I was using the original Galaxy Buds Pro. However, recently I managed to buy the new generation buds, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. I thought I’d write a review on how it looks/fits, how it sounds and why I love it!
How it looks
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is built with plastic that feels matte and quite rubberised. Unlike the original Buds Pro, which was made of hard plastic, the new generation actually feels very smooth and premium in the hands. The rubber feel makes the case and the buds nicer to the touch. There is also a little strip of rubber stopper on the case. This little addition means when you close the case, it’s a gentler action, not a sharp shut. It’s a very nice touch by Samsung to add!
Considering the original Buds fit me quite well, I had no doubt that I'd have no issues with the Buds2 Pro. There is also improvements in the fit inside your ear. It’s been designed so that it doesn’t have to be inserted deeply into the ear canal. It’s felt comfortable during my use and I have had no issues with them.
How it sounds
I’d describe the newer generation Buds2 Pro as a neutral, pleasing and inoffensive sound. What this means is that a lot of people will enjoy the sound that comes out of these buds. Unlike the Sony, which is very bass heavy which results in some muffling of the mids and treble, the Buds2 Pro is very balanced. It doesn’t feel tiring to listen to for hours.
The Galaxy Wear App allows you to tweak the EQ for heavier bass or treble if you prefer and that’s another thing Samsung has done. They’ve simplified the EQ into 6 or so options. For most people, these are sufficient to allow them to find their EQ preference. Tweaking the EQ manually by changing each frequency can be a complicated process, so this system makes things easier.
Why I Love it
If you have a Samsung devices (specifically a flagship/mid range phone on OneUI 4.0 and better), then this is a no brainer choice. Pairing the Buds2 Pro with a Samsung phone opens up a range of features. This includes: the 24 bit Hi-Fi audio support. Essentially this just means there is more information being sent from your phone to the buds. More information means clearer sound and a better overall experience.
The Buds2 Pro also has:
360 audio. This is essentially surround sound for your earbuds. It expands and widens the soundstage so that you feel you are in amongst the sounds. I personally turn this on for movies where you do want to feel you are in the scenes. For music, I prefer to turn this off as I like to feel the artist is in front of me; it feels more personal.
Voice Detect. Instead of pressing on your buds to change into Ambient Mode when you are conversing, when you turn this on, the buds with automatically go into ambient mode. This makes conversations more natural and less fidgety. This works well and instantaneously for me.
Fit Test. To get the most out of your buds, you must have a good fit. You can check the fit of your buds within the Wearable app. If there are gaps, the app will tell you to adjust the fit so you get the most out of your music. Very useful for when you’ve just gotten the buds so you know how to wear them best!
Wireless charging. You can charge the device wirelessly as well as using your phone! Simply turn on PowerShare in your Galaxy and put the case on the back of the phone. Convenient and handy.
And of course, the review won’t be complete without mention of the ANC…
Active Noise Canceling generally targets the lower frequency sounds (bus engine, airplane, anything that ‘drones’). Higher frequencies (such as people talking and babies crying) are much more difficult to cut off.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro ANC is able to block A LOT of these lower frequency sounds. I’ve tested this in the car and on the train; these negate the background noise by quite a lot. Wonderfully, these buds actually are able to reduce some of the higher frequencies. You can potentially even cut this even more by buying some foam earbuds, but out of the box, I am very happy with the Buds2 Pro performance. In saying this, once you turn on some music/movies, you do not hear much background sound. The Buds2 Pro are huge improvements to the original Buds.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are an excellent addition to your devices if you haven’t already gotten one. It pairs extremely well with your Galaxy phone, sounds wonderful and is a joy to use.
