Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: A Leap Forward in Design and Functionality
Samsung has been a strong contender in the earbuds market for several years, consistently delivering solid products. However, with the introduction of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Samsung has taken a bold step by adopting a design approach akin to that of their competitors. Surprisingly, this strategy has proven to be remarkably effective.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Galaxy Buds series has seen numerous iterations, each bringing something unique to the table. The Galaxy Buds+ in 2020 impressed with their exceptional battery life. The Galaxy Buds Live introduced a groundbreaking design, while the Galaxy Buds Pro series was celebrated for its superior audio quality. Despite these successes, recent models felt somewhat stagnant, with little innovation in design or addressing persistent issues. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, however, marks a significant shift towards improvement.
A Fresh Take on Hardware
The most notable change in the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is the departure from the “bean” design. Instead, Samsung has opted for a smaller earpiece with a protruding stem. This new design incorporates an angular profile on the stem for touch gestures and includes some decorative lights—though these lights serve little practical purpose beyond indicating battery life when the case is opened. The silicone ear tips remain, providing a snug fit and passive noise cancellation.
The design closely mirrors that of Apple’s AirPods Pro, distinguished primarily by Samsung’s metallic gray finish and the sharper angles of the stem. This design overhaul has been a positive move, enhancing both functionality and comfort.
Improved Functionality
The revised design brings several functional improvements. The proximity of the microphones to the ears results in better audio capture, and the touch-sensitive “squeeze” gesture on the stem, borrowed from Apple, is a welcome change. Although slower than simple taps, this method is more precise and reduces accidental activation. Additionally, the ability to swipe along the stem to adjust the volume is a convenient feature.
The new design also enhances comfort, allowing for extended wear without discomfort, thanks to the redesigned eartips. However, users should be cautious with the fragile silicone tips, which led to a temporary pause in shipments. Samsung has addressed these issues, and replacements are generally covered under warranty.
An Updated Case
The charging case has undergone a makeover, adopting a vertical orientation similar to the AirPods Pro. This results in a more compact and pocket-friendly design, with a smaller, easier-to-open lid. While the case is a substantial upgrade in terms of convenience, it is prone to scratches.
Exceptional Sound Quality
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver outstanding sound quality with a balanced audio profile that can emphasize bass when desired. The earbuds excel in bringing out fine details, making them perfect for casual listening and noise cancellation during travel. Samsung markets these earbuds as ideal for “true audio lovers,” a claim that holds considerable truth, though perhaps slightly exaggerated.
For those seeking a deeper audio analysis, “This is Tech Today” offers a comprehensive review. Noteworthy smart features include automatic volume and ANC adjustments when engaging in conversation, adding to the overall user experience.
Room for Improvement
Despite their many strengths, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are not without flaws. The most significant drawback is the battery life. With ANC enabled, the earbuds last approximately 3-4 hours before requiring a recharge, with one earbud typically depleting faster than the other. This is noticeably less than Samsung’s quoted 6-hour battery life and falls short compared to competitors like Google’s Pixel Buds Pro and the upcoming Nothing Ear.
Another limitation is sound quality inconsistency when paired with non-Galaxy devices. Samsung’s proprietary standards restrict optimal sound quality to Galaxy devices, which can be frustrating given the advancements in industry standards. An exception is the 96 kHz “Ultra high quality audio” mode, which offers a slight improvement and remains exclusive to Samsung devices.
The Standard Galaxy Buds 3
In addition to the Pro model, Samsung offers the standard Galaxy Buds 3, featuring an open design without silicone ear tips. Although not tested here, they promise similar benefits at a reduced cost for those who prefer a more open fit, akin to Apple’s basic AirPods.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are currently available for $249, with a 25% discount when bundled with Samsung’s latest foldable devices.
