Samsung’s New Galaxy Buds 3: A Close Look at Their AirPod-Inspired Design and Features

Samsung’s New Galaxy Buds 3: A Close Look at Their AirPod-Inspired Design and Features

Samsung has taken a bold step with its latest Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3, drawing significant inspiration from Apple’s AirPods. The most striking change is the transition to a stemmed design, enhancing comfort and in-ear stability, as per Samsung’s collected statistical data. While this move brings a familiar look, especially in white, it also introduces some unique elements, such as innovative lighting features.

Alongside their new folding phones and wearables, Samsung has unveiled these new earbuds, confirming many leaks and early sales reports. The shift from the previous subtle in-ear design to a stemmed appearance gives these buds an unmistakable AirPods-like feel. Both models are available in a gunmetal gray finish with an angular “blade” design, reminiscent of Tesla’s Cybertruck, but the resemblance to Apple’s AirPods remains undeniable.

Samsung’s press release highlights that the change was driven by extensive data showing that a stem form factor enhances comfort and in-ear stability. Despite missing the vibrant purple Buds 2 Pro and the unique bean-shaped Buds Live, the new design promises improved usability. The Galaxy Buds 3 controls are now nearly identical to those of the AirPods Pro, featuring pinch gestures for play/pause/track and swipes.

A standout feature of the $249.99 Buds 3 Pro is the thin “blade light” on each earbud, which can illuminate to indicate Bluetooth pairing status. Users can also set these lights to stay on at all times, although they do not reflect the battery charge level.

The Pro earbuds offer an in-ear fit with silicone tips, while the regular Buds 3 ($179.99) have an open-style design, catering to those who dislike the plugged-ear sensation. Both models include active noise cancellation (ANC), though expectations should be tempered for the Buds 3 due to the lack of a seal. The Buds 3 Pro, featuring two-way drivers in each earbud, should deliver superior audio performance compared to the single-driver Buds 3.

Adaptive noise cancellation is a new addition to the Buds 3 Pro, automatically adjusting the ANC based on surrounding sounds. Important noises, like sirens, will temporarily lower the noise cancellation to allow them through.

Both models are rated IP57 for dust and water resistance and support wireless charging. Samsung’s proprietary Bluetooth codec can now stream up to 24-bit/96kHz audio wirelessly, provided you use the Buds 3 or Buds 3 Pro with a recent Samsung phone. However, LDAC support remains absent, and multipoint connectivity is still missing, offering only automatic switching between Samsung devices.

Battery life is slightly better on the Pros, offering up to six hours on a single charge with ANC on, and a total of 26 hours with the charging case. The Buds 3 can achieve five hours with ANC, extending to 24 hours with the case, or up to 30 hours without ANC.

Samsung also claims significant improvements in voice call quality across the lineup due to the inclusion of super wideband, a feature already seen in competitors like the Pixel Buds Pro.

Both the Buds 3 Pro and Buds 3 are available for preorder now and will be on sale starting July 24th. Stay tuned for my full review to see if Samsung’s shift to the stem design proves to be a beneficial change.