New Looks: Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro is Intriguingly Fresh

I appreciate that year-over-year upgrades are rather complex and it’s simpler to slap on a refresh over a previous iteration.

But I’m also thrilled that Samsung didn’t take that route with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Would you get more than just a refresh coming from the Galaxy Buds2 Pro or the Buds Pro? Well, in this first look we try to figure out if the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is more than a makeover.

What’s in the Box?

The bare minimum. To be fair, that shouldn’t necessarily be considered a bad thing – if the brands put chargers in their phone boxes.

The rule of thumb is that if you already own a phone (a must-have to maximize the earbuds), you would likely already own a compatible charger.

The problem with that theory – It’s been a while since phone chargers were included in the box.

Either way, you won’t find a charger in the Galaxy Buds3 Pro box so, if you don’t own one, be prepared to spend extra. Here’s what’s in the box;

• Pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro x 1 (Medium ear tips pre-installed)
• Charging Case x 1
• USB Type-C Cable x 1
• Pair of Extra Ear Tips (Small) x 1
• Pair of Extra Ear Tips (Large) x 1
• Quick Start Guide x 1

Fashionably Handsome Impression

A transparent case lid showcases the pair of Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds, their configurable and exclusive blade lights transmit through its plastic shell when shut.

The case is mostly curves but can stand on its base and lid, thanks to their flat edges. It’s also lightweight – measuring approximately 57.4g on my scale with the earbuds, 46.5g without.

That’s right on the mark with Samsung’s claims – 57.3g and 46.5g respectively.

My Silver colorway is finished in a satiny silver coat that’s fairly resistant to fingerprints and smooth to the touch.

The design of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds is somewhat familiar but their blade-like stems accentuate their edgy side and instantly distinguishes them from the pack.

Each earbud is color-coded to their respective slot, so you won’t spend time fumbling the buds when getting them back into the case.

Overall, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is ergonomically designed with a case that fits well in the palm and pockets, and a pair of earbuds that are as distinctive as they are contemporary.

In-Ear Fitment

If you prefer larger ear tips for a good seal, you should get a good fit with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

For some context, I’m in the same boat and struggle with Apple’s AirPods Pros always falling off my ears, even with the large ear tips installed.

Folks with smaller fitment (Small or Medium) don’t need to freak out either, as Samsung included extra ear tips in the box – something most brands do.

All in all, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro sits comfortably in the ear thanks to its shape and secure ear tips. The angular design of the stem adequately facilitates their pinch and swipe controls.

Audio Definition

The gloves are off! – I might sound a little extra there, but Samsung really took a more aggressive approach to tackle interference, and boost the sound experience on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Sound performance of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is built on 2 main implementations – an Enhanced 2-Way Speaker (to capture a fuller sound spectrum) and a Dual Amplifier (to reduce interference).

In my week of testing, at high volumes, I had no problems with distortions in deep bass or picking up clear voice notes and instrument tunes.

Designing for the Broader Spectrum of Sound, might sound like a safe bet, turns out it’s actually a smart decision.

Ultimately, whether you prefer deep rumbles or crisp notes, Samsung might have placed the Galaxy Buds3 Pro at the sweet spot – where (almost) everyone can indulge.

Intelligence and Noise Control

ANC – most of us call it Adaptive Noise Cancellation, for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Samsung calls it Adaptive Noise Control.

Samsung’s sales pitch on Galaxy AI’s role in sound control focuses on 2 major things;

• Adaptive Sound (auto-adjusted sound EQ based on ear shape and wearing habits).
• Adaptive Noise Control (auto-filtered noise based on immediate surroundings by stabilizing between Noise Cancellation and Ambient modes).

Adaptive sound might be uncertain for me, but the noise control on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is top notch.

This really lets you be handsfree, even in fairly noisy environments.

Noise cancellation is good but you would probably get better noise isolation from brands line Sony and Bose.

Intelligence on the Galaxy Bud3 Pro goes beyond noise control, to simultaneously transmitting interpreted language to your ears from the Interpreter app on your phone.

Unfortunately for other Android users, the real-time translation feature is locked to the Samsung ecosystem (it’s sad to have to hear that in the Android space too).

Alongside a couple of others below, that make the Galaxy Buds3 Pro ideal for Samsung Galaxy device owners.

Samsung Ecosystem Features

• TV 360 Audio (identifying the direction of sound from other devices to provide a surround sound experience).
• PC Auto Switch (seamless switching of audio between Galaxy devices).
• Quick Setting Personalization (access audio personalization options via the quick setting panel on your phone)
• Auracast (share your audio stream with other Galaxy devices)
• Audio Command Control (perform earbuds commands handsfree using your voice)
• Mindfulness via Calm (White noise and ASMR content from Calm powered by Samsung Health)

Audibility

If you were unsure about Samsung’s approach to call clarity, their comments should clear things up.

Enhance your conversations with rich, lifelike clarity through super wideband calls — double the voice bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls”.

Samsung.com

Aside from AI’s ability to analyze and filter out unnecessary noise on voice calls, Samsung is also banking on their Super Wideband technology to capture more accurate data over broadband.

Results? – Pretty loud and clear. As tested, calls on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro came in clear and audible.

They sounded natural without seeming overly enhanced by some sort of tech in the background.

Play Time and Other Features

Per Samsung’s estimates; with ANC turned off, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds provide up to 7 hours of playtime, with the case you can expect to get up to 30 hours in total.

With ANC on, those figures come down to 6 hours from the earbuds, and up to 26 hours with the case.

Compared to previous iterations, let’s see how the Galaxy Buds3 Pro stacks up (these numbers are similar to the Galaxy Buds Pro);

• Galaxy Buds2 Pro, ANC off: 8 hours from the earbuds, 28 hours total with the case.
• Galaxy Buds2 Pro, ANC on: 5 hours from the earbuds, 18 hours total with the case.

In this category, I think the Galaxy Buds3 Pro improves where it matters most – when making use of the smart ANC features to navigate daily commute and communication.

We also get Bluetooth v5.4 for improved connectivity and IP57 Water Resistance for better durability (can survive submersion in freshwater depth of up to 1 meter, for up to 30 minutes).

More than a Makeover?

I’m yet to confirm playtime numbers, but can say that other aspects of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro have been impressive.

Even with incremental improvements for most of its features, the complete redesign of the earbuds and cradle, sets this way above an update, and places it in upgrade territory.

Its strengths in my experience, are mainly in the refreshingly new looks, Galaxy AI’s enhanced applications to sound EQ and noise control, and Samsung’s continuous improvements to their sound signature.

Positioned at $329.99 CAD, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is on the pricey end of the spectrum at this time, with the Apple AirPods Pro 2 sitting at $329 CAD, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on sale for $219 CAD ($80 off) – on their websites.

What do you think? Is the Galaxy Buds3 Pro refreshing enough for your consideration? Is it a buy despite being on the pricey side? Leave a comment to let me know.