these years Samsung unpacking It was a very exciting event. we saw the release Galaxy Fold 6,successor The best folding phone. new Samsung Galaxy Ring Remind Flo why she hates rings Galaxy Watch Ultra We’re so impressed that we think it’s essentially like the Apple Watch Ultra, but for Android users. Samsung also launched its latest headphones, Galaxy Buds 3 serieswhich gave us a serious sense of deja vu.
The earbud lineup includes a regular base model ($180 Galaxy Buds 3) and a pricier model ($250 Galaxy Buds 3 Pros). Before we discuss the differences and decide which model is right for you, let’s examine their similarities.
They’re more similar than you think
This series promises you 24-bit high-fidelity audio, so you don’t have to worry about that. Seniors, Galaxy Buds 2 Proalso provides 24-bit audio, which makes Samsung Galaxy FE headphonesThe company’s $99 entry-level Buds are the only one currently that don’t feature high-fidelity sound. While Samsung guarantees HD sound quality across the board, the catch is that you can only enjoy it with a Samsung phone. Building a wall around your features to trap consumers in your ecosystem is not new and is something we see all the time Samsung’s biggest competitor a long time.
Fortunately, both new headphones support ANC. ANC is often omitted in budget earbuds, but the midrange $180 price tag for the base model is worth the feature. Both headphones offer a fully customizable equalizer, so you can play your music exactly the way you like.
Of course, these headphones are packed with artificial intelligence features. With Galaxy AI powering both models, you can use the interpreter feature in listening mode on the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6 to instantly translate foreign languages. Your Galaxy Buds 3 series will translate the word being spoken. Voice Command is another AI feature that allows you to control playback on your headphones with just a brief voice prompt. This allows for easy, hands-free control and reminds me of Use head gestures to control AirPods in iOS 18.
In terms of design, Apple AirPods-style handles, sorry, “blade” can be found on both headphones. I don’t know if this was done to not look like a complete AirPod replica, but the blades have a weird triangular design that’s identical to both models. Pinch or slide the blade up or down to control your device or adjust the volume. An IP57 rating (only for the earphones, not the charging case) ensures they can withstand light splashes and sweat. Both models support fast charging and wireless charging.
What kind of ears do you have?
If you have weird ears like me and can’t handle in-ear headphones, the Buds 3 have an in-ear design that sits outside the ear canal, while the Pros have an in-ear or in-canal design that sits inside the ear canal. I know there are a lot of people besides myself (my co-worker Kyle, a bunch of friends, and some family members) whose ears don’t fit the canal buds. I took the Pros out for a quick walk to test if they made any difference, only to find that I had to manually push them every few seconds or they would fall out of my ears.
This decision also requires consideration of your lifestyle. If you like running or other outdoor activities, Buds 3 will be your best choice. For this reason, open-back earbuds are also called running headphones. They help improve situational awareness so you know what’s going on around you at all times. I haven’t had a chance to take them out for a run yet, but I do go to work with them, which involves a lot of walking and subway rides, and it’s nice not having all the ambient sounds blocked out. I miss important train announcements because of ANC, so I like to be aware of my surroundings and music at the same time.
Note: The Pros do have an ambient mode, which will provide the same experience as the Buds 3, but then you’ll have to pay extra for the base model’s preset modes. Therefore, if you determine your lifestyle and priorities, it is best to choose a model based on this simple one.
Choose Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Let’s say you’re interested in fancy stuff. The pros, as they should be, are undeniably fancy as the stunning blade lights enhance their overall look. The buds will light up multiple times, such as when docked or removed from the box. While I wouldn’t be willing to pay an extra $70 for the light, I probably would if I were choosing between the two. That’s how beautiful they are.
More importantly, if you are an audiophile who cannot compromise on sound quality, go for the Buds 3 Pro. While both offer 24-bit, 96 KHz sound, the Pro features a two-way speaker system with flat tweeters and dual amplifiers. Tweeters help enhance high-end or high-end sounds, and amplifiers make your music sound richer and clearer.
Surprisingly, in my quick hands-on with both headphones, the difference was noticeable. I listen to a lot of Anjunadeep and I turn to it when I want to carefully discern the details of music. The Pros offer clear highs that don’t sound too sharp at high volumes, while the mids are balanced and sound full and rich. I admit, despite the dedicated woofer, the low frequencies aren’t that easy to discern. So if you’re a die-hard bass fan, you probably won’t be excited about these.
While both headphones support active noise cancellation, the Pro version goes a step further and comes with adaptive active noise cancellation powered by Galaxy AI. This means it can detect sharp, unexpected sirens, general ambient noise or human voices, and turn their volume up or down accordingly. From an ANC perspective, I don’t feel a noticeable difference between the buds. For example, I couldn’t tell whether the pros significantly increased the canceling power when I entered the rather noisy Kips Bay Trader Joe’s and reduced the canceling power when I exited. I feel like both headphones perform equally well in terms of ANC, but maybe that opinion will change when I do more in-depth testing.
Another feature I haven’t had a chance to test yet is battery life. The base model can run for 24 hours with ANC off and 30 hours with ANC on; the Pros can run for 26 hours with ANC off and 30 hours with ANC on. Since there isn’t a huge difference, I wouldn’t recommend battery life as one of the main reasons to invest the extra $70. But stay tuned to find out the actual scores.
Which Buds 3 is right for you?
Based on my quick tests, the early verdict is clear. If sound matters, then professionals make more sense a lot of For your part, you’ll notice the upgrade and decide it’s worth the extra investment. The regular Buds 3 sound great too, so if you’re looking for a less expensive pair of Buds for daily commuting or running, they’ll be enough for your needs. They also support ANC, so you don’t always have to be affected by ambient sounds.
Again, the base model doesn’t have many of the bells and whistles of the Pro model, but it’s also $70 cheaper. If you don’t think a strip of light on the Blade is worth $70, feel free to pass on the Pros. Beyond the lighting, the sleek, streamlined blade design is consistent throughout the collection.
Take a look at how other features like battery life, water resistance, wireless charging, fast charging, some AI features, and a custom equalizer are shared across the two new headphones. If anything, I see more similarities than differences. But ultimately, it also comes down to the weight you give to a feature. If the most important reason you pay the extra money (for a stereo upgrade) is that you’re not willing to compromise, you already have your answer. Pro is the way to go.
