In this article, we’re reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, a true wireless earbuds priced at $197. These buds cost even more than the costly $179 Google Pixel Buds. The ENC assistant integration, 24-bit audio compatibility, Bluetooth 5.3 support. I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as my primary true wireless earphones for the past few days, stuffing them all the way. So here is my full review. In order to determine which one could be best for you, I’m also going to do a brief side-by-side comparison with Google Pixel Buds Pro.
Design
There is now a limited palette of colours available for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The conventional white or black ones are available for purchase. The gorgeous Bora purple alternative is another option, and, to be honest, they look amazing. In a pleasant way, it feels like soft, smooth, colourful stones stuck in your ears. I adore how they have a clean matte appearance without any interior sheen, which prevents them from being greasy when handled. Always a bonus, that. They certainly give off a premium impression, which is fortunate given that these cost more than $200.
The apparent seam that separates the front and back parts is the only aspect of the design that I would criticise. However, when they are within your ears, you can’t even see that. The ear buds have a protruding, sort of winged piece. When you insert them, you simply twist them in, and that tiny portion sort of embeds itself underneath your ear flap, helping to keep them firmly in place. I discovered that there is absolutely no shifting at all, even when you are exercising vigorously or running down the sidewalk. I did a launch test to demonstrate my argument, and I discovered that wearing the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for a few hours was fairly pleasant. I didn’t feel any pressure building up or anything; after about three to four hours, I just started to get the typical ear tiredness. It’s absolutely a good idea to take them out again at that point.
These stand out as the clear winners in terms of water resistance. Unlike the Pixel Buds, which are merely IPX4 splash-resistant, they are fully IPX7 water-resistant. Both are suitable for using during a downpour or while working out in the gym. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, however, can really be submerged in water and continue to function. Therefore, given that they are a little bit more compact and provide the water resistance, if I had to choose between Pixel and Samsung based just on design, I would probably select these. Other than that, there aren’t many differences between them.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have the most recent and up-to-date Bluetooth 5.3 support when it comes to actually connecting to your phone. The range is insane, just a little bit more than I discovered with the Pixel Buds Pro. The connection would be flawless with no cutting off or anything if I left my smartphone in the yard and came inside the home and went up a flight of steps. If you’re a fan of Samsung, these Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will connect without a hitch to the majority of the company’s products, especially the newest ones, such as some of the newest 2022 televisions. Additionally, if you own a Samsung Galaxy Watch, you can effortlessly choose between the touch controls being active or inactive as well as the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) mode. The battery life of your Galaxy Buds 2 Pro may also be accurately readout. The Buds 2 Pro will also provide better audio quality for owners of Samsung devices.
Wearable App and Touch Controls
If you explore the Bluetooth menu on your Samsung smartphone, you do have some control over your Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at this point. As you can see, there are a few other choices as well as the ability to turn on and off the touch controls and ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). You must download the Galaxy Wearable app if you don’t own a Samsung smartphone or if you want more customization options. All the other capabilities, such as Voice Detect, 360-degree audio, and the option to modify the touch controls, are accessible through this app.
You can see that the touch and hold function, along with the single tap function, are both inactive by default. However, you can enable double-tap and triple-tap actions within the app. These may be used to skip music, but when you touch and hold them for a long time, you can specify exactly what you want each bud to do. Once more, you can switch on the ANC, activate Bixby, change the volume, or open Spotify. I discovered that these touch controls were incredibly reliable, frequently reacting correctly the first time. Additionally, there is full tonal feedback, letting you know when a command has been carried out. Within the Wearable app, even double- and triple-taps were effective.
Voice Control
The Voice Detect feature, which is mercifully off by default, can also be activated. This function carries out what it is intended to achieve. Basically, the Noise Awareness mode is activated and the volume of whatever you are listening to is promptly lowered when the buds detect that you are talking. You can hear and stay aware of your surroundings as a result. The concept is that you can answer when someone approaches and starts speaking to you while still wearing the buds. After a few period of time, the buds will notice that you have stopped talking and will increase the volume once more before returning to the previous mode, whether it was ANC or another one. If, like me, you frequently mumble throughout the day, this function won’t be very helpful to you. You’ll discover that you frequently switch on the Noise Awareness mode and turn down the music volume, which is not ideal.
Contrary to the Pixel Buds, there are a tonne of additional fantastic features crammed in here, such as Find My Buds, in case you ever lose them somewhere—say, down the back of the couch. There are many wonderful tiny features and tools to experiment with. I discovered that there wasn’t much of a difference between the Pixel Buds and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in terms of touch controls and other capabilities. In contrast to the Pixel Buds, you’ll definitely get more use out of these if you own a Samsung smartphone, Gear like the Samsung Galaxy Watch, and a Samsung phone.
