Samsung has brought its trend of launching a new product every year to headphones. In 2021 the protagonists are the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro which were announced alongside the Galaxy S21s.
We have been able to test them for a week and the truth is that we liked them so much that we can say without a doubt that we are facing one of the best TWS earphones on the market.
Features Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
- Speakers per earphone:2.
- Noise Cancellation: Smart.
- Microphones per earphone:3.
- Always-on voice assistant:Bixby.
- Waterproof:IPX7.
- Drums:
- In reproduction:
- With a charge: 8 hours.
- Up to 28 hours with the case.
- In voice call:
- On one charge: 4.5 hours.
- Up to 15 hours with the case.
- In reproduction:
A renewed design
Samsung itself explained that the design of these headphones is reminiscent not by chance of the Galaxy Buds Live and the Samsung Galaxy Buds +. The company has taken the best of both and created a new design line.
In terms of ergonomics, they are not as present as Google’s Pixel Buds 2, with which they share a shape in some way. But they are also not as invisible as the models that do not have pads.
These silicone elements improve the insulation but make us not want to wear headphones of this type for many hours. Despite that, they are not uncomfortable and we have several pairs of pads of different sizes to achieve that they adapt as best as possible to our ears.
Autonomy is not a problem in the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung can boast of having the best TWS headphones as far as autonomy is concerned. And these Buds Pro are no exception.
We have until 8 hours of battery listening to music and up to 28 hours if we add the one that the cargo box gives us.
This charging box has not only a USB Type-C port, but also wireless charging. In addition, the size of it is much smaller than that of most rivals. The latter is greatly appreciated, as well as the IPX7 water resistance.
Noise cancellation is amazing
These are not the first headphones from the firm to implement active noise cancellation, but they are the first to have it in addition to using ear pads.
This noise cancellation is remarkable, but it does not go to the extreme seen in other models like the OPPO Enco X that we recently reviewed. So is it worse? Not quite.
Samsung has created an intelligent system that is able to detect when we are speaking in a way that cancels noise cancellation and activates the ambient mode, which allows you to listen to the outside.
The noise-canceling headphones trap: not everyone has the sameNoise cancellation has become one of the fashionable extras for headphones. However, be very careful, as there is a catch.
The first time I used it, it was unintentionally in a coffee shop and I was very surprised, for the better. It is very practical to ask for the bill, a quick phrase, and so on.
Hopefully the rest of the brands take this personally and copy it on their products.
Sound quality, audio in calls …
The sound quality of these headphones are in line with expectations for what they cost. They are not the best sounding but it is true that they offer many options that are not in other rivals.
They are also good for talking on the phone, with a noticeable noise cancellation from the wind, although it does not reach the level of wired headphones.
A peculiar thing that has happened to us is that to pause the music or what we are hearing we have to remove both headphones, not just one, which is strange.
Great control from the app
The Galaxy Wear application allows us to control many parameters of the headphones, from noise cancellation, which can also be modified from the headphones, to the equalizer.
In addition, we can use a simple touch on the headphones to pause or play the music, something that seems basic but that most models do not have, forcing us to use a double touch.
We can also have it read us the system notifications when we do not have the mobile in hand.
Another of the expected functions was the integration with Bixby, using the capsules, to launch commands directly with the voice, such as the activation of game mode, noise cancellation … the problem is that Bixby has not yet been updated for these Buds Pro , and the system tells us that our headphones are not compatible.
Samsung updates its Bixby assistant with a new designBixby, the assistant to Samsung phones, gets a new design in its update, with a cleaner, more user-friendly appearance.
Many advanced features
We also have some features that we don’t see in other products, or at least not in most.
One of them is Audio 360, a system similar to Apple’s Spatial Audio that allows sound to “move” when we turn our heads. This works on streaming services like Netflix, but not on music apps.
Another function is Auto switch, which allows you to switch between a mobile phone and a tablet, if both are from Samsung, easily with a simple touch.
Conclusion: definitely recommended
Samsung has been successful creating these headphones, although it has focused on a minority audience, who do not mind paying hundreds of euros for such a system.
Looking at other options such as those of Google or OPPO, we can say that the Galaxy Buds Pro are very competent, perhaps not better at all but yes more balanced. And that is not easy to achieve.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro will go on sale on January 26 in Spain with a price of 239.89 euros.
The entry Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review: fascinating noise cancellation appears first in Free Android.
