Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Galaxy Buds 4: Why Choose Pro & Pricing Insights

Explore the key differences between Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4, including design, sound, features, and pricing to find out which earbuds fit your style.

Samsung dropped their latest Galaxy Buds 4 Pro headphones series quietly during the Galaxy S26 launch event, and as a longtime fan, I just had to dive into what makes these earbuds tick. The lineup sticks to the familiar formula: the Pro model offers an in-ear, silicone tip design, while the standard Buds 4 headphones forego the silicone tips for an open-ear style. Both sport fresh new looks, a supposedly improved fit, refreshed sound profiles, and multi-device connectivity. Though the latter claim is a bit debatable, it’s definitely an intriguing step forward.

Here’s the full scoop on what we know about the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 so far.

Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: a design choice for every ear

Pricing and Availability Insights

Though Samsung hasn't officially launched the Galaxy Buds 4 series on the Russian market, savvy consumers have found ways to get their hands on them through parallel imports. Major retailers and popular online marketplaces usually start selling these new earbuds a few weeks after the global reveal.

• Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to land around $180–205.
• Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are priced higher, roughly between $280–320.

You can also order them from international stores, often at better prices, but with the usual patience test for shipping.

Functional Use in Local Markets

Functionality-wise, both Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro work flawlessly. The Galaxy Wearable app, essential for firmware updates, sound tuning, and more, is accessible on Android devices even outside Samsung’s ecosystem, either via alternative app stores or direct APK downloads. Active noise cancellation (ANC) and multi-connection through a Samsung account operate smoothly.

One small caveat: AI-driven features like live translation require a Galaxy phone, and you’ll need to manually download Russian language packs within settings.

Design Evolution: A Stylish Leap Forward

Samsung has moved away from the “no-earhook” style seen in past Galaxy Buds, embracing a look that somewhat resembles AirPods—but with their own sophisticated twist.

Both Buds 4 models showcase flat stems with matte metallic overlays that give a premium vibe. Touch controls sit on the stems’ sides for easy playback and volume adjustments.

Samsung claims the fit is better than ever. The Buds 4 Pro supposedly owe this to a design process that analyzed 100 million ear scans and ran 10,000 virtual simulations. The Buds 4, though open-type, still promise a snugger fit than before.

This is a major dividing line: Buds 4 are less invasive and cheaper, for those who dislike earbuds poking into their ears. That said, improved comfort and grip seem to be a priority in the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

The charging cases have reverted to a horizontal stance, holding the earbuds with speakers facing down. The cases have transparent lids on both sides, a cool visual touch—fingers crossed they don’t scratch easily.

In terms of durability, Buds 4 lag behind a bit. The Buds 4 Pro offer IP57 water and dust resistance, meaning they survive short submersion and dust ingress. The Buds 4 settle for IP54 — splash resistant but not prepared for a swim.

Sound and Noise Cancellation: Pro Steps Up the Game

Here’s where the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro really shine with a sizable upgrade.

They retain a dual-driver setup: a dynamic low-frequency driver and a planar high-frequency driver — like the Buds 3 Pro. The bass driver diameter grew from 10.5 mm to 11 mm, and the treble driver shifted slightly from 5.5 mm to 6.1 mm. While driver size alone doesn’t tell the whole story (especially on high frequencies), it hints at richer sound potential.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 4 keep their trusty single 11 mm driver. Hardware tweaks aren’t confirmed, but with the new form factor, acoustic improvements are likely. Although two-way drivers usually outclass single drivers, some single-driver earbuds still totally blow you away — so it’s a wait-and-see with these.

On the ANC front, Buds 4 Pro feature Adaptive ANC 2.0, intelligently tuning which noise frequencies to cancel in real time. Regular Buds 4 run Adaptive ANC 1.0, switching between preset noise-blocking algorithms but without the dynamic frequency focus.

Both earbuds come equipped with adaptive equalizers that track fit inside your ear and shape sound accordingly. Plus, the Galaxy Wearable app lets you fine-tune EQ settings to your liking.

And yes, both buds support 24-bit audio at 96 kHz via Samsung’s Seamless Codec — but that’s exclusive to Samsung phones. Other devices default to AAC codec, which is still very decent.

Clearer Calls with Advanced Bluetooth Tech

The Buds 4 Pro boast dual-band Bluetooth that captures vocal frequencies up to 16 kHz, which should make consonants like “s,” “z,” and “t” clearer and reduce that “muffled” voice effect.

