Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
RM999.00
Pros
- Superb audio quality
- Lightweight and fit snugly
- Excellent ANC features
- Best paired with Galaxy phones
- Easy control
Cons
- A bit pricey for some people
- Case can easily get scratched
- Changing the silicone buds a bit difficult
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of wireless earbuds, there’s a good chance the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has caught your eye. With a fresh design and some impressive upgrades, they’re making waves in the world of true wireless earbuds. But are they really worth your money? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the design and features to see what sets these buds apart from the competition.
A Bold New Design
Samsung has shaken things up with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and the design is the first thing you’ll notice. Gone is the purely in-ear shape of the previous generation. Instead, Samsung has opted for a more familiar stemmed design, similar to Apple’s AirPods. But before you think it’s just another copycat, Samsung has added plenty of their own unique touches to set the Buds 3 Pro apart.
For starters, you’ve got two versions of these buds to choose from. The standard Galaxy Buds 3 offer an open-ear design that just hangs in your ear, allowing you to stay more aware of your surroundings. Perfect if you’re the kind of person who likes to keep an ear out for what’s going on around you. But if you’re all about immersive sound, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is the way to go. With silicone ear tips for a snug in-ear fit, these come packed with extra features like Adaptive Noise Control and a second driver for enhanced sound quality.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is just how futuristic they look. The buds come in white or silver, both sleek and stylish, but what really catches the eye are the angular stems. These sharp, flat edges are not just for show—they make it easy to find the pinch and touch controls that Samsung has built into the buds. A simple pinch lets you control music playback, switch between noise modes, or even adjust the volume by sliding your finger up or down the stem.
Samsung also went the extra mile by adding white light strips on the back of each earbud, giving them a high-tech glow. The lights can either pulse or illuminate, depending on your preference—or you can turn them off if you’re not into glowing ears while you’re out for a jog or running errands. It’s a small feature, but it adds to the overall futuristic aesthetic.
Speaking of design, let’s talk about the charging case. Samsung has clearly put thought into making it look as stylish as the earbuds themselves. The case is compact and sleek, with a transparent lid that gives you a peek at the buds inside. It’s a nice touch, especially if you appreciate that kind of modern, techie design.
However, this is where form slightly overrides function. The case’s glossy finish, while beautiful to look at, can be a bit slippery to hold. If you’re like me and tend to throw everything into your pocket—keys, coins, phone—you might find the case picking up scratches a little too easily. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re picky about keeping your gadgets pristine, it’s something to consider. Still, the case is small and convenient, making it easy to carry around without bulking up your pocket.
Controls and Usability
Samsung has really stepped up its game when it comes to controls on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and the result is an incredibly intuitive experience. If you’ve ever fumbled with touch-sensitive earbuds, you know how frustrating it can be when they don’t respond the way you want them to. Thankfully, that’s not an issue here. Samsung has refined the pinch, pinch-and-hold, and touch gestures to make controlling the Buds 3 Pro feel natural and easy.
For example, a single pinch will either play or pause your music, keeping it simple for those quick commands. Need to skip a track? Just give the bud a double pinch, or go back with a triple pinch. But that’s not all—the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are designed to give you full control of your audio experience. Want to adjust the volume without pulling out your phone? Simply slide your finger up or down the stem, and voilà! The volume is changed right from your ear.
And here’s a feature I especially love: you can swap between sound modes like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound Mode just by holding the pinch. It’s incredibly useful when you need to shift from blocking out the world to being more aware of your surroundings, especially in busy environments like a train station or office.
The design of the buds plays into this ease of use too. The flat, angular faces on the stems aren’t just a sleek design choice—they make finding the right spot to pinch or slide super easy. It’s a thoughtful touch (pun intended!) that makes these controls feel natural and less finicky compared to other earbuds I’ve used. What’s more, the controls work on both earbuds, so you don’t have to remember which bud controls what—you can just pick whichever side is most convenient for you at the moment.
A Powerhouse Sound System in Your Ears
Now, let’s talk about what really makes the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro special: the sound quality. Inside these tiny buds, Samsung has packed a dual speaker system that is sure to impress. At the heart of this system is a 10.5mm dynamic driver paired with a 6.1mm planar magnetic driver—a combo that you don’t often see in such compact earbuds. Planar drivers are usually reserved for audiophile-grade headphones, the kind that are bulky but deliver mind-blowing clarity and detail. So the fact that Samsung has squeezed this kind of tech into the Buds 3 Pro is pretty exciting.
