In the ever-growing landscape of true wireless earbuds, Samsung has established itself as a significant player with its range of Buds series. The original Samsung Buds and the newer Samsung Buds2 have garnered a lot of attention from audiophiles and casual listeners alike. However, the question remains – what sets these two apart? Is the Buds2 a worthy successor to the original, or is it just a minor upgrade? In this article, we’ll delve deep into the differences between Samsung Buds and Buds2, exploring their design, features, sound quality, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build: A Tale of Two Buds
At first glance, the Samsung Buds and Buds2 may look similar, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some subtle yet significant changes. The original Buds have a more rounded shape, with a slightly larger charging case. The Buds2, on the other hand, sports a more compact and sleek design, with a smaller charging case that can easily slip into a pocket or purse. This reduction in size is largely due to the Buds2’s more efficient battery design, which we’ll discuss later.
The earbuds themselves have also undergone a transformation. The Buds2 features a more ergonomic design, with a contoured shape that fits snugly in the ear. This new design provides a more secure fit, reducing the likelihood of the earbuds falling out during exercise or other activities. The original Buds, while still comfortable, don’t quite match the Buds2’s level of ergonomic sophistication.
Color Options: A Rainbow of Choices
Both the Samsung Buds and Buds2 come in a range of colors to suit different tastes and styles. The original Buds are available in black, white, and yellow, while the Buds2 adds a few more options to the mix, including a sleek graphite and a vibrant blue. If you’re looking to make a statement with your earbuds, the Buds2’s color palette might be more to your liking.
Features: What’s New and What’s Improved
When it comes to features, the Samsung Buds2 takes a significant leap forward, addressing some of the shortcomings of the original Buds.
Active Noise Cancellation: A Game-Changer
One of the most notable additions to the Buds2 is active noise cancellation (ANC). This feature uses one of the earbud’s microphones to detect ambient noise, generating a “negative” sound wave to cancel it out. The result is a more immersive listening experience, with less distractions from the outside world. The original Buds lack ANC, making the Buds2 a more attractive option for those who want to block out background noise.
Improved Battery Life
The Buds2 boasts a significant improvement in battery life, with up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, compared to the original Buds’ 4 hours. The charging case also gets a boost, providing an additional 12 hours of battery life, bringing the total to 17 hours. The original Buds’ charging case, on the other hand, only provides an additional 10 hours of battery life.
Wireless Charging: Convenience Redefined
Both the Samsung Buds and Buds2 support wireless charging, making it easy to top up your earbuds without the hassle of cables. However, the Buds2 takes it a step further with support for reverse wireless charging, also known as Wireless PowerShare. This means you can charge your earbuds using your Samsung Galaxy phone, a convenient feature that sets the Buds2 apart from its predecessor.
Sound Quality: A Closer Look
When it comes to sound quality, both the Samsung Buds and Buds2 deliver impressive results, but with some notable differences.
Driver Size and Type
The original Buds feature 10mm dynamic drivers, while the Buds2 upgrade to 11mm drivers. This increase in driver size, combined with the new earbud design, results in a more immersive and detailed soundstage. The Buds2’s drivers are also tuned to provide a more balanced sound, with clearer highs and deeper bass.
Codec Support: The Devil’s in the Details
Both the Samsung Buds and Buds2 support the SBC and AAC codecs, but the Buds2 adds support for the more advanced Scalable Codec, also known as SSC. This codec allows for more efficient transmission of audio data, resulting in a more stable and reliable connection.
Price: The Final Showdown
When it comes to price, the Samsung Buds and Buds2 are competitively priced, but with some key differences.
Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|
Samsung Buds | $99 – $129 |
Samsung Buds2 | $149 – $179 |
As you can see, the original Buds are priced lower, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. However, the Buds2’s additional features, improved sound quality, and sleeker design justify the higher price point.
Conclusion: Which Buds Reign Supreme?
In conclusion, the Samsung Buds2 is a significant upgrade over the original Buds, offering improved sound quality, longer battery life, and advanced features like active noise cancellation and wireless charging. While the original Buds are still a great option, the Buds2’s enhancements make it a more compelling choice for those looking for a premium true wireless earbud experience.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option and don’t mind sacrificing some of the newer features, the original Buds are still a great choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in the latest and greatest technology, the Samsung Buds2 is the clear winner.
