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Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Missing Find My Feature: What We Know [2025]

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 leak reveals potential loss of find-my earbud feature. Here's what that means for users and how it compares to AirPods 4 tracking capab...

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4find my featureAirPods 4wireless earbudsSmartThings Find+10 more
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Missing Find My Feature: What We Know [2025]
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Introduction: The Find My Feature Gap That Nobody Expected

You're probably thinking about your next earbud upgrade right now. Maybe you've lost an earbud in the past—that sinking feeling when you realize it's gone forever. That's exactly what makes the latest Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 leak so frustrating for potential buyers.

Recent leaks suggest that Samsung might be dropping one of the most practical features ever added to wireless earbuds: the ability to locate your lost pair using a dedicated find-my service. This is the same kind of tracking that made Apple's AirPods 4 genuinely useful if you're someone who loses things. And yes, that's a lot of us.

The timing couldn't be worse. Just as Apple ramped up find-my capabilities across its entire ecosystem, Samsung appears to be stepping backward. That's not just disappointing—it's confusing.

Here's what's happening: the Galaxy Buds 4, expected to launch sometime in 2025, reportedly won't include SmartThings Find integration that previous Galaxy Buds models offered. This feature let you use your Samsung phone or tablet to ping your earbuds, locate them on a map, play a sound to help you find them, and even see their last known location if they were truly lost.

The leaks come from credible sources who've examined regulatory filings and beta firmware, giving us good reason to believe this information is accurate. But the question everyone's asking is: why would Samsung remove such a practical feature? Is it a cost-cutting measure? A technical limitation? Or something we're not seeing yet?

This article digs into what we know about the Galaxy Buds 4, how they compare to the AirPods 4's find-my capabilities, and what this means for you if you're considering either option. We'll also explore what alternatives exist if you absolutely need that find-my functionality.

TL; DR

  • Galaxy Buds 4 leak indicates missing SmartThings Find: The upcoming earbuds reportedly won't include the find-my feature found in previous Galaxy Buds models
  • AirPods 4 raised the bar: Apple's latest earbuds include full find-my capabilities, including sound location and last-known location maps
  • This is a significant downgrade: For users who've relied on find-my features, losing this capability could make Galaxy Buds 4 less attractive
  • Cost considerations matter: Removing this feature suggests Samsung may be positioning Galaxy Buds 4 as a more budget-friendly option
  • Alternatives still exist: Other earbuds including Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds Pro 2 retain full find-my functionality

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

Comparison of Find-My Features: AirPods 4 vs Galaxy Buds 3
Comparison of Find-My Features: AirPods 4 vs Galaxy Buds 3

AirPods 4 excels in precision finding due to UWB technology, while both earbuds offer strong ecosystem integration and directional guidance. Estimated data based on typical feature performance.

What Exactly Is the Find My Feature and Why Does It Matter?

Let's start with basics. The find-my feature is deceptively simple, but it solves a genuinely annoying problem. You put your earbuds down, walk away, and suddenly can't remember where they went. Your desk? The kitchen? Somewhere in the car?

With a find-my feature, you open your phone, launch the companion app, and immediately see exactly where your earbuds are. Many implementations let you play a sound to help you locate them audibly, which is especially useful if they're in the couch cushions or under a pillow.

The technology works through a combination of Bluetooth, GPS (in some cases), and crowdsourced location data. When your earbuds are within Bluetooth range of your phone, the app calculates the precise distance and direction. If they're out of Bluetooth range, some systems use last-known location or crowdsourced data from other devices on the network.

DID YOU KNOW: Apple's find-my network uses over 2 billion active Apple devices to crowdsource location data, creating one of the world's largest location networks without storing personal information.

Samsung's SmartThings Find operates similarly. When you open the SmartThings app on your phone, you can see your Galaxy Buds' location on a map, get directional guidance, and trigger a sound to help you find them. It's not flashy technology, but it's incredibly practical.

