SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3 AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Review
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 claim to usher in a new era of design, sturdiness, and usability over their forerunners. This iteration, sporting a sleek stem layout, aims to amp up comfort and stability for wearers, promising a more snug fit while aiming to boost call quality by maneuvering microphones closer to your chappers. With an IP57 rating, these earbuds are said to outperform their predecessors, making them a tempting choice for folks digging outdoor escapades and sweating it out during workouts. The charging case has been revamped, now standing vertically with a see-through lid, presumably for simpler handling and improved portability.
On the audio front, the Galaxy Buds 3 flaunt SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, flaunting an impressive 24bit/96KHz sampling rate for what should be a heightened sound experience. Touting Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity for heightened stability and fewer signal hiccups, these earbuds also house SWB mics paired with Galaxy AI features that allegedly secure crystal-clear calls, even when surrounded by ear-splitting noise. Extended battery life and real-time language translation tools mark the Galaxy Buds 3 as flexible audio accessories.
When it comes to compatibility, these buds play friendly with Android devices from version 8.0 onwards, hoarding a fair share of 6-8 hours of playback, contingent on whether the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is actively correcting outside commotion, with a boosted up to 12 hours when the charging case is called into action. Versatile enough to be recharged wirelessly or traditionally, these earbuds boast ANC, Galaxy AI, and enhanced call quality, though bear in mind, the full Galaxy AI package necessitates a Samsung Galaxy device. Primed for Android gizmos, particularly Samsung Galaxy gadgets, these earbuds can still cozy up to iOS devices through Bluetooth. Wrapping up its spiel is an asterisk underscoring that advanced features are strictly on the menu for Galaxy devices.
Key Technical Specifications of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
- Design: Sleek stem design
- Microphones: Placed closer to lips for improved call quality
- Resistance: IP57 water and dust resistance
- Charging Case: Redesigned with vertical orientation and transparent lid
- Audio Codecs: SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs
- Sampling Rate: 24bit/96KHz
- Bluetooth: Version 5.4
- Microphones: Super Wideband (SWB) for exceptional call clarity
- Battery Life: 6-8 hours playback, up to 12 hours with case
- Compatibility: Android 8.0 or later with 1.5GB RAM
- ANC: Active Noise Cancellation
- AI Features: Galaxy AI for enhanced capabilities
- Call Quality: Enhanced by SWB microphones and Galaxy AI
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: The New Contender in Wireless Audio
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 enter the crowded wireless earbud market with a fresh design and enhanced features, but how do they stack up against other leading models like the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4?
Design and Durability: Samsung has prioritized design evolution with the Galaxy Buds 3, opting for a contemporary stem design that could appeal to those who struggled with the previous model’s bulk. While the comfortable fit is comparable to the AirPods Pro, the Galaxy Buds 3 potentially edge out the competition with their IP57 water and dust resistance. This makes them particularly well-suited for fitness enthusiasts, albeit the AirPods Pro’s IPX4 rating suffices for most casual users.
Audio Performance: Equipped with SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, the Galaxy Buds 3 deliver impressive sound quality, boasting a 24bit/96KHz sampling rate. This puts them on par with the Sony WF-1000XM4, known for its exceptional audio fidelity. However, the Galaxy Buds’ advanced features fully activate only with Samsung Galaxy devices, a limitation for users outside the Samsung ecosystem.
Connectivity and Features: The incorporation of Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable connection, but the Samsung-exclusive Galaxy AI and real-time translation features give it a slight edge over other brands, provided you own a compatible Samsung device. In contrast, cross-device compatibility remains a strong suit for the AirPods Pro, particularly in the Apple world.
Battery Life: Offering up to 8 hours of listening time (with ANC off), the Galaxy Buds 3 are quite competitive, although the charging case’s additional 12-hour top-off is slightly behind the Sony WF-1000XM4’s extended capabilities. Both wireless and wired charging options provide flexibility, a desirable feature for time-pressed users.
Call Quality: The Super Wideband microphones combined with Galaxy AI promise superior call clarity, which could potentially outshine competitors like the AirPods Pro. Yet, as before, these features require a Galaxy phone for optimal performance, narrowing the Buds’ appeal to a subset of users.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 cater predominantly to loyal Samsung fans seeking top-tier audio and seamless integration with their devices. While they face stiff competition from Apple and Sony, their unique features—albeit somewhat siloed—offer a compelling proposition for Android users, and especially those enmeshed in the Galaxy ecosystem.
