Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: A Worthy Upgrade, But With a Catch
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro represent Samsung’s boldest move yet in the realm of wireless earbuds. Breaking away from the familiar bean-shaped design, they introduce a sleek, long, and slender look that has been aptly nicknamed the "blade" design. This new aesthetic, while initially striking, has its own unique quirks. Couple that with a price tag of $250 and the question arises: are these Buds truly an improvement over their predecessors? Let’s delve into a detailed review to find out.
Design: A Growing Addiction?
The most prominent feature on the Buds 3 Pro is the "blade," those sharp edges on the stem that give the buds their distinctive triangular look. Unlike the rounded stems of the AirPods, this pointed design initially led to some skepticism among those accustomed to a more familiar profile. However, the “blade” design also proves to be more practical, allowing a more secure grip while adjusting the fit.
The pentagonal base of the Buds adds another layer of complexity, making docking them in the charging case a less than straightforward task. It feels like solving a block puzzle, trying to align the bud perfectly with its socket. Fortunately, the distinctive red and blue stripes on the base match corresponding markings on the case, making the process a bit less frustrating, though not entirely foolproof.
Despite the initial apprehension, the "blade" design actually started to grow on me. It proved to be unexpectedly comfortable, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit. The pressure-sensitive buttons on the blades provide a tactile feedback, reassuringly clicking with every press, making for a more precise and confident interaction compared to the sometimes-unreliable touch-capacitive stems. The surface area of the blades allows for a more intuitive control, though swiping up and down for volume adjustment proved to be a little challenging. The limited space on the stem can lead to difficulty achieving precise swipes, sometimes dislodging the bud from the ear and making it feel a bit precarious.
Sound: A Matter of Taste
The Buds 3 Pro boast a more powerful sound system compared to their predecessors, featuring a two-way speaker, dual amplifiers, a planar tweeter, and a dedicated woofer. These upgrades aim to deliver a richer and more detailed audio experience.
While the clarity of the treble is impressive, the bass response on the Buds 3 Pro can be a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s powerful, even aggressive, delivering a heavy thump that might be appreciated by certain listeners, particularly those who enjoy EDM or genres heavily reliant on bass. However, this intensity can sometimes overshadow the subtler nuances in a track, especially at higher volumes, leaving the low end feeling a bit muddy and overpowering.
The planar tweeter, on the other hand, delivers a crisp and detailed treble that avoids any excessive sharpness at high volumes. It maintains its clarity and allows the higher frequencies to shine through.
For me, the overall sound signature of the Buds 3 Pro leans towards a more "boomy" experience, particularly in the bass, which might not be ideal for all musical tastes. Its strength lies in its ability to deliver a powerful and impactful sound, making them a good choice for energetic tracks or workouts.
Noise Cancellation: An Impressive Performer
The real star of the show is the noise cancellation on the Buds 3 Pro. It’s powerful and truly effective, silencing a wide range of ambient noises with remarkable efficiency. I tested them in a variety of loud environments, from chaotic subway stations to my noisy apartment with its ancient and thunderous air conditioner. The ability of the Buds 3 Pro to effectively minimize high-frequency noise was impressive, though they were less successful at completely silencing low-frequency humming sounds, like that of my AC.
While Samsung markets the noise cancellation as "adaptive," I couldn’t discern any noticeable differences in its effectiveness in various environments. Whether this is a limitation of the adaptive technology or a testament to its seamless performance is a question that remains unanswered.
Water and Sweat Resistance: Built for the Elements
The IP57 water and sweat resistance rating on the Buds 3 Pro gives you confidence to use them in a variety of situations without worrying about a little sweat or accidental splashes. This rating indicates they can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This capability proved incredibly helpful during my daily routine, including my admittedly sloppy approach to brushing my teeth and washing my face while wearing them. I can also confirm their resilience during my daily commute, which often involves a less than ideal combination of NYC humidity and a generous amount of perspiration.
Battery Life: A Reliable Companion
The Buds 3 Pro promise a respectable battery life, claiming to deliver up to 26 hours with ANC activated and 30 hours with ANC off. My usage over the past week, averaging about three hours per day, including music, calls, and social media, has consistently kept the battery indicator comfortably in the green. Based on my experience so far, I’m confident that I’ll be able to achieve a total battery life close to the claimed 28 hours.
Verdict: Worth the Price, But Consider your Needs
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver a powerful and impactful sound experience, thanks to their improved sound system. Their noise cancellation is top-notch, effectively minimizing a wide range of ambient noises. With their reliable battery life and IP57 water and sweat resistance, they’re well-suited for active lifestyles and everyday use.
The "blade" design, while initially a point of contention, ultimately proves to be a practical and comfortable option with intuitive controls. However, the overly aggressive bass might not be for everyone, and some may find the volume controls less user-friendly.
At $250, the Buds 3 Pro are a premium offering, but they’re deserving of the premium price tag. The true question is whether they’re worth the extra $70 over their base model counterparts, the Galaxy Buds 3, which are available for $180. My initial impression of the cheaper Buds 3 suggests that the answer is a resounding yes. The added features and improved sound quality of the Buds 3 Pro justify the price difference.
Ultimately, your decision comes down to your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize powerful bass and exceptional noise cancellation, then the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more nuanced audio experience or are on a tighter budget, consider the Galaxy Buds 3, which offer a compelling combination of solid sound and functionality at a more affordable price.
