Wearables
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Review: A New Design and a Bold Step Forward
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
Samsung is no stranger to the true wireless earbud market, but with the Galaxy Buds 3, the company has made its most audacious move yet. Ditching the familiar bean-shaped design of its predecessors, Samsung has embraced a new stem-style aesthetic reminiscent of a certain market leader. But is this a case of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, or have the Galaxy Buds 3 carved out their own identity with a host of new features and AI-powered enhancements? We dive deep to find out.
Specs and Features
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 come packed with the latest technology, aiming to deliver a premium audio experience.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver | 11mm Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Codecs | SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec), AAC, SBC |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, with Adaptive ANC |
| Ambient Sound | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Water Resistance | IP57 (Earbuds only) |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 6 hours (ANC on), Up to 8.5 hours (ANC off) |
| Battery Life (Total) | Up to 24 hours (ANC on), Up to 30 hours (ANC off) |
| Sensors | Proximity, Hall, Touch, Pressure Sensor |
| Special Features | Galaxy AI (Live Translate, Interpreter), 360 Audio, Voice Detect, Built-in Voice Controls, SmartThings Find |
| Colors | Silver, White |
Key Features Deep Dive
- New ‘Blade’ Design: The most noticeable change is the new stem design, which Samsung calls the “Blade.” This aims to improve microphone quality for calls and provide a more secure fit for some users. The Buds 3 Pro model even features a unique light on the stem.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: With a new 11mm dynamic driver and support for Samsung’s high-fidelity Seamless Codec, the Buds 3 deliver crisp, clear audio with a respectable bass response.
- Galaxy AI Integration: For Samsung Galaxy phone users, the Buds 3 unlock a suite of AI features. This includes real-time Live Translate for phone calls and an Interpreter mode for in-person conversations, making these earbuds a powerful tool for communication.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC): The ANC on the Buds 3 is effective at blocking out a good amount of ambient noise, particularly in the low-frequency range. The “Adaptive” part of the feature automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment.
- Intuitive Controls: The “blades” of the earbuds feature pinch and swipe controls, which are responsive and easy to use for managing music, calls, and other features.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent sound quality with clear vocals and good bass | New design may not fit all ear shapes comfortably |
| Impressive call quality thanks to the new stem design | Many advanced features are exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices |
| Powerful and genuinely useful Galaxy AI features | Build quality of the case and buds feels less premium than competitors |
| Lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear | Active Noise Cancellation is good, but not class-leading |
| Seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem | Price point is in the premium range |
Product Comparison
How do the Galaxy Buds 3 stack up against the competition?
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$200 | ~$249 | ~$299 |
| ANC | Good | Excellent | Class-leading |
| Sound Quality | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Call Quality | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Unique Features | Galaxy AI (Live Translate) | Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration, Personalized Spatial Audio | DSEE Extreme Audio Upscaling, Best-in-class ANC |
| Best For | Samsung Galaxy Users, AI feature enthusiasts | Apple Users | Audiophiles, frequent flyers |
Q & A
Q: Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 work with iPhones and other non-Samsung Android phones?
A: Yes, they function as standard Bluetooth earbuds with other devices. However, you will miss out on key features like the Samsung Seamless Codec for high-quality audio and the full suite of Galaxy AI features, which require a compatible Samsung Galaxy device.
Q: How is the fit of the new design?
A: The fit is subjective. The new stem design is comfortable for many, but some users have reported issues with them staying secure, especially during vigorous activity. It’s recommended to try them on if possible before purchasing.
Q: Are the Galaxy AI features like Live Translate actually useful?
A: For those who travel or communicate with people who speak different languages, these features can be incredibly helpful and work quite well. They are a significant selling point if you are within the Samsung ecosystem.
Q: How does the battery life compare to other earbuds?
A: The battery life is competitive, offering a solid 6 hours with ANC on. While not the absolute best on the market, it’s more than sufficient for most users’ daily needs.
Q: Are they good for working out?
A: With an IP57 water and dust resistance rating, they can certainly handle sweat and rain. However, the security of the fit during intense workouts will vary from person to person.
The Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 are a bold and successful reinvention. While the design may be polarizing, the improvements to sound and call quality are undeniable. For users embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy AI features are a game-changer, offering functionality that competitors simply can’t match.
While they may not have the absolute best noise cancellation on the market, they offer a compelling overall package. If you’re a Samsung user looking for a feature-packed and great-sounding pair of earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 3 are an excellent choice. For everyone else, they are still a strong contender, but the value proposition is slightly diminished without access to the full feature set.
Not sure which headphones are right for you? Check out our in-depth Wearables Reviews and make a smarter choice today!