Three pairs of Galaxy Buds have been announced since the first pair arrived a few years ago. However, thanks to obscure ways of naming the tech, here we are with the Galaxy Buds 2, the fifth pair in the series, but apparently the second that matters.
These headphones have been priced up over the originals, but their improved design, better sound, and premium features like active noise cancellation should justify the extra cost.
The bigger question is whether Samsung’s latest headphones hold up in a market dominated by Apple and inundated with third-party competitors from tech and audio brands.
Design and build
- Palette
- Slightly responsive touch controls
- Lightweight plastic finish
The Galaxy Buds are Samsung’s answer to Apple’s AirPods, but it’s true that the Korean tech giant has always gone its own way, rather than emulating the already iconic earbud design.
The most extreme example was the bean-shaped Buds Live, but the Buds 2 reverts to the less extravagant design that Samsung repeated on previous Buds, Buds +, and Buds Pro.
It is a compact headset without a rod that fits completely in the ear and whose outer surface is used for touch controls.
On this occasion, the Buds 2 are smaller than before and extraordinarily light – only 5 grams each – thanks to the specific plastic used for the body.
The light weight of the Buds 2 makes them comfortable for extended use, but I admit my first impression on picking them up is that the headphones seem a bit cheap, without the glossy finish covering them contributing.
However, this impression does not last long, and in the end comfort wins out. With a selection of three sizes of silicone eartips, it should be fairly easy to find a good fit, although for some reason my right ear, in particular, still felt like it was between sizes and never quite correct.
Those with more symmetrical (or normal) ears are unlikely to have this problem.
The headphones are also waterproof, but only slightly. They’re rated IPX2, which means they’ll survive a sweat or a brief splash of rain, but won’t last long if submerged.
The biggest issue with the shape of the earbuds is the touch controls, an issue that has plagued almost every Galaxy Buds so far. As the entire exterior area is tactile, any small adjustment on the helmet tends to activate the touch controls. Anytime you try to adjust the controls, the music will probably stop or the ANC will turn off, which just keeps getting annoying.
The charging case does not have these disadvantages, because it is quite simple. It’s a slim little square, compact enough to fit in a pocket or purse, and it seals and holds the headset securely and magnetically.
The design is an additional detail that is appreciated, with a two-tone housing in which the interior matches the color of the helmet of your choice (white, purple, olive green or black), while the exterior contrasts in white – a touch simple, but I like it a lot.
Specifications and sound
- Powerful sound
- Decent ANC
- Transparency mode
Thanks in part to its subsidiary AKG, Samsung has never had too many problems when it comes to the audio quality aspects of the Galaxy Buds.
Again, it is so. Since they’re small, there’s a limit to how much bass the Buds 2 can manifest, but a well-balanced default sound profile of the two-way dynamic speakers makes these headphones suitable for most genres.
The mids can be a bit confusing – a typical problem for small headphones, which tend to have a smaller soundscape – but vocals are still very clear, especially on more pop or hip hop tracks.
The sound is supported by the inclusion of active noise cancellation, a feature borrowed from the more expensive Buds Live and Buds Pro. The implementation in this case will not match that of the Buds Pro in terms of quality, but as long as a good fit is found (and therefore has a good seal against noise), the ANC does a job capable enough of block repetitive noises – like the hum of train tracks – and muffle less predictable ones – like train announcements.
Yes, I am writing this from a train, why are you asking?
In addition to ANC, you have the option of a transparency mode, called “ambient mode”, which amplifies outside noise. It is ideal if you want to be sure that you can hear the noise of the traffic around you or if you want to have a conversation without removing the headset.
By default, transparency is automatically turned on when you use the Buds 2 to answer a call, which may seem counterintuitive, but it serves a purpose: it helps you hear your own voice, which, wouldn’t be- what for that, This will keep you from yelling at someone on the phone because you don’t know what your size is.
The call quality is otherwise impressive, and callers have reported that they can hear it clearly even when calling in fairly loud conditions.
