Samsung has just announced two new pairs of earbuds: the Galaxy Buds4, and the Galaxy Buds4 Pro. I’ve had the chance to listen to both ahead of the announcement, and based on my early tests there’s only one model worth buying if you have a Samsung phone — unfortunately it’s the pricier Pros.
Now, Samsung promises some serious upgrades for both the Buds4 and Buds4 Pro. Thanks to “over 10,000 simulations” and over 1 million ear data points Samsung says both pairs are comfier and fit better than any of the buds to come before, and I’m inclined to agree.
This secure fit will be handy for the Buds’ new feature: head gestures. A little basic at launch but useful nevertheless when switched on, it means you can nod to answer calls or shake your head to dismiss them — or to non-verbally answer an AI’s yes or no question. It worked well when I tried it, picking up real gestures while ignoring other head wobbles.
You’ve also got the stylish new metal blade design which feels chic and sophisticated, while remaining visually distinct to Apple’s AirPods design that rival buds always seem to be copying (intentionally or not). I wasn’t a fan of the Buds3’s futuristic LED aesthetic, and I’m glad to see it go.
Color-wise, both buds come in standard white or black, but the Pros are getting a third Samsung online store exclusive rose pink aesthetic that is pretty albeit subtle when seen in person.
A bass boost for Buds Pro
OK, enough design talk, let’s get into sound — the most important feature.
Both buds support 24Bit/96kHz HiFi audio if you also sport a premium Galaxy phone (your S and Z series devices), as well as enhanced ANC.
Thanks to AI tricks, the adaptive profile is better at knowing when to block out noise like airplane buzz and construction sounds, and when to unmute sirens or talking. That said, as someone who likes to sing along with my tunes it can be frustrating when my singing cuts out the noise cancellation.
The Pro-suffixed Buds4 model has received a further audio tune up however, and you can really tell. Thanks to a 20% larger woofer and dedicated tweeter there’s a fullness to the Pro’s sound the base Buds4 simply can’t replicate.
Your music will sound fuller with more delicate and precise high tones and an impactful (but not overwhelming) bassline rounding out your scores. Even in bass boost mode the Buds4 audio could feel limp by comparison.
With the ANC on, the Buds4 Pro immersed me in my own little audio world. While testing the tech ahead of our Samsung Unpacked podcast special, people kept needing to wave their hand in front of my face to get my attention.
The Buds4 didn’t perform terribly, but next to the Buds4 Pro their audio and isolation was noticeably inferior and I was left wanting more from Samsung’s more budget buds.
Speaking of wanting more, the battery life is the same as what Samsung advertised for the Buds3: five hours with ANC on for the Buds4, and six hours with ANC on for the Buds4 Pro. The charging case can provide an extra 24 hours of juice, though as someone who loves to leave their tunes playing for hours on end a longer time between charges would have been ideal, but there is only so much juice you can squeeze out of a tiny earpiece.
We’ll be reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro fully but my early verdict is this: buy the Buds4 Pro, or wait and save to get them. The Buds4 are fine, but just fine. The Buds4 Pro are a more worthy companion to your Samsung phone.
Then again, that’s to be expected when you’re paying less for something, with the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 coming in at $179 / £159 / AU$299 rather than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s $249 / £219 / AU$399 asking fee. It’s not a massive difference in cost, thankfully, and the extra spend does seem to be very worth it.
The best wireless earbuds for all budgets
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