Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro confirmed: Release date, price & specs
It’s not a surprise that Samsung has announced a new pair of wireless earbuds alongside theGalaxy S21range of phones. However, that means we have all the official details on the Galaxy Buds Pro.
As the name suggests, the Buds Pro are Samsung’s first proper rival to the likes of Apple’s AirPods Pro. They offer things like Intelligent ANC, dual drivers and more. It’s worth noting that the Buds Pro are a follow-up to theGalaxy Buds+, not the Buds Live.
When is the Galaxy Buds Pro release date?
Samsung confirmed at its Unpacked event that the Galaxy Buds Pro will arrive on15 Januaryin the US followed by28 Januaryalong with theGalaxy S21 phoneselsewhere.
How much do the Galaxy Buds Pro cost?
The Galaxy Buds Pro are priced at£219, US$199 or 229 Euro. You canpre-order the headphones now from Samsung, however, it’s possible to get them for free.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your phone, then pre-ordering theGalaxy S21 Ultra 5Gwill get you the Galaxy Buds Pro for free as well as a newSamsung SmartTag.
Thismakes them cheaper than theBose QC Earbudsand theAirPods Pro.
What are the Galaxy Buds Pro specs and features?
The headline feature here, as you might expect from a ‘Pro’ model, is the active noise cancelling (ANC). Like some other brands, Samsung calls it Intelligent ANC claiming it can block 99% of the sound around you.
You will be able to adjust the level of noise cancelling and it will also work automatically with the Ambient Sound mode, which has four levels. Samsung says the Galaxy Buds Pro can detect when you’re speaking to adjust accordingly – this is called Conversation Mode.
“Like when you’re at a cafe using ANC to block outside noise, tell the barista your order and ANC automatically turns off when you speak. These intelligent buds turn down for your conversation, even if you’re using Ambient Mode or have ANC turned off, by lowering the volume of your music and focusing the microphone on the person speaking to you,” says Samsung.
With a traditional ear canal with silicone tips design, they are different to theGalaxy Buds Live– aka the ‘beans’ – with Samsung saying they offer improved comfort for long listening sessions. They also have a higher IPX7 waterproof rating to combat rain and sweat.
Adding to the comfort is a 2mm vent to enable airflow and help with pressure. They come in Violet, Black and Silver.
Samsung Galaxy users will get additional features. Auto Switch means the Buds Pro can take a phone call while you’re watching a movie on your tablet, intelligently swapping between the two. Want to listen with someone else? Buds Together allows you to connect two pairs to the same device.
In terms of audio specs, the Galaxy Buds Pro have a dual driver setup with large 11m woofers along with 6.5mm tweeters for an “An astonishingly energetic yet detailed sound”.
They also support 360 audio with Dolby Atmos and “With Dolby Head Tracking technology, Galaxy Buds Pro place you into the center of your favorite video, movie or TV show. The intelligent motion-tracking sensor pinpoints the direction of the sound as you move your head, enabling a powerful sense of realism in your listening experience.”
The Buds Pro also support “Hi, Bixby” for hands-free digital assistant usage.
Battery life looks to be something of a downer though with just 18 hours total between the earbuds and case – although 28 with ANC off. Most rivals can go a fair amount long with around 25 hours the current average.
Samsung says you can get one hour of playback from a five-minute charge and the case offers wireless charging.
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
