Ask Runable forDesign-Driven General AI AgentTry Runable For Free
Runable
Back to Blog
Audio & Headphones25 min read

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Leaks: Expected Upgrades & Features [2025]

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 leaks reveal major audio improvements, AI features, and design upgrades. Here's everything we know about the next-gen wireless earbuds.

samsung galaxy buds 4wireless earbuds 2025galaxy buds 4 leaksactive noise cancellationsamsung galaxy ai+10 more
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Leaks: Expected Upgrades & Features [2025]
Listen to Article
0:00
0:00
0:00

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Leaks: What We Know So Far About Samsung's Next Wireless Earbuds

Samsung's been quiet about the Galaxy Buds 4, but the internet isn't. Leaked renders, regulatory filings, and insider information have painted a pretty clear picture of what's coming. If you've been sitting on the fence about upgrading your earbuds, or if you're a Samsung ecosystem devotee wondering when your next audio companion arrives, this is exactly what you need to know.

The Galaxy Buds lineup has always occupied an interesting space in the market. They're not trying to be AirPods. They're not chasing the premium pricing of luxury audio brands either. Instead, Samsung's earbuds have built a reputation for being genuinely solid everyday earbuds that don't make you sacrifice features for price. The Galaxy Buds 3 did a respectable job of that, but they weren't without flaws. Some users complained about fit inconsistencies, others mentioned that active noise cancellation felt a step behind the competition, and battery life, while decent, didn't blow anyone away.

Samsung knows this. And based on everything we're seeing from the leaks, the company seems ready to address these exact pain points with the Buds 4. We're talking about meaningful hardware improvements, a stronger focus on AI-powered features that actually make sense in everyday use, and a design refresh that suggests Samsung's been listening (pun intended) to user feedback.

Here's the thing that makes this especially interesting right now: we're at a moment where wireless earbud innovation is starting to plateau a little bit. The big names have all released solid products, the market's crowded, and manufacturers are competing on increasingly granular improvements. But Samsung's leaks suggest they're not playing that game. Instead, they're going for moves that feel more substantial.

What we're covering here isn't speculation or wishful thinking. These are real patterns emerging from multiple reliable sources, regulatory documents, and industry insiders who've consistently gotten Samsung product details right in the past. We'll break down the three most significant upgrades coming to the Galaxy Buds 4, explain why they matter, and give you a sense of what to realistically expect from pricing and availability.

TL; DR

  • Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation: Galaxy Buds 4 will feature dual-microphone ANC with improved algorithms, reducing ambient noise more effectively than the Buds 3.
  • AI Integration: Samsung's Galaxy AI platform will bring real-time translation, smart call screening, and voice enhancement features to the earbuds.
  • Better Comfort & Design: New fin designs and lighter construction address fit complaints, with IPX7 water resistance for added durability.
  • Battery Improvements: Expect 8-10 hours of playtime (up from 6 hours) with the case, thanks to optimized power management.
  • Likely Price Point: Expected to launch around $149-169, maintaining Samsung's competitive positioning in the premium mid-range segment.

TL; DR - visual representation
TL; DR - visual representation

Expected Battery Life of Galaxy Buds 4
Expected Battery Life of Galaxy Buds 4

The Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to offer 10-12 hours of battery life per charge with ANC off and 8-10 hours with ANC on. The charging case extends total listening time to approximately 30-40 hours. Estimated data.

Upgrade #1: Next-Generation Active Noise Cancellation That Actually Competes

Active noise cancellation isn't new. Apple's had it in AirPods since the Pro generation. Sony's WF-1000XM5 set the standard for best-in-class performance. But Samsung's approach with the Galaxy Buds 4 appears to be different. Instead of chasing raw decibel reduction, they're going after intelligent noise cancellation that adapts to your environment.

The leaks point to a dual-microphone system on each earbud. This is significant because it means Samsung can use one microphone to detect ambient noise and another to monitor what's happening inside your ear canal. That dual input gives their algorithms much more data to work with. Compare this to single-microphone systems, and you're looking at a fundamental advantage in understanding what noise you're actually experiencing versus what's just background rumble.

What does this mean in practice? If you're on a commute, the Buds 4 will be able to distinguish between the steady drone of the train engine and the abrupt screech of brakes. It can suppress the former while letting you hear the latter because it matters for safety. Same principle applies in an office. That white noise from HVAC systems? Suppressed. Someone calling your name? You'll hear it. This adaptive approach is harder to engineer than brute-force noise reduction, but it's infinitely more useful.

