Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Last month, Samsung sent over their latest premium wireless buds for us to review. I have to say though that I was the one who requested this from Samsung because I am very interested to see how this performs, and how it pairs well with my devices.
A few weeks ago, I posted a video about the Galaxy ecosystem that I have grown to appreciate. After many years, I have embraced Samsung’s AI ecosystem and have truly liked their thoughtful integration of features among their latest line of products. While it is the case, I have to be honest – this Galaxy Buds3 Pro is impressive, albeit shackling some users who have not yet fully embraced their ecosystem. I will talk more about this in a little bit.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge audio technology. With a combination of sophisticated design, AI-driven features, and impressive sound quality, these earbuds aim to redefine the listening experience. In this review, we’ll explore the various aspects of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, from build quality to audio performance, and delve into the frequency response graphs for a comprehensive understanding of its performance.
Build
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro feature a sleek and ergonomic design that prioritizes comfort and style. The small, angled heads ensure a secure fit, making them ideal for extended use without discomfort. Despite their compact size, they are packed with advanced technology, including dual amplifiers and planar tweeters for superior sound clarity.
On the other hand, the glowing LEDs on the buds add a unique aesthetic touch, though they don’t serve a lot of functional purpose. I wish there’s a way to have the lights set to respond to the music I am listening to. Right now, the app only gives me three options.
Compatibility
These earbuds are designed to integrate seamlessly into Samsung’s ecosystem. While they work best with Galaxy devices due to Galaxy AI features, they can also be paired with other Android phones. For iPhone users, pairing is possible but lacks the full feature set due to the absence of an iOS app. This makes using them with an iPhone somewhat cumbersome, as settings must be configured via an Android device first.
While I totally understand this limitation for people who have not fully embraced Samsung’s Galaxy AI feature, I find it rather excessive. I feel that Samsung is losing opportunity to have more customers by locking out some of its features (except Galaxy AI, which is technically understandable) from iPhone users by gatekeeping the application.
Regardless, props to Samsung for still being able to pair the Galaxy Buds3 Pro to all devices with Bluetooth connectivity. In my experience, I was able to connect this to my ROG Ally X, iPad, iPhone, and even the MacBook Pro.
Software
The Galaxy Wearable app provides extensive control over the earbuds’ features. Users can customize sound profiles, manage noise control settings, and update firmware directly through the app. The integration of AI features like Adaptive Noise Control and Voice Detect enhances user convenience by automatically adjusting settings based on environmental cues.
- Adaptive Noise Control: This feature automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your surroundings, allowing you to focus on what matters without manual intervention.
- Voice Detect: Automatically switches from Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to Ambient mode when it detects you’re speaking, facilitating quick conversations.
- Siren Detect: Ensures safety by switching to Ambient mode upon detecting sirens or alarms.
- Gesture Support: Intuitive controls allow users to manage playback and volume with simple gestures like swipes and pinches.
- Voice Command: Enables hands-free operation with voice commands for tasks like playing music or adjusting volume
The thoughtful integration of these features give compelling reason to buy the wireless buds. More so, while using a Galaxy S24 Ultra with Galaxy AI and Galaxy Wearable app, the Buds3 Pro allows real-time translation of anything it hears once a specific button is pressed and held. This is impressive, albeit limited to Galaxy AI users.
Audio Performance
The audio quality of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is outstanding across various settings. Thanks to the dual amplifier system and enhanced 2-way speakers, users can enjoy a broad spectrum of sound with minimal distortion. The Adaptive Noise Control feature intelligently manages ambient noise levels, ensuring an immersive listening experience whether you’re in a quiet room or a bustling city street.
Frequency Response Graph
For audiophiles and those interested in technical details, understanding the frequency response is crucial. Using IEC711 and REW software, we generated frequency response graphs in various equalization modes (Balanced, Bass Boost, and Dynamic) with ANC enabled. These graphs are normalized at 1000Hz at 85dB for consistency.
Balanced Mode
In Balanced mode, the frequency response is smooth across the spectrum, offering a natural sound profile that suits most genres of music. The mids are well-represented without overshadowing the highs or lows.
Bass Boost Mode
Bass Boost mode enhances low frequencies significantly while maintaining clarity in higher ranges. This setting is perfect for bass-heavy music genres like hip-hop or electronic dance music.
Dynamic Mode
Dynamic mode provides an energetic sound profile with boosted highs and lows. This setting is ideal for those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively listening experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is respectable for earbuds in this price range. With ANC enabled, users can expect around 5-6 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to about 18 hours with the charging case. This makes them suitable for daily use but might require frequent charging for heavy users.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is an excellent choice for users who value high-quality audio combined with intelligent features. While their price might be steep for some, those invested in Samsung’s ecosystem will find them particularly rewarding due to seamless integration and exclusive features like Voice Command and Gesture Support.
However, iPhone users may find the lack of dedicated support somewhat limiting. Even stevens, I guess.
Overall, these earbuds offer excellent sound quality in various settings and bring convenience to new heights with their AI-driven capabilities. Whether you’re an Android enthusiast or a casual listener seeking premium audio performance, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are worth considering.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
