Samsung Galaxy Buds3: A Step Backwards in the World of Wireless Audio
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 represent a jarring departure from the company’s previous efforts in the wireless earbud market. While past iterations like the Galaxy Buds2 garnered praise for their comfortable design, innovative features, and superior sound quality, the Buds3 disappointingly mimic the aesthetic and functionalities of Apple’s AirPods, often to their detriment. This review delves into the shortcomings of the Buds3, exploring why they fall short of expectations and offer a less-than-ideal listening experience.
A Familiar, Yet Flawed Design:
The unboxing experience sets the tone for the Buds3’s underwhelming nature. The charging case, reminiscent of the AirPods Pro, features a clear plastic top that feels cheap and lacks the premium feel of previous Galaxy Buds cases. The buds themselves are a blatant replication of the AirPods’ design, boasting a rounded plastic upper ear tip transitioning into silver triangles at the tip. This attempt at "Cybertrucking" the AirPods leads to a bulky, less ergonomic design, especially when compared to the sleek and comfortable Galaxy Buds2.
" What happened to the simple touch controls and shockingly comfortable design of the Buds2?" – Wired reviewer
The triangular ear tip design presents a significant challenge when trying to adjust the fit of the Buds3. The grip offered by the triangle is inferior to the natural curve of a rounded cylinder, making it difficult to secure the buds properly in the ear, a crucial aspect for comfortable and stable wear. This issue is further compounded by the larger, more cumbersome size of the buds, making their insertion and removal a less-than-pleasant experience.
Controls: A Clumsy Imitation:
The Buds3 adopt the same squeeze and swipe controls found on the AirPods, however, the awkward design exacerbates the difficulties in navigating the controls. The awkward shape makes it all too easy to accidentally adjust the placement of the buds when attempting to change tracks or adjust volume. This is a far cry from the intuitive touch controls of the Galaxy Buds2, which provided a seamless and comfortable user experience.
AI for Show, Not Substance:
Samsung touts the AI-powered features of the Buds3, showcasing their ability to use voice commands for tasks such as music control, volume adjustment, answering calls, and even real-time translation. While the voice control functionality works adequately, the real-time translation feature falls short of its promise.
"The app is full of all sorts of other unhelpful features too." – Wired reviewer
The translation feature demonstrably falls short of expectations, struggling to accurately interpret and translate even simple phrases. Stick to the tried-and-true Google Translate for reliable results. The app itself is loaded with various unnecessary functionalities, such as a feature that notifies you if your neck has been bent over for too long. The value of such a feature is debatable, especially for those experiencing neck pain, as a simple chime is unlikely to be a solution.
Noise Cancellation: In Name Only:
The Buds3 boast active noise cancellation (ANC) but struggle to effectively block out external noise. The poor seal created by the poorly-designed ear tips results in a lack of physical barrier to isolate sound. Comparing it to the AirPods Pro, which utilize clever venting to minimize sound leakage, or the older Galaxy Buds with their secure fit, the Bud3s fall significantly short of providing a truly immersive and noise-free listening experience.
" Because the headphones have such a poor seal, it’s like putting an air conditioner next to an open window." – Wired reviewer
Sound Quality: A Disappointing Regression:
Perhaps the most significant disappointment lies in the Buds3’s sound quality. They fail to replicate the dynamic and well-balanced sound signature that earned previous Galaxy Buds models widespread acclaim. They lack the crisp highs, punchy bass, and overall richness that truly elevate a listening experience. This deterioration in audio quality is particularly disheartening considering the Buds3’s high price point.
A Missed Opportunity:
The Galaxy Buds3 represent a missed opportunity for Samsung. Their attempt to emulate the AirPods’ design and functionality falls flat, ultimately leading to a subpar listening experience. Instead of building upon the strengths of their previous successes, Samsung opted for a misguided imitation that fails to deliver on its promise.
The Verdict:
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 are a product that disappoints on multiple levels. Their poor design, underwhelming features, and lackluster sound quality make them a hard sell. For consumers seeking a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and well-performing pair of wireless earbuds, the Buds3 fall short of expectations. It seems Samsung has inadvertently walked down a path that leads to a less satisfying listening experience, a far cry from the innovation and quality that their previous offerings embodied.