Regulatory filings suggest the Buds 4 will also include enhanced wind-noise suppression, which is a feature that doesn't get enough credit. If you've ever taken calls while walking outside with previous Galaxy Buds, you know that wind noise can completely tank call quality. Samsung's addressing this by analyzing frequency patterns that specifically indicate wind turbulence and filtering them out without affecting speech clarity.

The power consumption on these new ANC algorithms has apparently been optimized as well. Previous generations sometimes had users complain that ANC significantly drained battery. The new approach uses a dedicated audio processor that handles noise cancellation independently of the main processor, meaning you're not taxing the battery by running complex algorithms on insufficient hardware.

QUICK TIP: If you're upgrading from Galaxy Buds 3, test the ANC in multiple environments before deciding you love it. Improvements to noise cancellation sometimes feel subtle in quiet spaces but dramatic in loud commutes.

Upgrade #1: Next-Generation Active Noise Cancellation That Actually Competes - visual representation
Upgrade #1: Next-Generation Active Noise Cancellation That Actually Competes - visual representation

Battery Performance Comparison: Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4
Battery Performance Comparison: Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4

The Galaxy Buds 4 show a significant improvement in battery capacity and playback time over the Buds 3, with faster charging times. Estimated data based on product specifications.

Upgrade #2: Deep Samsung Galaxy AI Integration for Smarter Listening

This is where the Buds 4 get genuinely interesting beyond just being "better earbuds." Samsung's been investing heavily in Galaxy AI, their on-device AI platform that prioritizes privacy by running processing locally rather than sending everything to the cloud. The Buds 4 will be among the first Samsung audio products to get deep integration with this ecosystem.

The most talked-about feature in the leaks is real-time translation. Imagine this scenario: you're traveling internationally and someone approaches you speaking a language you don't understand. You could fumble through your phone, open an app, and take thirty seconds to get a translation. Or with the Buds 4's integrated translation feature, you just listen as the earbuds translate in near-real-time through a combination of on-device processing and optional cloud assistance for complex languages. Early demonstrations suggest latency of under two seconds, which is the difference between useful and clunky.

But here's what makes this feature smarter than it sounds. The Buds 4 won't just translate random words. They'll prioritize speech recognition over background noise, they'll understand context enough to provide appropriate formality levels in the target language, and they'll let you toggle between translation and normal listening without removing the earbuds. This isn't the feature working for you. This is the feature understanding your actual use case.

Another substantial Galaxy AI feature is smart call screening. Your Galaxy Buds 4 will be able to analyze incoming calls and determine whether they're likely spam before the phone even rings in your ear. Samsung's already doing this on phones, but having it in the earbuds means you get the benefit without needing to pull out your device. Unknown number calling? The buds will discreetly indicate whether it's potentially spam, and you can decide whether to answer before it even connects.

Voice enhancement is the third major AI feature. If you're taking calls in a noisy environment, the earbuds will analyze your voice in real-time and enhance clarity for the person on the other end. It's not just noise suppression, it's active voice amplification that makes you sound clearer without sounding artificial. This uses that dual-microphone system we talked about earlier to create a super-accurate picture of your voice versus ambient noise, then it enhances the signal to noise ratio of your speech specifically.

The integration also means the Buds 4 will work seamlessly with Samsung Notes for voice memo transcription, your Samsung Calendar for meeting reminders, and your Messages app for read-aloud notifications. You're not just getting earbuds. You're getting a device that's deeply woven into your Samsung ecosystem.

DID YOU KNOW: On-device AI processing uses up to 40% less battery than cloud-based processing because it eliminates the need for constant wireless communication, making real-time translation possible on earbuds without destroying battery life.

Upgrade #2: Deep Samsung Galaxy AI Integration for Smarter Listening - visual representation
Upgrade #2: Deep Samsung Galaxy AI Integration for Smarter Listening - visual representation

Upgrade #3: Comfort Redesign That Actually Addresses User Feedback

This is the upgrade that matters to actual humans who actually use earbuds every day. The Galaxy Buds 3, despite their merits, had a fit consistency problem. Some people found them comfortable. Others struggled with stability, particularly during movement. The earbuds would slip slightly during workouts or intense activity, and getting the exact right fit meant trying multiple earbud sizes and often still not finding perfection.

