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Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I tried both - here's who should upgrade
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Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro debuted with a new bud-and-stem design, and now, the company's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro double down on that design with a more polished look. The blade aesthetic is out for elevated brushed nickel accents. In the process, Samsung also upgraded its sound quality, ANC performance, and comfort.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro can take on industry heavyweights, including the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2.
Also: I found true AirPods Pro rivals in these Samsung earbuds - and they're better in several ways
But should you still consider the last-gen Galaxy Buds 3 Pro? And what's exactly new with the latest model? I wore them for five days to find out. Here's which pair of earbuds you should purchase this season.
Specifications
| Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | |
| Battery life | 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case | 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case |
| IP rating | IP57 (dust protected and waterproof; earbuds only) | IP57 (dust protected and waterproof; earbuds only) |
| Additional features | Real-Time Interpreter, Bluetooth Super Wideband; voice commands, Siren Detect; LE Audio | Real-Time Interpreter, Bluetooth Super Wideband; voice commands, Head Gestures; LE Audio |
| Price | $250 | $250 |
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if…
1. You want the best sound from Samsung
Both Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 3 Pro sound great, but the new iteration has more character. The Buds 4 Pro's sound is more balanced than that of Bose and Sony, thanks to a new 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6.1mm planar magnetic tweeter with better tuning this year.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
The Buds 4 Pro have less treble emphasis than their predecessors. You can always adjust the EQ to fine-tune your experience, but the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver a wider, airier soundstage that's more enjoyable. They are the best-sounding Samsung earbuds yet.
2. ANC performance is important to you
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro delivered solid ANC performance, but they didn't compare to the flagship earbuds from Bose, Sony, and Apple. That's changed this year; the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer improved ANC performance, which is on par with the AirPods Pro 3.
The fourth-gen Samsung earbuds dampen lower frequencies, such as the hum of automotive engines and air conditioners, very well. I also loved its ambient mode, which sounds more natural than last year's model.
3. You like more premium-looking earbuds
Samsung's blade design with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro didn't last long (RIP… I liked it). The angular blade design was succeeded by a more mainstream-looking Buds 4 Pro. You get a flat stem with a polished finish and easier-to-use controls. These look more premium and classy than their predecessors.
Also: Bose just gave me a compelling reason to put my AirPods Pro away for good
I loved Galaxy Buds 3 Pro's half-transparent case, and that design element is still present on the Buds 4 Pro, albeit in a new shape. The new Samsung earbuds are more pocketable, thanks to a smaller case, but they'll both fit your jeans' penny pocket.
4. You want the latest features
Both Samsung earbuds have a similar feature set, including spatial audio and head gestures. However, if you have a One UI 8.5-running Galaxy phone, you can take advantage of a few new features on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. For instance, you get Bluetooth 6.1 support (versus Bluetooth 5.4 on Buds 3 Pro), Seamless codec support with 24-bit/96kHz audio (on compatible Galaxy phones), and impressive noise reduction during calls.
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if…
1. You like an unorthodox look
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro weren't for everybody, thanks to their LED-equipped design and sharp edges. But I'm sure it appeals to some consumers. If you're one of them and want a pair of Samsung earbuds with a gamer vibe, the Buds 3 Pro are for you.
2. You can find them on sale
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro cost $249. While they undercut the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 and Sony XM6 earbuds, they aren't cheap. If you want a more affordable pair of flagship earbuds, keep an eye out for deals on the last-gen Buds 3 Pro. They're still a good deal if you can find them at around $180.
Writer's choice
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro might seem like an iterative upgrade, but for me, they've been a significant step up from the last generation of Samsung earbuds. They fit me better, and I prefer the polished metal look to the all-plastic, sharp angles of the Buds 3 Pro. The fourth-gen earbuds are also easier to control and offer significant improvement in voice calls; pair this with their exceptional sound and ANC performance, and you have a winner.