In an attempt to create the perfect wireless headphones, companies are experimenting with their filling, functionality and even form factor. This also happened in the ranks of Samsung's fully wireless headphones. The first Gear IconX, released in 2016, knew too much, and at the same time were not characterized by the best autonomy. IconX from 2018 was equipped with better speakers and simplified, which allowed to reduce the price.
Now Samsung has the third generation of fully wireless earbuds - Galaxy Buds, which also claim to compete with Apple AirPods. In general, due to their mass character, many brands traditionally compete with Cupertinians. Not differing in affordability, they, nevertheless, personify pop culture and unpretentiousness in sound quality. Samsung Galaxy Buds go almost the same way, slightly increasing the ergonomic bar. In addition, their popularity is promoted by the position of a free addition to the fresh flagships of the Galaxy S10.
In terms of design, the Galaxy Buds are similar to last year's model. Headphones are quite massive and take up a lot of space in the cavity of the auricle. They all also have contacts and proximity sensors for automatic activation and shutdown on the inside. The touch zones on the outside of the case shimmer beautifully in the light. There is also a microphone hole.
The main visual difference was a more compact charging case - now it is much more convenient to carry it in your pocket. When you open the lid, the headphones automatically become available for connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0. Previously, you had to press a button, now it is gone. The LED in the inside is responsible for indicating the operating mode and charge level. When installing the earphone in the ear, the beginning of work is accompanied by a sound signal for everyone. Traditionally, if you remove the liner, the sound will stop playing in it.
The kit includes interchangeable ear pads and earpads. Thus, choosing a comfortable size is much easier. Headphones do not really fall out of your ears and do not try to fall out at the slightest touch with your hand or clothes. As a result, running and playing sports in them is convenient.
In terms of control, three types of touches are supported. One press - pauses or resumes playback, double press - scrolls the track forward, three times - returns to the previous song. Long hold can be customized to your liking, and for each headphone separately.
Headphones are available in yellow, black and white. Case, of course, in the color of the headphones. Yellow and white colors are the most easily soiled. This is especially true when carrying a case in your pants pocket.
As for sound, the headphones inherit the massive approach and are average in quality. They do not support LDAC or AptX HD codecs. Instead, Samsung’s proprietary codec is implemented, which puts them in sound quality half a step higher than AirPods. There are well defined mid frequencies and very few deep low frequencies.
But among the noticeable positive differences - a much better sound insulation. For streaming audio services, in transport and when walking around the city - these headphones are good. At the same time, you can turn on the sound environment in them and more clearly hear external noise.
Each earphone has a 58 mAh battery. In the case - at 252 mAh. At maximum volume, they last for 5-6 hours. With 15 minutes in the case, the charge is replenished for work for an hour and a half. They can also be charged through the case using the reverse charging of Galaxy S10 smartphones.
We can say that Samsung Galaxy Buds are more likely to succeed than not. They have an affordable price, intuitive controls and quick setup. Users involved in sports or spending a lot of time in transport will appreciate their good autonomy and density of ear cushions that cut off the sound environment. In the next generation I would like to get a slightly better sound, but for now this is a good alternative to the competitors that have strengthened in the market.