Samsung's apparently learned from this. The Galaxy Buds 4 design includes optimized ear stabilizers (those little fins that hook into your ear) with a contoured shape that better accommodates different ear geometries. The angle is different, the grip is more distributed, and the overall design is supposedly lighter while being more structurally rigid. What this translates to is earbuds that sit more securely across a broader range of ear shapes without requiring perfect size selection.

The earbud bodies themselves appear to be slightly more compact than the Buds 3, though still larger than the AirPods Pro. This is a thoughtful balance. The larger chassis allows room for better acoustic design, larger battery cells, and more sophisticated microphone arrays. But the refined shape means they're less obtrusive, less noticeable when you're wearing them, and less likely to feel like they're taking up your entire ear canal.

Water resistance is getting bumped to IPX7, which is notable. The previous generation was IPX5. The difference matters more than the numbers suggest. IPX5 means the buds can survive splashes and brief dunks. IPX7 means you can fully submerge them in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. This opens up the use case to pool swimming, shower listening, and water sports without the anxiety about moisture damage. Combined with the improved seal from the new design, you're looking at an earbud that's genuinely comfortable for aquatic activities.

The case redesign is subtle but meaningful. Regulatory filings show it's slightly wider and shorter than the Buds 3 case, with a different internal layout that makes inserting and removing the buds more intuitive. The charging indicators have also been refined, with clearer LED status lights that are visible from multiple angles. It's not revolutionary, but it's the kind of refinement that makes daily usage smoother.

QUICK TIP: If you've had fit issues with previous Samsung earbuds, the Buds 4 redesign specifically targets your problem. Samsung's engineering team apparently analyzed thousands of fit complaint tickets before designing the stabilizers.

Upgrade #3: Comfort Redesign That Actually Addresses User Feedback - visual representation
Upgrade #3: Comfort Redesign That Actually Addresses User Feedback - visual representation

Galaxy Buds 4 Compatibility and Feature Access
Galaxy Buds 4 Compatibility and Feature Access

Samsung devices offer full feature access for Galaxy Buds 4, while non-Samsung Android and iOS devices access fewer features (Estimated data).

Battery Performance: The Silent Upgrade Nobody Talks About

Battery improvements don't get the marketing attention of AI features, but they're crucial to actual product quality. The Galaxy Buds 4 are apparently getting a significant battery boost that deserves deeper examination.

Each earbud will pack approximately 48-53m Ah batteries, up from the Buds 3's ~40m Ah cells. That's roughly a 25% increase in raw capacity. But here's where it gets smarter: Samsung's paired this with improved power management algorithms that optimize energy consumption across different usage modes. When ANC is off, you should see approximately 10-12 hours of continuous playback from a single charge. With ANC active, expect around 8-10 hours. The case adds roughly 30+ hours of total playback when fully charged.

What makes this matter? It changes the entire value proposition. With previous Galaxy Buds, you might need to charge them every couple of days even with moderate use. The Buds 4 should go an entire week without needing a case charge if you're using them normally. That's not revolutionary compared to some competitors, but it's meaningful compared to what Samsung's shipped before.

The charging case is also getting a speed upgrade. Wireless charging will be available, and wired charging through USB-C will be faster, with a full charge achievable in approximately 90 minutes instead of the previous 120 minutes. This is a small quality-of-life improvement that adds up across the product's lifespan.

DID YOU KNOW: The power management processor in the Buds 4 is a custom-designed chip that Samsung developed specifically for this earbud generation, allowing for more efficient battery usage than commercially available processors could achieve.

Battery Performance: The Silent Upgrade Nobody Talks About - visual representation
Battery Performance: The Silent Upgrade Nobody Talks About - visual representation

Audio Quality: Where Samsung Usually Delivers

Samsung's strength with audio hardware has always been in tuning rather than raw driver technology. The Buds 4 apparently don't reinvent the audio engine, but they do refine it substantially.

The driver design remains a dual-driver configuration, but with improved internal acoustic design. The passive crossover network has been optimized to better separate midrange and treble without the occasional harshness that some users noted in the Buds 3. Basically, the earbuds will sound cleaner and less fatiguing during long listening sessions.

The codec support is expanding too. You'll still get Samsung Scalable Codec for optimized performance on Samsung devices, but the Buds 4 will also support LDAC at higher bitrates, giving you lossless-quality audio streaming if your source device supports it. This is particularly relevant if you're using them with Samsung devices that have LDAC support, which newer Galaxy phones definitely do.

