Galaxy buds 4 pro vs buds 3 pro: the ultimate upgrade?

Samsung galaxy buds 4 pro: a deep dive

As Lisa Johnson, I'm thrilled to break down the details of Samsung's latest audio offering: the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Having spent considerable time testing these earbuds, I'm here to provide a comprehensive comparison with their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Let's dive into what's new, what's improved, and whether an upgrade is worth your investment.

Design and comfort: a refined experience

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro retain the stem design, but Samsung has opted for a more refined aesthetic. The stems are now flat and covered in brushed metal, giving them a more premium feel. This is a welcome change from the controversial plastic and LED design of the Buds 3 Pro. The new design feels more elegant and robust. Samsung claims to have used over 100 million ear scan data points to optimize the fit, and I have to say, it shows. The earbuds fit securely and comfortably, even during rigorous activity. The horizontal charging case is a significant improvement over the vertical design of the Buds 3 Pro, making it easier to access the earbuds.

Sound quality: a noticeable improvement

The audio experience is a key area of improvement with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. While both models feature a dual-driver system (11mm woofer and 5.5mm planar tweeter in the Buds 4 Pro versus 10.5mm woofer and 6.1mm planar tweeter in the Buds 3 Pro), the sound profile is noticeably more balanced. The bass is more focused, reducing muddiness. The highs are clear without the harshness present in the Buds 3 Pro. The new Adaptive EQ feature further enhances the listening experience by fine-tuning the sound to your ear shape. For Samsung phone users, the 24-bit/96 kHz sound quality via the Samsung Codec is a definite plus.

Active noise cancellation (anc): enhanced performance

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro boast upgraded Adaptive ANC 2.0, which actively monitors and adjusts to surrounding noises. While both earbuds offer good noise cancellation, the Buds 4 Pro provide a deeper and more effective noise reduction. The improved fit also contributes to better mechanical isolation, which enhances ANC performance. This is a significant upgrade for those seeking a quieter listening experience.

Connectivity and features: staying connected

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feature Bluetooth 6.1, offering improved stability and efficiency. This is a behind-the-scenes improvement, but it contributes to a smoother overall experience. The earbuds also support two-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between devices. While the Buds 3 Pro had this functionality, the Buds 4 Pro emphasizes this feature with a streamlined process. Furthermore, the Buds 4 Pro support both AAC and the Samsung Codec (for Samsung phone users), offering flexibility in audio quality. The inclusion of 'Find My' functionality is another great addition.

Battery life: consistent performance

The battery life of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is comparable to the Buds 3 Pro. With ANC on, you can expect 6 hours of playtime on the earbuds and 26 hours with the charging case. Without ANC, you get 7 hours of playtime on the earbuds and 30 hours with the case. While the battery capacity has slightly increased, the overall performance remains consistent.

Should you upgrade?

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer a compelling upgrade over the Buds 3 Pro, particularly for users seeking improved sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and a refined design. The addition of Bluetooth 6.1 and improved multi-device connectivity are also noteworthy. While the Buds 3 Pro are still a solid pair of earbuds, the advancements in the Buds 4 Pro make them a worthwhile investment. The overall comfort and performance are excellent, making them a top contender in the premium earbud market. If you are a new user, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the clear choice. However, if you are happy with your Buds 3 Pro, the upgrade might not be essential unless you prioritize the latest features.