The First Listen That Changed Everything
When audio reviewer David unboxed the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, he expected another set of wireless earbuds with decent sound and typical features. But as soon as he pressed play on his favorite track, he knew this was something different. The clarity, the depth, the way every instrument seemed to have its own space—it was like hearing his music for the first time.
After two weeks of intensive testing across different scenarios—commuting, working out, video calls, and critical listening—David had a comprehensive understanding of what makes these earbuds special and where they fall short.
Design and Comfort
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro feature a refined design that’s both elegant and functional. The compact charging case feels premium with its matte finish and satisfying magnetic closure. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and ergonomically designed to fit securely in most ear shapes.
Comfort during extended listening sessions is excellent. The included ear tips provide a good seal without creating pressure, and the earbuds stay in place during moderate physical activity. However, for intense workouts, you might want to consider aftermarket tips for a more secure fit.
Sound Quality Analysis
The audio performance is where the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro truly shine. Samsung has significantly improved the sound signature compared to previous generations:
Frequency Response
The earbuds deliver a well-balanced sound profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and surprisingly deep bass for their size. The 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support provides excellent detail and dynamic range.
Soundstage and Imaging
The spatial audio feature creates an impressive sense of width and depth, making music feel more immersive and three-dimensional.
Codec Support
Support for Samsung’s Scalable Codec, AAC, and SBC ensures compatibility across different devices while maintaining audio quality.
Active Noise Cancellation
The ANC performance is impressive for earbuds in this price range. The system effectively reduces low-frequency noise like airplane engines, air conditioning, and traffic rumble. Mid and high-frequency noise reduction is decent but not as effective as over-ear headphones.
| Noise Type | ANC Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low-frequency (traffic, AC) | Excellent | Very effective reduction |
| Mid-frequency (voices, music) | Good | Noticeable but not complete |
| High-frequency (sirens, alarms) | Fair | Some reduction |
| Sudden sounds | Good | Quick adaptation |
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance meets Samsung’s claims with some impressive real-world results:
Listening Time
With ANC enabled: 5 hours of continuous playback
With ANC disabled: 8 hours of continuous playback
Case provides additional 18 hours of total listening time
Charging Features
• Fast charging: 5 minutes provides 1 hour of playback
• Wireless charging support
• USB-C charging port
• Reverse wireless charging compatibility with Samsung phones
Smart Features and Controls
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro come loaded with smart features that enhance the user experience:
Touch Controls
Intuitive touch controls allow you to play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate voice assistant without reaching for your phone.
Voice Detection
When you start speaking, the earbuds automatically switch to ambient mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing them.
360 Audio
Samsung’s spatial audio technology creates an immersive listening experience, especially effective with compatible content.
Seamless Connectivity
Quick pairing with Samsung devices and easy switching between multiple connected devices.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
Call quality is surprisingly good for earbuds, with clear voice transmission and effective noise reduction for the caller. The three-microphone array with beamforming technology helps isolate your voice from background noise.
In quiet environments, call quality is excellent. In noisy environments, there’s some degradation, but it remains usable for most situations.
Compatibility and Integration
While optimized for Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro work well with other Android devices and iPhones:
Samsung Devices
Full feature set including 360 Audio, seamless switching, and optimized codec support.
Other Android Devices
Most features work, though some Samsung-specific features may be limited.
iOS Devices
Basic functionality works well, but you’ll miss out on Samsung-specific features and the Galaxy Wearable app.
Comparison with Competitors
How do the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro stack up against the competition?
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent |
| ANC Performance | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Battery Life | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Price | $230 | $250 | $280 |
| Comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
Areas for Improvement
While the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are excellent overall, there are some areas that could be better:
1. Battery Life
While adequate, battery life could be longer, especially with ANC enabled.
2. Customization
Limited EQ customization compared to some competitors.
3. Multipoint Connectivity
No simultaneous connection to multiple devices, requiring manual switching.
4. Water Resistance
IPX7 rating is good but not the highest available.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Commuting
Excellent for daily commutes with effective ANC and comfortable fit for extended wear.
Workouts
Good for moderate exercise, though intense workouts may require more secure ear tips.
Work Calls
Reliable for video calls and phone conversations with clear voice quality.
Music Listening
Outstanding for music enjoyment with detailed sound and immersive spatial audio.
Common Questions About Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Q: Are they worth the upgrade from Galaxy Buds Pro?
A: Yes, the improvements in sound quality, ANC, and battery life make the upgrade worthwhile for most users.
Q: How do they compare to AirPods Pro?
A: They offer similar performance with some advantages in sound quality and price, though iOS users may prefer AirPods for better integration.
Q: Can I use them with non-Samsung devices?
A: Yes, they work with any Bluetooth device, though you’ll get the best experience with Samsung devices.
Q: How is the microphone quality for calls?
A: Very good for earbuds, with effective noise reduction and clear voice transmission in most environments.
Q: Do they support wireless charging?
A: Yes, they support both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging with compatible Samsung phones.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro deliver excellent sound quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit in a well-designed package. While not perfect, they offer outstanding value and performance that competes with the best in the market.
The Bottom Line
David’s initial surprise was well-founded. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro represent a significant step forward in true wireless earbud technology, offering premium sound quality and features at a competitive price point.
For Samsung device owners, these earbuds are an excellent choice that takes full advantage of the ecosystem integration. For users of other devices, they still offer compelling performance, though you might miss some Samsung-specific features.
Whether you’re a music lover, frequent traveler, or professional who needs reliable wireless audio, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro deliver the performance and features to meet your needs. They’re proof that Samsung continues to innovate and compete effectively in the crowded wireless earbud market.
