Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Buds 3, and the resemblance to Apple’s AirPods is uncanny. Announced at the Samsung Unpacked event on July 10, 2024, the design and functionality of these new earbuds seem heavily inspired by Apple’s popular product. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Galaxy Buds 3 stand out, albeit in a familiar way.
Launch Details and Pricing
The Galaxy Buds 3 were unveiled with a price tag of $179, positioning them directly against Apple’s AirPods, which are similarly priced without active noise cancellation—a feature the Buds 3 includes. Samsung began taking pre-orders on the same day as the launch, with a promotional offer of a free protective Clip Case for early buyers.
Design and Functionality
The Galaxy Buds 3 have adopted a stemmed design, a notable shift from their previous, more rounded bud-style. This new design features no silicone ear tips, relying instead on a hard fit—similar to the original AirPods. The Buds 3 also integrate a stick at the bottom which users can squeeze or swipe to control playback, mimicking the functionality of the AirPods’ stem.
Advanced Features
Samsung has not held back on features with the Galaxy Buds 3. They boast an 11mm dynamic driver that supports 24-bit Hi-Fi audio and 360 Audio spatial sound, compatible with newer Samsung devices like the Galaxy S23 and beyond. Additionally, the Buds 3 are IP57 rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various environments.
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- SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3-FE (2025) True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, Long Lasting Battery, Hands Free AI, Latin American Stock
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
Despite their robust feature set, the Galaxy Buds 3’s battery life remains consistent with previous models, offering about five hours of playtime with active noise cancellation enabled.
Innovative Technology
Samsung continues to innovate with features like the Super-Wideband Call, which uses AI to enhance voice clarity in challenging conditions. They have also introduced adaptive sound settings that automatically adjust based on environmental noise levels, enhancing the user experience.
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- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
- TALK TO GEMINI, HANDS-FREE: With hands-free access to Gemini⁴, smart assistance is always within earshot. No need to reach for your phone anymore as Galaxy Buds3 FE let you get help on the go, just by using your voice.⁵
Market Positioning
While Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 significantly draw from the AirPods’ design, they attempt to carve out their niche with enhanced features like active noise cancellation and AI-driven audio improvements, appealing to users who desire a balance between functionality and style.
With the market flooded with true wireless earbuds, Samsung’s strategy seems to lean on familiar aesthetics while pushing technological boundaries, setting the stage for a direct competition with Apple’s AirPods.
Quick Recap
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- ALL-NEW OPEN-TYPE DESIGN: Stay aware of your surroundings while listening from work to play with Galaxy Buds3 brand-new open-type fit without ear tips
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: Reduce unwanted sounds so you can listen to what you love
- PERSONALIZED SOUND: The Adaptive Equalizer with Galaxy AI¹ tailors your sound based on how you wear your Buds so you can enjoy personalized sound on your work commute or as you're listening to a podcast while cooking
- LIVE TRANSLATE AND REAL-TIME INTERPRETER: Hear translations through your Galaxy Buds while on calls or face-to-face conversations², when they say “hola”, you hear “hello”
- CINEMATIC SOUND WITH 360 AUDIO: Enjoy your own personal theater experience at home with Galaxy Buds3 and hear every detail to the fullest with 360-degree immersive sound that feels like it’s all around you
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- Compatibility & Battery Life: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are compatible with Android devices running Android 8.0 or later with at least 1.5GB RAM. They provide 5-8 hours of playback depending on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) usage, and up to 18 hours with the charging case. The case supports wireless and wired charging, including Fast Charging technology for quick top-ups.
- Audio Features: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, the Buds 3 Pro support SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, delivering 24bit/96KHz audio for superior sound quality. They also include 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel for an immersive listening experience, especially when paired with Galaxy devices.
- ANC & AI Features: The Buds 3 Pro feature improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and advanced Galaxy AI, which enhances functionalities like real-time language translation, personalized sound profiles, and environment-based voice optimization. (Note: Galaxy AI features require a Samsung Galaxy device for full functionality).
- Call Features: With enhanced Super Wideband (SWB) microphones and AI-based noise reduction, the Buds 3 Pro improve call clarity by filtering out surrounding noise and reconstructing lost voice bits, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication even in noisy environments.Water & Sweat Resistance: These earbuds are IPX7-rated for water resistance, making them more suitable for workouts and outdoor use in varying weather conditions.
- International Model without Domestic Warranty. Optimized Features: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are optimized for Android, particularly Samsung Galaxy devices, for advanced features such as 360 Audio, UHQ audio codecs, and real-time AI-based functionalities. While they are compatible with iOS devices via Bluetooth, certain features are exclusive to Galaxy Android devices.
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- REDESIGNED WITH COMFORT IN Mind: From work to exercise, enjoy all-day comfort with Galaxy Buds3
- Hear what you love, not what you don't do: Hear the sound you love and set unwanted sounds with active noise cancellation
- AUDIO CUSTOMIZED TO BEST FIT YOU: Galaxy Buds3 delivers immersive audio quality with Adaptive Equalizer for Sound Optimization with Galaxy AI that personalizes audio based on how you wear them
- They say "HOLA", you hear "Hear translations through your Galaxy Buds during face-to-face conversations using real-time interpreter with Galaxy AI²
- Your best friends for calling understanding: Hear translations through your Galaxy Buds when using Samsung Phone app²
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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