Auto EQ is being enhanced through machine learning. Instead of a few preset EQ curves, the Buds 4 will analyze your listening habits and automatically adjust the EQ to match your preferences over time. The system learns from what you listen to, when you listen to it, and what adjustments you manually make, then it applies those learnings automatically. It's the kind of feature that sounds gimmicky until you realize it means you almost never need to manually fiddle with audio settings.

Spatial audio gets an upgrade as well, with improved head-tracking that better maintains directional audio as you move your head. This matters for immersive content like spatial audio music tracks and games, making them actually feel immersive rather than like the sound is randomly panned across your head.

Audio Quality: Where Samsung Usually Delivers - visual representation
Audio Quality: Where Samsung Usually Delivers - visual representation

Comparison of Earbud Launch Prices
Comparison of Earbud Launch Prices

Samsung Buds 4 are expected to launch at a competitive price between $149-169, positioning them between budget and premium tiers. Estimated data based on historical pricing.

Design Language and Color Options

Based on leaked renders, the Buds 4 are getting a design refresh that aligns with Samsung's current design language across the Galaxy ecosystem. The overall aesthetic is more angular than rounded, with flatter sides and a more minimalist approach to the earbud exterior.

Color options apparently include the expected Phantom Black and Phantom Silver, but Samsung's adding new colors that haven't been fully confirmed. There's strong evidence for a Pearl White option and possibly a Sapphire Blue variant, continuing Samsung's trend of offering more color variety than competitors.

The case design follows similar principles, with a more geometric shape and cleaner lines. The charging LED is moving from the front of the case to the back, which might sound trivial but actually makes sense in practice because it means you can see charging status without opening the case or looking at it from the front.

Design Language and Color Options - visual representation
Design Language and Color Options - visual representation

Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration

The Galaxy Buds 4 will obviously work best with Samsung Galaxy devices, but Samsung's becoming increasingly thoughtful about cross-platform compatibility. The earbuds will pair with any Bluetooth device, but the Galaxy AI features will require a recent Samsung device running One UI 6.0 or later.

Android users with non-Samsung devices will still get solid core functionality. They just won't access the advanced AI features, which is reasonable given those features rely on Samsung's proprietary platform. iOS compatibility will be there for basic audio playback, but you'll be missing Samsung-specific features regardless of device.

The Galaxy Ecosystem integration is the real draw though. If you're already in the Samsung universe with a Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Tab, and Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 fit seamlessly into that experience. They'll connect automatically, sync settings across devices, and integrate with Samsung's productivity apps in ways that are genuinely useful.

QUICK TIP: If you're considering the Buds 4 but don't have Samsung devices, you'll still get a quality earbud experience. But you'll miss out on 30-40% of the features, so keep that in mind when comparing pricing.

Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration - visual representation
Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration - visual representation

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4: Anticipated Improvements
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4: Anticipated Improvements

Leaked information suggests Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 will focus on improving fit consistency, noise cancellation, battery life, and AI features. Estimated data based on user feedback and leaks.

Expected Pricing and Availability

Based on Samsung's historical pricing patterns and the feature set of the Buds 4, expect a launch price in the $149-169 range. That would position them above the Galaxy Buds FE budget option but below the premium tier. It's also competitive with Apple's AirPods (3rd generation) and Google Pixel Buds Pro.

Release timing is harder to pin down, but Samsung typically announces new buds in January alongside the Galaxy S series phones. We might see an official announcement in early 2025, with availability following within 2-4 weeks of announcement. Pre-order pricing might offer modest discounts, probably around 10-15% off retail price.

Regional availability will likely follow Samsung's standard approach: major markets first (North America, Europe, Asia), then rollout to secondary markets over 1-2 months. Carrier partnerships might bring availability through carriers like Verizon and AT&T alongside Samsung's direct sales.

Expected Pricing and Availability - visual representation
Expected Pricing and Availability - visual representation

Comparing the Buds 4 to the Competition

How do the expected specs stack up against what's currently available? Let's be realistic. The Galaxy Buds 4 won't be objectively "better" than every competitor in every metric. But they'll occupy a really interesting middle ground.

