Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro at its Galaxy Unpacked event on , offering incremental but notable improvements over their predecessors. The Buds4 will retail for $179, while the Buds4 Pro are priced at $249. Both models are available for pre-order starting today, with general availability beginning on .
Galaxy Buds4 Pro: A Focus on Intelligent Noise Cancellation and Audio Quality
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro represent the more significant upgrade of the two new models. Samsung has focused on enhancing both the audio experience and the active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. The design has been refined, featuring a more durable build and a return to a clamshell case reminiscent of earlier Galaxy Buds iterations. The Pro model also boasts a metal finish and an engraved area for easier access to on-ear pinch controls.
A key feature of the Buds4 Pro is the integration of Galaxy AI. This allows the earbuds to intelligently identify and suppress unwanted noise, adapting the ANC and ambient sound modes based on the surrounding environment. The system can even detect and prioritize sounds like sirens, ensuring users remain aware of critical alerts. This adaptive approach aims to provide a more natural and optimized listening experience in various settings.
Samsung has also upgraded the audio hardware within the Buds4 Pro. The new design incorporates a larger woofer, increasing the effective speaker area by nearly 20% without compromising on comfort. This is paired with an 11mm SuperWide woofer and a 5.5mm planar tweeter, designed to deliver cleaner bass and richer treble. Support for 24-bit/96kHz audio ensures high-fidelity sound reproduction, staying true to the original recording.
Call quality has also received attention. The Buds4 Pro utilize “Ultra Clear Arama Sesi” (Super Clear Call) technology, which leverages a super-wideband audio technology alongside machine learning models to reduce noise and enhance voice clarity during phone calls. Bluetooth call bandwidth is effectively doubled, promising a more natural and intelligible conversation experience.
Galaxy Buds4: Refinements to an Open Design
The standard Galaxy Buds4 maintain the open, unsealed design introduced with the Buds3. While lacking the advanced features of the Pro model, they still offer improvements in key areas. They feature an 11mm dynamic speaker and adaptive noise control. The Buds4 offer five hours of battery life on a single charge (six hours with ANC off), with the charging case providing an additional 24 hours with ANC enabled and 30 hours without.
Key Specifications and Comparisons
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications for both models:
- Galaxy Buds4
- Price: $179
- Battery Life: 5 hours (6 hours ANC off), 24 hours (case with ANC), 30 hours (case without ANC)
- Speaker: 11mm dynamic speaker
- ANC: Adaptive ANC
- Bluetooth: 6.1
- Water Resistance: IP54
- Colors: Black, White
- Galaxy Buds4 Pro
- Price: $249
- Battery Life: 6 hours (7 hours ANC off), 26 hours (case with ANC), 30 hours (case without ANC)
- Speaker: Enhanced two-way speaker (11mm SuperWide woofer and 5.5mm planar tweeter)
- ANC: Adaptive ANC 2.0
- Bluetooth: 6.1
- Microphones: One HSNR digital microphone, two digital microphones
- Water Resistance: IP57
- Colors: Black, White, Pink Gold
Notably, Samsung has reduced the water and dust resistance rating on the standard Buds4, downgrading from IP57 to IP54. The Buds4 Pro, however, retain the more robust IP57 rating.
New Features Across the Lineup
Both the Buds4 and Buds4 Pro introduce several new features, including HD Voice, bone conduction microphones (Pro model only), 360 Audio recording, and expanded support for Galaxy AI. Users can also utilize head movements to accept or reject calls on the Buds4 Pro, and a button press on the case can locate a paired smartphone.
The Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro represent a continuation of Samsung’s commitment to the wireless earbud market. While not a radical departure from previous generations, the refinements in noise cancellation, audio quality, and smart features, particularly in the Pro model, position them as strong contenders in the premium earbud space. The availability of both models, starting , will allow consumers to choose the features and price point that best suit their needs.