This is backed by high signal-to-noise ratio microphones enhancing voice clarity.

The standard Buds 4 don’t have dual-band Bluetooth but do support the LC3 voice codec, a marked jump from the older SBC codec still lingering in some buds today, resulting in crisper voice transmission.

Fun Features That Make Life Easier

Following Apple's example, Galaxy Buds 4 Pro now let you accept or reject calls with a subtle nod or head shake. Whether this gesture control will come to the Buds 3 Pro via update remains to be seen.

Voice commands like “next song” or “turn up volume,” which were handy on Buds 3 Pro (especially when your hands are full), are expected to be present in Buds 4 Pro as well.

Both models support two AI assistants: Gemini and Bixby. Ask Google questions or fire up your favorite playlist, or say, “Hey Bixby, turn on the lights” to control smart home devices.

The live translation feature from the Buds 3 series is back, supporting 22 languages, usable both in-person and during calls. Just remember, you’ll need a Galaxy phone for processing.

Connectivity: Bridging the Gap Between Devices

Both buds support Bluetooth 6.1, launched in 2025, which smooths out device connections and lightens processor load. Originally designed for spatial audio apps, Bluetooth 6.1 also upgrades security protocols and makes features like SmartThings Find more seamless.

Sadly, no LDAC codec here. If you don’t own a Samsung device compatible with Samsung Seamless Codec, AAC is your fallback. Luckily, AAC is a solid performer on its own.

Multi-Device Flexibility: Slightly Less Samsung Lock-In

Galaxy Buds 3 were strongly tied to Samsung’s ecosystem, lacking multipoint Bluetooth and allowing easy device switching only within Samsung gear.

Galaxy Buds 4 loosen that grip a bit. While they still don’t support simultaneous connections to two devices, you can switch between devices by logging into your Samsung account in the Galaxy Wearable app—even on non-Samsung Android phones.

Testing this feature shows you still need to open the app and tap to connect earbuds, so it’s not quite as effortless as Apple’s AirPods switching. But it beats re-pairing every time.

Battery Life: Solid Yet Familiar

• Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Up to 26 hours with ANC on, 30 hours off; earbuds last 6-7 hours per charge.
• Galaxy Buds 4: Up to 24 hours with ANC on, 30 hours off; earbuds last 5-6 hours per charge.

Which One Should You Pick: Buds 4 Pro or Buds 4?

The biggest decision is choosing between in-ear buds and open-fit earbuds. Even though Buds 4 have active noise cancellation, their lack of a silicone tip means more ambient sound seeps in.

Many users prefer open-fit designs for comfort or hygiene, so it’s great Samsung is catering to that group again. For a time, earbuds were mostly silicone in-ear types or over-ear headphones—this fresh blend is a welcome change.

If absolute silence isn’t your goal, consider sound quality. I’m not ready to dismiss Buds 4 for having just one driver, but I’m confident Samsung’s Harman engineers have polished the Buds 4 Pro to deliver at least a touch richer audio. We’re waiting on full reviews to be sure, but initial impressions of Buds 4 Pro in the office are promising.

Function-wise, both earbuds share much of the same “brain” and features. Samsung’s ecosystem benefits apply best if you use a Samsung phone, but the core experience feels consistent across both.

Samsung's focus on improving fit and adaptive noise cancellation shows their commitment to enhancing everyday listening comfort. — Samsung Team

FAQ

• What is the main difference between Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 4? The Buds 4 Pro are in-ear with silicone tips and advanced noise cancellation, while Buds 4 are open-fit earbuds without silicone tips and a simpler ANC system.
• Can I use Galaxy Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro with non-Samsung phones? Yes, both work with Android and other devices, but some features like 24-bit audio streaming and live translation require a Samsung phone.
• How does the battery life compare between the two? Buds 4 Pro offer up to 7 hours per charge (26 hours with case), while Buds 4 last around 5-6 hours per charge (24 hours with case) with ANC on.
• Is multi-device connection supported? Both support switching between devices via the Samsung Wearable app, but they do not support simultaneous connections to two devices.
• Are the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro water-resistant? Yes, with IP57 rating, they withstand dust and brief water immersion; Buds 4 have IP54, suitable for splash resistance only.

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