Samsung debuts Galaxy Buds4 range with hi-fi audio

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 in Australia, expanding its wearables line-up with updates to audio hardware, noise control and fit.

The Galaxy Buds4 series has two models: the canal-fit Galaxy Buds4 Pro and the open-fit Galaxy Buds4. Both come in matte white and black, with an online-only pink gold option for the Buds4 Pro.

Samsung is positioning the launch around a mix of sound features and long-wear comfort, saying it used computational methods to develop the new shape and stability elements.

"Samsung understands that a truly premium audio experience combines technical sound quality with how that sound feels throughout a user's day," said Ikhyun Cho, Corporate VP of Mobile Enhancement R&D Team, Mobile eXperience, Samsung. "With the Galaxy Buds4 series, our design philosophy was uncompromising, providing all-day comfort without sacrificing audio performance, because these are what consumers value most. We engineered our most powerful hi-fi audio and our most secure, ergonomic fit to enhance one another, delivering the best and most satisfying listening experience we've ever created."

Fit and design

Samsung said it built the Buds4 series using hundreds of millions of global ear data points and more than 10,000 simulations. Product specifications indicate the Galaxy Buds4 has smaller earbud heads. Both models use a stabilised blade with a metal finish and include an engraved pinch-control area.

The charging case has a transparent clamshell design. Samsung said this makes storage and charging more intuitive, while also putting the blade element on display.

The models differ in how they sit in the ear. The Buds4 Pro's canal fit is designed for a tighter seal suited to noise cancellation and higher isolation. The Buds4's open fit targets users who prefer less in-ear sealing.

Audio hardware

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro pairs a wider woofer with a tweeter. Samsung said the woofer increases the effective speaker area by 19.8% compared with the Buds3 series.

Samsung said the earbuds support 24-bit/96kHz audio under certain conditions. Specifications also list Ultra High Quality audio support and 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel, subject to device and software requirements.

Microphone layouts differ between the two models. The Buds4 Pro uses three microphones-two HSNR digital microphones and one digital microphone-while the Buds4 lists three digital microphones. Samsung also highlighted the outer-microphone placement on the Buds4 Pro, saying it is intended to improve active noise cancellation and reduce wind feedback.

Noise control and calls

Both models include active noise cancellation and an ambient sound mode, along with adaptive EQ and adaptive ANC. Specifications for the Buds4 Pro also list voice and siren detection.

Samsung said its enhanced ANC is designed to handle a range of noise types, including low-frequency transport noise and everyday background sound. The Buds4 Pro adds Enhanced Adaptive ANC/EQ, which Samsung said analyses wearing conditions and ear shape and applies algorithms in real time.

The Buds4 series also includes Super Clear Call, which Samsung said uses super wideband call technology and doubles the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls. Availability depends on Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1.1 or above, according to Samsung's notes.

Galaxy integrations

The Galaxy Buds4 series adds hands-free controls tied to Samsung's device ecosystem. Samsung said users can initiate AI agents using voice controls, listing Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity among supported options. Requirements and regional limits apply depending on the service.

Samsung also outlined a simplified set-up flow for Galaxy users, saying the earbuds can be connected by opening the case without installing the Galaxy Wearable app. Controls can then appear in a shortcut menu or the Quick Panel on supported devices.

Specifications for the Galaxy Buds4 Pro list head-gesture controls for managing calls and engaging with Bixby. Samsung said gestures are off by default and can be enabled in the Galaxy Wearable app.

Battery and durability

Samsung lists the Galaxy Buds4 at up to five hours of music playback with ANC on, and up to 24 hours total with the case. With ANC off, it lists up to six hours on the earbuds and up to 30 hours total with the case.

For the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, Samsung lists up to six hours of music playback with ANC on and up to 26 hours total with the case. With ANC off, it lists up to seven hours on the earbuds and up to 30 hours total with the case.

Water resistance ratings also differ. The Galaxy Buds4 earbuds are rated IP54, while the Galaxy Buds4 Pro earbuds are rated IP57. Samsung said the charging case is not water resistant.

Both models support Bluetooth 6.1 and Auto Switch. Listed codec support includes SSC HiFi, SSC UHQ, AAC, SBC and LC3. Both also list Auracast support, subject to pairing-device availability.

Samsung said the Galaxy Buds4 series is available for pre-order in Australia from launch, with general availability starting March 11.