Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review: The Perfect Galaxy Phone Companion
▼ Summary
– The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are an iterative upgrade that improves sound, noise cancellation, and call quality over the previous model, but they work best within the Samsung Galaxy device ecosystem.
– Their full feature set, including hi-res audio and voice assistant integration, is unlocked only with Galaxy devices, making them a poor choice for iPhone users.
– The earbuds feature a refined, smoother sound profile with powerful bass and effective active noise cancellation, though the ANC is not class-leading.
– Call quality is excellent due to advanced microphone technology that isolates the user’s voice and blocks ambient noise effectively.
– The design includes a new “blade” aesthetic, a compact charging case, and a secure, IP57-rated fit suitable for workouts.
Samsung’s latest premium earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, deliver a refined audio experience that feels tailor-made for users invested in the Samsung ecosystem. While not a revolutionary upgrade, these $249.99 wireless earbuds successfully build upon their predecessor by smoothing out previous sonic flaws and enhancing core features like noise cancellation. The catch is that their full suite of advanced capabilities is unlocked only when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, making them a compelling choice for some, but a limited one for others.
When connected to a compatible Galaxy device, the Buds 4 Pro reveal their true potential. This pairing enables hi-res audio support, seamless auto-switching between devices, and unique tools like voice-activated Gemini or Bixby, head gesture controls, and real-time interpreter translation. For iPhone, Windows, or gaming console users, the experience is drastically pared back to basic audio, call functionality, and ANC toggling. This strategic lock-in mirrors Apple’s approach with AirPods, a savvy business move that nonetheless restricts the audience who can enjoy everything these buds offer.
Audiophiles will appreciate the more balanced and consistent sound signature. Earlier models could sometimes sound harsh or “shouty” in the midrange, but the Buds 4 Pro present a smoother, more listenable profile. Vocals, like those of Chris Cornell on Soundgarden tracks, soar without strain, and high-frequency elements like cymbals are crisp without becoming piercing. The bass response is powerful and deep, sitting right on the edge of being overwhelming. It adds a thrilling punch to some genres but can occasionally feel a bit heavy, slightly masking midrange detail. Thankfully, the accompanying app provides a robust 9-band equalizer for fine-tuning.
The active noise cancellation represents a clear step forward. It effectively muffles low-end rumbles like airplane engines and does a respectable job with challenging midrange noises, though it doesn’t quite match the class-leading suppression of the latest AirPods Pro, Bose, or Sony models. The transparency mode is also adjustable, allowing you to customize how much ambient sound filters through. For calls, the six-microphone array and dedicated voice pickup unit excel at isolating your speech from background chaos like wind, traffic, and nearby conversations, though a noticeable amount of audio compression is applied to your voice in the process.
Samsung touts a “super wide band” voice option for Galaxy users, which expands call bandwidth. In practical testing during noisy street walks, the improvement in vocal clarity was minor and only noticeable when comparing recordings side-by-side. It’s a nice bonus for Galaxy owners to enable, but those without Samsung devices aren’t missing a critical feature.
The design evolves the stem-style look introduced with the Buds 3. The gimmicky LED strips are gone, replaced by a sleek metallic “blade” accent that is purely decorative. The capacitive touch controls on the stem sides are responsive, supporting swipes for volume and pinches for playback, ANC, and assistant activation, all customizable in the app. The earbuds come with just three ear tip sizes, which may not accommodate all ears, but they provide a secure, comfortable fit rated at IP57 for sweat and dust resistance. The transparent clamshell charging case is compact, supports wireless charging, and is notably smaller than the cases for many competing flagship earbuds.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro stand as a strong, specialized offering. They deliver excellent sound quality, capable ANC, and superb call isolation. For anyone deeply embedded in the Samsung universe with a Galaxy phone or tablet, they are the obvious and top-tier choice, integrating seamlessly and offering unique ecosystem perks. However, their walled-garden approach means most iPhone users and even non-Galaxy Android owners would be better served by more platform-agnostic alternatives from Sony, Bose, or Technics.
(Source: The Verge)
