Introduction
Six months on the clock with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro nestled in my ears, and I’ve gathered enough experience to give you a scoop that’s not just about the specs, but how these tiny audio titans perform in the real world. Before diving deep, here’s a quick heads-up: I’ve included links below for the keen buyers to snag these at the best price available. So, shall we unravel the mystery of whether the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are your next audio companions?
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Specification
Specification | Details |
Model Name | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
Model Type | Headset |
Colors | Graphite, White, Bora Purple |
Dimensions | Ear Buds: 21.6 x 19.9 x 18.7 mm, Cradle (Ear Buds): 50.2 x 50.4 x 27.7 mm |
Weights | 5.5g (Ear Buds), 43.3g (Cradle) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (True Wireless Earbuds) |
Standard Battery Capacity | 58mAh |
Battery Life (Rated) | 5 hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off), 18 hours (charging case with ANC on), 29 hours (charging case with ANC off) |
Water Resistance | Yes (IPX7 rated) |
Sound Experience | 24-bit Hi-Fi audio |
Intelligent ANC | Active Noise Canceling (ANC) with 3 high SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) microphones |
360 Audio | Intelligent 360 Audio with Direct Multi-channel (5.1ch / 7.1ch), Dolby Atmos |
Price | $169(May Vary in Future) |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review: Legit Earbuds Or Hyped? Exposed!
1. Buds 2 Pro Sound Quality
The first note I struck with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro was their sound quality. With a price tag ranging between $120 to $170, these buds offer a symphony in your ears, especially when coupled with a Samsung Galaxy device. The secret sauce? Samsung’s proprietary Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC), which fine-tunes 24-bit audio, delivering a richer, fuller listening experience compared to the standard 16-bit audio.
2. Active Noise Cancellation
Noise canceling is a battleground for earbuds, and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro stand their ground with commendable performance. They stand shoulder to shoulder with others like the Pixel Buds Pro, but they’re not atop the podium. A slight tweak in sound isolation, and they could have been contenders for the best in the market.
3. EQ Settings
Samsung’s EQ customization might not offer the full artist’s palette like Sony’s or the Pixel Buds Pro, but it does have presets that get close to a personalized audio profile.
4. 360 Audio: Immersive or Gimmick?
Samsung heavily marketed the 360 Audio feature with these buds, promising an immersive experience akin to having speakers placed all around you, complete with head tracking technology. It’s a feature that’s hit or miss, and in my judgment, it’s more of a novelty on earbuds. The only time this tech truly shined for me was during a cinematic session with my AirPods Max and Apple TV 4K.
For the Buds 2 Pro, the 360 Audio isn’t a deal-breaker, especially when you have alternatives like the Pixel Buds Pro or Sony’s new offerings that support Dolby Music on platforms like Apple Music. Atmos and spatial audio excel on full-sized headphones and dedicated speakers, not so much on earbuds.
5. Mic Quality
The Galaxy Buds Pro 2 boast a decent mic quality, clear enough for calls and virtual meetings. They hold up well against rivals, maintaining audio clarity even with transparency mode engaged, though they may teeter on sounding slightly artificial.
6. Comfort and Design: The Ergonomic Ensemble
When discussing comfort, these buds are akin to sitting in a well-molded chair – comfortable enough for prolonged usage, but not without the potential of a minor ache.
Their design is sleek, the case is convenient with 5 hours of battery life, and the buds themselves are water-resistant, ready for a splash or a full-on dive.
7. Battery Life
With a battery endurance of five hours, these buds are not marathon runners. They’ll serve you well on short commutes, but for long-haul flights, you might need a backup plan. Competitors like the Pixel Buds Pro offer a more generous battery lifespan than these Samsung buds.
8. Samsung Exclusives: The Smart Edge
Owning these buds also unlocks a suite of Samsung-exclusive features like SmartThings Find and auto-switching between Samsung devices. Not to forget the gaming mode for reduced audio delay and a feature that lowers the volume when you converse – all thoughtful inclusions that enhance the user experience.
9. Playback Controls: The Command Center
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro comes with intuitive touch controls for playback and an experimental feature to adjust volume via the earbud’s edge. It’s a futuristic touch that adds to the overall sleekness of the buds.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Pros
Cons
Comparisons with the Competition
Many of you may ask how these stack up against the latest Sony WF-1000XM5s. In all honesty, while the Buds 2 Pro shines in many areas, Sony edges out in bass response and battery longevity – eight hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) versus Buds 2 Pro’s five. The Sony’s also demonstrate a broader dynamic range, and their ear tip design ensures a snug fit for enhanced bass. However, when it comes to noise cancellation, Samsung’s effort stands shoulder to shoulder with other heavy hitters like the Pixel Buds Pro.
The Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?
Here’s the million-dollar question – do I recommend the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro? If you’re wielding a Samsung phone in your pocket, it’s a resounding yes. For those outside the Samsung circle or on a tight budget, you might want to shop around unless a sale sign sways you.
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