The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro succeeds the Buds Pro and was launched alongside the company's foldable devices on the latter part of 2022. We have our love and hate relationship with the previous devices under the Galaxy Buds line - Buds+ and Buds Live - but the new Buds Pro line seems to renew our interest with Samsung's audio wearable line.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Review
The Buds2 Pro is quite promising with the more refined design and, according to Samsung, it has finely-tuned the audio quality. Of course, we believe that the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is more than that. I've been using the Buds2 Pro for a considerable amount of time and I'm glad to share to you my thoughts about the device.
Design and Fit
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro adopts the overall design of last year's Buds Pro only that it's less shinier and more compact. In fact, the earbuds are tad smaller compared to its 2021 counterpart. The buds have pod-shape design that could perfectly tuck in your ear.
Samsung also added a vent in the earbud to lessen air pressure inside the ears. I love how the earbuds perfectly snug on the ear while only leaving a small section of its body out, on side of the head.
Both the earbuds and the case have smooth matte texture that feels good on the hands. This finish easily negates fingerprints. As much as I like this new earbuds not being extra shiny like the previous model, I still find it hard to reposition or pull out of my ears without committing accidental taps on the touch sensor.
Just like the buds, the case is also a work of art. I love how it opens with its clamshell design and it snaps with a satisfying sound. It supports wireless charging and comes with a USB-C port if you need to charge it faster. Both the earbuds and the case support IPX7 waterproofing, which would technically allow the buds to be submerged up to 30 minutes for up to 3 feet depth. Of course, you still can't do it in salt water as that would be giving the device a death sentence.
Going back to the buds, it's a great thing that touch controls are mirrored whether you're using the right or left earbud. A single tap will play/pause the track; double tapping will skip; and triple tapping will go back. You can also customize a tap and hold gesture. With this gesture, you can switch to different noise control modes and even decline a call. On top of that, you can also use the gesture to pull up Bixby, Spotify or control the volume. In addition, the Buds2 Pro allows you to activate "edge tapping" for volume controls; this would definitely give you more options for customized gestures.
Software
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is paired with the Galaxy Wearable app which is only available to Android devices. If you're planning to use the Buds2 Pro with an iOS device, there's a Galaxy Buds app but it does not support the Buds2 Pro model - only the Buds Live and Buds+. Don't get me wrong, you still can use this earbuds with an iPhone only that you have to settle with the default controls and settings.
If you have a Samsung smartphone, there's much you can do with the Buds2 Pro. Aside from the noise controls, it features 360 audio with head tracking which simulates sound in all direction. This is only available for Samsung devices. In the Earbuds Settings, you can set the equalizer in different modes - Normal, Bass Boost, Soft, Dynamic, Clear and Treble Boost.
The buds support Voice Detect feature which will toggle you to ambient sound mode when it detects your voice. This is a great feature as you don't have to turn off the track or even take the earbuds out of your ear when having quick conversations in the gym or in the coffeeshop. This also works very well, you can even set the ambient mode duration to 5, 10, or 15 seconds.
On top of that, you can also let your earbuds read notifications aloud. For longer calls, you can activate ambient sound setting to relieve pressure on your ears. Of course, there are the common jewels like the Seamless Earbud Connection, In-ear detection, Neck stretch reminders, and more. And to top all the goodies, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is supported with frequent software update.
Sound Quality
Samsung earbuds never had the reputation of producing great sound quality, but in the Buds2 Pro's case, I am quite impressed. If you're someone who loves "bassy" sound, you'll get more of that. Other aspects are full of details, clarity, and crispness. Lows have deep registers and Highs are also recognizable.
Both the woofer and tweeter offer efficient trebles which cement the audio quality of the buds in the "above average" range. Most earbuds put their money on the bass but the Buds2 Pro is quite different; it sets itself apart by giving extra details in mids and high frequencies.
Samsung uses the new Seamless Codec (SSC) to transfer information via Bluetooth with 24-bit sound processing at 48kHz Hi-Fi sound. This is a big leap from the data processing used in the previous iteration.
Active Noise Cancellation and Call Quality
When it comes to ANC, the company says that Buds2 Pro is 40 percent better than the model it replaces. In real-time usage, the Buds2 Pro definitely does a great job in filtering low to medium-frequency noise. It can silence a noisy electric fan or even a handheld vacuum cleaner.
As for the call and mic quality, the TWS earbuds needs more improvement. As a 'high-end earbuds', I was expecting that it could handle audio calls with high quality. However, the microphone needs more clarity as some of the people I had meetings with complained of my muffled audio. Also background noise is not filtered well on the caller's end. I wish Samsung would improve this in the next iteration.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro could last up to 5 hours of uninterrupted usage with ANC turned on. With the case, you'll get additional 18 hours of battery life. If you want to prolong the battery life, you can disable the ANC feature and get up to eight hours on the buds and 21 hours with the charging case.
The case also supports wireless charging apart from the wired capability; you'll also be able to use any Qi charging pad.
Should You Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is definitely an instant recommendation if you're using a Samsung smartphone. It streamlines a whole new level of experience when you're using Samsung devices. Not only that, it has a superb sound quality and it also offers a wide range of customization with the use of the Galaxy Wearable app. On top of that, the design, fit, and function are better than ever.
If you're already in the Galaxy ecosystem, purchasing this device is a no-brainer. However, I would think twice if I'm using an iPhone. Users of other Android smartphones would consider that there's a number of better options in the market; but if you're hard-pressed on buying the Buds2 Pro, you'd still get a solid TWS earbuds with above average sound quality.
