Samsung unveils Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 4 with improved noise cancellation, better sound quality, and a more distinctive design that moves away from the AirPods-like appearance.
Samsung has unveiled its latest wireless earbuds lineup with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4, promising enhanced sound quality, improved noise cancellation, and a more refined fit for greater comfort. The new models, announced alongside the Galaxy S26 series, represent Samsung's continued push to compete in the premium true wireless earbuds market.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro sits at the top of the lineup, featuring an in-ear design that creates a tighter seal for superior noise cancellation compared to the on-ear Galaxy Buds 4. Both models share Samsung's signature transparent case design, which has drawn comparisons to Nothing Ear's aesthetic, but the earbuds themselves have received a notable design refresh.
Design Evolution: Moving Beyond the AirPods Look
One of the most significant changes in the Galaxy Buds 4 series is the move away from the AirPods-inspired design that has characterized Samsung's earbuds for years. The new models feature a metal finish on the stems, giving them a more premium appearance and helping them stand out from Apple's ubiquitous earbuds.
Samsung has also added engraved pinch controls to the stems, making it easier to adjust settings without looking at the earbuds. This tactile feedback addresses one of the common complaints about touch controls on wireless earbuds.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation Improvements
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 4 both promise improved sound quality over their predecessors. While specific audio specifications weren't detailed in the announcement, Samsung emphasizes that the new models offer a "refined fit" for a more comfortable listening experience.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, with its in-ear design, naturally provides better passive noise isolation, which complements the active noise cancellation technology. The Galaxy Buds 4, with their on-ear design, offer a more open listening experience but with less effective noise cancellation.
Super Clear Call Technology
A standout feature exclusive to Samsung devices is the Super Clear Call technology. This system uses super-wideband call technology combined with machine learning algorithms to deliver better noise reduction and clearer voice quality during calls. However, this feature only works when paired with a Samsung smartphone, which could be a limitation for users who don't exclusively use Samsung devices.
Battery Life and Pricing
Battery life remains competitive in the true wireless earbuds market:
- Galaxy Buds 4: 5 hours with ANC enabled
- Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: 6 hours with ANC enabled
Both models are available for pre-order now, with a release date set for March 11th. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is priced at $250, while the more affordable Galaxy Buds 4 comes in at $180.
Color Options and Availability
The Galaxy Buds 4 are available in Black and White, while the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offers Black, White, and a Pink Gold option that's exclusive to Samsung's online store. This strategy of offering exclusive colors through Samsung's direct channels is becoming increasingly common among smartphone and accessory manufacturers.
Samsung Ecosystem Integration
The announcement of the Galaxy Buds 4 series alongside the Galaxy S26 smartphones reinforces Samsung's strategy of creating a tightly integrated ecosystem. Features like Super Clear Call that only work with Samsung devices encourage users to stay within the Samsung ecosystem for the best experience.
Looking Ahead
While the new Galaxy Buds 4 series represents a solid evolution of Samsung's wireless earbuds lineup, some fans are still hoping for a return of the Galaxy Buds Live (also known as the "beans"). These uniquely shaped earbuds offered exceptional comfort but fell short in sound quality compared to more traditional designs.
As the true wireless earbuds market continues to mature, Samsung's focus on refining existing designs while adding meaningful features like improved noise cancellation and call quality should help maintain its competitive position against Apple, Sony, and other major players in the space.
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