Battery and charge
- Average battery life
- Wireless charging
The Buds 2’s battery life is fairly typical of the industry, which means enough for most people, but you won’t be able to use the headphones nonstop on a long-haul flight.
Samsung estimates that the Buds 2 can last five hours with the ANC on, and seven and a half hours if the feature is off. You can certainly find a better battery, especially if you are willing to ditch ANC, but for everyday use it will be enough for the average user.
If the charging case is factored in, the total run time is 20 hours with ANC and 29 without it – again, pretty normal, but probably enough for most of us.
Where Samsung stands out is in the charge. Not only can you charge the case over USB-C, but the company includes wireless charging as standard, something for which Apple continues to charge a premium, although it is now making its way into cheaper headphones such as the OnePlus Buds Pro and the Nothing. Ear (1).
With such a small cell, the case charges quickly even with the slowest wireless charging, so the convenience of just setting the case on a charging cradle when you notice the battery indicator light turning red is well worth it. .
Smart features and connectivity
- Exclusive app for Android
- Customizable controls and equalizer
- Poorly implemented in-ear detection
The Galaxy Buds 2 are compatible with Samsung’s free Wear app, which is also used to control other devices such as the company’s recent Galaxy Watch 4 wearable devices.
It’s available for any phone with Android 7 or later – not just those from Samsung – but it’s not compatible with iOS. So, although you can pair the Galaxy Buds 2 with an iPhone, you will not be able to access the additional functions of the app.
The app offers a few more options. You can customize the headset’s touch controls (although there aren’t too many options), choose from a series of preset equalizers, and decide other options such as whether you want to use ambient mode during calls. or not.
The app also allows you to update the firmware of the Buds 2, perform a fit test that will assess whether you have chosen the right silicone tips and help find Buds if they have been lost in the process. making them make noise, although there is of course. a volume limit.
If you use the headset with a Samsung phone, you can activate the Bixby virtual assistant with a wake word through the headset, although if you want to use Google Assistant or Alexa, you can only do so through one of the commands. customizable touch screens.
It’s also worth mentioning the slightly clunky implementation of headphone detection here. Unlike most headphones, removing one from your ear does not interrupt the music or activate ambient mode. Instead, you have to remove both earbuds for the music to pause, and it will still take a few seconds to play. The music does not start automatically when you put the headphones back on, but you have to press play again.
Finally, connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.2, the latest standard, so you will have reliable and low latency connections.
Pricing and availability
The Galaxy Buds 2 are now available worldwide for 149.89 $.
It’s a bit cheaper than the Galaxy Buds Pro, despite having a similar feature set, although the Pro models have better water resistance and a few extra features.
It’s also inferior to key competitors like Apple’s AirPods, especially since the Buds 2 include wireless charging for less money, although iPhone users probably don’t notice it.
There’s cheaper competition, notably the $ 86.67 Nothing Ear (1) headphones on Amazon, but it might be worth paying more for the elegance and portability, where the Buds 2 are clearly superior.
If you’d like to see more options, check out our guide to the best true wireless headphones around.
Verdict
The Galaxy Buds 2 are a nice addition to Samsung’s line of headphones, and they’re probably the best pair for most people, and a smart option for anyone who also buys a Samsung phone or smartwatch.
Solid sound and a well-balanced feature set make them appealing for the price, although those interested in battery life may find competitors that outperform the Buds 2.
They’re also some of the prettiest and most comfortable wireless earbuds out there, but design comes at a price – overly delicate touch controls and a slightly cheap feel due to their light weight.
Android users should be very happy with these headphones for their price, although the limited software compatibility means iPhone owners should look elsewhere.
Characteristics
- Wireless headsets
- 2-way dynamic speaker
- Active noise cancellation
- Touch controls
- Accelerometer, Proximity, Hall, Touch, Ear On / Off Detection
- Bluetooth 5.2
- IPX2 water resistance
- Charging case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Headset: 5 hour battery / Charging case: 20 hour battery
- Graphite, White, Lavender, Olive
Original article published in English on our sister site TechAdvisor UK.
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