The improved version of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless. Regarding the poor mic quality and short battery life of the Buds2, Samsung hasn’t made many changes. The ANC has been improved, though, and now performs better than rival goods like the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. Also, they support Scalable, the newest version of Samsung’s exclusive Bluetooth codec, Seamless, which is intended for transmitting high-resolution music. But, a Samsung compatible handset is required to get the most out of these headphones.
Design
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are largely comparable to the Buds Pro from a year ago, although there are some noticeable differences. First of all, this new model is 15% smaller than the 2021 edition, which makes it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Moreover, Samsung included a vent on the inside of each earbud to aid with pressure relief. Of course, their diminutive size allows them to tuck neatly inside your ear, leaving very little protruding from your head’s side. Samsung adopted this style for their earbuds early on, and successive iterations have maintained the design’s pleasingly slim profile.
In contrast to the Galaxy Buds Pro, which had a glossy covering, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a soft-touch matte finish. The former is better for me because it feels better to the touch and doesn’t attract fingerprints. The grip isn’t necessarily increased, and neither surface changed how the touch controls worked. The Buds 2 Pro charging case that comes with them is also pleasing to the touch because it has the same matte surface. Similar to the Buds Pro, this model is IPX7 rated, allowing you to submerge the earbuds for up to 30 minutes in up to three feet of “fresh water.”
The majority of the time, touch controls are identical on both earbuds. There are customized touch and hold gestures in addition to single tap play/pause, double tap skip ahead, triple tap go back, and single tap play/pause. ANC/ambient sound, ANC/off, and ambient sound/off are the different noise control options. You can also use that long press to call Bixby, turn on Spotify, or adjust the volume (down on left, up on right). There is an extra Labs option that will let you double tap the front edge of the earbuds to change audio levels if you don’t want to give up some of the other capabilities for volume.
Edge tapping is a little difficult to master, but once I got the hang of it, I had no significant difficulties. As you try to modify the fit of the earbuds, the touch controls become really annoying. The Buds 2 Pro are comfortable to wear, but as with any genuine wireless devices, you must frequently adjust where they are placed in your ears. It’s simple to make an incorrect tap while you’re merely attempting to readjust because of the sensitivity of those touch panels and the small size of the earbuds. Over the past two weeks, it happened frequently enough to become really aggravating.
Software and features
The Galaxy Wearable app on Android devices provides access to all of the features and settings for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, much like they did for earlier Samsung earbuds. However, by not providing an iOS version, the manufacturer is maintaining consistency with recent models. Samsung’s buds were once a fantastic choice for both operating systems because of onr, but that hasn’t been the case in a long. Although you can still use the earphones with Apple products, you will miss out on some of its more desirable features.
You can see the remaining battery life for the earbuds and the case right up top in the app. You may access the noise controls from the main screen as well, where you can see see whether mode is on (ANC, off, or ambient sound), and if necessary, adjust it using the software. There are toggle switches for Voice Detect, 360 audio, touch controls, and detecting misplaced earbuds directly below. Samsung’s new Voice Detect feature detects when you speak and automatically turns on ambient sound while reducing the audio level for brief conversations.
The tool will return to normal levels ten seconds after you stop talking by default, but you can change that duration to five or fifteen seconds. Voice Detect performed admirably in my tests, and it doesn’t appear to be as susceptible to being fooled by coughs as Sony’s version of the technology is. It not only continues to function with a Samsung or Android handset, but also while I’m linked to my MacBook Pro. But, I like how Sony uses their Speak-to-Chat option to completely pause the music rather than merely lowering the volume. But even while Samsung’s imitation of Sony’s function is practical, despite having more accurate speech recognition, it isn’t as enjoyable to use.
Price and Release date
On August 10, as part of its Unpacked event, where the tech giant also debuted the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, the Galaxy Watch 5, and the Watch 5 Pro, Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are offered in three colorways: Graphite, White, and Bora Purple at a price of $229/£219/AU$349 each.
To put that price into perspective, consider that the AirPods 3 cost $179, £169, or AU$279, while the Apple AirPods Pro cost $249, £249, or $399 at launch. But, keep in mind that those less expensive ‘Pods don’t have active noise cancellation.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are available for pre-order right now, and they will be available for purchase on August 26.
Battery life and charging case
The limited ANC playtime offered by Samsung’s noise-cancelling devices is disappointing. With ANC enabled, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a 5 hour battery life rating, which is just 30 minutes more than the AirPods Pro. Battery life is extended to 8 hours by disabling ANC. High volume and other features, however, reduce these playtimes by one to two hours. To get two days of moderate use would be a miracle (2 hours daily). Competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 provide 8 to 12 hours, while more affordable options like the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC provide 11 to 15 hours of battery life per charge.
Depending on how you use the buds, the wireless charging case can power them for 18 to 29 hours. This case for the AirPods Pro isn’t too dissimilar (24 hours).
The good news is that Samsung’s quick charging technology works perfectly, providing up to 2.5 hours of use in 10 minutes and 1 hour of use in just 5 minutes. Also, Galaxy users enjoy the convenience of wirelessly charging the case simply placing it on the back of a compatible Galaxy smartphone.
Conclusion
The Samsung Buds 2 Pro are a fantastic alternative to take into consideration for your next true wireless splurge if you can live with playtimes that are comparable to those of the AirPods Pro and have little need for voice activation.
