Hands-on review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver stunning audio for music lovers

Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have redefined the standards for wireless earbuds, by combining cutting-edge design, audiophile-grade sound, and impressive noise cancellation.

While they take a few cues from Apple's AirPods, the Buds 3 Pro carve out their own identity, offering a premium listening experience tailored to modern lifestyles.

Design and Features
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro exude sophistication with their reimagined bud-and-stem design.

Available in glossy white or sleek silver, they feature angular stems with pinch-and-touch controls, making operation effortless and intuitive. Unlike the rounded AirPods, Samsung's angular design adds a futuristic flair.

A standout feature is the semi-transparent charging case, which not only looks chic but offers a glimpse of the earbuds inside.

Despite their stylish appearance, the materials feel robust, though the glossy finish might attract minor scratches if jostled with keys or coins in your pocket.

The lightweight build and soft silicone ear tips ensure a snug, secure fit for hours of comfort, whether you're commuting, working out, or gaming.

The controls are a joy to use.

Pinching the stem manages playback and calls, while swiping adjusts the volume seamlessly.

Both earbuds mirror these controls, adding convenience for one-handed use. Adaptive Noise Control (ANC) and Ambient Sound Mode can be toggled with a simple pinch-and-hold gesture, adapting effortlessly to your surroundings.

Sound Performance: A New Standard
The sound quality of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is nothing short of extraordinary.

Featuring a dual-driver setup—10.5mm dynamic and 6.1mm planar magnetic drivers—these earbuds deliver a balanced yet immersive audio profile. Planar drivers, rare in compact earbuds, provide stunning clarity and depth, rivaling over-ear audiophile headphones.

The default "Balanced" EQ preset accentuates rich bass tones, crisp mids, and detailed highs.

Kick drums reverberate with punchy precision, while vocals and instruments exhibit an authentic timbre that feels lifelike.

Genres like acoustic, metal, hip-hop, and pop all benefit from the Buds' versatile tuning, offering layers of depth that invite you to rediscover your music library.

cSamsung's proprietary SSC codec ensures high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/96kHz, delivering astonishing audio fidelity.

While this feature is exclusive to Galaxy devices, other codecs like AAC and SBC maintain excellent performance on non-Samsung devices.

Active Noise Cancellation and Features
Samsung has taken ANC to the next level with the Buds 3 Pro.

The dual microphones and silicone tips isolate external noise effectively, while the upgraded algorithm targets mid and high frequencies. Office chatter, household noise, and even fans fade into the background, leaving you immersed in your music or podcasts.

The Ambient Sound Mode impresses with its clarity, keeping you aware of your environment without compromising audio quality.

Features like Adaptive Noise Control and voice detection enhance the experience, making these earbuds ideal for multitasking professionals and students alike.

The Samsung Wearables app adds another layer of customisation.

From a nine-band equaliser for personal sound preferences to an experimental Game Mode that reduces latency, the Buds 3 Pro cater to various needs.

Spatial Audio and AI-powered Interpreter Mode further enhance their versatility, especially for Galaxy phone users.

Everyday Usability and Battery Life
Comfort and convenience are where the Buds 3 Pro shine. The lightweight design and ergonomic fit ensure they stay secure during intense workouts or long listening sessions.

Despite their compact size, the earbuds pack up to six hours of battery life with ANC enabled, extending to 26 hours with the case. Disabling ANC adds another hour, but heavy users might need occasional top-ups.

Samsung's Find My Earbuds feature is a welcome safety net but could use refinements in detecting buds inside the charging case.

Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a triumph of design, functionality, and sound engineering.

Their premium looks, dual-driver acoustics, and advanced ANC make them an indispensable accessory for Android users.

While their battery life and codec limitations might deter audiophiles seeking universal compatibility, they remain an exceptional choice for anyone craving an immersive, stylish, and feature-rich audio experience.

If you're an Android user seeking a blend of elegance and substance, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the wireless earbuds to beat in 2025.