compelling combination of comfort, sound quality and useful features even if they do draw heavy inspiration from their competitors.
