Samsung's latest premium earbuds are seeing a significant price reduction during Amazon's Spring Sale, making them a compelling option for those seeking high-quality audio in a portable package. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which typically retail at USD 249.99, are now available for USD 199.99, just USD 10 more than their all-time low during Black Friday sales.
Design and Comfort
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature a design that has drawn comparisons to Apple's AirPods, particularly in their white color variant. However, Samsung has incorporated distinctive elements including a flat-bottomed charging case with LED indicator strips and color-coded markings on the earbuds to help users distinguish between left and right sides. The angular bud-and-stem design gives them a unique character while maintaining excellent comfort. Users report being able to wear these earbuds all day without discomfort, putting them on par with Apple's offerings in terms of ergonomics.
Sound Quality
Sound performance is where the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly shine. Equipped with 10.5mm dynamic and 6.1mm planar drivers in each bud, they deliver vibrant, full, and exciting audio profiles right out of the box. Bass response is notably punchy and tight, while vocals and instrumentals remain clear and smooth. High-frequency content like guitar riffs comes through with brightness, though at higher volumes they can approach piercing levels. Compared to Apple's AirPods Pro, reviewers note that the Galaxy Buds offer slightly smoother sound with fuller, punchier lower frequencies, potentially giving them an edge for bass enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Key Specifications:
- Price: USD 249.99 (Currently USD 199.99 on Amazon)
- Drivers: 10.5mm dynamic + 6.1mm planar drivers
- Battery Life: 7 hours (earbuds) + 23 hours (case)
- Water Resistance: IP57 (earbuds only, case not IP-rated)
- Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sound Mode
- Samsung-Exclusive Features: Device tracking, 360 Audio, Interpreter Mode (real-time translation)
Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode
The active noise cancellation (ANC) technology in the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is highly competitive, providing excellent isolation from noisy environments like grocery stores and gyms. This makes them suitable for both everyday use and workout sessions. The Ambient sound mode, Samsung's equivalent to Apple's Transparency Mode, allows users to hear their surroundings while wearing the earbuds. However, it's not quite as natural-sounding as Apple's implementation, with a noticeable hiss at lower volume levels that becomes less apparent above 50% volume.
Battery Life and Durability
Battery performance is impressive, with the earbuds themselves offering up to seven hours of playback time, while the charging case provides an additional 23 hours. This puts them in line with other premium offerings in the market. Durability is another strong point for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which boast an IP57 rating for the earbuds themselves. This means they can survive immersion in shallow water for up to 30 minutes—a significant advantage over competitors like the AirPods Pro 2, which only carry an IPX4 rating. It's worth noting, however, that the charging case doesn't have a specified IP rating, so its water resistance remains unclear.
Platform Integration and Special Features
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are optimized for Android users, particularly those with Samsung Galaxy phones. Samsung device owners gain access to premium features like device location tracking, 360 Audio (Samsung's spatial audio equivalent), and Interpreter Mode—a real-time translation tool powered by Galaxy AI. iPhone users can still use the earbuds for basic functions, but will miss out on these advanced features due to the absence of a dedicated companion app in Apple's App Store.
Comparison to AirPods Pro:
- Sound Quality: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer smoother sound with punchier bass
- Noise Cancellation: Both competitive, with different strengths
- Transparency Mode: AirPods Pro provide more natural ambient sound
- Water Resistance: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (IP57) more water-resistant than AirPods Pro 2 (IPX4)
- Ecosystem Integration: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro best with Samsung devices, AirPods Pro best with Apple devices
Value Proposition
At the current sale price of USD 199.99, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro represent excellent value for Android users seeking premium audio quality and features. While they may not be the most logical purchase for iPhone owners due to the limited feature set, their exceptional sound quality and comfortable design could still make them worth considering for those who prioritize audio performance over ecosystem integration. For Samsung device owners, they offer a comprehensive package that rivals or exceeds competitors at this price point.