The world of true wireless earbuds has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few years, with various brands vying for attention and market share. Samsung, a pioneer in the technology space, has been at the forefront of this revolution with its Galaxy Buds series. The latest addition to this family, the Galaxy Buds Live, has sparked a heated debate among audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. Are they worth buying? In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and value proposition of the Galaxy Buds Live to help you make an informed decision.
The Design and Comfort Factor
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Galaxy Buds Live is their unique design. Samsung has opted for a bean-shaped form factor, which provides a snug and comfortable fit for most users. The earbuds are available in three colors – Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, and Mystic Black – each exuding a sense of sophistication and style.
The Galaxy Buds Live boast an IPX2 rating, indicating resistance to sweat and water, making them an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. The earbuds are incredibly lightweight, with each bud weighing a mere 5.6 grams, ensuring all-day wear without fatigue.
Ergonomic Perfection
The ergonomic design of the Galaxy Buds Live deserves special mention. Samsung has incorporated a clever system of vents and ducts to reduce wind noise and prevent earwax buildup. This ingenious design feature ensures that the earbuds stay clean and maintain optimal sound quality.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
The Galaxy Buds Live are equipped with 12mm drivers, which deliver exceptional sound quality with deep bass and clear trebles. Samsung’s proprietary audio technology, AKG-tuning, provides a rich and immersive listening experience.
Bass Response and Frequency Range
The Galaxy Buds Live excel in the bass department, producing deep and punchy low-end frequencies. The earbuds’ frequency range spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum. This results in a well-balanced sound signature that caters to diverse musical genres.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Galaxy Buds Live feature active noise cancellation, which effectively reduces ambient noise and allows listeners to focus on their music. The ANC technology uses a combination of microphones and advanced algorithms to detect and eliminate background noise.
The Verdict: Sound Quality is Exceptional
In terms of sound quality, the Galaxy Buds Live are undoubtedly one of the best true wireless earbuds on the market. They offer a rich, detailed, and immersive listening experience that rivals some of the top-tier earbuds.
Features and Functionality
The Galaxy Buds Live are packed with features that enhance user convenience and everyday usability.
Touch Controls and Voice Assistants
The earbuds feature intuitive touch controls, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume with ease. The Galaxy Buds Live are compatible with both Google Assistant and Bixby, providing seamless integration with your Android device.
Wireless Connectivity and Range
The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable and stable connectivity. The wireless range is impressive, with a maximum distance of around 10 meters (33 feet) from the connected device.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Buds Live offer a combined battery life of up to 21 hours, with the earbuds providing up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge. The charging case supports wireless charging, making it convenient to top up your earbuds on the go.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 21 hours (combined) |
| Earbuds Battery Life | Up to 6 hours (single charge) |
| Charging Case | Wireless charging supported |
Pricing and Value
The Galaxy Buds Live are priced competitively in the premium true wireless earbuds market, with a recommended retail price of around $170.
Is the Price Justified?
While the price may seem steep to some, the Galaxy Buds Live offer an unbeatable combination of sound quality, design, and features. When you consider the overall package, the price is more than justified.
Alternatives and Competition
The Galaxy Buds Live face stiff competition from other top-tier true wireless earbuds.
Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro are a strong contender, offering a similar feature set and exceptional sound quality. However, the AirPods Pro have a more limited battery life and are restricted to iOS devices.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is another formidable rival, boasting industry-leading noise cancellation and impressive sound quality. However, the WF-1000XM4 has a bulkier design and a higher price point.
Conclusion: Are Galaxy Buds Live Worth Buying?
The Galaxy Buds Live are an exceptional addition to Samsung’s true wireless earbuds lineup. With their unique design, exceptional sound quality, and impressive feature set, they offer an unbeatable value proposition.
