Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Updates and Prices Explored

Uncover the differences and upgrades between Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 3 Pro, including design, sound quality, and pricing insights.

Samsung’s Fresh Take on Premium True Wireless Earbuds

Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and from first glance, it looks like they’ve tackled many of the old hiccups. With a fresh design, improved fit, promising sound enhancements, and even potential multi-device Android connectivity, these buds are shaping up to be a serious contender. Let’s dive into what sets the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro apart from their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

Availability and Pricing Insights

While official Samsung deliveries are paused in certain markets, both Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro remain widely accessible through parallel imports. The Buds 3 Pro can be picked up at major electronics retailers and popular marketplaces for roughly $180–$205 USD. The newer Buds 4 Pro, arriving slightly later than the global launch, are available via international ordering services or local resellers, typically priced between $255 and $320 USD, fluctuating based on logistics and seller markups.

Practical Usage: What to Expect?

Using Galaxy Buds in these markets isn’t hampered by software restrictions since they are ecosystem accessories that don’t lock out services. To access full functionality—such as equalizer customization and firmware updates—you’ll need the Galaxy Wearable app, freely downloadable on Android devices, including alternative app stores or direct APK installations.

A slight nuance: advanced Galaxy AI features like Live Interpreter require a modern Samsung Galaxy smartphone with updated firmware. Users must manually download language packs for translation. iPhone and other Android users will miss out on Samsung’s proprietary Seamless codec and some AI functions, yet core features like noise cancellation and music playback remain fully functional.

Design Evolution: From Buds 3 Pro to Buds 4 Pro

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro embrace an ear-hook style again, differing from older Buds 2 models which lacked this feature. Samsung’s latest design shines with a more refined, tech-forward look, ditching the glossy plastic and bright LEDs of the Buds 3 Pro that sparked debates.

Their stems are now flat and coated in matte metal, enhancing both feel and aesthetics. These stems retain the signature squeeze control for media playback and swipe gestures for volume adjustments, now with a tactile ridge for easier targeting.

The overall profile is sleeker and more compact compared to the Buds 3 Pro’s bulkier plastic form with uneven seals, which honestly felt a bit clunky.

Samsung claimed to analyze over 100 million ear scans and run 10,000 virtual simulations to craft the perfect fit for Buds 4 Pro.

Personally, that’s music to my ears—literally! I’ve struggled with earbuds falling out, and while the Buds 3 Pro were comfy, they often slipped. The Buds 4 Pro, however, cling nicely without discomfort, though they do press lightly against the back of the ear—a tradeoff similar to AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve worn for hours without issue.

The charging case now lies flat, replacing the upright design of the Buds 3 Pro. Also, the earbuds no longer face each other inside the case—a strange choice on the older model that made grabbing them trickier. Here, less fumbling and fewer drops await you.

The transparent lid remains a classy touch but raises questions about scratches over time.

Both earbuds boast IP57 rating—dust resistant and waterproof enough to survive immersion—but the cases themselves aren’t water resistant.

Sound and Noise Cancellation: A Leap Forward

Samsung clearly recognizes the importance of sound quality, so the Buds 4 Pro’s audio system has been reworked. The dual-driver setup combines a dynamic low-frequency driver and a planar high-frequency driver.

The bass driver slightly grew from 10.5mm to 11mm, while the planar tweeter shrank from 6.1mm to 5.5mm. This doesn’t necessarily spell downgrade, since tuning plays a huge part.

The Buds 3 Pro had some trouble balancing boosted bass, midrange clarity, and sibilance in highs—those sharp “s” sounds—without sacrificing detail.

The Buds 4 Pro improve on this, offering bass that’s punchy yet focused, eliminating muddiness that blurred previous tracks. Trebles stretch longer but aren’t as harsh, delivering a cleaner, more enjoyable sound. Together with the better fit, I find myself reaching for the Buds 4 Pro every time.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been upgraded to Adaptive ANC 2.0. Rather than preset modes like before, this system constantly monitors ambient noise, dynamically tuning to suppress annoying frequencies.

I found both models quite capable at blocking distractions, though the Buds 4 Pro’s enhanced seal might give them a slight edge in depth.

Both earbuds feature adaptive equalizers that adjust based on how the earbuds sit and your ear shape. Testing this by shifting the buds showed clear automatic bass adjustments, more pronounced in the new model.

The Galaxy Wearable app still offers a customizable equalizer for both, letting you tailor sound to your taste.

