With the launch of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, it’s inevitable to compare them with Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Gen). Both brands are recognized for their innovative features, but how do these two premium earbuds compare? Let’s break it down.
1. Design and Comfort
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro comes with a rounded, compact design that lacks the signature stem seen on many earbuds, giving them a discreet profile when worn. Meanwhile, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) retain their classic stem design, which makes them easy to grip and handle.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
2. Sound Quality
Samsung packs the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with dual amplifiers and redesigned drivers, providing a bass-heavy sound profile. For bass enthusiasts, these earbuds deliver a punch, though some may find the overall soundstage less dynamic compared to the AirPods Pro 2, which offer a more balanced and detailed sound profile across all ranges.
AirPods Pro 2 also feature Personalized Spatial Audio, dynamically adjusting the sound to provide a more immersive experience, a feature that excels with Apple’s ecosystem.
3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung has refined its ANC technology, making the Buds 3 Pro quite effective at blocking ambient noise. However, the AirPods Pro 2 take this a step further, boasting 2x more ANC compared to the previous generation, significantly improving the noise-canceling experience(Apple).
- Transparency Mode is equally matched, though the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a slightly more natural sound when switching to transparency, allowing you to hear the external world with more clarity(Apple).
4. Battery Life
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung claims up to 30 hours of listening time with the charging case (without ANC). The earbuds alone provide about 5 hours with ANC activated.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2: Apple is more transparent with battery specs, providing 6 hours of listening time with ANC and a total of 30 hours with the case(Apple).
5. Water Resistance
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung claims up to 30 hours of listening time with the charging case (without ANC). The earbuds alone provide about 5 hours with ANC activated.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2: Apple is more transparent with battery specs, providing 6 hours of listening time with ANC and a total of 30 hours with the case(Apple).
6. Special Features
AirPods Pro 2 come equipped with Find My Precision Tracking, thanks to the built-in speaker in the charging case, allowing you to easily locate lost earbuds. Apple also offers Personalized Spatial Audio, dynamically tailoring the audio experience based on your environment.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, on the other hand, offer a unique feature for 360° audio recording, useful for content creators who wish to capture immersive soundscapes. While this may not be a feature that appeals to everyone, it is a nice addition to Samsung’s already impressive feature set.
Conclusion: Which Should You Buy?
The choice between the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro 2 largely depends on your ecosystem preferences and listening habits:
- For Apple Users: The AirPods Pro 2 offers seamless integration, superior Active Noise Cancellation, and Spatial Audio, making them an excellent choice for anyone in the Apple ecosystem.
- For Samsung/Android Users: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are ideal for bass lovers, with superior water resistance and unique features like 360° audio recording.
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