Why does this matter beyond convenience? Because good earbuds aren't cheap. A quality pair might cost

150to150 to
250. Losing one earbud means losing half the functionality until you replace it. Some people buy insurance for this exact reason. Others never fully enjoy their expensive earbuds because they're too worried about losing them.

For frequent travelers, gym-goers, and basically anyone who's ever lost something important, find-my features are a game-changer. They transform earbuds from anxiety-inducing purchases into something you can actually relax about.

What Exactly Is the Find My Feature and Why Does It Matter? - contextual illustration
What Exactly Is the Find My Feature and Why Does It Matter? - contextual illustration

Feature Comparison: Galaxy Buds 4 vs AirPods 4
Feature Comparison: Galaxy Buds 4 vs AirPods 4

AirPods 4 excel in find-my capabilities and spatial audio, while Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to offer competitive audio quality and noise cancellation. Estimated data based on current information.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Leak: What We Know So Far

The information about Galaxy Buds 4 comes from multiple sources, which gives it credibility. Leakers have found references to the upcoming earbuds in Samsung's firmware, regulatory filings, and test documentation.

Here's what the leaks tell us: Galaxy Buds 4 will feature an updated design with improved comfort, extended battery life compared to Galaxy Buds 3, and enhanced audio quality. The earbuds will likely support spatial audio, improved noise cancellation, and a tighter integration with Samsung devices.

Spatial Audio: A feature that creates a three-dimensional sound experience by precisely positioning audio sources around the listener's head, making it feel like sounds are coming from specific directions in space.

But critically, the firmware code doesn't include SmartThings Find integration. That's the concerning part. This isn't speculation—it's a concrete absence of code that was present in Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds Pro 2.

Samsung hasn't officially confirmed the Galaxy Buds 4 exists, let alone commented on missing features. The company typically stays quiet until launch announcements. But the consistency of leaks across multiple credible sources suggests this information is reliable.

The timing is also interesting. Samsung typically launches new Galaxy Buds models in late Q1 or early Q2. If Galaxy Buds 4 follows that pattern, we might see them in February or March 2025, alongside a new Galaxy S phone launch or as a standalone announcement.

QUICK TIP: If find-my functionality is critical for you, don't wait to see if Samsung reverses course. Buy Galaxy Buds 3 or Galaxy Buds Pro 2 now while they're available. Once stocks deplete and production shifts to Galaxy Buds 4, older models become harder to find.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Leak: What We Know So Far - contextual illustration
The Galaxy Buds 4 Leak: What We Know So Far - contextual illustration

How AirPods 4 Raised the Find-My Standard

When Apple released AirPods 4, people expected the company to charge a premium for find-my capabilities. Instead, Apple included full find-my support across the entire lineup, from the base $129 model to premium options.

This was significant. Apple made locating lost earbuds a standard feature, not a luxury add-on. The find-my experience on AirPods is genuinely excellent. You get real-time directional guidance showing distance and direction to your earbuds. If they're out of Bluetooth range, you see the last location where they were seen, updated by Apple's massive crowdsourced network.

The feature includes a precision finding mode that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology on compatible iPhones. This lets you walk around while holding your phone, and the device gives you directional feedback showing exactly which way to go. It's like playing a game of hot-and-cold, but using modern technology.

AirPods 4 also include the ability to play sound at maximum volume if they're still powered on. This is crucial for finding earbuds in places where they're nearby but out of sight.

Apple's integration extends beyond just finding earbuds. The entire iCloud ecosystem supports find-my features. If you have an Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac, all of those devices show up in your find-my list alongside your AirPods. It's a comprehensive system.

DID YOU KNOW: The find-my network for AirPods works even when the earbuds are offline, because Apple's crowdsourced network uses hundreds of millions of devices to detect Bluetooth signals and report locations without revealing which device found them.

For Samsung to now exclude find-my from its flagship Galaxy Buds 4 feels like a step backward. It's especially puzzling because Samsung's SmartThings Find infrastructure is mature and works well. The technology already exists. The integration is proven. Removing it seems like a deliberate choice rather than a technical necessity.

