When it comes to wireless earbuds, Samsung has undoubtedly made a significant impact with its Galaxy Buds series. The first generation, aptly named Galaxy Buds, was a game-changer in the true wireless earbuds market. Then, Samsung took it up a notch with the release of Galaxy Buds 2, promising even more impressive features and improvements. But what exactly sets these two apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between Samsung Galaxy Buds 1 and 2, helping you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Fit
One of the most noticeable differences between the Galaxy Buds 1 and 2 is their design and fit. The original Galaxy Buds had a more rounded shape, which some users found comfortable, while others complained about the earbuds feeling bulkier than they’d like. Samsung took this feedback into consideration and refined the design for the Galaxy Buds 2.
The Galaxy Buds 2 boasts a more ergonomic design, with a smaller and more compact shape that fits snugly in the ear. This redesign not only makes them more comfortable but also allows for a more secure fit, reducing the likelihood of the earbuds falling out during exercise or other activities. The Galaxy Buds 2 also comes with three sizes of ear tips, ensuring a customizable fit for almost any ear shape.
Weight and Dimensions
In terms of weight, the Galaxy Buds 2 are significantly lighter than their predecessors, with each earbud weighing in at approximately 6.3 grams compared to the 8.2 grams of the Galaxy Buds 1. This reduction in weight contributes to the overall comfort and wearability of the earbuds.
Here’s a comparison of the dimensions between the two:
| Model | Weight (per earbud) | Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Buds 1 | 8.2g | 17.5 x 22.5 x 19.2 mm |
| Galaxy Buds 2 | 6.3g | 17.2 x 21.6 x 18.6 mm |
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both the Galaxy Buds 1 and 2 deliver impressive performances. However, Samsung has made some notable improvements to the Galaxy Buds 2.
Driver Size and Type
The Galaxy Buds 2 feature 12mm dynamic drivers, an increase from the 8.2mm drivers found in the original Galaxy Buds. This larger driver size allows for more powerful sound reproduction, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.
Bass Response and Treble
The Galaxy Buds 2 also boast improved bass response, with Samsung claiming a 25% increase in low-end frequency response compared to the Galaxy Buds 1. This means you can expect more rumble and punch in your music, making for a more engaging listening experience.
Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 2 have a more balanced treble response, which helps to reduce fatigue and ear strain during extended listening sessions.
Active Noise Cancellation
Both the Galaxy Buds 1 and 2 offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but the Galaxy Buds 2 take it to the next level with advanced noise reduction technology. This results in a more effective blockage of background noise, allowing you to focus on your music or take hands-free calls with greater clarity.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an essential aspect of wireless earbuds, and Samsung has made significant improvements to the Galaxy Buds 2 in this regard.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Buds 2 offer up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge, an increase from the 6 hours of the Galaxy Buds 1. Additionally, the charging case provides an extra 11 hours of battery life, giving you a total of 22 hours of listening time before needing to recharge.
Fast Charging
Samsung has also introduced fast charging to the Galaxy Buds 2, allowing you to get an additional hour of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging.
Wireless Charging
Both the Galaxy Buds 1 and 2 support wireless charging, making it easy to top up your battery without the need for cables.
Additional Features
In addition to the improvements mentioned above, the Galaxy Buds 2 offer several other features that set them apart from their predecessors.
Gesture Controls
The Galaxy Buds 2 introduce new gesture controls, allowing you to customize your listening experience with a range of intuitive touch commands. These include:
- Tap to play/pause music
- Double tap to skip tracks
- Triple tap to go back to the previous track
- Long press to activate voice assistant
Integration with Samsung Devices
As you’d expect, the Galaxy Buds 2 offer seamless integration with Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S, Note, and A series smartphones. This integration allows for easy pairing, convenient features like automatic ear detection, and access to exclusive features like Dolby Atmos and 360 Audio.
Water and Sweat Resistance
Both the Galaxy Buds 1 and 2 offer IPX2 water resistance, which means they can withstand light rain and sweat. However, the Galaxy Buds 2 take it a step further with IPX7 water resistance, allowing them to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy Buds 1 were launched at a price point of around $130, while the Galaxy Buds 2 are priced slightly higher at around $150. However, considering the significant improvements and added features, the extra cost is well justified.