If you own a Samsung phone, you can enjoy 24-bit audio at 96kHz sampling rate via Samsung’s Seamless Codec. Other phones get AAC support, which most won’t notice a difference from.

Calling Experience: Clearer Than Ever

The Buds 4 Pro now support dual-band Bluetooth for voice calls when paired with Samsung phones, enhancing audio clarity up to 16kHz—a range beyond typical 10kHz limits. This means your voice will sound crisper, with clearer consonants like “s,” “f,” and “z.”

Non-Samsung phones still get LC3 codec, a major upgrade over the old SBC codec for calls. Buds 3 Pro already had LC3, so it’ll be interesting to see how much the new dual-band tech improves call quality.

Both models feature high signal-to-noise ratio microphones that aid noise suppression before software kicks in, ensuring clearer voice pickup.

Unique Features: Head Gestures and AI Assistants

Taking cues from AirPods, Buds 4 Pro now let you accept or reject calls with a simple nod or shake of your head. It’s unclear if Buds 3 Pro will get this via updates.

Voice commands like “next song” or “increase volume” were already handy on Buds 3 Pro, especially when your hands are full, so expect these to continue in the new model.

The Buds 4 Pro support two AI assistants—Gemini and Bixby—activatable by name without toggling settings. This feature is off by default to avoid accidental activations.

Live Interpreter, which translates 22 languages in real time during conversations, exists on Buds 3 Pro and is coming to Buds 4 Pro, though it requires a Samsung phone for processing.

Connectivity Upgrades: Bluetooth and Privacy

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro debut Bluetooth 6.1, introduced in May 2025. This subtle upgrade boosts connection stability, reduces processor load, and improves SmartThings Find response and privacy, making it harder for trackers to snoop on your Bluetooth devices.

Oddly, the Buds 4 Pro case lacks a built-in speaker, which could have simplified locating the earbuds via “Find My Device.”

The Buds 3 Pro use Bluetooth 5.4, still a strong standard, especially for premium wireless audio.

Neither model supports LDAC codec, a favorite for hi-res audio enthusiasts. However, Samsung’s Seamless codec offers excellent 24-bit, 96kHz audio for Samsung phone users.

Multi-Device Support: Gradual Embrace

Samsung balances building its ecosystem with the user desire for open device compatibility. Buds 3 Pro lacked multipoint Bluetooth, which lets you connect two devices simultaneously—a feature increasingly seen as essential.

Still, Samsung smartphones seamlessly switch between devices, and Android users with the Galaxy Wearable app and Samsung account can manually switch earbuds without re-pairing, although it’s a bit clunkier.

The Buds 4 Pro continue this feature with more visible emphasis, making multi-device use easier but still with room for improvement.

Battery Life: Bigger Cells, Same Longevity

Battery capacity rose from 53mAh to 61mAh per earbud in Buds 4 Pro, yet total playback time stays the same. Samsung promises:

• 6 hours playback with ANC on
• 7 hours playback with ANC off
• Up to 26 hours total with charging case and ANC on
• Up to 30 hours total with case and ANC off

Impressively consistent, especially considering the newer Bluetooth standard.

Should You Upgrade to Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?

I’ve been wearing the Buds 4 Pro all day and they’re impressively comfortable—no ear fatigue yet and I haven’t even tweaked the equalizer. Honestly, I wouldn’t switch back to my Buds 3 Pro.

If you’re happy with the Buds 3 Pro and have dialed in the sound, there’s no rush to upgrade, though the improvements are welcome. For newcomers picking your first pair, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro come highly recommended.

FAQ

• Are Galaxy Buds 4 Pro compatible with all Android phones?
  Yes, but advanced Samsung AI features and the Seamless codec work best with Samsung Galaxy devices.
• Can I use Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with iPhones?
  Basic functions like music playback and noise cancellation work well, but some Samsung-specific features are unavailable.
• What’s the key difference in ANC between the two models?
  Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feature Adaptive ANC 2.0, which dynamically adjusts to ambient noise, whereas Buds 3 Pro have preset ANC modes.
• Do Galaxy Buds 4 Pro support multi-device Bluetooth?
  Yes, they support multipoint connections, allowing easier switching between devices compared to Buds 3 Pro.
• Is the battery life improved in the Buds 4 Pro?
  Battery capacity increased slightly, but playback time remains similar to Buds 3 Pro.

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