But why should you care about planar drivers? Well, they’re known for producing exceptionally clear and detailed audio, especially in the mid and high ranges. This means that whether you’re listening to a podcast, an acoustic track, or your favorite high-energy playlist, the sound will be crisp and nuanced. Instruments and vocals come through beautifully, with a clarity that’s often missing from cheaper, more basic earbuds.
Each driver also gets its own Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), which is a small processor that turns digital audio signals into analog ones that your earbuds can actually play. Having separate DACs for each driver isn’t something you see every day in earbuds, and it really helps maximize the sound quality. High-end DACs translate into higher fidelity audio, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Buds 3 Pro—whether you’re listening to detailed guitar riffs or subtle vocal harmonies, the quality is top-notch.
Samsung has done a stellar job here, and it’s clear that these earbuds are designed with audio lovers in mind. Straight out of the box, the Buds 3 Pro is set to a Balanced preset, which offers a really rich, warm sound. The bass is deep and full without being overwhelming, so you won’t feel like it’s overpowering the rest of the audio. I particularly noticed how well it handled drums, delivering an impressive punch while keeping everything clean and articulate.
The mids and highs are equally well-represented, which is something I really appreciated. Instruments like guitars and vocals come through clear and natural, with a level of detail that stands out, especially for wireless earbuds. Whether you’re into metal, acoustic music, or pop, the Buds 3 Pro manages to handle all genres effortlessly. They strike a nice balance that works for just about any type of music.
What’s more, if you’re an audiophile who loves customizing your sound, you’re in for a treat. Samsung’s Wearables app gives you access to a variety of EQ presets, so you can choose a sound profile that suits your preferences. Whether you’re craving more bass, a treble boost, or something in between, there’s an option for everyone. And if the presets aren’t enough, you can fine-tune your listening experience even further with a nine-band equalizer. It’s a fantastic feature for those of us who like to play around with settings and dial in the perfect sound.
When it comes to high-resolution audio, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are no slouch. They can output audio up to 24-bit/96kHz and 512kbps, which is higher than most traditional Bluetooth earbuds on the market. In fact, that’s even more than some leading Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD and aptX Adaptive. But here’s the catch: to fully unlock this high-res audio, you’ll need to be using a Samsung Galaxy device. That’s because the Buds 3 Pro rely on Samsung’s proprietary SSC codec to deliver that ultra-high audio quality.
If you don’t have a Galaxy device, don’t worry—the Buds 3 Pro still work well with other phones or tablets, but you’ll be limited to AAC or SBC codecs. While those codecs are perfectly fine for everyday listening, they don’t reach the same heights as SSC when it comes to audio quality. It’s a bit of a bummer for non-Galaxy users who won’t be able to take full advantage of the Buds 3 Pro’s capabilities, but even on these lower codecs, the earbuds still deliver solid sound. It’s just that if you’re an audiophile with a non-Samsung phone, you might feel like you’re missing out on their full potential.
One of the fun extras that come with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is their support for Spatial Audio. This feature adds an extra layer of immersion to your listening experience, making it feel like the sound is coming from all around you, rather than just directly into your ears. It’s especially great for movies or when you want to feel like you’re sitting in the middle of a concert hall. While not everyone will use Spatial Audio regularly, it’s definitely a cool feature to have when you want to immerse yourself in your media.
For the gamers out there, Samsung has also included an experimental Game Mode that reduces latency during mobile gaming. This mode ensures that there’s minimal delay between what you see on-screen and what you hear, which is critical for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. While it won’t replace your wired gaming headset, it’s a nice touch that improves the gaming experience on the go. Whether you’re playing a quick round of Call of Duty Mobile or just relaxing with a puzzle game, the low-latency mode ensures your audio stays in sync.
Noise Cancellation
The best feature, in my opinion, of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and let me tell you, Samsung has really stepped up its game here. If you’ve tried previous generations or other wireless earbuds with ANC, you’ll immediately notice the difference. Samsung didn’t just tweak the existing algorithm—they overhauled it, with a new focus on canceling out mid-range and high-frequency noises. This makes the Buds 3 Pro particularly effective in places like offices, classrooms, or even at home when you’re trying to block out those everyday sounds like fans, the hum of appliances, or the not-so-melodic chatter of people in the next room.
I found them especially useful when working in a noisy environment—whether it’s the low murmur of coworkers or background conversations, the Buds 3 Pro managed to cut through the distractions, allowing me to stay focused. That’s not something all earbuds with ANC can achieve so effectively. However, it’s worth noting that these earbuds are not as strong at blocking out low-frequency noises, like the deep roar of an airplane engine or heavy traffic. So, if you’re frequently traveling and need to drown out a lot of that low-end noise, they might not be the best choice for your commute. Still, for everyday use, the ANC is fantastic, and you’ll notice a big difference compared to standard noise-canceling earbuds.
