Samsung Unveils All-New Galaxy Buds4 Series With Ultimate Sound: The AirPods Killer Has Arrived

 

# Samsung Unveils All-New Galaxy Buds4 Series With Ultimate Sound: The AirPods Killer Has Arrived

**Published: February 25, 2026**

You know that feeling when you're listening to your favorite song on a pair of earbuds, and you just know—deep down—that it could sound better? The bass could hit harder, the vocals could be clearer, the whole experience could just feel... more alive?

Samsung thinks they've fixed that.

At their Unpacked event in San Francisco, alongside the new Galaxy S26 phones, Samsung dropped the Galaxy Buds4 series. And honestly? They might have just raised the bar for what wireless earbuds can do .

Let me walk you through everything that's new, how the two models compare, and whether these are the earbuds you've been waiting for.

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## The Short Version

**What happened:** Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro at Unpacked 2026, alongside the Galaxy S26 series .

**The big upgrades:**

- A completely redesigned "computational fit" based on hundreds of millions of ear data points 

- Buds4 Pro gets a wider woofer with nearly 20% more vibration area for deeper bass 

- 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Fi audio support with Samsung's proprietary SSC codec 

- Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation with real-time adaptive EQ 

- Super Clear Call with double the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls 

- Deeper AI integration with Bixby, Gemini, and Perplexity voice access 

**The prices (good news):** Samsung kept prices the same as last year—$179 for the Buds4, $249 for the Buds4 Pro .

**Availability:** Pre-orders start today, with general release on March 11, 2026 .

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## The Design: Goodbye Blade Lights, Hello Refined Elegance

Remember the Galaxy Buds3 Pro with their flashy blade lights and futuristic vibe? Yeah, those are gone.

Samsung has taken a completely different direction with the Buds4 series. The design is more understated, more refined, and honestly? More mature .

**The new look:**

- Sleeker "blade" silhouette with premium metal finish 

- Engraved pinch control area for easy location and adjustment of settings 

- Transparent, clamshell-type charging case that shows off the buds 

- Available in White and Black for both models, plus an online-exclusive Pink Gold for the Pro 

**What changed:** The Buds3 Pro's futuristic design with blade lights only lasted one generation. Clearly, it didn't fit the aesthetic Samsung wanted for the Buds4 series. The new approach is cleaner, more elegant, and probably more wearable for more people .

**The fit:** This is where things get really interesting. Samsung didn't just guess at what comfortable earbuds should look like. They analyzed data from hundreds of millions of global ear data points and ran over 10,000 simulations to create what they call a "computational design" .

The result? Smaller, better-fitting earbud heads that deliver a more secure, comfortable experience for all-day wear .

**Two designs for two audiences:**

- **Galaxy Buds4 Pro:** Canal-fit design (in-ear with silicone tips) for ultimate sound quality and maximum noise isolation 

- **Galaxy Buds4:** Open-fit design for a more comfortable, airy feel that's easier to pop in and out 

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## The Sound: This Is Where Things Get Serious

Okay, let's talk about what really matters—how these things actually sound.

### Galaxy Buds4 Pro: The Audiophile's Choice

The Pro model is where Samsung pulled out all the stops. The headline feature? A new **wider woofer** with a redesigned structure that maximizes the vibration area while minimizing the speaker's edge. The result is almost **20% more effective speaker area** than the previous generation .

**What that means in plain English:** Deeper, richer bass that you can actually feel, without muddying up the mids and highs.

**Table 1: Galaxy Buds4 Pro Audio Specs**

| **Component** | **Specification** |

| :--- | :--- |

| Speaker System | Two-way (woofer + tweeter) |

| Woofer | 11mm Super Wide Woofer |

| Tweeter | 5.5mm Planar Tweeter |

| Audio Resolution | 24-bit / 96kHz (with SSC UHQ codec) |

| Supported Codecs | SSC UHQ, SSC HiFi, AAC, SBC, LC3 |

| 360 Audio | Yes, with Direct Multi-Channel |

The two-way speaker system means you get dedicated drivers for different parts of the frequency spectrum. The woofer handles the lows, the tweeter handles the highs, and together they deliver a more natural, immersive sound that captures everything from the resonant highs of violins to the deep, throaty pulses of double basses—details that were difficult to reproduce in earlier generations .

