What you need to know
- The new set of Galaxy Buds 3 models were unveiled at the Unpacked Event.
- The Galaxy Buds 3 starts at $179.99, and the Buds 3 Pro retail at $249.99 in the U.S.
- Both the Galaxy Buds incorporate Galaxy AI and have a refreshing new design.
- With ANC turned on, the Galaxy Buds 3 offers 24-hour music playback, and the Pro model offers 26 hours.
Samsung announced today the much anticipated Galaxy Buds 3 series alongside other products like the Galaxy Ring, the Galaxy Watch 7 series, and its latest foldable phones. Compared to the Galaxy Buds 2 lineup, the new model has a refreshing design.
Both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro have a new stem appearance called the blade design. In a press release, Samsung states, "This new design enables a more intuitive physical experience by allowing you to control the device by simply pinching or swiping up or down on the blade to control the volume, thereby offering convenience and tasteful aesthetics at the same time."
Even with the blade (stem) design, the Galaxy Buds 3 series has its differences. The Buds 3 have an open design like the first-gen Apple AirPods, while the Buds 3 Pro feature ear tips similar to AirPods Pro 2, called a "Canal Type" design by Samsung, promising an immersive sound experience.
The latest Galaxy Buds differ a lot on the inside. The standard Galaxy Buds 3 have a single 11mm dynamic driver, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro use a two-way system with a 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6.1mm planar tweeter. Both models have three microphones each and support high-quality audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
While the Galaxy Buds 3 comes with standard ANC, the Pro model features ANC with Ambient Sound and Voice detection features. These features let the Buds 3 Pro "distinguish between noise and human voices."
When a user speaks, the Buds 3 Pro automatically switch to ambient mode and lower the media volume, so they can hear conversations without removing the earbuds. Other exclusive features of the Buds 3 Pro include Adaptive Noise Control, Silent Detection, and Blade Lights.
Both the Galaxy Buds 3 and the Pro model use Galaxy AI, including features like Interpreter mode, which lets users hear real-time translations. When connected to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Z Flip 6, foreign languages are translated into the preferred language through the Buds 3.
Users can also use the Voice Command feature to control functions like playing and pausing music without touching the new stem on the earbuds.
Both buds come with a similarly weighted charging case and a 515mAh battery. The Galaxy Buds 3 have a 48mAh battery, while the Pro model has a 53mAh battery.
With ANC on, the Buds 3 promise to provide up to five hours of battery life and 24 hours with the charging case. Meanwhile, the Pro version offers up to six hours and 26 hours with the case. Turning off ANC adds an hour of music playback for both models, giving a total of 30 hours. Other highlights of the Galaxy Buds 3 series include an IP57 rating and support for Bluetooth 5.4.
The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come in Silver and White. The Buds 3 are priced at $179.99, and the Pro model costs $249.99. Samsung is offering a free protective clip case for those who preorder on their site by July 23.
