Samsung has officially released its latest flagship earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, positioned as the company’s “best-ever” offering in this space. As the successor to the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the new model aims to outperform its predecessor across several key features, including sound quality, design, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The substantial question is: are they worth the upgrade, and how do they stack up against the Buds 3 Pro?
To answer these questions, I conducted a thorough comparison of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, assessing everything from pricing and design to sound quality and AI functions. Here’s what I discovered.
At a Glance: Key Specifications
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249/£219 | $244/£219 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 6.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (buds), 30 hours (case) | 7 hours (buds), 30 hours (case) |
| Weight | 2 ounces | 1.6 ounces |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 1.2 inches | 2.3 x 1.9 x 1 inches |
Design and Comfort
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro exhibit a significant design evolution from their predecessors. While the Buds 3 Pro featured a unique “Blade” aesthetic, the 4 Pro adopts a more polished look reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods, which may appeal to a wider audience. The touch controls have also seen an improvement, making them easier to use compared to the Buds 3 Pro, which had frustratingly limited touch-sensitive areas.
Comfort-wise, both models are designed to create a good seal for effective ANC, but users have reported that the 4 Pro experience notably more comfortable during extended use.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is where the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro truly shine. While the Buds 3 Pro already offered impressive clarity and detail, the new model takes it a step further. Test tracks showed a more confident bass response and greater overall sound fidelity, making them suitable for a variety of music genres.
For instance, during testing, tracks like “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana showcased a well-balanced mix that highlighted vocals and instrumentals without overpowering any one element. In contrast, the Buds 3 Pro occasionally struggled with lower frequencies, leaving some listeners wanting more depth in sound.
Active Noise Cancellation and Call Quality
The active noise cancellation capabilities of the Buds 4 Pro are reported to be near-perfect, matching or exceeding competitors like the AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6. Users have noted that the Buds 4 Pro effectively block out high-frequency sounds, making them suitable for use in noisy environments.
In terms of call quality, the Buds 4 Pro excel in reducing background noise, ensuring that voice clarity remains excellent even in bustling settings. The Buds 3 Pro also perform well, but the newer model has been fine-tuned to handle environmental sounds more effectively.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Both the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro feature a similar battery life of 7 hours on a single charge, with an additional 30 hours when combined with the charging case. However, the introduction of Bluetooth 6.1 in the Buds 4 Pro enhances their connectivity, ensuring compatibility with future devices and providing a more stable connection.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and are satisfied with their performance, you may not feel an urgent need to upgrade. However, for those who prioritize high-quality sound and advanced features, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro present a compelling case for an upgrade. They not only match but, in many aspects, surpass their predecessor, making them a worthy investment for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
As Samsung continues to refine its audio technology, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are set to be a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market. If you’re an Android user looking to enhance your audio experience, the Buds 4 Pro may be worth considering.