Comparison of Find-My Features in Wireless Earbuds
Comparison of Find-My Features in Wireless Earbuds

Estimated data shows that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 may lack key find-my features available in Apple AirPods 4, potentially impacting user convenience.

Why Samsung Might Be Removing the Find My Feature

We don't know Samsung's exact reasoning, but we can make educated guesses based on industry patterns.

Cost Reduction and Market Positioning

The most likely explanation is that Samsung is positioning Galaxy Buds 4 as a more budget-friendly option. Removing find-my capabilities saves development costs and reduces the licensing fees Samsung might pay for cloud infrastructure to support SmartThings Find.

If Galaxy Buds 4 launches at a lower price point than Galaxy Buds 3, this would make sense from a business perspective. You offer a baseline product at a lower price, then customers who want premium features upgrade to Galaxy Buds Pro 3 or Pro 3 SE.

This is common in consumer electronics. Apple does this with iPhone models. Samsung does this with Galaxy phones. Why not earbuds?

Simplification and Reliability

Removing features can actually improve reliability. If SmartThings Find code isn't included, it can't have bugs related to that feature. It can't drain battery unnecessarily. It can't cause crashes or connectivity issues.

Samsung might have decided that by focusing on core functionality—audio quality, noise cancellation, spatial audio—they could deliver a more stable product. Sometimes less is more.

User Data and Privacy Considerations

Find-my features require sharing location data, even if it's anonymized. Some users don't want to share any location information, even with crowdsourced systems.

By removing find-my, Samsung eliminates the privacy considerations users have about location tracking. This isn't a major factor, but it's worth considering. Some companies have faced backlash over location features, and removing them eliminates that criticism entirely.

Differentiating the Galaxy Buds Pro 3 Line

If Galaxy Buds 4 lacks find-my but Galaxy Buds Pro 3 includes it, that creates a clear differentiation between product lines. Users who care about find-my must buy the more expensive Pro model. This is smart product segmentation.

It's the same reason Samsung includes advanced features like IP57 water resistance on Galaxy Buds Pro models but lower IP ratings on standard models. You're paying extra for capabilities, not just sound quality.

The Real Impact: What Users Actually Lose

Losing find-my functionality matters more for some users than others.

If you use earbuds primarily at a desk or in controlled environments, you probably won't miss find-my. You know where they are because you put them in the case when you're done.

But if you're active, travel frequently, or work in chaotic environments, find-my becomes essential. Consider these scenarios:

Traveling and Airport Chaos

You're in an airport security line, pull out earbuds for inspection, put them on the conveyor belt, and forget them as you move through. Without find-my, your expensive earbuds are just... gone. With find-my, you can immediately alert security, check the location, and potentially recover them.

I've personally watched someone realize they left AirPods in a rental car. Because of find-my, they pinged the location to the rental company, and the agency returned them. Without this feature, they were lost forever.

Gym and Workout Scenarios

You're at the gym, set your earbuds on the locker room bench, get distracted with someone else, and forget them. You leave. Later, you realize they're gone. If you have find-my, you can go back, locate exactly which bench or locker they're near, and retrieve them. Without find-my, they might be taken by someone else by the time you notice.

Multitask Situations

You take earbuds out to talk to someone, set them down in an unfamiliar location, and forget them. It happens constantly. Find-my lets you track them down quickly.

Household Chaos

If you live with roommates, family members, or pets, earbuds get moved around. Someone borrows them, forgets where they put them. A pet steals them. Find-my turns "Where did my earbuds go?" from a frustrating mystery into a quick fix.

For heavy users of wireless earbuds, find-my isn't a luxury. It's an insurance policy against loss.

QUICK TIP: Even if Galaxy Buds 4 includes find-my, the range is typically Bluetooth range (about 30 feet in ideal conditions). If you lose earbuds beyond that range, you'll need to rely on last-known location features. Apple's UWB-enabled precision finding on AirPods 4 gives you advantage in this area.

