In the world of true wireless earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have quickly become a fan favorite. Offering active noise cancellation (ANC), superior sound quality, and long-lasting battery life, these earbuds are designed to compete with some of the best models in the market, all while being budget-friendly. But do they really live up to the hype? Let’s take a deeper look.
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Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- High-quality sound with rich bass
- Long-lasting battery life
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices
Cons:
- Limited customization for non-Samsung users
- No IPX rating for water resistance
- Average microphone performance in windy conditions
Feature and Benefits:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours (5 hours with ANC, 15 additional from case) |
| Charging Options | USB-C cable charging, wireless charging |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Ambient Sound mode |
| Sound Quality | Dynamic two-way speakers for rich bass and crisp highs |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Auto Switch for Galaxy devices |
| Waterproof Rating | None (No official IPX rating) |
| Weight | Lightweight, 10% lighter than Galaxy Buds Plus |
| Fit | Customizable fit with three ear tip sizes |
| Price | $67.56 (Graphite color) |
Design and Build Quality
Sleek, Comfortable, and Lightweight
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 feature a sleek, minimalist design that sets them apart from many bulky true wireless earbuds. Available in various colors like Graphite, Lavender, Olive Green, and White, these earbuds cater to a wide range of style preferences.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Buds 2 is their lightweight build. Weighing 10% less than their predecessor (Galaxy Buds Plus), these earbuds are so comfortable that you might forget you’re wearing them. The in-ear fit is secure, and Samsung includes three different sizes of ear tips to ensure a snug and personalized fit. This not only helps with comfort but also improves the passive noise isolation, making the ANC even more effective.
Sound Quality: Immersive and Booming
Rich Bass and Crisp Mids
If you’re an audiophile or just someone who loves their music, you’ll appreciate the sound quality delivered by the Galaxy Buds 2. Samsung has fine-tuned these earbuds to provide an immersive audio experience. Powered by two-way dynamic speakers, these earbuds deliver deep, punchy bass while keeping the mids and highs crisp and clear. Whether you’re listening to rock, hip-hop, or classical music, the sound remains balanced and detailed.
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The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a game-changer. It effectively blocks out ambient noise, making it easier to focus on your music or calls, even in noisy environments like cafes, offices, or public transportation. With low-latency Ambient Sound mode, you can toggle between ANC and ambient sound when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
Battery Life: Power for the Long Haul
Up to 20 Hours of Total Playtime
Battery life is a crucial factor when considering wireless earbuds, and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 don’t disappoint. On a single charge, the earbuds provide up to 5 hours of continuous playback with ANC turned on, while the charging case provides an additional 15 hours, giving you up to 20 hours of total playtime. If you turn off ANC, the earbuds alone can last up to 7.5 hours.
For those moments when you’re in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge gives you up to 1 hour of playtime, making it perfect for those who are always on the go.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Block the World Out
Tuning Out the Noise, Tuning In the Clarity
The Active Noise Cancellation in the Galaxy Buds 2 is one of the best you can find in this price range. Whether you’re working in a noisy coffee shop or trying to drown out background chatter during a conference call, ANC effectively minimizes ambient noise, allowing you to focus entirely on your music or conversation.
Samsung’s Ambient Sound Mode also deserves mention. This mode ensures that while you’re using ANC, you can stay aware of your surroundings by selectively letting in certain sounds, such as announcements or conversations. It’s an incredibly handy feature for those who need to stay alert during outdoor activities or travel.
Connectivity and Controls
Seamless Samsung Ecosystem Integration
Samsung designed the Galaxy Buds 2 with its ecosystem in mind, and it shows. If you’re a Samsung Galaxy user, the Auto Switch feature is a dream come true. This feature allows you to seamlessly switch between your Galaxy phone, tablet, watch, or PC without manually disconnecting and reconnecting.
The touch controls on the earbuds are easy to use. A single tap lets you play/pause music, a double tap skips to the next track, and a long press toggles between ANC and Ambient Sound modes. You can also answer calls or access voice assistants like Bixby, Google Assistant, or Siri with just a touch.
One small downside is that if you’re using the Galaxy Buds 2 with non-Samsung devices, you may miss out on some exclusive features like Auto Switch or the Samsung Wearable app‘s customization options.
Fit and Comfort: Designed for All-Day Use
Custom Fit with Three Ear Tip Sizes
Finding earbuds that offer long-lasting comfort can be a challenge, but the Galaxy Buds 2 excel in this department. The ergonomic design ensures that they fit snugly without causing any discomfort, even after hours of use. The inclusion of three sizes of ear tips allows you to find the perfect fit, enhancing both comfort and noise isolation.
Thanks to their lightweight design, the earbuds don’t feel bulky, making them perfect for all-day use. Whether you’re using them during a workout, commute, or workday, they remain secure and comfortable.
Additional Features
Three Microphones for Clear Calls
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 come equipped with three microphones and voice pickup unit (VPU), which ensures your voice comes through loud and clear on calls. This combination of mics helps filter out ambient noise so that your voice is always the focus.
However, the microphone performance can falter in particularly windy conditions. While it’s still reliable for general use, if you frequently take calls in outdoor environments, this may be something to consider.
Real-Time Translation
A unique feature available to Samsung Galaxy users is Live Translation. With this feature, you can use your Galaxy Buds 2 to get real-time translations during face-to-face conversations or phone calls. Whether you’re traveling or chatting with someone in another language, this feature breaks down communication barriers, making it easier than ever to connect with people around the world.
Pricing and Value for Money
With a price tag of $67.56 (Graphite version), the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 offer incredible value for money, especially considering the high-end features like ANC, long battery life, and seamless Samsung ecosystem integration. While they may lack some premium features found in higher-priced competitors, they more than make up for it with their performance and user-friendly design.
Verdict: Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Worth It?
In a sea of true wireless earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 manage to stand out thanks to their sleek design, solid sound quality, and impressive ANC. If you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem, they’re an absolute no-brainer. Even for non-Samsung users, these earbuds offer features and performance that are hard to beat at this price point.
While they do have some limitations, such as the lack of an IPX rating for water resistance and average microphone performance in windy conditions, these are minor drawbacks when considering the overall package.
If you’re looking for reliable, feature-packed wireless earbuds that offer great sound, noise cancellation, and long-lasting battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are an excellent choice.
