Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the latest additions to its wireless earbuds lineup. Unveiled at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, these new models promise advanced features, AI capabilities, and a design shift that closely mirrors Apple's AirPods. Available for preorder now and hitting stores on July 24, the Galaxy Buds 3 are priced at $180, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come in at $250.
The most noticeable change in the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro is the departure from Samsung’s previous stemless design. The new models feature a stemmed design similar to Apple's AirPods, which Samsung attributes to statistical data suggesting better comfort and in-ear stability.
Both models come in silver and white, with a transparent plastic lid on the charging case. The Buds 3 Pro also sport a distinctive "blade" LED strip along the stem, designed to help locate the earbuds using the Samsung Find feature on a Galaxy phone.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are equipped with a two-way driver system comprising a 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6.1mm planar driver, each powered by its own amplifier. This configuration aims to deliver a balanced and comprehensive audio performance, placing them in the hi-res audio category with a frequency response up to 40kHz. In contrast, the Buds 3 feature a single 11mm dynamic driver.
Both models support hi-res audio streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz via Samsung's Seamless Codec, though this feature is exclusive to Samsung's top-tier smartphones. Additionally, both sets of earbuds can transmit voice at a high-quality 16kHz, enhancing call clarity, but again, this is limited to Samsung devices.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a standard feature on both models, with the Buds 3 Pro offering adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts based on the surrounding environment. The Buds 3, despite their semi-open design, also include ANC, though they lack the Pro's transparency mode.
Samsung has integrated AI into the new Galaxy Buds, introducing features like Interpreter, which translates conversations in real-time, and Bixby-powered hands-free voice commands. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also include a voice-sensing function that switches to transparency mode and lowers the music volume when you start speaking, as well as an adaptive response to environmental sounds.
Battery performance is competitive, with the Buds 3 providing five hours of playback with ANC on (six hours with ANC off) and up to 24 hours with the charging case. The Buds 3 Pro offer slightly better endurance, with six hours of playback (seven hours with ANC off) and up to 30 hours with the case.
Both models boast an IP57 rating, offering substantial protection against dust and water. They also support wireless charging, adding to their convenience.
Samsung's proprietary codec enables wireless streaming of hi-res audio, but lacks LDAC support and multipoint connectivity. Instead, the earbuds offer automatic switching between Samsung devices. The Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro are also compatible with 360 Audio, providing immersive listening with head tracking and object-rendering support, enhancing the overall audio experience.
The Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro are available for preorder now, with an official release on July 24. The Buds 3 are priced at $180, while the Buds 3 Pro are available for $250, making them direct competitors to Apple's AirPods Gen 3 and AirPods Pro in terms of both pricing and features.