Adaptive Noise Control: A Smart Feature
Another feature of the Buds 3 Pro is their AI-powered Adaptive Noise Control. In theory, it’s a brilliant addition that allows the earbuds to automatically adjust ANC based on your surroundings. Whether you’re in a noisy café, a quiet office, or walking through city streets, the earbuds are designed to adapt and give you the ideal noise-canceling experience without you having to fiddle with settings.
However, in practice, this feature can be a bit hit or miss. While it works well in dynamic environments, it sometimes struggles with constant droning sounds, like the hum of an air conditioner or a ceiling fan. In these cases, the ANC can fluctuate in an uncomfortable way, pulsing up and down as it tries to figure out how to handle the noise. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be distracting, especially if you’re sensitive to sudden changes in noise levels.
That said, when the Adaptive Noise Control does work as intended, it’s fantastic. For those who move between different environments throughout the day, like commuting from a noisy train to a quiet office, it’s a real convenience that allows you to stay immersed in your music or podcasts without having to manually adjust the settings each time.
Battery Life
Let’s talk about battery life, a feature that’s crucial when deciding on wireless earbuds. While the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro do deliver on many fronts, battery life is one area where there’s still a bit of room for improvement. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on, you can expect about six hours of listening time, which is pretty standard but not groundbreaking. Combined with the charging case, you get a total of 26 hours of use, which is decent enough for a day or two of moderate use.
If you decide to turn ANC off, you can stretch the battery life a little further. You’ll get seven hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours total with the case. These numbers are respectable, but they fall a little short when compared to some of the competition, like Sony’s flagship earbuds, which offer eight hours of listening time on a single charge. If you’re someone who values long-lasting battery life for extended listening sessions—think long flights or full workdays—this might be something to keep in mind.
That said, the Buds 3 Pro’s fast charging feature does come in handy. If you’re ever in a pinch and need a quick boost, just a few minutes in the case will give you an extra hour of playback, which can be a lifesaver if you’re on the go and need a quick recharge before heading out.
Find My Earbuds
We’ve all been there—you take out your earbuds, set them down somewhere, and five minutes later, you can’t remember where you left them. Luckily, the Find My Earbuds feature on the Buds 3 Pro is a handy tool for those prone to misplacing their buds. The feature works through the Samsung Wearables app, where it shows the last known location of your earbuds on a map. If you’re within Bluetooth range, the buds can even play a sound to help you find them.
While this is a lifesaver in theory, I did run into some strange glitches during my time with the feature. For example, there were moments when I’d get notifications telling me one of my earbuds wasn’t nearby—even though it was sitting right inside the charging case in my pocket! It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, and while not a huge issue, it can be annoying to receive those false alerts when everything is exactly where it should be.
That being said, when the feature works properly, it’s extremely useful. If you’ve ever experienced the panic of a lost earbud (and who hasn’t?), knowing that you have a quick and easy way to locate them provides real peace of mind.
Conclusion
When it comes to wireless earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are undoubtedly a strong contender, especially for Android users. If you’re already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, these earbuds are a natural fit, seamlessly integrating with your other devices and making the most of Samsung-exclusive features like SSC high-res audio. But even if you’re not tied to the Samsung brand, the Buds 3 Pro offers plenty to get excited about.
First off, the shift to a bud-and-stem design is a win for comfort. Whether you’re wearing them for a quick workout or an all-day listening session, the snug fit and lightweight design make them comfortable to wear for hours without feeling like they’re about to slip out. Samsung has also nailed the balance between style and functionality here—the angular stems, pinch controls, and glowing light strips give these earbuds a futuristic vibe while also being practical for everyday use.
On top of that, features like AI-powered Adaptive Noise Control and Spatial Audio bring an extra layer of immersion and convenience. Mobile gamers will appreciate the low-latency Game Mode, and the customizable controls on both earbuds make it easy to manage your audio without reaching for your phone. There’s no denying that Samsung has packed these earbuds with smart features designed to make your listening experience more seamless and enjoyable.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro brings a lot to the table.These earbuds are designed to keep up with modern life. Whether you’re working, commuting, or just unwinding with your favorite playlist, the Buds 3 Pro offers a premium listening experience that’s hard to beat, especially if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem.
Sure, the battery life could be a bit longer, and the lack of LDAC or aptX support might give some audiophiles pause, but for most users, these earbuds pack enough features and performance to make up for those trade-offs. If you’re looking for a set of premium wireless earbuds that combine excellent sound, solid noise cancellation, and a variety of smart features, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are definitely worth considering.
More info: Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Samsung Malaysia