### Galaxy Buds4: No Slouch Either

The standard Buds4 might not have the dual-driver setup, but they're still a serious upgrade. They feature an 11mm dynamic speaker that delivers clean, balanced audio . While they don't support the full 24-bit UHQ audio, they still sound excellent for their price point.

**PCMag's early impressions:** In a quick side-by-side comparison, the single-driver Buds4 delivered a pleasing audio response, while the two-channel Buds4 Pro delivered palpably deeper bass and crisper highs .

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## Active Noise Cancellation: Smarter Than Ever

Both models get upgraded ANC, but the Pro model gets some extra tricks.

### Enhanced Adaptive ANC/EQ

This is the fancy term for something pretty cool. The Buds4 series analyzes your wearing conditions and unique ear shape in real-time, then applies optimal ANC algorithms to minimize noise leakage .

**What that means:** The earbuds essentially customize themselves to your ears and your environment. Whether you're on a noisy subway, a rumbling airplane, or just trying to focus in a coffee shop, the ANC adapts .

### Pro-Exclusive Features

The Buds4 Pro adds two clever features that the standard model doesn't have:

**Voice Detect:** When the buds recognize you're speaking, they automatically boost ambient sound so you can hear yourself and others more clearly. When the conversation ends, they ramp the ANC back up .

**Siren Detect:** The buds can recognize emergency sirens or alarms and temporarily increase ambient sound so you stay aware of your surroundings .

**PCMag's Eric Zeman** noted that these features put the Buds4 Pro well within striking distance of competitors like Apple and Google .

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## Calls: Super Clear What?

Samsung is making a big deal about call quality with the Buds4 series, and for good reason.

**Super Clear Call** technology uses machine learning models trained specifically for noise reduction and voice enhancement . It also supports **super wideband (SWB)** calling, which doubles the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls .

**The result:** Your voice stays crisp and clear whether you're cheering at a baseball game, dining in a crowded restaurant, or wrangling kids at the playground .

Both models feature **6 microphones** (though the Pro uses a mix of digital and high signal-to-noise-ratio mics) to capture your voice and strip away background noise .

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## AI Integration: Your Earbuds Got Smarter

This is where the Buds4 series really leans into the ecosystem play.

For the first time, you can access multiple AI agents directly from your earbuds—**Bixby, Google Gemini, and Perplexity**—all with hands-free voice controls .

**What that means in practice:**

- Ask Gemini for directions without pulling out your phone

- Have Perplexity summarize a document while you're walking

- Use Bixby to control your smart home devices

- Access real-time translation through Galaxy AI's Interpreter mode 

**Head Gesture controls** (Pro model only) let you manage calls and interact with Bixby by simply nodding or shaking your head. Answer a call with a nod, reject it with a shake—all completely hands-free .

This deeper AI integration makes the Buds4 series feel less like simple audio accessories and more like an extension of your digital life .

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## The Specs: By the Numbers

Let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here's how the two models compare on paper.

**Table 2: Galaxy Buds4 Series Spec Comparison**

| **Category** | **Galaxy Buds4** | **Galaxy Buds4 Pro** |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| **Price** | $179 | $249 |

| **Design** | Open-fit | Canal-fit (in-ear with silicone tips) |

| **Colors** | Black, White | Black, White, Pink Gold (online exclusive) |

| **Speaker** | 11mm dynamic (1-way) | 11mm woofer + 5.5mm tweeter (2-way) |

| **Audio Resolution** | 24-bit Hi-Fi | 24-bit/96kHz UHQ |

| **Microphones** | 6 total (digital) | 6 total (HSNR + digital) |

| **ANC** | Enhanced ANC | Enhanced Adaptive ANC |

| **Special Features** | Adaptive EQ | Voice Detect, Siren Detect, Head Gestures |

