Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro Review: Impressive Audio, Imperfect ANC

Q: Are the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro water-resistant?

Yes, both models have an IPX7 rating , which means they are water-resistant and suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

Samsung's latest entries into the true wireless earbuds market, the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, have stirred interest among tech enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. With notable improvements in audio quality and design, these earbuds aim to challenge the dominance of Apple's Air Pods. However, despite their enhancements, they still face challenges, particularly in the realm of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

TL; DR

Audio Quality: The Buds 4 and 4 Pro deliver rich, dynamic sound with enhanced bass and clarity.
ANC Performance: While improved, ANC still trails behind competitors like Sony and Bose.
Design and Comfort: Sleeker design with comfortable fit for extended use.
Battery Life: Offers up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Integration with Samsung Ecosystem: Seamless pairing with Samsung devices but limited features on non-Samsung phones.

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro generally scores higher, particularly in audio quality and ecosystem integration, though both models offer strong performance. Estimated data.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung has taken a bold step with the design of the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro. Moving away from the traditional stem design, these earbuds feature a more compact and ergonomic shape. The ear tips are designed to fit snugly in the ear canal, providing a secure fit that enhances audio quality and passive noise isolation.

Materials and Aesthetics

The materials used in the Buds 4 series are a blend of matte and glossy finishes, giving them a premium look and feel. The charging case, although compact, is robust, offering an extra layer of protection against daily wear and tear.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is a significant consideration for any earbud, and Samsung has addressed this with multiple ear tip sizes included in the box. This ensures a customizable fit for different ear shapes, reducing fatigue during prolonged listening sessions.

Design and Build Quality - contextual illustration

The Galaxy Buds 4 series scores lower in ANC effectiveness compared to Sony and Bose, highlighting room for improvement in noise cancellation depth and consistency. Estimated data.

Audio Performance

The Galaxy Buds 4 series shines in audio performance, thanks to its dual-driver setup. This configuration allows for a more balanced sound profile, with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass.

Sound Quality

Samsung has enhanced the soundstage of the Buds 4, providing a more immersive listening experience. The Pro version takes it a step further with additional sound modes, including a Studio Mode that replicates the acoustics of a professional recording studio.

Audio Codecs

Supporting popular codecs like AAC and SBC, the Buds 4 series ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. For Samsung users, the proprietary Scalable Codec offers superior sound quality and stability.

Audio Performance - contextual illustration

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

ANC is a critical feature for many users, and while the Buds 4 series has made strides, there's room for improvement.

Performance

The ANC on the Buds 4 Pro is effective at canceling out low-frequency noises, such as the hum of an airplane engine. However, it struggles with higher frequencies, which can be a dealbreaker for those seeking complete sound isolation.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to leading ANC earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds II, the Galaxy Buds 4 series falls short in noise cancellation depth and consistency.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - contextual illustration

The ANC of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is less effective compared to Sony and Bose, particularly in handling higher frequency noises. Estimated data.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a strong point for the Galaxy Buds 4 series. Both models offer up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the case providing additional charges for a total of up to 28 hours.

Charging Options

The Buds 4 series supports wireless charging and fast charging capabilities. A quick 10-minute charge offers up to an hour of playtime, making them convenient for users on the go.

Battery Life and Charging - contextual illustration

Connectivity and Features

With Bluetooth 5.3, the Galaxy Buds 4 series provides a stable and efficient connection. Pairing with Samsung devices is seamless, thanks to the Galaxy Wearable app, which offers a host of customization options.

Samsung Ecosystem Integration

When used with Samsung smartphones, these earbuds offer features like 360 Audio, which provides a surround sound experience, and Auto Switch, allowing users to switch between devices seamlessly.

Limitations on Non-Samsung Devices

While the earbuds are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, some features are exclusive to Samsung devices, limiting their full potential for users outside the ecosystem.

Connectivity and Features - contextual illustration

Samsung Buds 4 excel in audio quality and design but lag in ANC compared to Sony and Bose. Estimated data.

User Interface and Controls

The touch controls on the Buds 4 series are intuitive and responsive. Users can customize touch gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app, making it easy to control playback, manage calls, and activate ANC.

Customization Options

The app allows users to tailor their listening experience, with options to adjust the EQ settings, toggle ANC, and enable voice assistant integration.

Voice Assistant Compatibility

The Buds 4 series supports popular voice assistants like Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri, providing hands-free control over various functions.

User Interface and Controls - contextual illustration

Durability and Water Resistance

Both the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro come with an IPX7 rating, making them resistant to water and sweat. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, providing peace of mind against accidental splashes.

Common Issues and Solutions

Despite their strengths, users have reported some common issues with the Galaxy Buds 4 series.

Connectivity Drops

Some users experience occasional connectivity drops. Ensuring that Bluetooth settings are optimized and the firmware is up to date can mitigate this issue.

Audio Lag

While rare, audio lag can occur, especially in gaming scenarios. Switching to a low-latency mode in the app can help reduce this lag.

Charging Case Issues

A few users have reported issues with the charging case not holding a charge. Regular cleaning of the charging contacts and ensuring the case is fully closed can resolve these problems.

Common Issues and Solutions - contextual illustration

Future Trends and Recommendations

As technology evolves, we can expect further enhancements in true wireless earbuds.

Improved ANC Technology

Future iterations of the Galaxy Buds could feature more advanced ANC technology, rivaling that of top competitors. Machine learning algorithms could be employed to better adapt to various noise environments.

Enhanced Battery Efficiency

Battery technology is likely to improve, offering longer playtimes and faster charging capabilities. We may see earbuds that can last a full day on a single charge.

Broader Ecosystem Integration

Samsung could expand the capabilities of its earbuds to integrate more deeply with its ecosystem, offering features like seamless calls and notifications across all Samsung devices.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro are formidable contenders in the true wireless earbuds market. They offer excellent audio quality, a sleek design, and integration with the Samsung ecosystem. While there's room for improvement in ANC performance, these earbuds are a solid choice for Samsung users and audiophiles who prioritize sound quality.

For those in the market for new earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 series deserves consideration, especially if you're already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.

QUICK TIP: Update the firmware regularly via the Galaxy Wearable app to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

DID YOU KNOW: The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro can automatically adjust sound settings based on your location, thanks to the integration with Samsung's Smart Things app.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A technology used in headphones and earbuds to reduce unwanted ambient sounds by adding a second sound specifically designed to cancel the first.

FAQ

What makes the Galaxy Buds 4 series stand out?

The Galaxy Buds 4 series stands out for its exceptional audio quality, comfortable design, and integration with Samsung devices, offering features like 360 Audio and Auto Switch.

How does the ANC of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro compare to competitors?

While improved, the ANC of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro falls short compared to competitors like Sony and Bose, particularly in handling higher frequency noises.

What is the battery life of the Galaxy Buds 4 series?

The Galaxy Buds 4 series offers up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional charges for a total of up to 28 hours.

Are the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro water-resistant?

Yes, both models have an IPX7 rating, which means they are water-resistant and suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

Can the Galaxy Buds 4 series be used with non-Samsung devices?

Yes, they can be used with any Bluetooth-enabled device, but some features are exclusive to Samsung devices.

How can I improve connectivity issues with my Galaxy Buds 4?

Ensure your Bluetooth settings are optimized, update the firmware via the Galaxy Wearable app, and keep the earbuds close to the paired device to minimize connectivity issues.