I’ve used the Buds 4 Pro in Black for the past few weeks, paired with a Galaxy S26, and here’s my review.
Initial impressions and design
The Black color variant appears sleek—subtle yet luxurious. Samsung has made some thoughtful adjustments to the design this time. The stems are now slightly squared off and feature a refined metallic finish, which enhances functionality—making pinch and swipe gestures noticeably easier to perform.
The earbuds felt secure right from the first use, even during vigorous workouts.
The case stands out. It boasts a tinted transparent lid that closes with a satisfying magnetic snap and is compact enough to fit into a jeans pocket without adding bulk.
Inside, the buds are designed to sit horizontally, offering a more natural and secure placement when you drop them back. Both wireless and USB-C wired charging are supported.
One note—a caveat is that the case isn’t water or dust resistant. The earbuds, however, feature an IP57 rating, a notable upgrade from the previous IP53, allowing them to withstand immersion in shallow water and providing good protection against dust.
Audio performance
This is where the Buds 4 Pro truly shines.
Samsung has equipped these earbuds with an 11mm woofer paired with a planar tweeter. The woofer boasts nearly 20% more surface area compared to the last generation, making a significant auditory difference. The bass is fuller and richer without bleeding into the midrange, while the highs remain crisp and non-fatiguing over extended listening periods.
When paired with a compatible Galaxy device, the SSC UHQ codec enables 24-bit/96kHz playback, and high-resolution tracks noticeably sound more detailed and expansive. The 360 Audio feature introduces a spatial aspect that enhances live music and film content. On non-Samsung devices, you will revert to standard codecs, which is essential to consider before purchasing.
Active noise cancellation
The ANC on the Buds 4 Pro ranks among the best I’ve encountered in this price range. Samsung provides multiple modes—off, ambient sound, adaptive, and full ANC—with smooth transitions between them.
The ambient mode allows you to engage in conversations without removing the earbuds, while the ANC effectively mutes background noise in crowded environments, creating a balanced listening experience without feeling unnaturally silent.
Controls and smart features
Gesture controls function seamlessly. A single squeeze plays or pauses, a double squeeze skips tracks, and holding the stem toggles between ANC and ambient mode. Swiping up or down controls the volume.
The head gesture feature adds genuine utility—nodding answers calls while shaking your head rejects them. While it may seem like a gimmick, it’s practical, especially when your hands are occupied.
Pairing with a Samsung device is effortless. Open the case, and the earbuds connect almost instantly. The Galaxy Wearable app allows extensive control over EQ settings, gesture customizations, 360 Audio, and an earbud fit test, providing a polished overall experience.
Battery performance
With ANC activated, expect around six hours of playback per charge. Turning ANC off extends that to approximately seven hours. When factoring in the case, total battery life ranges from 26 to 30 hours, which is excellent for daily commutes and travel. However, heavy users streaming high-resolution audio continuously with ANC engaged may find themselves reaching for the case more frequently than preferred.
Market competition
At ₹22,999, the Buds 4 Pro competes directly with the Apple AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM5, and JBL Tour Pro 3. For Samsung device users, the decision is clear—the ecosystem integration alone gives the Buds 4 Pro a substantial advantage.
For others, the Sony WF-1000XM5 remains a formidable alternative, especially if you prioritize multipoint connectivity, a feature the Buds 4 Pro currently lacks in the conventional sense.
Final thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro represent the most comprehensive set of earbuds Samsung has created to date. Their sound quality is outstanding, ANC is competitive, the design is refined, and the smart features offer genuine value rather than mere functionality. While the ecosystem dependency and lack of true multipoint are limitations, they are unlikely to be dealbreakers for Galaxy users.
If you’ve been seeking a premium Android alternative to the AirPods Pro, your wait is over.
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