| **Battery (buds, ANC on)** | 5 hours | 6 hours |

| **Battery (with case, ANC on)** | 24 hours | 26 hours |

| **Battery (buds, ANC off)** | 6 hours | 7 hours |

| **Battery (with case, ANC off)** | 30 hours | 30 hours |

| **Buds Battery Capacity** | 45 mAh | 61 mAh |

| **Case Battery Capacity** | 515 mAh | 530 mAh |

| **Water Resistance** | IP54 (sweat/light rain) | IP57 (heavy rain, rinseable) |

| **Bluetooth** | 5.4 or 6.1 (market dependent) | 5.4 or 6.1 (market dependent) |

| **Codecs** | AAC, SBC, SSC, SSC-UHQ | AAC, SBC, SSC, SSC-UHQ |

| **Dimensions (buds)** | 18.3 x 19.3 x 30.5 mm | 18.1 x 19.6 x 30.9 mm |

| **Dimensions (case)** | 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm | 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm |

| **Weight (buds)** | 4.6g | 5.1g |

| **Weight (case)** | 45.1g | 44.3g |

*Sources: *

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## Battery Life: Solid, But Not Class-Leading

Let's be real about battery life. The Buds4 Pro offers **6 hours with ANC on** (26 total with the case), while the standard Buds4 offers **5 hours with ANC on** (24 total) .

That's... fine. But it's worth noting that competitors like Apple's AirPods Pro 3 can run for 8 hours with ANC on . If you're someone who does marathon listening sessions without taking your buds out, this is worth considering.

**The good news:** With ANC off, both models can hit **30 hours total** with the case .

**Charging:** The cases support wireless charging, though you'll need to buy a charging pad separately .

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## Durability: Pro Gets the Edge

The Buds4 Pro has a clear advantage here with its **IP57 rating**. That means it can handle heavy rain and even be rinsed off if they get grimy .

The standard Buds4 has an **IP54 rating**, which protects against light rain and sweat—fine for workouts, but you can't wash them off .

**Important note:** These ratings apply only to the buds themselves, not the charging cases .

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## How They Sound: Early Impressions

PCMag's Eric Zeman got some early listening time with the Buds4 Pro at Unpacked, and his impressions are worth noting .

**The fit challenge:** This is a really important point. Zeman found that none of the included silicone tips created a firm seal in his ears. The small tips were too small, the medium were just small enough not to seal, and the large were oversized. This meant the ANC was only partially effective for him .

**Your experience may differ.** Ear shapes vary wildly, and Samsung's extensive ear data analysis should mean most people find a good fit. But if you've historically struggled with in-ear buds, this is something to watch for.

**The sound quality:** When it comes to actual audio, the Buds4 Pro impressed. Zeman described the sound as "noticeably richer" than the standard model, with deeper, more defined bass and clearer highs. He sampled everything from thumpy electronic dance music to raging rock and calming classical, and found the Pros adept across the board .

**A-B-C testing:** Zeman did a quick comparison with AirPods Pro 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. His take: The AirPods still win for natural tuning and vibrant sound, but the Buds4 Pro outshine the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in pure audio quality, thanks to Samsung's support for superior codecs and high-quality source files .

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## The Ecosystem Play: Why Your Phone Matters

Here's the thing about the Buds4 series: they're designed to work best with Samsung phones.

**The UHQ audio** (24-bit/96kHz) requires a compatible Samsung device—Galaxy S26 series, S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, or recent Z Fold/Flip models running One UI 6.1.1 or higher .

**Seamless connection:** Just open the case near a compatible Galaxy device and connection starts automatically—no need to install the Galaxy Wearable app .

**360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel** requires One UI 4.1.1 or later .

**Super Clear Call** works best with Galaxy S26, S25, S24, and S23 series devices, plus recent foldables .

**The bottom line:** If you have a Samsung phone, these are going to be incredible. If you're on another Android device, they'll still work great, but you might miss some of the deeper integration features. If you're on iPhone? Stick with AirPods.