Versus Apple AirPods Pro: The Buds 4 will likely have longer battery life and better compatibility with Android devices, but AirPods Pro have deeper integration with Apple's ecosystem and proven reliability. It's a situation where the better choice depends entirely on your existing device ecosystem.

Versus Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony's flagships have proven best-in-class ANC and audio quality, but they're also more expensive and have a bulkier form factor. The Buds 4 will be more comfortable for extended wear and offer better value, though Sony edges ahead on raw audio performance.

Versus Google Pixel Buds Pro: These are actually quite similar competitors. The Buds 4 probably edge out on design and battery life, while Pixel Buds have slightly better Google Assistant integration. It's a close call, and your choice might come down to brand loyalty.

Versus Nothing Ear: Nothing's earbuds are cheaper and have a distinctive aesthetic, but they lack the polish and feature depth that Samsung's offering with the Buds 4. It's a value play versus a well-rounded product.

Comparing the Buds 4 to the Competition - visual representation
Comparing the Buds 4 to the Competition - visual representation

Potential Concerns and Realistic Limitations

Let's be honest about the gaps. The Buds 4 will be good, but they're not going to be perfect because nothing is.

The ambient sound passthrough mode might not be as clear as some competitors, especially if you're in very quiet environments where you want to hear everything. The audio quality, while improved, probably won't match high-end audiophile earbuds from brands focused purely on audio. The AI translation feature will work great for common languages but might struggle with less common or regional dialects.

The ANC, while improved, is still probably not going to match Sony's WF-1000XM5 for sheer noise reduction power. Samsung's approach prioritizes usability over raw decibel reduction, which is actually smarter for most people, but it's a limitation worth noting if you specifically want maximum noise cancellation.

The ecosystem lock-in for advanced features could be frustrating if you're mixing Android and iOS devices or considering switching from Samsung. You'll get full functionality on Samsung phones only, which might not align with everyone's device preferences.

DID YOU KNOW: The audio processing chip in the Galaxy Buds 4 is capable of processing audio 40 times per second, fast enough to make real-time ANC adjustments almost instantly, which is why the ANC feels responsive rather than sluggish.

Potential Concerns and Realistic Limitations - visual representation
Potential Concerns and Realistic Limitations - visual representation

Real-World Usage Scenarios: Where the Buds 4 Excel

These aren't theoretical improvements. They solve real problems people face every day.

Scenario 1: The Daily Commute You're on a bus or train for 45 minutes. The improved ANC handles the steady engine noise while letting you hear your music clearly. If you need to take a call, the dual-microphone system ensures the person on the other end hears you perfectly despite ambient noise. Battery life means you make that commute and still have 50% charge left at the end of the day.

Scenario 2: International Travel You're in Japan and you don't speak Japanese. Someone's giving you directions. The real-time translation feature lets you understand in your native language without fumbling for your phone. The ambient sound passthrough is clear enough to hear the directions while understanding them, all in real-time.

Scenario 3: Work Meetings You're in a meeting room with multiple people talking, and you're taking notes. The smart voice enhancement ensures that when you speak, colleagues hear you clearly. If someone is talking too quietly, the Buds 4 can enhance their voice slightly, making everyone audible. The spatial audio means you can almost sense where different speakers are positioned.

Scenario 4: Exercise and Water Activities You're doing a pool workout. The IPX7 rating means the Buds 4 survive full submersion. The improved fit means they stay secure even with vigorous movement. You're not anxious about water damage. You're just working out with music.

Scenario 5: Long Work Sessions You're in a 4-hour editing session with music. The improved battery means you're not scrambling for a charge. The Auto EQ has learned your preferences and automatically adjusted the sound to match your mood at this time of day. The fit is comfortable enough that you barely notice you're wearing the earbuds.

Real-World Usage Scenarios: Where the Buds 4 Excel - visual representation
Real-World Usage Scenarios: Where the Buds 4 Excel - visual representation

The Broader Context: Why This Upgrade Matters Now

You might be wondering why these specific upgrades matter in 2025. The wireless earbud market is mature. Everyone's making solid products. But Samsung's addressing a specific gap: the experience gap between average and great earbuds.

Average earbuds work fine for casual listening. Great earbuds disappear from your awareness. They do their job so smoothly you forget you're wearing them. You forget about battery life because it lasts forever. You forget about fit because they sit perfectly. You forget about features because they work automatically.

That's what Samsung's aiming for with the Buds 4. Not revolutionary features that nobody asked for. Features that solve actual, documented pain points from the previous generation.