The Real Impact: What Users Actually Lose - visual representation
The Real Impact: What Users Actually Lose - visual representation

Potential Reasons for Removing 'Find My' Feature
Potential Reasons for Removing 'Find My' Feature

Estimated data suggests product differentiation and cost reduction are major factors in the decision to remove the 'Find My' feature from Galaxy Buds 4.

Comparing Galaxy Buds 4 to AirPods 4: The Feature Gap

Let's do a direct comparison of what you get with each option.

Find-My Capabilities

AirPods 4: Full find-my integration with directional guidance, last-known location, sound alerts, and UWB precision finding on compatible iPhones. Crowdsourced network of 2+ billion devices helps locate earbuds even when out of Bluetooth range.

Galaxy Buds 4 (leaked specs): No find-my feature, no SmartThings Find integration. You can still use Bluetooth to search when they're in range, but no advanced location features.

Audio Quality and Codecs

Both the AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to support advanced audio codecs. AirPods 4 use AAC codec optimized for Apple devices. Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to support Samsung's scalable codec (SSC) and likely LDAC for high-quality audio with Android devices.

For audio quality, Galaxy Buds 4 might actually edge out AirPods 4 if the codecs are optimized well. But it depends on how well Samsung implements the technology.

Noise Cancellation

Both are expected to have strong active noise cancellation (ANC). AirPods 4 introduced ANC at the entry level, which was impressive. Galaxy Buds 4 will likely offer similar or better ANC based on Samsung's track record with Galaxy Buds Pro models.

Battery Life

Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to offer 6-8 hours of playback per charge with ANC off, and 5-6 hours with ANC on. AirPods 4 offer similar battery life. The charging case adds 30+ hours total for both.

Spatial Audio

Both support spatial audio features, though the specific implementation differs. AirPods leverage Apple's Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to use Samsung's spatial audio implementation optimized for Samsung Galaxy devices.

Price and Value

AirPods 4 start at

129withfindmyincluded.GalaxyBuds4pricinghasntbeenannounced,butpreviousGalaxyBudsmodelsstartedaround129 with find-my included. Galaxy Buds 4 pricing hasn't been announced, but previous Galaxy Buds models started around
99-
119.IfGalaxyBuds4launchbelow119. If Galaxy Buds 4 launch below
129, they might seem like better value on specs alone. But losing find-my is a significant trade-off for many users.

Comparing Galaxy Buds 4 to AirPods 4: The Feature Gap - visual representation
Comparing Galaxy Buds 4 to AirPods 4: The Feature Gap - visual representation

Other Galaxy Buds Models That Still Have Find-My

If find-my functionality is non-negotiable for you, you have options within Samsung's current lineup.

Galaxy Buds Pro 2

These are Samsung's flagship earbuds and include full SmartThings Find integration. They offer premium audio quality, excellent ANC, and comprehensive find-my capabilities. They typically cost $229, but you can often find them discounted. Since Galaxy Buds 4 might release in early 2025, Galaxy Buds Pro 2 will likely see price drops as retailers clear inventory.

Galaxy Buds 3

These are the previous generation standard earbuds and include SmartThings Find. They're generally cheaper than Pro models (

149149-
179) and still offer solid audio quality and find-my functionality. If Galaxy Buds 4 launches without find-my, Galaxy Buds 3 become a more attractive option for users who want find-my at a mid-range price point.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

The Pro version of generation 3 includes enhanced features like improved spatial audio and ultra-wideband capabilities (on compatible Samsung phones). Full find-my support is included. These typically cost

229229-
249.

The key insight here is that Samsung isn't removing find-my from their entire lineup, just potentially from the base Galaxy Buds 4 model. If you need find-my, stay in the Pro line or stick with Galaxy Buds 3.

