Can the SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3 Pro redefine wireless earbuds? A detailed review!

Description

Sound Quality & Performance

I’ve tested my fair share of earbuds, and the sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly stands out. These earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 and support SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, which provide stunning 24bit/96KHz audio. The bass is punchy yet controlled, the mids are warm and detailed, and the highs manage to sparkle without becoming harsh. I popped on some jazz tracks to test their dynamic range, and the instruments felt so alive that I swear I could almost hear the saxophonist breathe.

The 360 Audio feature with Direct Multi-Channel is particularly noteworthy. While watching an action movie, the immersive audio effect made me feel like I was sitting in a mini home theater. However, this feature works best with Galaxy devices, so if you’re using a different brand, you might not get the full surround-sound experience. Still, these earbuds set a high bar for sound performance in their class.

Design & Build Quality

The design of these earbuds is sleek and modern, with a matte white finish that feels premium. They’re compact, and the accompanying charging case fits easily into my pocket. I’ve seen some reviewers complain about cases being too bulky, but this one has no such issue. The earbuds themselves are ergonomic and lightweight, which makes them comfortable for extended use.

The build quality feels solid, though I wouldn’t call them indestructible. One accidental drop while fumbling with my gym bag left a small scuff on the case, but the earbuds remained unscathed. With an IPX7 rating for water resistance, these are designed to handle sweat and a bit of rain, though I wouldn’t take them swimming.

Fit & Comfort

Finding earbuds that fit snugly without causing discomfort is always a challenge, but these exceeded my expectations. The redesigned comfort fit is no marketing gimmick; they stayed firmly in place during a 5K run and several gym sessions. The silicone tips come in multiple sizes, so I had no trouble finding a pair that worked for me. My coworker, who notoriously complains about earbuds being uncomfortable, borrowed them for a day and was surprised by how well they stayed put without feeling intrusive.

That said, if you have unusually small ears, you might want to test them before committing. While they worked like a charm for me, I could see the slightly larger design being a problem for some users.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on these earbuds is a game-changer. I wore them during a noisy commute, and the world around me just melted away. Conversations, car horns, and that annoying guy blasting music on the subway faded into the background. The ANC isn’t perfect—high-pitched noises occasionally sneak through—but overall, it’s incredibly effective.

The Ambient Mode is equally impressive. I used it during a coffee shop session when I needed to stay aware of my surroundings. It amplifies external sounds just enough to keep you in the loop without overwhelming your music or podcast. This feature came in handy when my kid needed help with homework while I was listening to an audiobook.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery performance is solid but not revolutionary. The earbuds themselves last around 5-8 hours depending on ANC usage, and the case extends this to about 18 hours. While I wouldn’t call it marathon-worthy, it’s more than enough for daily use. Fast charging is a lifesaver; a quick five-minute charge gave me an hour of playback, which saved me on more than one occasion when I forgot to charge them overnight.

The case supports both wireless and wired charging, adding convenience. I often plop it onto my wireless charger before heading to bed, though it’s nice to have the wired option for faster top-ups.

Durability & Water Resistance

With an IPX7 rating, these earbuds are more water-resistant than most competitors. I tested them during a sweaty cycling session and even walked through light rain without any issues. While I didn’t dunk them in water (because, let’s be real, who does that on purpose?), they’re clearly designed to handle everyday wear and tear. My friend, who frequently uses them at the gym, hasn’t reported any issues either.

However, the charging case lacks the same level of water resistance. Be mindful of where you place it; a spill or splash could potentially cause damage.

Warranty

Here’s a bit of a curveball: as these are an international model, they don’t come with a domestic warranty. This might be a dealbreaker for some people, especially if you’re someone who values long-term support. That said, I haven’t encountered any issues during my usage, so the lack of a warranty didn’t bother me personally. Just something to consider if you’re risk-averse.

Advantages

• Exceptional sound quality, especially with SSC HiFi and 24bit/96KHz audio support.
• 360 Audio feature provides a theater-like immersive experience.
• Effective ANC and Ambient Mode, ideal for various environments.
• Redesigned comfort fit, making them suitable for extended use.
• IPX7 water resistance, perfect for workouts and light rain.

Negatives

• Limited functionality on non-Galaxy devices, which might restrict some features.
• No domestic warranty, adding some risk for potential buyers.
• Case not water-resistant, so handle it with extra care.

Direct Competitors

When comparing these earbuds to competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro hold their ground. The sound quality is comparable to the Sony model, though Sony edges ahead slightly in ANC performance. The Apple AirPods Pro offer better integration with iOS devices, but they fall short in battery life and codec support.

Where the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro excel is in features like real-time AI-based translation and 360 Audio, which are unique in this price range. If you’re a Galaxy device user, the optimization and seamless connectivity make these a strong contender. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best ANC or need a warranty, you might want to explore other options.

Quality for Price

These earbuds offer a solid quality for price ratio, particularly if you own a Samsung Galaxy device. While they’re not the cheapest option available, the advanced features, sound quality, and overall build make them worth considering. It’s rare to find earbuds that tick so many boxes without completely draining your wallet. If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper options, but they often lack the premium features and performance of this pair.

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