When it comes to wireless earbuds, Samsung is a household name, offering a range of options to cater to different needs and preferences. Among its popular offerings are the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live, both designed to provide an immersive audio experience. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect pair for your music, podcast, or gaming needs.
Design and Comfort
One of the most notable differences between the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live is their design and comfort. The Galaxy Buds2 boasts a more compact and ergonomic design, weighing a mere 5.6 grams per bud. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. The earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips, ensuring a snug fit for most users.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Live has a more prominent design, with a slightly larger size and weight (7.3 grams per bud). While still comfortable, they may not be as suitable for users with smaller ears. The Galaxy Live comes with two sizes of ear tips, which may not provide as secure a fit for some users.
Materials and Build Quality
The Galaxy Buds2 features a sleek and durable design, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. The earbuds are constructed from high-quality plastic, ensuring a premium feel without the hefty price tag.
In contrast, the Galaxy Live has a more premium build quality, with a glossy finish that gives it a more luxurious look and feel. The earbuds are constructed from a combination of plastic and metal, making them more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Sound Quality and Audio Features
When it comes to sound quality, both the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live deliver impressive performances. However, there are some notable differences.
Audio Codecs and Bitrate
The Galaxy Buds2 supports the SBC and AAC audio codecs, with a maximum bitrate of 256 kbps. While this provides a solid audio experience, it may not be the best for audiophiles.
The Galaxy Live, on the other hand, supports the SBC, AAC, and LDAC audio codecs, with a maximum bitrate of 990 kbps. This makes it a better option for users who demand high-quality audio with more detail and clarity.
Bass Response and Sound Signature
The Galaxy Buds2 has a more neutral sound signature, with a balanced bass response that suits most genres of music. However, some users may find the bass to be slightly lacking.
The Galaxy Live has a more emphasized bass response, making it ideal for bass-heavy music genres like hip-hop and electronic. The sound signature is also more U-shaped, with a greater emphasis on highs and lows.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live offer impressive battery life, but with some differences.
Playback Time
The Galaxy Buds2 provides up to 7.5 hours of playback time on a single charge, with an additional 23 hours from the charging case. This makes it a great option for users who need a full day’s worth of listening.
The Galaxy Live offers up to 8 hours of playback time on a single charge, with an additional 26 hours from the charging case. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need extended listening sessions.
Charging Speed
The Galaxy Buds2 supports fast charging, with 1.5 hours of playback time from a 10-minute charge. The Galaxy Live also supports fast charging, but with 2 hours of playback time from a 10-minute charge.
Additional Features and Compatibility
Both the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live offer a range of additional features and compatibility options.
Wireless Connectivity
The Galaxy Buds2 supports Bluetooth 5.2, with a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters). The Galaxy Live also supports Bluetooth 5.2, but with a slightly longer range of up to 33 feet (10.1 meters).
Compatibility and Integration
The Galaxy Buds2 is compatible with Android devices running Android 7.0 or higher, as well as iOS devices running iOS 10.0 or higher. The earbuds also integrate seamlessly with Samsung devices, offering features like automatic pairing and Ambient Aware mode.
The Galaxy Live is also compatible with Android devices running Android 7.0 or higher, as well as iOS devices running iOS 10.0 or higher. However, it offers more extensive integration with Samsung devices, including features like PowerShare wireless charging and Bixby voice assistant support.
Price and Value
When it comes to price, the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live are positioned differently.
MSRP and Availability
The Galaxy Buds2 has an MSRP of $149.99, making it an affordable option for wireless earbuds. The earbuds are widely available from online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, as well as from Samsung’s official website.
The Galaxy Live has an MSRP of $199.99, making it a more premium offering. The earbuds are also widely available from online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, as well as from Samsung’s official website.
Value Proposition
The Galaxy Buds2 offers excellent value for its price, with a compact design, impressive sound quality, and seamless integration with Samsung devices. However, some users may find the bass response lacking and the design too similar to the original Galaxy Buds.