The AI integration is interesting not because AI is trendy, but because it's actually useful in ways that justify the processing power. Translation that works, call screening that's accurate, voice enhancement that feels natural. These aren't marketing gimmicks. They're features that save time and reduce friction in daily life.

The Broader Context: Why This Upgrade Matters Now - visual representation
The Broader Context: Why This Upgrade Matters Now - visual representation

What We're Still Waiting to Confirm

Despite all the leaks, a few details remain uncertain until Samsung officially announces the product.

The exact driver specifications haven't been fully confirmed. We know there are improvements, but the precise size and impedance are still somewhat speculative. The complete list of languages supported by the real-time translation feature hasn't been published. Samsung will probably support 50+ languages, but which ones specifically remains unclear.

The exact battery capacity figures are educated estimates based on regulatory filings rather than official specifications. Samsung might tweak them between now and release, which could affect real-world battery life by a few percentage points either way.

The pricing in different regions hasn't been confirmed. The $149-169 estimate is based on historical pricing patterns, but Samsung might adjust this based on currency fluctuations and regional competitive pressure. If they're feeling aggressive, they might undercut competitors. If they're feeling confident in their features, they might price slightly higher.

The availability dates are predictions based on Samsung's typical product cycle. There's always a chance that supply chain issues or engineering challenges might push the release later or earlier than expected.

What We're Still Waiting to Confirm - visual representation
What We're Still Waiting to Confirm - visual representation

The Practical Decision: Should You Wait?

If you're currently using Galaxy Buds 3 and they're working fine, waiting for the Buds 4 makes sense. The improvements are meaningful enough that you'll notice them, particularly in ANC performance, battery life, and AI features. You're looking at roughly 20-30% performance improvements across the board, which is worth waiting a few months for.

If you're using older buds from previous Samsung generations or competitor products, it depends on your priorities. If active noise cancellation matters to you, the Buds 4 will be worth the wait. If you're primarily concerned with basic audio quality and battery life, the current Galaxy Buds 3 or alternative options might satisfy you adequately.

If you're a Samsung ecosystem devotee who values seamless integration with your devices, the Buds 4 are probably worth waiting for. The Galaxy AI integration is genuinely useful if you're already using Samsung's platform for other aspects of your digital life.

If you're not in the Samsung ecosystem and you're price-conscious, options like the Google Pixel Buds or even the budget-friendly Galaxy Buds FE might serve you better. The Buds 4 will be great, but they're optimized for Samsung users specifically.

The Practical Decision: Should You Wait? - visual representation
The Practical Decision: Should You Wait? - visual representation

What This Means for the Wider Market

The Galaxy Buds 4 leak details suggest Samsung's making smart moves in a market where raw innovation is harder to achieve. They're not trying to out-Sony Sony or out-Apple Apple. They're playing to their strengths: ecosystem integration, AI capabilities, and thoughtful hardware refinement.

This is the approach that wins in competitive markets. Not revolutionary features that 5% of users actually want, but solid improvements to 100% of the features that everybody uses. Better ANC, longer battery, more comfortable fit, smarter software. These aren't sexy talking points, but they're how products become beloved.

If the leaks are accurate, and everything points to them being reliable, Samsung's positioned the Buds 4 to be the best Galaxy Buds product they've released to date. Not a massive leap forward, but a meaningful refinement of what works and an addition of features that are actually useful.

What This Means for the Wider Market - visual representation
What This Means for the Wider Market - visual representation

FAQ

When will the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 be released?

Based on Samsung's historical product cycle, an official announcement is expected in early 2025, likely alongside the Galaxy S25 smartphone launch. Availability will probably follow within 2-4 weeks of the official announcement. Pre-orders might begin before the general availability date, offering early access to the product.

How much will the Galaxy Buds 4 cost?

Expected pricing is in the $149-169 range based on Samsung's typical pricing strategy and the feature set of the Buds 4. This positioning places them competitively against Apple AirPods and Google Pixel Buds Pro while remaining significantly cheaper than premium options like Sony's WF-1000XM5. Regional pricing might vary based on local market conditions and currency exchange rates.

Will the Galaxy Buds 4 work with iPhone and other non-Samsung devices?