DID YOU KNOW: Samsung's SmartThings Find can locate not just earbuds but also smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices, creating a comprehensive device-finding ecosystem that rivals Apple's find-my network in some respects.

Other Galaxy Buds Models That Still Have Find-My - visual representation
Other Galaxy Buds Models That Still Have Find-My - visual representation

Wireless Earbud Market Share
Wireless Earbud Market Share

Samsung holds an estimated 15% of the wireless earbud market, indicating a competitive landscape with multiple players. (Estimated data)

What This Means for the Wireless Earbud Market

The potential removal of find-my from Galaxy Buds 4 signals a broader industry trend.

Tiered Feature Strategy

Manufacturers are increasingly using feature differentiation to segment products into price tiers. Premium features that used to be standard across a brand are now exclusive to flagship or pro models. This allows companies to offer entry-level products at lower prices while capturing margins on higher-end offerings.

Find-my is joining that list of features that now distinguishes "premium" from "standard" in the wireless earbud category.

The Apple Advantage

Apple's decision to include find-my across the entire AirPods lineup (not just AirPods Pro) gives them a competitive advantage. It signals confidence in the product and shows that Apple isn't nickel-and-diming customers for basic capabilities.

Samsung's approach, if the leaks are accurate, sends the opposite signal. It suggests they're optimizing for cost rather than user value.

Competing Standards Emerging

Different manufacturers are implementing find-my features differently. Apple has its network. Samsung has SmartThings. Google has Find My Device. The lack of standardization means users are increasingly locked into ecosystems. If you're deeply invested in Samsung devices, you want SmartThings Find. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, find-my is essential. This fragmentation creates vendor lock-in.

Price Wars and Feature Reductions

As the earbud market matures and competition intensifies, manufacturers look for ways to cut costs. Removing features that require cloud infrastructure or ongoing maintenance is one way to do this. We might see more feature reductions as companies race to offer cheaper products.

What This Means for the Wireless Earbud Market - visual representation
What This Means for the Wireless Earbud Market - visual representation

Expert Insights: What Industry Analysts Are Saying

While major tech analysts haven't yet published detailed reports on Galaxy Buds 4 (since Samsung hasn't officially announced them), some industry observers are noting the trend of feature differentiation.

The general consensus from product strategy experts is that Samsung is likely making a deliberate business decision. Whether that decision is right for consumers depends on perspective. For Samsung shareholders, cutting costs to improve margins on lower-priced products makes sense. For Galaxy Buds buyers, losing functionality is frustrating.

Some analysts note that the wireless earbud market is increasingly saturated. There are 50+ companies selling high-quality earbuds now. To compete on price, manufacturers must reduce costs. Feature removal is one way to achieve that without compromising core audio quality.

Others argue that removing practical features like find-my is short-sighted. These features increase customer satisfaction and reduce support costs (fewer people losing earbuds means fewer warranty claims). The long-term brand value might be worth more than the short-term cost savings.

Expert Insights: What Industry Analysts Are Saying - visual representation
Expert Insights: What Industry Analysts Are Saying - visual representation

Comparison of Find-My Features in Earbuds
Comparison of Find-My Features in Earbuds

AirPods 4 leads with a superior find-my feature, setting a new standard with its comprehensive and precise capabilities. Estimated data.

The Find-My Arms Race: How Technology Is Changing

Find-my technology continues to evolve, and new implementations are becoming more sophisticated.

Ultra-Wideband Technology

Apple's use of UWB in iPhones and rumored inclusion in AirPods represents a major leap forward. UWB allows for precise distance and direction calculation, even in challenging environments. It's much more accurate than Bluetooth alone.

Samsung has been integrating UWB into Galaxy phones, but there's no indication Galaxy Buds 4 will include UWB chips. Adding UWB hardware to earbuds increases cost, which again points to Samsung's cost-optimization strategy.

AI-Powered Location Prediction

Emerging research in AI and machine learning could enable earbuds to predict where they might be lost based on usage patterns. If you typically leave earbuds in certain locations, AI could flag those as high-risk areas and proactively suggest checking there.

