The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro was the only thing that stood out to me from this year’s Samsung Unpacked event. It received a major design overhaul with flashy lights and an edgy new look which quickly got itself labeled as an AirPods copycat all over the web. But this new design piqued my interest and now that I have used them for a week, I’m ready to discuss whether this expensive purchase is worth your money in this review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon opening the box of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the first thing that catches your eye is the premium feel of the packaging. Inside, you’ll find the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro nestled snugly, alongside a pair of small and large ear tips, a user manual, and a USB A to C cable. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that you have everything you need to get started right away.
The earbuds themselves are impressive right off the bat. Their sleek design and glossy finish give them a modern aesthetic that stands out. The new lollipop shape feels different yet comfortable, making the overall impression quite positive.
Design and Build Quality
One of the main selling points of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is its design. Samsung has moved away from traditional in-ear buds and opted for a more classic lollipop design, similar to Apple's AirPods. This change is aimed at enhancing microphone pickup but also gives the buds a fresh look.
The stems are uniquely triangular, allowing for a distinctive aesthetic. Additionally, the Buds feature a new Blade Light that flashes white when the battery level is low, though the practical use of this feature is questionable. The overall build quality feels solid, and the compact charging case feels lightweight and easy to carry around.
Connectivity Features
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro supports quick and reliable connections, making it easy to pair with both mobile devices and computers. The dual-device pairing feature is particularly useful, allowing seamless switching between devices without the hassle of reconnecting each time.
In my experience, connecting to my Windows laptop was a breeze, and I found the connection to be stable even when moving around my office space. This makes the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro an excellent choice for users who frequently switch between devices.
Sound Quality and Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro does not disappoint. They feature a dual-channel 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6mm planar tweeter, providing a rich audio experience. The earbuds support various audio codecs, including SBC and AAC, with the ability to stream high-resolution audio formats.
During my testing, I found the mids to be clear and detailed, with a bright sound signature that enhances vocals and instruments. Listening to tracks from different genres, I appreciated the open soundstage and good separation between instruments, making for an immersive listening experience.
Microphone Quality for Calls
The microphone quality on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is impressive, especially in noisy environments. During a call in a crowded metro, my friend reported that my voice was crystal clear, despite the background noise. This is a testament to the effective design aimed at improving voice pickup.
The Ambient mode also allows users to hear their surroundings while using the earbuds, which can be beneficial for safety in busy areas.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Samsung offers multiple modes, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, enhancing the overall user experience. The ANC works effectively, blocking out significant background noise, making it feel like an intimate listening environment.
However, I found the Adaptive mode, which toggles between ANC and Transparency, to be somewhat unreliable. It often switched to Transparency mode unexpectedly, which can be a bit disruptive. Despite this, the overall noise cancellation performance is commendable and rivals that of industry leaders.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is quite impressive, providing around 6.5 hours of playback time with ANC activated. The charging case adds extra battery life, with a full charge taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The convenience of wireless charging makes it easier to keep the earbuds powered up without the hassle of cables.
Companion App and Customization Options
To unlock the full potential of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, users must download the Galaxy Wear app. While the setup process may feel tedious, the app provides a plethora of customization options, including equalizer settings and touch control adjustments.
The app's interface is user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments to your listening experience. You can also track your earbuds' location, a handy feature for those who might misplace them.
Final Thoughts on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offers a compelling package with its impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and user-friendly features. However, the necessity of owning a recent Samsung flagship to fully utilize all features does limit their appeal to a broader audience.
If you already own a compatible Samsung device or find a good deal, these earbuds are undoubtedly worth considering. Otherwise, potential buyers may want to explore other options that offer versatility without the constraints of device compatibility.
