“Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review: Legit Earbuds Or Hyped? Exposed!”

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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review Legit Earbuds Or Hyped Exposed!

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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

SpecificationDetails
Model NameGalaxy Buds 2 Pro
Model TypeHeadset
ColorsGraphite, White, Bora Purple
DimensionsEar Buds: 21.6 x 19.9 x 18.7 mm, Cradle (Ear Buds): 50.2 x 50.4 x 27.7 mm
Weights5.5g (Ear Buds), 43.3g (Cradle) 
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3 (True Wireless Earbuds)
Standard Battery Capacity58mAh
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 ResistanceYes (IPX7 rated)
Sound Experience24-bit Hi-Fi audio
Intelligent ANCActive Noise Canceling (ANC) with 3 high SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) microphones
360 AudioIntelligent 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.

samsung seamless codec

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. 

equalizer samsung (EQ)

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.

360 Audio

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.

SmartThings Find
Samsung Features

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

  • High-Quality Sound: When paired with a Samsung Galaxy device, the Buds 2 Pro deliver well-balanced sound with a wide soundstage, thanks to the Samsung Seamless Codec.
  • Sound Customization: Users can adjust the equalization to some extent, allowing for a somewhat personalized audio experience.
  • Effective Noise Cancellation: The noise cancellation quality is on par with that of other similar earbuds in the market, like the LinkBuds S and Pixel Buds Pro.
  • Intuitive Controls: Simple tap controls for playback, and an experimental feature for volume adjustment via the earbud edge.
  • Comfortable Design: The earbuds’ design is noted to be comfortable, with a slim case that’s easy to handle and carry.
  • Water Resistance: Better than competitors at this price point with the ability to be submerged for 30 minutes.
  • Battery Life and Case: The case is slim, holds an additional 18 hours of battery life, and supports wireless charging.
  • Samsung-Specific Features: Such as SmartThings Find, auto-switching between Samsung devices, a gaming mode, and conversation recognition.
  • Mic Quality: Microphone performance is decent and provides clear sound during calls.

Cons

  • Lacking Bass and Dynamic Range: The Buds 2 Pro may fall short in bass performance and dynamic range compared to competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5s.
  • Limited EQ Customization: Samsung only provides a few preset EQ options, unlike other brands that offer a full equalizer.
  • 360 Audio Gimmick: The 360 Audio feature is considered a gimmick for earbuds and can even degrade the Dolby Atmos experience on services like Apple Music.
  • Artificial Sounding Transparency Mode: The voice sound in transparency mode doesn’t feel entirely natural.
  • Battery Life: At five hours, the battery life is on the lower end for earbuds in its price range.
  • Potential Ear Soreness: Due to the wide design towards the ear tips, prolonged use can potentially cause ear discomfort.
  • Stabilizer Lack for Fitness: May not be the best choice for physical activities as they lack stabilizing arcs that other fitness-oriented buds have for a more secure fit.

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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