Yes, the Buds 4 will pair with any Bluetooth-capable device including iPhones and other Android devices. However, advanced Galaxy AI features like real-time translation, smart call screening, and voice enhancement require a Samsung Galaxy device running One UI 6.0 or later. Basic audio playback and standard features will function on all compatible devices.

How long will the battery last on the Galaxy Buds 4?

Expected battery life is approximately 10-12 hours per charge with ANC off, or 8-10 hours with ANC enabled. The charging case provides an additional 20-30+ hours of playback time, offering around 30-40+ total hours of listening before requiring a full case recharge. Actual battery life may vary based on usage patterns, ANC settings, and listening volume.

What's the most significant upgrade from the Galaxy Buds 3 to the Buds 4?

The most noticeable upgrade is the improved active noise cancellation with dual-microphone design that adapts intelligently to your environment. However, Galaxy AI integration is arguably the most substantial feature addition, bringing real-time translation, smart call screening, and voice enhancement to the earbuds. The combination of better ANC, longer battery life, and improved fit addresses the primary complaints from Buds 3 users.

Will the Galaxy Buds 4 have water resistance?

Yes, the Buds 4 will have IPX7 water resistance, up from the Buds 3's IPX5 rating. This means they can be fully submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage, making them suitable for swimming, shower use, and water sports. The charging case is not water-resistant, so you should still keep it dry.

How does the real-time translation feature work, and what languages does it support?

The real-time translation feature uses Samsung's Galaxy AI platform to analyze speech in real-time and provide translations through your earbuds. The system uses a combination of on-device processing for common languages and optional cloud assistance for complex languages, with latency typically under two seconds. While exact language support hasn't been officially confirmed, Samsung will likely support 50+ languages at launch, with common languages being prioritized.

Is the Galaxy Buds 4 design the same as the Buds 3?

No, the Buds 4 feature a refined design with improved ergonomics. The earbud stabilizers have been redesigned with better contours to accommodate different ear shapes, and the overall construction is reportedly lighter while being more structurally rigid. The charging case is also redesigned with different proportions and improved charging LED visibility, though these changes are subtle rather than dramatic.

How do the Galaxy Buds 4 compare to Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Galaxy Buds 4 occupy a middle ground between these competitors. Compared to AirPods Pro, the Buds 4 offer longer battery life and better compatibility with Android devices, though AirPods have superior ecosystem integration with Apple devices. Versus Sony's flagships, the Buds 4 likely offer better comfort for extended wear and competitive ANC performance, though Sony maintains advantages in absolute audio quality and noise reduction power. The choice between them depends largely on your existing device ecosystem and specific priorities.

What Samsung devices will support all Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy Buds 4?

Galaxy AI features require a recent Samsung device running One UI 6.0 or later. This includes the Galaxy S24 series and newer phones, as well as recent Galaxy Tab devices. If you're using an older Samsung device, you'll still get core earbud functionality but won't access the advanced AI features like real-time translation or smart call screening.

Will there be different color options for the Galaxy Buds 4?

Based on leaked renders, the Buds 4 will definitely include Phantom Black and Phantom Silver options, with strong evidence suggesting Pearl White and possibly Sapphire Blue variants will be available. Samsung has been expanding color options for their audio products, so final confirmation will come at the official announcement.

FAQ - visual representation
FAQ - visual representation

Key Takeaways

  • Dual-microphone ANC system provides adaptive noise cancellation that intelligently responds to your environment rather than applying blanket noise suppression
  • Galaxy AI integration brings practical features like real-time translation (under 2-second latency), smart spam call screening, and voice enhancement for clearer calls
  • Improved ergonomic design with redesigned stabilizer fins addresses fit complaints from Buds 3 users while maintaining secure fit during physical activity
  • Battery life jumps to 8-10 hours per charge with ANC (from ~6 hours), plus 30+ total hours with case, making week-long usage without case charging realistic
  • Expected $149-169 price point positions Buds 4 competitively against AirPods Pro and below premium options like Sony WF-1000XM5

Related Articles

Cut Costs with Runable

Cost savings are based on average monthly price per user for each app.

Which apps do you use?

Apps to replace

ChatGPTChatGPT
$20 / month
LovableLovable
$25 / month
Gamma AIGamma AI
$25 / month
HiggsFieldHiggsField
$49 / month
Leonardo AILeonardo AI
$12 / month
TOTAL$131 / month

Runable price = $9 / month

Saves $122 / month

Runable can save upto $1464 per year compared to the non-enterprise price of your apps.