Apple AirPods 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro - Which One to Pick?

Introduction

Apple has recently launched the AirPods 4, featuring a groundbreaking approach with two available versions: the standard model and one equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This marks a significant innovation by Apple, as ANC is now available in an open ear design—something not commonly seen in earbuds. As the successors to the AirPods 3, the AirPods 4 boast enhanced comfort and performance. Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro aim to impress with their angular stem-style design and AI-powered noise cancellation. In this article, we will compare these two high-end earbuds to determine which offers superior sound quality, noise control, and overall user experience.

Design and Fit

The AirPods 4 retain a familiar design, albeit with refinements. They feature a smaller, lighter charging case and a more secure fit, thanks to Apple's advanced ear shape modeling. The significant aspect is the availability of two versions; the higher-priced model offers ANC in an open ear design—a first for Apple.

Conversely, Samsung has introduced a revamped design with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. These earbuds exhibit a stem-style design akin to the AirPods Pro but with a more angular aesthetic. They fit snugly and come with silicone ear tips for a customizable in-ear fit, ideal for users prioritizing noise isolation.

Sound Quality

Both Apple and Samsung promise considerable sound quality improvements this year. The AirPods 4 are powered by Apple's H2 chip, delivering enhanced sound through a new acoustic architecture and low distortion driver. The standout feature is personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, immersing users in movies, music, or games like never before.

In comparison, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro utilize dual drivers: a 10mm dynamic driver and a 6mm planar driver, producing rich audio with powerful bass and crisp highs. Additionally, support for Samsung's Seamless Codec enables 24-bit/96kHz audio on Samsung devices, while non-Samsung Android users will have to rely on AAC and SBC codecs. Although Apple's head tracking and spatial audio feature is challenging to surpass, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro still excels in overall richness, especially on Samsung devices.

Active Noise Cancellation

Apple's introduction of ANC in an open ear design with the higher-end AirPods 4 is a bold and intriguing move, as implementing ANC without silicone tips is often challenging. The upgraded microphones, combined with Apple's computational audio powered by the H2 chip, effectively reduce background noise, adapting dynamically to various environments with transparency mode and adaptive audio that allows important sounds, such as voices, to pass through.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provides robust ANC with a more traditional in-ear seal. Its dual-driver setup coupled with AI-powered adaptive noise cancellation effectively dampens unwanted noise, though it may not be as aggressive compared to competitors like AirPods Pro. Ambience sound mode is also available, but it can introduce some hiss and doesn’t match the natural sound of Apple’s transparency mode.

Battery Life

Battery life is always an essential factor in earbud comparison, and both Apple and Samsung offer respectable performance. The AirPods 4 boast up to 30 hours of total battery life with the case, which now features USB-C charging—finally bringing it in line with industry standards. Moreover, if users opt for the ANC model, the case supports wireless charging and even comes equipped with a speaker for "Find My" tracking—ideal for those prone to misplacing their earbuds.

In comparison, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer slightly less battery life, providing up to 6 hours of playback with ANC activated, plus an additional 20 hours with the case. While these figures may seem lower compared to Apple’s offering, it is important to note that Samsung’s earbuds pack substantial power into a smaller, waterproof case with IP57 rating.

Ecosystem Integration

When considering ecosystem integration, both brands excel in unique ways. The AirPods 4 are powered by the H2 chip, which makes Siri functionality smarter than ever. Users can respond to notifications with simple head gestures, nodding for yes or shaking for no. Furthermore, AirPods 4 features like voice isolation for clearer calls and seamless compatibility with Apple products make it an attractive option for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Samsung is not left behind either; the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro perform best within Samsung’s ecosystem, offering AI capabilities such as real-time translation through the Interpreter app and listening mode for translated lectures. However, these features remain exclusive to Samsung users. Non-Samsung Android users will still enjoy solid support, though they miss out on some premium features.

Conclusion

Both the AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro present significant upgrades, with Apple pushing ANC into a new open ear territory and Samsung refining its dual-driver sound quality. Your choice ultimately revolves around fit, features, and ecosystem affiliation. If you appreciate seamless integration with iOS and desire the spatial audio experience, the AirPods 4 shine brightly. Conversely, if you are a Samsung user on the hunt for outstanding sound quality and functionality, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are sure to impress.

Keywords

• AirPods 4
• Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
• Spatial Audio
• Ecosystem Integration
• Sound Quality
• Design and Fit
• Battery Life
• AI Features
• Dual Drivers

FAQ

Q: What are the key features of the AirPods 4?
A: The AirPods 4 feature Active Noise Cancellation in an open ear design, powered by the H2 chip for enhanced sound, personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and up to 30 hours of total battery life.

Q: How do the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro compare in terms of design?
A: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro adopt a stem-style design with an angular look and silicone ear tips for a customizable in-ear fit, targeting users who prioritize noise isolation.

Q: Which earbuds offer better sound quality?
A: Both products promise improved sound quality. The AirPods 4 excel with their spatial audio features, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are noted for their rich audio through dual drivers.

Q: Which has better battery life?
A: The AirPods 4 offer up to 30 hours of total battery life with the case, whereas the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provide around 6 hours of playback with ANC on and 20 hours from the charging case.

Q: Do both earbuds have AI features?
A: Yes, both earbuds feature AI, with the AirPods 4 enhancing Siri functionality and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offering AI capabilities like real-time translation, but some features are exclusive to Samsung devices.