Samsung Unveils Galaxy Buds 4 & Buds 4 Pro at Unpacked 2026
▼ Summary
– Samsung has announced the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, which continue to mimic Apple’s AirPods in design, ecosystem features, and pricing.
– The Buds 4 Pro feature an improved two-way speaker design for better sound and claim enhanced active noise canceling (ANC) performance compared to the previous generation.
– Both models include features like ANC, ambient sound, and adaptive EQ, but full functionality, including live translation and hands-free voice assistants, requires a Samsung Galaxy device.
– The new buds maintain the same $179 (Buds 4) and $249 (Buds 4 Pro) price points as their predecessors, with preorders starting February 25 and sales beginning March 11.
– While they work with non-Galaxy devices, many core features are limited, making them a tailored choice primarily for users within the Samsung ecosystem.
Samsung has officially introduced its latest wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, continuing a design philosophy that closely mirrors Apple’s AirPods. The new models retain the familiar stemmed look of their predecessors but now feature a flat metal surface on the exterior stem, marking a subtle yet distinct aesthetic shift. This launch reaffirms Samsung’s strategy of offering premium audio accessories deeply integrated into its ecosystem, with pricing and functionality positioned to compete directly with Apple’s offerings.
The standard Buds 4 utilize a single 11mm dynamic driver and forgo silicone ear tips, opting for an open-fit design. In contrast, the Buds 4 Pro employ a two-way speaker system, pairing a 5.5mm planar tweeter with a new 11mm “super wide woofer.” Samsung claims this woofer has an effective area nearly 20 percent larger than before, resulting in a significant 50 percent reduction in audio distortion. For fit, the Pro model includes a selection of silicone ear tips.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is present on both models, alongside ambient sound modes and adaptive EQ. The Pro version features enhanced adaptive ANC, with Samsung touting a 3dB improvement in performance, though specific frequency details were not provided. Exclusive to the Buds 4 Pro are the voice detect and siren detect features. Voice detect automatically boosts conversation volume when it hears the user speaking, while siren detect increases ambient sound to alert the wearer to nearby emergency alarms.
Pricing remains unchanged from the previous generation. The Galaxy Buds 4 will cost $179, while the Buds 4 Pro are set at $249. Pre-orders begin today, February 25, with general availability starting March 11. Color options include black and white for both, with an exclusive pink gold finish available for the Pro model through online channels.
Battery life sees a slight improvement. The Buds 4 Pro offer up to seven hours of playback, or six hours with ANC enabled, with the charging case providing an additional 30 hours (26 with ANC). The standard Buds 4 deliver up to six hours, or five with ANC, with the case offering the same 30-hour extra capacity. Both cases support wireless charging and adopt a new clamshell design with a transparent lid, moving away from the flip-top style of earlier models.
Connectivity is built on Bluetooth 6.1 with support for Auracast. The earbuds are compatible with a range of codecs, including AAC, SBC, LC3, and Samsung’s proprietary SSC for ultra-high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio on recent Galaxy devices. Spatial audio is supported on phones running One UI 4.1.1 or later.
While the buds will connect to non-Galaxy devices via Bluetooth, the full experience is reserved for Samsung users. Key features like advanced noise control, adaptive EQ, pinch controls, and firmware updates require the Galaxy Wearable app on Android 10.0 or above. For Galaxy smartphone owners, the process is seamless; opening the case initiates a fast connection, and a quick settings panel provides instant access to controls.
The integration with the Galaxy ecosystem unlocks several exclusive functions. These include fast pairing, hands-free Bixby or Google Assistant access, head gesture controls, and a live translation Interpreter feature supporting 22 languages. Durability is rated at IP54 for the Buds 4 and a more robust IP57 for the Buds 4 Pro, though the charging case itself lacks an official IP rating.
Samsung’s latest earbuds represent a focused iteration, refining sound hardware and ANC capabilities while doubling down on deep integration with its own devices. For users invested in the Galaxy ecosystem, they present a compelling, feature-rich alternative to market leaders.
(Source: The Verge)