The Galaxy Live offers a more premium experience, with a more durable design, improved sound quality, and extended battery life. While it’s pricier than the Galaxy Buds2, it offers a more comprehensive feature set and better overall performance.
| Feature | Galaxy Buds2 | Galaxy Live |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact and ergonomic | Larger and more premium |
| Sound Quality | Neutral sound signature, balanced bass | Emphasized bass response, U-shaped sound signature |
| Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours playback, 23 hours with charging case | Up to 8 hours playback, 26 hours with charging case |
| Charging Speed | 1.5 hours playback from 10-minute charge | 2 hours playback from 10-minute charge |
| Price | $149.99 | $199.99 |
In conclusion, the Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live cater to different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with impressive sound quality and seamless integration with Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds2 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience with improved sound quality, extended battery life, and a more durable design, the Galaxy Live is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between these two wireless earbuds depends on your specific requirements and budget.
What is the main difference between Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live?
The main difference between Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live is their design and fit. Galaxy Buds2 have a more ergonomic design that fits snugly in the ear, providing better noise isolation and a more comfortable fit. On the other hand, Galaxy Live has a more minimalist design with an open fit, which allows for more ambient sound and a more discreet look.
This difference in design affects the listening experience, with Galaxy Buds2 providing a more immersive sound and Galaxy Live offering a more natural, awareness-of-surroundings sound. Additionally, the ergonomic design of Galaxy Buds2 makes them more suitable for exercise and active use, while Galaxy Live is better suited for casual, everyday use.
Which earbuds have better sound quality?
Both Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live offer high-quality sound, but they cater to different audio preferences. Galaxy Buds2 have a more pronounced bass response and clearer vocals, making them ideal for music lovers who want an immersive listening experience. They also support Hi-Fi audio codecs like AAC and SBC.
Galaxy Live, on the other hand, have a more balanced sound signature with clear highs and mids, making them suitable for those who prefer a more neutral sound. While they may not have the same level of bass as Galaxy Buds2, they offer a more realistic sound reproduction. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal audio preferences.
Are Galaxy Buds2 or Galaxy Live better for workouts?
Galaxy Buds2 are the better choice for workouts due to their ergonomic design and IPX7 water resistance rating. They fit snugly in the ear, providing a secure fit that won’t fall out during exercise, and can withstand sweat and water exposure.
Galaxy Live, with their open fit design, may not be as secure during intense exercise, and their IPX4 rating means they are not as resistant to water exposure. While they can still be used for casual exercise, Galaxy Buds2 are a better choice for those who engage in regular, high-intensity workouts.
Do both earbuds have active noise cancellation?
Galaxy Buds2 have active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect ambient noise and generate an “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out. This feature is especially useful in noisy environments like public transportation or open offices.
Galaxy Live do not have ANC, instead relying on their open fit design to allow for some ambient sound to pass through. While they may not offer the same level of noise isolation as Galaxy Buds2, they are designed for those who prefer to be more aware of their surroundings.
How long do the batteries last on each earbud?
Galaxy Buds2 offer up to 7.5 hours of playback time on a single charge, with an additional 23 hours of battery life provided by the charging case. They also support fast charging, which gives you an hour of playback time with just 10 minutes of charging.
Galaxy Live offer up to 6 hours of playback time on a single charge, with an additional 20 hours of battery life provided by the charging case. While they have slightly shorter battery life, they are designed for more casual, daily use.
Can I use both earbuds with non-Samsung devices?
Yes, both Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Live can be used with non-Samsung devices, including iOS and Android devices. They support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and are compatible with a wide range of devices.
However, some features like seamless pairing and advanced functionality may only be available on Samsung devices. Additionally, the Galaxy Wearable app, which provides customization options and firmware updates, is only available on Android devices.
Which earbuds are more affordable?
Galaxy Live are generally more affordable than Galaxy Buds2, making them a more budget-friendly option for those who want a high-quality sound and a discreet design.
However, it’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the region and retailer, so it’s always a good idea to check prices before making a purchase. Additionally, while Galaxy Live may be more affordable upfront, Galaxy Buds2 may offer better value in the long run due to their longer battery life and more advanced features.