The Galaxy Buds 2 are widely available at major retailers, both online and in-store, as well as through Samsung’s official website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 offer a significant upgrade over their predecessors, with improvements to design, fit, sound quality, battery life, and additional features. While the Galaxy Buds 1 are still a great option, the Galaxy Buds 2 are the clear winner for those seeking the best true wireless earbuds experience.
If you’re looking for the best sound quality, longest battery life, and most advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are the clear choice.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer the original design, the Galaxy Buds 1 are still a great option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy Buds 1 and 2?
The main differences between Samsung Galaxy Buds 1 and 2 lie in their design, sound quality, battery life, and features. The Galaxy Buds 2 have a more ergonomic design that fits snugly in the ear, providing better sound isolation and comfort. They also have improved sound quality with clearer highs and deeper bass. Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 2 have longer battery life, with up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge, compared to the 6 hours of the Galaxy Buds 1.
In terms of features, the Galaxy Buds 2 have advanced noise-cancellation technology and support for wireless charging, which are not available on the Galaxy Buds 1. The Galaxy Buds 2 also have improved touch controls, allowing for more intuitive control over music playback and call management. Overall, the Galaxy Buds 2 offer a more premium listening experience with advanced features and improved performance.
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 worth the upgrade from the original Galaxy Buds?
Whether or not the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are worth the upgrade from the original Galaxy Buds depends on individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for improved sound quality, longer battery life, and advanced features like noise-cancellation and wireless charging, then the Galaxy Buds 2 may be a worthwhile upgrade. Additionally, if you value comfort and ergonomic design, the Galaxy Buds 2 may be a better fit.
However, if you’re satisfied with the sound quality and features of the original Galaxy Buds, and don’t mind the slightly bulkier design, then there may not be a compelling reason to upgrade. It’s also worth considering the price difference between the two models, as the Galaxy Buds 2 are generally more expensive than the original Galaxy Buds.
Do Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have better sound quality than the original Galaxy Buds?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have improved sound quality compared to the original Galaxy Buds. The Galaxy Buds 2 have a more detailed and nuanced sound signature, with clearer highs and deeper bass. This is due to the improved driver design and acoustic chamber, which allow for better sound reproduction and a more immersive listening experience.
In addition, the Galaxy Buds 2 have a more accurate soundstage, which allows for better separation of instruments and vocals. This makes for a more engaging and enjoyable listening experience, especially when listening to complex or dynamic music.
Can I use Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 with non-Samsung devices?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 can be used with non-Samsung devices, including Android and iOS devices. The Galaxy Buds 2 use Bluetooth 5.0, which is a standardized wireless connectivity protocol that allows for compatibility with a wide range of devices. This means that you can pair the Galaxy Buds 2 with your smartphone, tablet, or computer, regardless of the manufacturer.
However, some features may not be available when using the Galaxy Buds 2 with non-Samsung devices. For example, some advanced features like seamless connectivity and gesture controls may only be available when using the Galaxy Buds 2 with a Samsung device.
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 sweat and water-resistant?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are sweat and water-resistant, with an IPX7 rating. This means that they can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This makes them suitable for use during exercise or in wet conditions.
However, it’s still important to take care when using the Galaxy Buds 2 in wet or humid conditions. Avoid exposing them to saltwater, chlorinated water, or extreme temperatures, and make sure to dry them thoroughly after exposure to water or sweat.
Can I customize the fit of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 come with multiple ear tip sizes, allowing you to customize the fit to your ear. The ear tips are designed to provide a snug and comfortable fit, and they come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
In addition, the Galaxy Buds 2 have a ergonomic design that fits snugly in the ear, providing a comfortable and secure fit. This design also helps to block out external noise and provide better sound isolation.
Do Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 support wireless charging?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 support wireless charging, making it easy to recharge them without having to deal with cables. The Galaxy Buds 2 come with a wireless charging case, which can be charged using a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.
To charge the Galaxy Buds 2 wirelessly, simply place the charging case on a compatible wireless charging pad and wait for the charging indicator to light up. It’s a convenient and easy way to keep your Galaxy Buds 2 charged and ready to go.