Samsung Galaxy Buds Live R180 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Review


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Discover the headphones that make every moment sound. With an iconic design, optimized speakers and an ergonomic fit that lets you hear ambient noise, you’re ready for an even more immersive listening experience.

Australian Investigation Alert! While touted for their “really wireless” capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Earbuds promise strong speakers, an ergonomic fit, and up to 6 hours of playtime. However, let’s not get too carried away just yet; we’ll need to see if these claims hold up under scrutiny.

This is where the music plays: The True Wireless headphones are designed to fit snugly, based on the natural shape of your ear, for all-day comfort. Available in bronze, white, and black.

The Verdict: The promise of comfort is intriguing, but do these buds truly deliver on extended wear? And are the colour options more than just a superficial choice?

Hear only what you want: These wireless headphones feature noise-canceling technology that promises to block out distracting background noise without compromising crucial messages or alerts.

Words of Caution: While the ANC is a trendy feature, let’s not forget that not all noise-canceling is created equal. We need to test if these buds truly match up to the hype.

Small but impressive: Samsung’s Bluetooth headphones with Sound by AKG aim to deliver a spatial sound experience with a solid bass foundation. Equipped with three microphones and a voice pickup unit, the Buds Live promise clear voice quality during phone calls made with the wireless headphones.

Investigator’s Note: The notion of premium sound is enticing, but we’ll keep an eye out for any potential shortcomings in the microphone quality during calls.

Get to your favorite tunes in a flash: The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer the convenience of launching Spotify on a compatible smartphone through a shortcut, granting swift access to all your playlists.

Our Remaining Inquiry: While quick access to music is a plus, we must ascertain if this shortcut feature is truly seamless or just another flashy gimmick.

Key Technical Specifications

  • Design: Iconic design based on the natural shape of the ear
  • Speakers: Optimized speakers with spatial sound and rich bass foundation
  • Fit: Ergonomic fit for comfortable all-day wear
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of uninterrupted playback
  • Colors: Available in bronze, white, and black
  • Noise Cancelling: Active noise cancelling (ANC) technology
  • Microphones: Three microphones and a voice pickup unit for clear voice quality
  • Connectivity: Wireless Bluetooth technology
  • Compatibility: Spotify shortcut for quick access to playlists on compatible smartphones

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live: A Blend of Style and Sound Innovation

In an age of endless wireless options, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live stand out with their distinctive bean-shaped design that promises not only aesthetic appeal but also functionality. But how do they truly stack up against other big players in the realm of true wireless earbuds, like the Apple AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM4? Here’s a closer look at the strengths and potential drawbacks of these innovative earbuds.

Design and Comfort
One of the most striking features of the Galaxy Buds Live is their ergonomic design, tailored to hug the natural curve of your ear. This offers a snug fit that many will find comfortable for extended use, distinguishing them from the more ubiquitous stalk-like designs seen with the AirPods Pro. Available in a palette of bronze, white, and black, they blend fashion with function. However, while their unique shape delights in comfort, those with smaller ears might find them slightly less secure, particularly during high-intensity activities, where competitors with customizable fit options could feel more reliable.

Sound Quality and Performance
The audio experience is bolstered by Samsung’s collaboration with AKG, delivering spatial sound with commendable bass depth. This positions them well against counterparts like Sony’s WF-1000XM4, known for superior audio fidelity. Yet, audiophiles might notice that, despite the rich bass, the mid-range can occasionally feel less nuanced. The transparency feature of listening to ambient noise can be a double-edged sword; while useful in certain situations, it might compromise sound isolation compared to models with more robust noise-canceling abilities.

Active Noise Cancellation
Samsung’s active noise cancellation (ANC) in the Buds Live effectively quells background disturbances, though it does not completely silence them as seen in more noise-canceling-centric models like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. If top-tier ANC is a priority, potential buyers might lean towards these competitors instead.

Battery Life and Connectivity
With up to 6 hours of uninterrupted playtime, Galaxy Buds Live hold their own in the wireless domain, although they fall slightly short when compared with Sony’s offering of up to 8 hours of playtime before needing a charge. Seamless integration with Spotify and swift access to playlists are notable perks, ensuring music lovers have their favorite tunes at their fingertips, a convenience mirrored by few.

Voice Call Clarity
The trio of microphones ensures clear calls, making Galaxy Buds Live a reliable choice for users who frequently communicate on-the-go. In this regard, they stack up well against the AirPods Pro, renowned for their impressive call clarity.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are a chic choice for those who value fashionable design as much as performance. Best suited for casual listeners and style-savvy individuals who appreciate music integration into daily activities, these earbuds carve a niche that balances sound, style, and smart features, albeit with slight trade-offs in noise cancellation and fit security for those with unique ear shapes.

Price: 284.50

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.