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## What This Means for You

### If You're a Samsung Galaxy Owner

This is your moment. The Buds4 Pro, paired with a Galaxy S26, will give you an audio experience that rivals—and in some ways exceeds—what Apple offers its users. The 24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio, the seamless ecosystem integration, the AI features—it's all designed to work together.

### If You're Shopping for Premium Earbuds

The Buds4 Pro at $249 is a serious contender. You're getting dual drivers, excellent codec support, smart AI features, and solid ANC. The standard Buds4 at $179 is also a strong value, especially if you prefer an open-fit design.

### If You're an AirPods User

Samsung is clearly gunning for Apple here. The Buds4 Pro matches the AirPods Pro 3 on price and beats them on audio specs (24-bit support, better codecs). Whether that translates to a better real-world experience depends on your ears and your ecosystem loyalty.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: When will the Galaxy Buds4 series be available?**

A: Pre-orders start today, February 25, 2026. General availability begins March 11, 2026 .

**Q: How much do they cost?**

A: Galaxy Buds4: $179. Galaxy Buds4 Pro: $249. Samsung kept prices the same as last year's models .

**Q: What colors are available?**

A: Both models come in Black and White. The Buds4 Pro also has an online-exclusive Pink Gold option available through Samsung.com .

**Q: What's the difference between the two models?**

A: The Pro model has a two-way speaker system (woofer + tweeter) for better sound, 24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio, voice and siren detection, head gesture controls, better water resistance (IP57 vs IP54), and slightly longer battery life .

**Q: Do they work with iPhones?**

A: They'll connect via Bluetooth and work as basic earbuds, but you'll lose most of the advanced features—the high-quality codecs, seamless pairing, AI integration, and full app support. If you have an iPhone, AirPods are still the better choice.

**Q: How is the noise cancellation compared to AirPods Pro?**

A: Early impressions suggest it's competitive, but fit matters enormously. The Buds4 Pro uses standard silicone tips, while Apple's AirPods Pro 3 use foam-lined tips that conform to your ear canal. Your personal experience will depend on how well the tips seal in your ears .

**Q: Can I use these for working out?**

A: Yes. The Buds4 Pro has an IP57 rating, which means they can handle heavy rain and can be rinsed off. The standard Buds4 has IP54, which handles sweat and light rain but shouldn't be submerged .

**Q: What's this "computational design" thing?**

A: Samsung analyzed hundreds of millions of ear data points and ran over 10,000 simulations to create a fit that should work for most people. It's science-based comfort, basically .

**Q: How do I control them?**

A: There's an engraved pinch control area on the stem for volume and playback. The Pro model also supports head gestures—nod to answer calls, shake to reject .

**Q: What's the battery life really like?**

A: Real-world battery life: Buds4 Pro gives you about 6 hours with ANC on, 7 hours with it off. The case adds another 20-26 hours depending on usage. The standard Buds4 gives you about 5 hours with ANC on, 6 hours with it off .

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## The Bottom Line

Here's what I keep coming back to.

Samsung didn't just refresh the Buds line with minor upgrades. They went back to the drawing board—redesigned the fit, upgraded the drivers, added smarter AI features, and kept the prices the same.

**The Pro model** is genuinely impressive on paper. The wider woofer, 24-bit audio, adaptive ANC, and clever features like voice and siren detection make it a serious competitor to the AirPods Pro 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.

**The standard model** offers excellent value at $179, especially if you prefer an open-fit design and don't need the absolute best sound quality.

But here's the thing that might trip people up: **fit is everything**. If the silicone tips don't seal well in your ears, the ANC won't work effectively and the sound quality will suffer. PCMag's early experience suggests this could be an issue for some people .

If you're already in the Samsung ecosystem—especially if you're picking up a Galaxy S26—the Buds4 Pro should be at the top of your list. They're designed to work together, and when they do, the experience is magic.

If you're shopping across ecosystems? Try them on first. Make sure they fit. Then decide.

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*Got thoughts on the new Galaxy Buds4 series? Planning to upgrade? Drop a comment and let me know.*