- Samsung Buds: A budget-friendly option with great sound quality and a comfortable design.
- Samsung Buds2: A premium option with advanced features, improved sound quality, and a sleeker design.
Ultimately, the choice between the Samsung Buds and Buds2 depends on your priorities and budget. But one thing is certain – both options offer an exceptional true wireless earbud experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning listeners.
What are the key differences between Samsung Buds and Buds2?
The Samsung Buds and Buds2 are two different generations of true wireless earbuds from Samsung. The main difference lies in their design, features, and performance. The Samsung Buds, also known as the Galaxy Buds, are the first generation of wireless earbuds from Samsung, while the Buds2 are the newer and improved version.
The Buds2 has a more compact design, improved sound quality, and longer battery life compared to the original Buds. Additionally, the Buds2 has new features like active noise cancellation and a wireless charging case, which are not available on the original Buds. Overall, the Buds2 is a significant upgrade over the original Buds, with improved performance and features that set it apart from its predecessor.
Do Samsung Buds and Buds2 have the same sound quality?
The sound quality of the Samsung Buds and Buds2 is similar, but not exactly the same. Both earbuds have good sound quality with clear and balanced audio, but the Buds2 has a slight edge over the original Buds. The Buds2 has a more detailed and nuanced sound, with better bass response and clearer highs.
The improved sound quality of the Buds2 is due to its new drivers and improved acoustic design. The Buds2 also has a feature called ” Scalable Codec” which allows it to automatically adjust the audio quality based on the environment, providing a more consistent and clear sound. Overall, while both earbuds have good sound quality, the Buds2 has a slight advantage in this department.
Which one has a longer battery life?
The Samsung Buds2 has a longer battery life compared to the original Buds. The Buds2 can last up to 11 hours on a single charge, while the original Buds can last up to 6 hours. Additionally, the Buds2 charging case can provide up to 24 hours of battery life, while the original Buds charging case can provide up to 12 hours.
The improved battery life of the Buds2 is due to its more efficient battery and improved power management. The Buds2 also has a feature called “Power Share” which allows it to charge wirelessly from a compatible Samsung phone or tablet.
Do Samsung Buds and Buds2 support the same features?
The Samsung Buds and Buds2 support many of the same features, including Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, wireless charging, and integration with Samsung phones. However, the Buds2 has some exclusive features that are not available on the original Buds, such as active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, and a feature called “Earbuds Fit Test” which helps to ensure a secure fit.
The Buds2 also has improved integration with Samsung phones, including support for seamless pairing, intuitive controls, and easy software updates. The Buds2 also has a more comprehensive companion app that allows for more customization and control over the earbuds.
Can I use Samsung Buds and Buds2 with non-Samsung devices?
Yes, both the Samsung Buds and Buds2 can be used with non-Samsung devices, including Android and iOS devices. However, some features may not be available or may not work as seamlessly as they do with Samsung devices. For example, the wireless charging feature may not work with non-Samsung devices, and some of the customization options may not be available.
That being said, both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0, which means they can connect to most devices that support Bluetooth. Additionally, the Buds2 has a feature called ” Swift Pair” which allows it to quickly and easily pair with Windows 10 devices.
Are Samsung Buds and Buds2 water resistant?
Yes, both the Samsung Buds and Buds2 are water resistant, but to different degrees. The original Buds have an IPX2 rating, which means they can withstand sweat and rain, but may not be suitable for heavy water exposure.
The Buds2, on the other hand, have an IPX7 rating, which means they can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This makes the Buds2 more suitable for exercise and outdoor activities.
Which one is more expensive?
The Samsung Buds2 is generally more expensive than the original Buds. The price difference can vary depending on the region and retailer, but on average, the Buds2 can cost around $20-$30 more than the original Buds.
The higher price of the Buds2 is due to its improved features, design, and performance. However, it’s worth noting that the original Buds may be available at a discounted price, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.