If You’re Looking for a Premium Listening Experience, the Galaxy Buds Live are a No-Brainer
While they may not be the cheapest option, the Galaxy Buds Live are an investment worth considering for anyone seeking a top-tier listening experience. With their comfortable design, impressive sound quality, and innovative features, they are an excellent choice for music lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Buds Live are undoubtedly worth buying, offering an unbeatable combination of sound quality, design, and features at a competitive price point.
What are Galaxy Buds Live and how do they differ from other earbuds?
The Galaxy Buds Live are wireless earbuds developed by Samsung, designed to provide a premium listening experience and seamless integration with Samsung devices. What sets them apart from other earbuds is their unique bean-shaped design, which is meant to provide a comfortable and snug fit. Additionally, the Galaxy Buds Live come with advanced features such as active noise cancellation, long battery life, and support for wireless charging.
Compared to other Samsung earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Live offer improved sound quality, longer battery life, and a more ergonomic design. They are also more compact and lightweight, making them ideal for everyday use. Moreover, the Galaxy Buds Live come with a range of color options, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their personal style.
What is the sound quality like on the Galaxy Buds Live?
The sound quality on the Galaxy Buds Live is exceptional, with clear and balanced audio that is perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos. The earbuds use Samsung’s proprietary audio technology, which provides deep bass and crisp treble. The soundstage is wide and immersive, making it feel like you’re surrounded by sound. Additionally, the earbuds come with support for Hi-Res audio, which allows for a more detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
In terms of noise cancellation, the Galaxy Buds Live do an excellent job of blocking out background noise, allowing you to focus on the music or audio. The earbuds use advanced noise-cancellation algorithms to detect and block out noise, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the Galaxy Buds Live are sure to impress with their sound quality.
How long do the Galaxy Buds Live last on a single charge?
The Galaxy Buds Live have a battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge, which is impressive for earbuds of their size. Additionally, the charging case provides an extra 15 hours of battery life, giving you a total of 21 hours of playback time. This means you can use the earbuds all day without needing to recharge them.
It’s also worth noting that the earbuds support fast charging, which allows you to get an hour of playback time with just 5 minutes of charging. This is extremely useful if you’re in a hurry and need to top up the battery quickly.
Can I use the Galaxy Buds Live with non-Samsung devices?
Yes, the Galaxy Buds Live can be used with non-Samsung devices, including Android and iOS smartphones. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which allows them to pair with a wide range of devices. However, some features, such as seamless pairing and automatic switching between devices, may only be available on Samsung devices.
To use the Galaxy Buds Live with a non-Samsung device, simply pair them via Bluetooth like you would with any other earbuds. You may need to download the Samsung Galaxy Buds app to access certain features and settings, but this is not required for basic functionality.
Are the Galaxy Buds Live comfortable to wear?
The Galaxy Buds Live are designed to be extremely comfortable to wear, with a unique bean-shaped design that fits snugly in your ear. The earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips, ensuring a comfortable fit for most users. Additionally, the earbuds are extremely lightweight, weighing just 5.6 grams each, which makes them easy to wear for extended periods.
The earbuds also have a sleek and compact design, making them easy to store in your pocket or bag when not in use. The charging case is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Do the Galaxy Buds Live support wireless charging?
Yes, the Galaxy Buds Live support wireless charging, making it easy to top up the battery without having to deal with cables. The earbuds support Qi-compatible wireless charging pads, which are widely available. Simply place the charging case on the wireless charging pad and the earbuds will start charging.
It’s also worth noting that the earbuds support reverse wireless charging, which allows you to charge them using your Samsung smartphone. This is extremely useful if you don’t have a wireless charging pad handy.
Are the Galaxy Buds Live worth buying?
Overall, the Galaxy Buds Live are definitely worth buying if you’re in the market for high-quality wireless earbuds. They offer exceptional sound quality, long battery life, and a range of advanced features that set them apart from other earbuds. Additionally, their compact and lightweight design makes them easy to wear and store.
However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy Buds Live are a premium product and come with a premium price tag. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider other options. But if you’re looking for a high-quality listening experience and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Galaxy Buds Live are an excellent choice.