Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review: A Premium Earbud Experience with One Annoying Flaw

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have arrived, and they’re turning heads in the competitive world of premium earbuds. Launched alongside the Galaxy S26 series, these new buds are Samsung’s latest attempt to dethrone Apple’s AirPods Pro 3. After spending a week with them, here’s my early take on what works, what doesn’t, and whether they’re worth the $249 price tag.

Design: Sleek, Understated, and Familiar

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feature a new “blade” design, which gives them a sleek and understated look. The brushed-metal edge adds a touch of elegance, and the transparent charging case lid lets you admire the buds at a glance. The case is slightly smaller but thicker than its predecessor, making it easy to slip into your pocket.

However, there’s one glaring issue: the eartip-locking system. Despite causing significant problems with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (which led to a delay in their release), Samsung has kept this finicky system in place. Swapping out eartips is a hassle, and there’s a real risk of breaking the buds in the process. It’s a frustrating oversight in an otherwise polished design.

Features: Packed with Potential

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro come loaded with features, starting with their impressive active noise cancellation (ANC). It’s on par with the previous model, offering a solid block of ambient sound. There’s also an Adaptive ANC mode, though I haven’t tested it extensively yet. Ambient mode, on the other hand, feels a bit too open, letting in more noise than I’d like.

The accompanying app is a treasure trove of customization options. From a 5-band equalizer with presets to 360 audio and neck stretch reminders, there’s plenty to play with. New features include head gestures for answering calls (though I couldn’t test this due to a lack of incoming calls) and Live Translation, which I’m excited to try on my next trip.

One standout feature is adaptive casting, which adjusts playback based on how you’re wearing the buds. It’s a clever addition, especially for those who wear their earbuds incorrectly (you know who you are).

Sound Performance: Refined and Refined

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver a refined V-shaped sound profile. The bass is better defined and more natural, sitting well alongside other tracks without overpowering them. The treble is sharp, and the soundstage is wide, making for an immersive listening experience. I tested them with high-res audio on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, and the difference was noticeable compared to other devices.

While they sound fantastic, the earbuds market is crowded with great options at lower price points. The real question is whether the features and sound quality justify the $249 price tag.

Value: A Tough Sell

At $249, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are firmly in the premium category. They match the AirPods Pro 3 in price, which is likely intentional. However, with so many great earbuds available for less, the value proposition hinges on the features and sound quality. If the app tools and adaptive features prove useful over time, they could justify the cost. But for now, it’s a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers.

How I Tested

I spent a week testing the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, primarily using them for music streaming. I paired them with both a Realme phone and a Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus to compare performance across devices. I also drew on my experience with other Samsung earbuds, including the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and various AKG, Bowers & Wilkins, and JBL models.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a solid upgrade over their predecessors, with improved sound quality, a sleek design, and a host of features. However, the persistent eartip-locking issue is a major drawback. If you’re a Samsung loyalist or an audiophile looking for premium earbuds, they’re worth considering. But if you’re on the fence, it might be worth waiting for the full review to see if the features truly justify the price.

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, earbuds, audio, ANC, premium, design, sound quality, features, value, review

Viral Sentences:

• “The eartip-locking system is still a nightmare—Samsung, what are you doing?”
• “These buds sound amazing, but are they worth $249? That’s the million-dollar question.”
• “Adaptive casting is a game-changer for people who wear earbuds wrong (we see you).”
• “Samsung’s latest earbuds are a sleek, understated masterpiece—except for that one annoying flaw.”
• “The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are here to take on the AirPods Pro 3—but can they win?”

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