Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro stand out in the crowded market of wireless earbuds, offering a premium experience with a distinct style. Priced at $250/£220/€250, they’re positioned as a high-end option, designed for those who value both aesthetics and performance. The unboxing experience is straightforward, with the package containing the earbuds, a USB-C cable, and three sizes of silicone ear tips.
The case has undergone a notable redesign, featuring a transparent lid that allows you to quickly check if the buds are inside. This small but thoughtful change adds a layer of convenience that many users will appreciate. Despite the lack of color options, with only White and Silver available, the design is sleek and modern, making it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. The inclusion of “blade lights” on the stems adds a touch of flair, making the earbuds literally flashy, especially when using the Find My Earbuds feature. This feature, along with the overall design, ensures that these earbuds are as functional as they are stylish.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Design and Features
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro represent a significant shift in Samsung’s design approach. Unlike their predecessors, these earbuds feature a stem design, which is not only more ergonomic but also opens up new possibilities for touch controls.
The flat-sided stems allow for precise volume control by sliding your finger up or down, a feature that enhances the user experience. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro themselves are lightweight and comfortable, with an IP57 rating that ensures they can withstand dust and moderate water exposure, making them suitable for various environments.
The design is complemented by the blade lights, which serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. While they might seem like a gimmick, these lights are actually quite useful, especially when trying to locate your earbuds in the dark. The case, though not water-resistant, is compact and easy to use, with a smaller lid that closes more gently than previous models. However, some users might find the process of aligning the stems with the case for charging a bit tricky, as it requires a bit of precision.
Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro excel in sound quality, thanks to their dual-driver setup, which includes an independently controlled tweeter and woofer in each bud. This configuration ensures a rich and dynamic sound profile, with well-balanced lows and highs. The adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) feature is a standout, automatically adjusting to your environment to provide the best possible noise reduction. While it may not be the absolute best in the market, it performs admirably in most situations, such as busy streets or on public transport. The transparency mode, which kicks in when voices or alarms are detected, adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
Samsung’s Seamless Codec, which supports 24-bit/96kHz audio streaming, further enhances the listening experience, especially for Galaxy device users. The audio quality is consistent across various genres, delivering a clear and immersive experience whether you’re listening to hip-hop, metal, or something more laid-back. However, the custom equalizer settings might need a bit of tweaking, as they can be quieter than the preset options.
Battery Life and Final Verdict of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Samsung claims up to six hours of playback with ANC on, and in real-world use, this figure is fairly accurate, though it can drop slightly when using ultra-high-quality audio settings. The case offers an additional 18 hours of battery life, bringing the total to around 24 hours, which is respectable but not industry-leading. The case supports both wired and wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging, making it easy to keep your earbuds powered up on the go.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a solid choice for those invested in the Samsung ecosystem. The design is bold and functional, the sound quality is excellent, and the added features like adaptive ANC and customizable touch controls make them a joy to use. While they are on the pricier side, the combination of performance and style justifies the investment, particularly for Galaxy smartphone users who can take full advantage of the integrated features.