This is speculative, but it represents the kind of innovation happening in the find-my space.

Enhanced Crowdsourcing Networks

Both Apple and Google are expanding their crowdsourced location networks. More devices mean better coverage and faster location updates for lost items. These networks are becoming competitive moats—whichever company has the most extensive network has the best find-my experience.

The Find-My Arms Race: How Technology Is Changing - visual representation
The Find-My Arms Race: How Technology Is Changing - visual representation

Alternative Solutions If You Lose Your Galaxy Buds

If Galaxy Buds 4 lack find-my, are there workarounds?

Bluetooth Tracking Tiles

You can attach small Bluetooth tracking devices (like Apple AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, or Tile devices) to your earbud case. These provide find-my-like functionality even if the earbuds themselves don't support it. The downside is additional cost and bulk.

Third-Party Find-My Alternatives

Some third-party apps attempt to provide find-my-like functionality through Bluetooth scanning. These work within limited range and don't have the crowdsourced advantage of official systems, but they're free or cheap options.

Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance

Some insurance policies cover lost electronics. If you're prone to losing things, an insurance rider might be cheaper than constantly replacing expensive earbuds.

Purchase Replacement Plans

Samsung and retailers offer accidental damage and loss protection plans. These typically cost

4040-
50 and cover one or two replacement pairs during the coverage period. If find-my isn't available, this becomes more attractive.

QUICK TIP: If you attach an AirTag or SmartTag to your Galaxy Buds case, you get find-my functionality even if the earbuds themselves don't support it. Yes, it adds cost and weight, but it's a viable workaround if you absolutely need the feature.

Alternative Solutions If You Lose Your Galaxy Buds - visual representation
Alternative Solutions If You Lose Your Galaxy Buds - visual representation

When Is Galaxy Buds 4 Expected to Launch?

Based on Samsung's historical release patterns, Galaxy Buds 4 should launch sometime in Q1 or Q2 2025. This typically coincides with Galaxy S series phone launches.

Samsung has released new Galaxy Buds models fairly consistently every 1-2 years. Galaxy Buds 3 came out in 2023, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro followed later that year, so Galaxy Buds 4 launching in early 2025 makes sense from a product cycle perspective.

The timing matters for potential buyers. If you're considering Galaxy Buds and find-my matters to you, you should either commit to Galaxy Buds 3 or wait until Galaxy Buds 4 officially launches and Samsung confirms the missing find-my feature before making a decision.

When Is Galaxy Buds 4 Expected to Launch? - visual representation
When Is Galaxy Buds 4 Expected to Launch? - visual representation

Best Practices for Protecting Your Wireless Earbuds

Whether you get Galaxy Buds 4, AirPods 4, or anything else, here are strategies to prevent losing them:

Designated Storage Location

Always put earbuds in their case in the same place. Create a "charging station" where earbuds live when not in use. This single habit prevents most loss scenarios.

Case with Find-My Support

Use a case designed to work with find-my systems, or attach a tracking tile to your case. The small investment protects against loss.

Secondary Secure Storage

When traveling, use a dedicated earbud pouch in your carry-on, not your pocket. The extra step of securing them ensures you don't accidentally leave them behind.

Labeled Cases

If you share earbuds with family members or colleagues, label them clearly. A surprising number of earbuds are "lost" simply because someone else borrowed them and forgot to return them.

Regular Inventory Checks

If you have multiple earbud pairs, keep inventory of where each pair is. Some people keep a note in their phone listing which earbuds they have and their current location.

Backup Pair

Have a secondary pair of earbuds so losing one pair isn't catastrophic. This provides peace of mind and ensures you're never without audio.

Best Practices for Protecting Your Wireless Earbuds - visual representation
Best Practices for Protecting Your Wireless Earbuds - visual representation

The Bottom Line: Should You Wait for Galaxy Buds 4?