Assistant
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro only support Bixby. The Google Assistant is entirely voice-activated on the Pixel Buds, but you can also press and hold to activate the assistant if you’d like. You can instruct Bixby to read out any new texts and forthcoming calendar events that arrive on your smartphone. But that’s pretty much all. Unlike the Pixel Buds Pro, where the dependable Google Assistant could read out WhatsApp messages and other notifications from your smartphone, there is no compatibility for any third-party apps. I must admit that I like the Google Pixel Buds better for the assistant. That’s in part because I already prefer Google Assistant to Bixby.
Active Noise Canceling
The brand-new Samsung earbuds include a triple microphone system for active noise reduction. Although it isn’t as sophisticated as ANC found in products like the Bose or Sony earphones, it performs a good job of isolating you from outside noises like traffic. Even though it’s not the finest option available, you may still enjoy an audiobook or podcast while strolling down a busy, bustling High Street without turning up the volume to the maximum and endangering your hearing. It’s unrealistic to anticipate that they will totally suppress all background sounds and leave you in silence, though. The good news is that it offers a nice experience overall and, like the Pixel Buds, doesn’t have wind feedback or other related problems. So, these and the Pixel Buds are tied in terms of noise cancelling.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Audio Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s audio quality has once again been enhanced by AKG, and it is very astounding. With Samsung’s new seamless codec, 24-bit audio is guaranteed, meaning it is no longer downsampled to merely 16-bit. For fans of high-resolution audio, this is wonderful news. But there’s a big catch: you need a Samsung smartphone running the newest One UI 4 in order to experience that premium 24-bit audio.
I really liked the sounds these earbuds generated on the default settings. It had great sound quality in all musical genres, including hip-hop, rock, and metal. Even though they were modest, they provided adequate bass without drowning out the higher frequencies. They are a fantastic option for listeners of podcasts and audiobooks because the vocals come through well as well. Additionally, you’ll be happy to hear that the buds 2 Pro support complete Dolby Atmos, giving you a spectacular surround sound experience while you’re streaming material from Netflix or viewing films on YouTube.
Overall, the Buds 2 Pro win, especially if you own a Samsung smartphone, even if I also liked the Google Pixel Buds’ audio quality. They support LDAC, aptX HD, and other premium codecs that you would anticipate from a high-end pair of true wireless earbuds, in contrast to the Pixel Buds.
Mic Test
Using the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s built-in microphones, I’m recording the audio. Even though I’m in a noisy area outside of my peaceful studio, I’ve discovered that these microphones perform admirably there as well. I’m recording the audio sample next to my speaker, which is playing loud traffic noises to demonstrate my point. despite all of the ambiance, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro microphone is still picking up my voice clearly.
Battery life
Even with the ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) active, I discovered that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro had a consistent decline in battery life of under 20% for every hour of use. I was able to use the earbuds for slightly over five hours with noise reduction turned on before they needed to be recharged. Simply put them back in their adorable and vibrant tiny case, which matches the colour of the buds themselves, when the battery runs out. A complete charge of the case and the buds will give you a battery life of slightly under 20 hours. The case can fully recharge the buds over two times.
Unfortunately, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s battery life is not as robust as that of many of its competitors, as some of them provide 25 to 30 hours of usage. The Pixel Buds do have a benefit in this aspect as they offer approximately six to seven hours of use with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) activated. But like the Pixel Buds, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are remarkably small, slick, and curved, making them simple to tuck away in any pocket or purse. If your smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, you may also wirelessly charge the cases themselves for added convenience. Otherwise, you can simply connect a cable to the handy USB Type-C connector to utilise it for charging.
That's my honest review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, along with a brief comparison of them to the Pixel Buds to see how they compare. I must admit that I adore these truly wireless earbuds. However, you might not fully enjoy the variety of functions and high-quality music they offer if you don't also have other Samsung Gear, like the Galaxy Watch or a Samsung smartphone. In that case, I would advise looking into the more reasonably priced Pixel Buds Pro or perhaps the Huawei Buds.
-
Design10
-
Connectivity8.5
-
Apps and Touch Controls8
-
Voice Control8
-
Audio Quality10
-
Battery Life9
-
Mic8
1 Comment
Don’t know about the Pro, but I went through 3 pairs of galaxy buds2 (continually ordering and returning) from Amazon. I even tried different colours. Every pair, the left bud would have between 20-30% battery life left, while the right was dead. Finally got fed up and ordered the pixel buds pro, which are WAY better. Again, I can’t compare the Samsung pros, but the Pixel buds have great sound quality, good price, last way longer than the Samsung’s and you can do so much more with them. Will never order Samsung buds again.