Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: First Impressions and Key Details
Samsung's next-generation true wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, have arrived for hands-on evaluation. Positioned as a refined successor to the Buds3 Pro, these earbuds introduce subtle but potentially significant design and hardware changes aimed at enhancing the user experience.
Design and Build: A More Subdued Approach
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro present a notably more understated aesthetic compared to their predecessors. Available in Black, White, and an online-exclusive Pink Gold, the buds feature a satin finish that offers a low-sheen, pearlescent glow under certain lighting. The most striking design shift is the stem: gone is the triangular, blade-like design of the Buds3 Pro that could light up. In its place is a flat, metal stem that lies flush when the buds are in use.
The accompanying charging case has also been redesigned. It is smaller than before and features a see-through top. Internally, the buds now lie flat within the case, a departure from the upright orientation of the previous model. Initial wear tests suggest the new buds maintain the comfortable fit of the older pair, though some early users note a slight difference in how snugly they sit in the ear.
Audio Hardware and Features
Samsung has focused on audio improvements for this iteration. The Buds4 Pro are equipped with a 2-way speaker system comprising a wider woofer and tweeter. The company claims the new speakers are approximately 20% larger than those in the Buds3 Pro. Each bud also incorporates a dual amplifier setup—one dedicated to each speaker—which is intended to expand sound coverage and reduce distortion, potentially resulting in a louder and clearer output.
On the software and codec side, the buds support what Samsung terms "Ultra High Quality Audio," a proprietary codec utilizing a 24-bit/96kHz sample rate. It's worth noting that the Buds3 Pro also supported these specifications, so the tangible benefits of this feature in the new model require further testing. For voice calls, "Super Clear Call" technology leverages advanced machine learning and Deep Neural Networks (DNN) to enhance vocal clarity during conversations.
Controls, Pricing, and Availability
Control schemes remain familiar, with users able to interact with the buds via pinching and swiping gestures on the stem. The transition to a flat, metal stem may influence the tactile feedback of these controls, an aspect that will be scrutinized in detailed testing.
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro are set to ship starting March 11. They will retain the same price point as their 2024 predecessor, launching at $250 or €250. The package includes S/M/L eartips, adhering to the standard accessory lineup.
Initial Verdict and Pending Analysis
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro appear to be an evolutionary update, prioritizing refined design and targeted audio enhancements over radical change. The shift to a more subdued look, a compact case, and promising speaker upgrades suggest a focus on everyday usability and sound quality. However, questions remain regarding the practical impact of the new stem design on controls and comfort, as well as the real-world performance of the upgraded audio hardware and codec features. A full comparative analysis against the Buds3 Pro will be essential to determine if these changes translate to a meaningful step forward for Samsung's flagship earbuds.