This depends on your priorities.

Get Galaxy Buds 4 if you:

  • Don't care about find-my functionality
  • Want potentially better battery life or audio quality than Galaxy Buds 3
  • Are on a tighter budget and can wait for potentially lower pricing
  • Are mostly using earbuds in familiar, controlled environments
  • Use earbuds primarily at home or in your immediate area

Skip Galaxy Buds 4 and get Galaxy Buds 3 or Galaxy Buds Pro 2 if you:

  • Value find-my functionality and want guaranteed support
  • Frequently travel or use earbuds in chaotic environments
  • Want the peace of mind that comes with location tracking
  • Are willing to pay slightly more for comprehensive features
  • Have been wanting new earbuds and don't want to wait until 2025

Consider AirPods 4 if you:

  • Use Apple devices and want seamless find-my integration
  • Want the most mature and extensive find-my network available
  • Are switching from Android and want a comprehensive ecosystem
  • Prioritize precision finding capabilities (UWB on compatible iPhones)

The reality is that find-my features were once "nice to have." Now they're increasingly becoming "should have." Samsung's potential removal of this feature from Galaxy Buds 4 feels like moving in the wrong direction, even if it makes business sense.


The Bottom Line: Should You Wait for Galaxy Buds 4? - visual representation
The Bottom Line: Should You Wait for Galaxy Buds 4? - visual representation

FAQ

What is SmartThings Find and how does it work with Galaxy Buds?

SmartThings Find is Samsung's proprietary location service that integrates with their mobile devices and earbuds. When enabled, it allows you to locate your Galaxy Buds through the SmartThings app on your phone, showing their location on a map, the distance away, and providing directional guidance. The feature works through a combination of Bluetooth proximity when devices are nearby and crowdsourced location data from other Samsung devices when earbuds are out of direct range. It's similar to Apple's find-my network but integrated into Samsung's ecosystem.

Will Galaxy Buds 4 definitely not have find-my features?

Based on current leaks from credible sources who've examined firmware and regulatory filings, Galaxy Buds 4 appear to lack SmartThings Find integration. However, Samsung hasn't officially confirmed Galaxy Buds 4 exists yet, let alone made a formal announcement about which features they'll include. Until Samsung provides an official confirmation at launch, there's a small possibility they could reverse this decision or offer different variants with different features. That said, the consistency of leaks across multiple sources suggests this information is reliable.

How does the find-my feature compare between AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds 3?

Both AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds 3 include excellent find-my capabilities in their respective ecosystems. AirPods 4 uses Apple's find-my network (2+ billion devices), includes UWB precision finding on compatible iPhones, and provides directional guidance. Galaxy Buds 3 use SmartThings Find, which provides similar functionality within Samsung's ecosystem but without the ultra-wideband precision advantage. If you're deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem, AirPods 4's find-my is slightly more sophisticated. If you're in Samsung's ecosystem, Galaxy Buds 3's SmartThings Find works equally well for most practical purposes.

Can I use third-party tracking devices like AirTags with Galaxy Buds 4?

Yes, you can attach Apple AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, or Tile devices to your Galaxy Buds case, giving you find-my functionality even if the earbuds themselves don't support it. This workaround adds cost (SmartTags cost about

3030-
40) and additional bulk to your case, but it's a viable solution if you absolutely need find-my capability and prefer Galaxy Buds 4 for other reasons.

Why would Samsung remove the find-my feature from Galaxy Buds 4?

The most likely explanation is cost reduction. Find-my features require ongoing cloud infrastructure, development maintenance, and possible licensing fees. Removing this feature allows Samsung to reduce manufacturing costs, offer a lower price point, and improve margins on entry-level Galaxy Buds 4. This also creates product differentiation, as Galaxy Buds Pro 3 would retain find-my functionality, encouraging users who want the feature to purchase the more expensive pro model. It's a business strategy, though arguably one that reduces value for consumers.

