Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2: A Detailed Review

by Alex Braham 45 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2. Are these earbuds worth the hype and, more importantly, your hard-earned cash? Let's get into it!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so first things first, the unboxing experience. Samsung keeps it pretty simple and eco-friendly, which is a plus in my book. Inside the box, you get the earbuds themselves, a charging case, a USB-C cable, and a few different sizes of ear tips. Finding the right fit is crucial for both comfort and sound quality, so take a few minutes to try them out. The design of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 is sleek and refined. They're smaller and lighter than the original Buds Pro, which is a welcome change. They sit more comfortably in the ear and don't stick out as much, making them look more discreet. The build quality feels premium, and the matte finish is resistant to fingerprints, which is always a win.

Design and Comfort

Let's talk about design and comfort, because what's the point of having amazing earbuds if they hurt your ears? As I mentioned, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are noticeably smaller than their predecessors, and this makes a huge difference in comfort. I can wear these for hours without any discomfort, which is a big deal for me. The ergonomic shape conforms nicely to the ear, and the lightweight design prevents them from feeling heavy or cumbersome. Samsung has also improved the ventilation, which helps to reduce that plugged-up feeling you sometimes get with noise-canceling earbuds. These improvements are essential, especially considering that many users plan to use their earbuds for extended periods. The color options are also pretty stylish, with choices like Graphite, White, and Bora Purple. The matte finish adds a touch of elegance and makes them feel more premium than the glossy finish of some other earbuds on the market. Ultimately, the design and comfort of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are top-notch, making them a great choice for anyone who values comfort and style.

Sound Quality

Alright, let's dive into what really matters: sound quality. And guys, I have to say, Samsung has really stepped up their game with the Galaxy Buds Pro 2. These earbuds deliver a rich, balanced, and detailed sound that's sure to please even the most discerning audiophiles. The sound quality of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 is impressive. They feature custom-built coaxial 2-way speakers, which means there's a separate woofer for the lows and a tweeter for the highs. This results in a more balanced and detailed soundstage. The bass is punchy and well-defined without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and present, and the highs are crisp and sparkling. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 deliver an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. The soundstage is surprisingly wide for earbuds, giving you a sense of space and separation between instruments. This makes the listening experience more engaging and realistic. Plus, with support for 24-bit Hi-Fi audio when paired with a compatible Samsung device, you can enjoy even higher-quality audio with more detail and clarity. Samsung has truly focused on delivering a premium audio experience with these earbuds.

Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound

Now, let's talk about noise cancellation, a crucial feature for anyone who commutes or works in a noisy environment. The Galaxy Buds Pro 2 offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively blocks out distractions, allowing you to focus on your music or calls. The ANC on these earbuds is top-tier. They use a combination of external and internal microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise. I've tested them in various environments, from busy coffee shops to noisy trains, and they consistently perform well. They effectively block out low-frequency sounds like engine noise and chatter, as well as higher-frequency sounds like keyboard clicks and office noise. The result is a quieter and more immersive listening experience. The level of noise cancellation is also adjustable, so you can customize it to your liking. If you want to be aware of your surroundings, you can switch to ambient sound mode, which amplifies external sounds so you can hear what's going on around you. This is useful for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when you're walking on the street or waiting for an announcement. The ambient sound mode sounds natural and clear, so you can easily hear conversations and other important sounds. The combination of excellent noise cancellation and natural-sounding ambient mode makes these earbuds versatile for various situations.

Call Quality

Call quality is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan to use these earbuds for phone calls or video conferences. The Galaxy Buds Pro 2 deliver clear and reliable call quality, thanks to their advanced microphone system and noise reduction technology. The call quality on these earbuds is impressive. They feature three microphones on each earbud, which work together to capture your voice clearly and reduce background noise. I've made several calls with these earbuds in different environments, and the call quality has consistently been excellent. The people I've spoken to have reported that my voice sounds clear and natural, even in noisy environments. The earbuds also do a good job of reducing background noise, so the person on the other end of the line can hear you clearly without distractions. Plus, the earbuds support HD Voice, which further enhances call quality. Whether you're making a quick phone call or participating in a video conference, you can rely on the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 to deliver clear and reliable call quality. The advanced microphone system and noise reduction technology make these earbuds a great choice for anyone who values clear communication.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern with wireless earbuds. The Galaxy Buds Pro 2 offer a decent battery life that should get you through a full day of use, but it's not the best on the market. The battery life of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 is decent, but not exceptional. With ANC turned on, you can expect to get around 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. With ANC turned off, you can get up to 8 hours of listening time. The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life, so you can easily recharge the earbuds on the go. While the battery life is sufficient for most users, it's not the best on the market. Some other earbuds offer longer battery life, especially with ANC turned off. However, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 do offer fast charging, so you can get an hour of listening time with just a few minutes of charging. Overall, the battery life is decent, but it's not a standout feature of these earbuds. If battery life is a top priority for you, you may want to consider other options.

Features and App Support

Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app unlocks a plethora of features for the Buds Pro 2. You can customize the EQ, remap the touch controls, adjust the ANC levels, and even run a fit test to ensure you're using the right size ear tips. The app also provides access to features like 360 Audio, which creates a more immersive listening experience, and Bixby voice control, which allows you to control your music and other features with your voice. The Galaxy Wearable app is well-designed and easy to use, making it simple to customize the earbuds to your liking. The app also provides firmware updates, which ensure that your earbuds are always up to date with the latest features and improvements. Overall, the app support is excellent, adding a lot of value to the Galaxy Buds Pro 2.

Pros and Cons

To sum it all up, let's break down the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2:

Pros

  • Excellent Sound Quality: Rich, balanced, and detailed sound with support for 24-bit Hi-Fi audio.
  • Top-Tier Noise Cancellation: Effectively blocks out distractions in various environments.
  • Comfortable Design: Smaller and lighter than the original Buds Pro, with improved ventilation.
  • Reliable Call Quality: Clear and natural call quality with advanced microphone system.
  • Comprehensive App Support: Galaxy Wearable app unlocks a plethora of customization options.

Cons

  • Average Battery Life: Decent, but not the best on the market.
  • Pricey: More expensive than some other earbuds with similar features.

Final Verdict

So, are the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 worth it? Absolutely! If you're looking for a pair of earbuds with excellent sound quality, top-notch noise cancellation, and a comfortable design, these are a great choice. While the battery life could be better, and the price is a bit steep, the overall performance and features of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 make them a worthwhile investment. These earbuds are a great choice for anyone who values premium audio quality and advanced features. Whether you're a music lover, a frequent traveler, or someone who simply wants to block out distractions, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are sure to impress. Just make sure they are compatible with your phone for maximum performance.