It's been a while since Samsung released any new headphones. However, the long wait for new headphones is finally at an end, as Samsung announced both the new Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro during its Samsung Unpacked presentation.
Fans will love the new sleek design and improved AI features. However, a lack of improvements in other areas might leave people expecting more, especially due to a slight price increase.
From design to connections, here's everything we know about the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 cheat sheet: The major changes
- A new blade-like addition to the base of the buds makes touch a control a breeze, with users being able to swipe and squeeze to control volume and end a call.
- Galaxy AI gives the Galaxy Buds 3 a better connection with the interpreter app, as well as adaptive EQ/ANC. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will also have access to Adaptive noise control and Voice detection software.
- The Galaxy Buds 3 offers an open design, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will have a canal design to offer a better overall experience.
- The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will come with enhanced two-way speakers that offer better sound production alongside Dual Amplifiers to offer a crystal-clear sound experience.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: Pricing and availability
The Galaxy Buds 3 will be available to pre-order starting today, July 10, with general availability from July 24 at Samsung.com, Amazon, Best Buy and other carriers nationwide. The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer two color options, silver and white and start at $179.99 / AU$299 for the Galaxy Buds 3 and $249.99 / AU$399 for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Also, if you preorder either from Samsung.com by July 23 then you are eligible to receive a protective Clip Case for free.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: Specs
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Galaxy Buds 3 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
| Price | $179 / AU$299 | $249 / AU$399 |
| Colors | White, Silver | White, Silver |
| Weight | Earbud: 4.7g Charging Case: 46.5g | Earbud: 5.4g Charging Case: 46.5g |
| Speaker | 1-Way: 11mm Dynamic Driver | Enhanced 2-Way: 10.5mm Dynamic + 6.1mm Planar |
| Microphone | 3 Mics + VPU | 3 Mics + VPU |
| Battery | Earbuds: 48mAh (typical) Charging Case: 515mAh (typical) | Earbuds: 53mAh (typical) Charging Case: 515mAh (typical) |
| Durability | IP57 | IP57 |
| AI features | Adaptive EQ/ANC & Interpreter (with Galaxy) | Adaptive Noise Control, Voice Detect/Siren Detect, Adaptive EQ/ANC, Interpreter (with Galaxy) |
| Charging | Wireless & Quick Charging | Wireless & Quick Charging |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: What's different
For the most part, the biggest difference from the prior model is the new physical design that makes use of the new blade to improve the touch controls and improved protection. However, the biggest change for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is the inclusion of AI features.
Compared to the prior models the new Galaxy Buds microphone will be able to analyze both internal and external sounds in real time, and then make use of Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive EQ to make sure that you always have the best listening experience. If you happen to have the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro then this is improved with Adaptive Noise Control, Siren Detect and Voice Detect which will allow the headphones to maintain a better overall sound quality.
These AI features will do more than just improve the overall listening experience, they can even help with some of the new features unveiled for the phones. For instance, users will be able to make use of the new Interpreter feature to listen to lectures and speeches in real time, making this one of the best ways to talk to anyone around the world. There is also a new Voice Command feature, making it easier than ever to control your headphones.
Sadly, the overall battery size and lifespan didn't see the improvements that many were hoping for, but the overall changes will be enough to separate the new buds from their predecessors.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: How they compare to other headphones
When comparing headphones it is important to look at the closest competitor. Apple recently released the Apple AirPods 3, so let's have a look at how they compare. Firstly, the price is roughly similar with the Apple AirPods coming in at $179 base, however, Apple has a battery life of 6 hours without the case, while the base Galaxy Buds 3 can only reach about 5 hours. However, the base model can reach the same 6 hours as the AirPods.
One area we complained about in the 3rd generation of the Apple AirPods was the open design, which we found to let in too much noise. While the Galaxy Buds 3 has the same design, the Pro model is designed as a canal type, making it perfect for audiophiles and anyone who likes to escape into their music.
However, the force controls for the Apple AirPods, as well as the skin-detector, is certainly an improvement compared to the relatively minor touch controls for the Galaxy Buds. However, the new addition of AI features for the Galaxy Buds and the voice control options help to shorten that gap.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: First impressions
We are still testing the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, but our initial experiences found the amount of customization options like the personalized sound amp which allows you to tune buds to your needs, as well as the host of AI features, all look promising. However, we did find that the case appeared somewhat flimsy and the design is very familiar to Apple's own AirPods. The AI's ability to cut out background noise is interesting, but there will hopefully be something to make sure that users don't wander into the road.
With a slight increase in cost, Samsung needed to bring out the big guns for customers. The full design change and the inclusion of new AI features could be enough to bring the customers back from their cheaper options. However, some might argue that there are better options out there, although that argument doesn't hold much weight when other headphones don't come with the same integration.
Keep an eye out for our full review to find out everything about both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
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