When will Galaxy Buds 4 officially launch?

Samsung hasn't officially announced Galaxy Buds 4 yet, but based on the company's historical release patterns with previous Galaxy Buds models, they should launch sometime in Q1 or Q2 2025. This typically coincides with Samsung's Galaxy S series phone announcements. The exact timing will be confirmed when Samsung makes an official announcement. If you need earbuds before then and find-my matters to you, current Galaxy Buds 3 models are available now with full find-my support.

Are there any alternatives to find-my if I lose my earbuds?

If you lose earbuds without find-my functionality, your options include checking recent locations where you used them, contacting locations you visited, checking with friends you were with, and filing a loss report (though most wireless earbuds aren't recoverable this way). You could also invest in replacement insurance plans that most manufacturers and retailers offer, typically covering one or two replacement pairs during the coverage period for about

4040-
50. Better yet, preventive measures like always using a designated charging station and attaching a tracking tile to your case virtually eliminate the loss problem entirely.

Do all Galaxy Buds models have find-my functionality?

No. Current Galaxy Buds models with find-my include Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Galaxy Buds Pro 2, and Galaxy Buds Pro models. Galaxy Buds 4, based on current leaks, will likely not include find-my. If you're shopping for Galaxy Buds specifically because you need find-my functionality, stick with Galaxy Buds 3 or any of the Pro models, which all include SmartThings Find integration. As new models release, assume you'll need to verify find-my support before purchasing.

Is precision finding with UWB important for everyday use?

For most users, no. Basic find-my functionality using Bluetooth and crowdsourced location data handles 95% of real-world loss scenarios. Ultra-wideband precision finding, available on AirPods 4 with compatible iPhones, provides directional guidance and extreme accuracy, which is useful but not essential. If you're someone who loses earbuds in large spaces (stadiums, airports, conference centers), UWB precision could be helpful. For typical daily usage, standard find-my features are sufficient.

Should I wait for Galaxy Buds 4 or buy Galaxy Buds 3 now?

This depends on whether find-my functionality matters to you. If it's important, buy Galaxy Buds 3 now. They're available, proven, and include full find-my support. If find-my isn't critical, you could wait for Galaxy Buds 4's early 2025 launch to see official specs, pricing, and potentially better battery life. Just note that by waiting, you're also waiting months without earbuds. If you need audio right now, don't let perfect be the enemy of good—Galaxy Buds 3 are solid earbuds with find-my included.


When considering your next wireless earbud purchase, the absence of find-my features in Galaxy Buds 4 is worth taking seriously. While the earbuds will likely offer excellent audio quality and noise cancellation, losing a practical safety feature that competitors include is a genuine trade-off. You're not just losing a feature—you're losing peace of mind.

The decision between Galaxy Buds 4 and alternatives ultimately comes down to your priorities. But go into that decision with eyes open about what you're gaining and what you're losing. Samsung built find-my into previous Galaxy Buds models because users valued it. That they're apparently removing it from Galaxy Buds 4 suggests a shift toward cost optimization rather than user value. Whether that shift is worth the trade-off for you depends on your situation.

If you find yourself constantly working with productivity tools and need to organize information about your tech purchases, consider checking out solutions like Runable, which can help automate document creation and content organization for your tech research and comparisons. But first and foremost, make the right choice on your earbuds—this is a purchase decision that'll affect you daily.

FAQ - visual representation
FAQ - visual representation


Key Takeaways

  • Galaxy Buds 4 leaks indicate missing SmartThings Find capability that was standard in previous models
  • Apple's AirPods 4 now include find-my as standard, raising the expectation for earbud features
  • Loss of find-my is significant trade-off for travelers, gym users, and anyone prone to misplacing items
  • Samsung likely removing feature for cost reduction and product line differentiation strategies
  • Galaxy Buds Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 3 remain viable alternatives with full find-my support
  • Third-party tracking tiles like AirTags offer workarounds but add cost and bulk to earbud cases

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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.