The Bass Battle: Samsung's Buds4 Pro vs. Apple's AirPods
In the world of mobile tech, it's not just about phones anymore. Companies like Samsung, Apple, and Google are vying for our attention with their entire ecosystems, including watches and earbuds. And Samsung's latest offering, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, is here to challenge Apple's dominance in the earbud market.
I had the chance to test these new earbuds at Unpacked in San Francisco, and here's what I discovered.
A Tech-Centric Upgrade
Samsung is pulling out all the stops with the Buds4 and Buds4 Pro. These earbuds are packed with features, but the standout is Ultra High Quality Audio (UHQ). When paired with a Samsung flagship device, these earbuds support 24-bit/96kHz playback, delivering rich and detailed sound.
The Buds4 Pro boasts a two-way speaker system with an 11mm Super Wide Woofer and a 5.5mm Planar Tweeter, resulting in deeper bass and crisper highs. In contrast, Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 lack the high-quality codecs to match this audio experience.
Noise Cancellation and Beyond
Both Buds4 models excel at noise cancellation, thanks to their onboard microphones. The Buds4 Pro takes it a step further with voice and siren detection. It boosts ambient sound when it recognizes your voice or detects an alarm, ensuring you stay aware of your surroundings.
Basic Specs and Battery Life
The Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro offer solid specifications, putting them on par with their competitors. The Buds4 Pro boasts larger internal batteries, providing up to 7 hours of listening time with ANC off. However, it falls short of the 8-hour mark set by the AirPods and Pixel Buds.
Charging Case and Durability
The charging cases for both Buds4 models are compact, but they lack the sleek design of the AirPods and Pixel Buds cases. In terms of durability, the Buds4 Pro has an IP57 rating, allowing you to wear them in heavy rain and rinse them off. The AirPods Pro 3 and Pixel Buds 2 Pro also offer similar protection.
Sound Quality and Seal
Effective noise cancellation relies on a strong in-ear seal. While the Buds4 and Buds4 Pro use silicone eartips, they struggled to create a firm seal in my ears. In comparison, the AirPods Pro 3's foam-lined silicone tips conform to the ear canal, providing a better seal. As a result, the AirPods and Pixel Buds offer superior noise cancellation.
The Buds4 Pro delivers a richer sound experience with defined bass and clear highs. In my A-B-C testing with various music genres, the Buds4 Pro outperformed the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in audio quality. However, the AirPods took the lead with their natural tuning and effective noise cancellation.
The Ecosystem Play
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro are designed to work seamlessly with the entire Samsung ecosystem. If you're invested in Samsung's world, these earbuds are a natural choice. The same goes for Apple and Google's ecosystems.
So, which earbuds are right for you? It depends on your preferences and the devices you already own. Stay tuned for our full review of the Galaxy Buds4 Pro coming soon!
