Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: A Top-Tier Audio Experience with Some Drawbacks
Samsung’s latest release in the earbuds market, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, comes with a host of premium features and an impressive design. Launched alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in July 2024, these earbuds are designed to cater to audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. But with a steep price tag and some limitations, are they the right choice for everyone? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Comfort – A Familiar Yet Effective Look
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro features a design reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods, which is becoming increasingly popular in the wireless earbuds market. With a prismic stem design, these earbuds offer a comfortable fit and are lightweight at just 5.4g per bud. The IP57 rating ensures that the buds are protected against dust and water, making them durable enough for everyday use.
However, Samsung’s choice of a proprietary system for attaching the eartips has caused some frustration among users. The tips are held in place firmly, making them difficult to remove without damaging them. This has been a point of contention for many early adopters, as replacing the tips can be a challenge.
Sound Quality – A Rich and Immersive Audio Experience
When it comes to sound quality, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly shine. Equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver and a planar tweeter, these earbuds deliver a V-shaped audio signature that enhances both bass and treble. Whether you’re a fan of bass-heavy tracks or intricate melodies, the Buds 3 Pro offer a wide sound stage that brings your music to life.
The Samsung Seamless Codec further enhances the audio experience, especially when paired with a recent Galaxy device. This codec supports 24-bit/96kHz streaming, offering Ultra High Quality Sound that rivals some of the best earbuds on the market.
However, the elevated treble and slightly recessed mids might not appeal to everyone. While the sound is dynamic and engaging, those who prefer a more balanced audio profile might need to tweak the equalizer settings to suit their preferences.
Active Noise Cancellation – Impressive but Limited
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come with advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that performs exceptionally well in reducing background noise. Whether you’re in a noisy café or commuting on a train, the Buds 3 Pro create a quiet, immersive environment for you to enjoy your music or podcasts.
Samsung has also included two additional modes – Ambient and Adaptive – for situations where you need some awareness of your surroundings. However, these modes seem to offer similar results, with little differentiation between them.
It’s worth noting that some of the more advanced ANC features are locked behind Samsung’s ecosystem. For instance, the Adaptive ANC, which adjusts based on your environment, is only available if you’re using a recent Galaxy device. This restriction could be a deal-breaker for non-Samsung users who won’t have access to these exclusive features.
Battery Life – Improved but Not Exceptional
Battery life has always been a crucial factor for wireless earbuds, and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a modest improvement over their predecessors. With ANC turned on, the earbuds last for around 6 hours, and up to 7 hours with ANC off. The charging case adds an additional 20-24 hours of battery life, depending on your usage.
While this battery life is sufficient for most users, it’s still not among the best in the market. The case itself supports wireless charging, which is a nice touch, but the overall battery performance may leave some users wanting more, especially given the high price point.
Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem – A Double-Edged Sword
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is the dependency on Samsung’s ecosystem for accessing some of the key features. The AI-powered features like language interpretation, voice restoration, and the enhanced ANC are only available if you’re using a compatible Galaxy device.
While this exclusivity might entice Samsung fans, it can be frustrating for users with non-Samsung devices. These limitations make the Buds 3 Pro less appealing to those outside of the Galaxy ecosystem, particularly when similar features are available on more affordable earbuds.
Conclusion – Premium Quality at a Premium Price
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer an outstanding audio experience, excellent ANC, and a sleek design that’s sure to impress. However, the high price and reliance on Samsung’s ecosystem for some features make these earbuds a niche product.
If you’re a Samsung user with a recent Galaxy device, the Buds 3 Pro are a fantastic choice, offering a seamless experience with your other gadgets. But for everyone else, the price and feature limitations may be hard to justify. There are more affordable options available that offer similar sound quality and features without the ecosystem restrictions.
In the end, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a solid addition to Samsung’s lineup, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re willing to pay the premium and are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, these earbuds could be the perfect fit for you.
