Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro: New Design and Chatbot Access

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Following the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro released in 2024, which some described as a copy of Apple's AirPods described, Samsung is relaunching its earbuds. Instead of a square stem, Samsung is opting for a flatter “Blade” design for the new generation. Samsung also claims to have improved sound quality and ANC strength. Additionally, AI support is being integrated.

With or without silicone tips

Like their predecessors, the two Buds variants differ primarily in their construction: The Pro version features silicone tips in various sizes that passively protect the ears from environmental noise. The Buds 4, on the other hand, have an open design, similar to the AirPods 4. With the new models, Samsung is also changing the charging case, into which the earbuds no longer need to be inserted from the top, which was sometimes a bit fiddly. Instead, they are placed in the rectangular case with a transparent lid, and charging in the case is done via contacts located on the inside of the earbuds.

According to Samsung, the new models feature “wider woofers combined with improved active noise cancellation (ANC) and an enhanced adaptive equalizer.” The Buds 4 models are said to deliver sound that “remains true to the entire spectrum of the original recording.”

Both variants, according to Samsung, support 24bit/96kHz audio when connected to specific Galaxy devices and when the audio source supports it. They also offer support for 24-bit Hi-Fi and “360 Audio Multi-Channel” (spatial audio) – features that Samsung also offers with its older earbud generations.

Support for 3 Chatbots

In addition, both variants feature active noise cancellation, although the Pros are likely to block out external noise more effectively due to their passive damping. Both variants include a transparency mode and an adaptive equalizer. Only the Pro variant features automatic detection of speech and sirens. The earbuds automatically detect the user's voice and amplify ambient sounds to improve conversation intelligibility. In the case of important warning signals such as alarms, emergency vehicles, or police sirens, the transparency mode is also activated.

According to Samsung, new to both models is the ability to initiate one of three AI chatbots – Gemini, Bixby, or Perplexity – with a voice command, which will be part of Galaxy smartphones with One UI 8.5. The Buds 4 Pro also support head gestures to manage calls and interact with Bixby, the manufacturer explains.

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with up to 7 hours of battery life

Regarding battery life, the models differ: According to Samsung, the Buds 4 with their 54 mAh batteries offer up to 5 hours of music playback with active noise cancellation and 6 hours without. The Buds 4 Pro are equipped with a 61 mAh battery, which is said to provide 6 hours of music playback with ANC and 7 hours without ANC. By recharging in the protective case, which holds 515 mAh or 530 mAh (Pro) respectively, up to 30 hours of total battery life are possible.

Further features of the Galaxy Buds 4 series include Bluetooth 6.1, automatic output source switching, and Auracast. The earbuds support SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec), SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary), AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs. The Buds 4 are protected against water and dust ingress according to IP54, while the Pro version has stronger water protection according to IP57. The “7” means that the Pro earbuds can withstand temporary submersion. The Buds 4, on the other hand, are only protected against splashing water.

Samsung is charging 179 Euros for the Galaxy Buds 4 and 249 Euros for the Pro version. The in-ear headphones are offered in black and white, while the Pro version will apparently be exclusively available in Samsung's online store in “Pink Gold.” The new Buds can be pre-ordered immediately, with a market launch on March 11.

(afl)