Samsung Electronics announced the Galaxy Buds4 series on the same day it revealed the Galaxy S26 family, introducing two new models—Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4—designed to combine hi‑fi audio with improved everyday comfort. The company says the lineup pairs a wider woofer and upgraded Active Noise Cancellation with a computationally optimized fit based on global ear data and thousands of simulations. Pre-orders begin today in select markets, with general availability set for March 11. Samsung positions the Buds4 series as tighter ecosystem companions with deeper AI and hands‑free integrations for Galaxy owners.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung launched two earbuds: Galaxy Buds4 Pro (canal fit) and Galaxy Buds4 (open fit), with pre-orders starting today and general availability on March 11.
- Buds4 Pro uses a new, wider woofer that increases effective speaker area by 19.8%, supporting up to 24‑bit/96kHz Ultra High Quality (UHQ) audio on compatible Galaxy devices.
- Battery specifications: Buds4 earbuds 45mAh (typical) with case 515mAh; Buds4 Pro earbuds 61mAh with case 530mAh; play time up to 5–6 hours (ANC on) and total up to 24–26 hours depending on model.
- Improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an enhanced Adaptive EQ analyze ear shape and wearing conditions in real time to optimize noise reduction and tonal balance.
- Computational design informed by hundreds of millions of ear data points and over 10,000 simulations aims to deliver a stabilized blade shape, smaller earbud heads and an engraved pinch control area for easier handling.
- Galaxy ecosystem features include hands‑free AI agent activation (Bixby, Google Gemini, Perplexity where supported), Head Gesture controls on Buds4 Pro and simplified setup by opening the case on Galaxy devices.
- Both models support Bluetooth 6.1, SSC UHQ/HiFi codecs, Auracast and varying IP ratings (Buds4 IP54; Buds4 Pro IP57 for earbuds only).
Background
True wireless earbuds have evolved rapidly from simple Bluetooth headsets into compact hubs of audio processing, ANC, and device integration. Manufacturers now compete across three axes: raw sound fidelity, noise cancellation, and comfort for all‑day wear. Samsung’s Buds family has aimed to close the gap with premium players by combining proprietary codecs and close device integration with One UI and Galaxy hardware.
Samsung says its design and engineering teams leaned on an expansive biometric dataset and computational modeling to address fit and stability—an approach increasingly common in wearables as companies seek to reduce returns and complaints about discomfort. The Buds4 announcement follows Samsung’s recent focus on expanding AI features across its device portfolio and supporting hi‑res audio on flagship Galaxy phones and tablets.
Main Event
Samsung unveiled the two Buds4 models as complementing designs: the Buds4 Pro uses a canal fit intended to prioritize isolation and hi‑fi performance, while the Buds4 uses an open‑fit architecture for comfort and situational awareness. Both adopt a new “blade” aesthetic with a metal finish on the stabilized blade and an engraved pinch control region to help users find controls by touch.
The Buds4 Pro’s headline hardware change is a wider woofer that Samsung says maximizes the vibrating surface and reduces speaker edge, increasing effective speaker area by 19.8% over the previous generation. That hardware sits alongside a tweeter and a two‑way speaker layout positioned to improve ANC performance and reduce wind‑noise feedback.
On the software side, Samsung highlighted an enhanced Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC system that analyzes wear and ear geometry continuously, applying dynamic frequency and ANC curves to reduce leakage and maintain tonal balance in noisy transit, restaurants or other real‑world scenes. For calls, Super Clear Call uses super wideband call tech and ML‑based noise reduction to expand call bandwidth and improve clarity in loud environments.
Integration with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem was emphasized: users can summon AI agents hands‑free, access Head Gesture controls on Buds4 Pro to manage calls or trigger Bixby actions, and pair simply by opening the case on supported Galaxy devices without installing the Wearable app. Samsung also noted color and finish options—including a Pink Gold online exclusive for Buds4 Pro in some markets.
Analysis & Implications
Samsung’s push on both hardware and computational design reflects the industry trend of blending physical acoustics with software tuning. Increasing the driver area by nearly 20% is a tangible, measurable change that should improve bass response and dynamic range on paper, but real‑world benefit will depend on tuning, source material and device pairing. The company’s focus on 24‑bit/96kHz support targets listeners who stream hi‑res audio from compatible Galaxy devices and apps.
Comfort and fit remain major determinants of user satisfaction for earbuds; Samsung’s use of massive ear‑shape datasets and thousands of simulations aims to reduce fit failures across diverse users. If the computational design delivers as promised, Samsung can lower friction for mainstream adoption by reducing pressure points and improving stability during movement.
Deeper AI and hands‑free integrations strengthen Samsung’s device ecosystem play: features like on‑device AI agents and Head Gestures add value for Galaxy owners and raise switching costs for users embedded in Samsung’s hardware and services. However, many advanced features require compatible Galaxy hardware and One UI versions, limiting immediate appeal to non‑Samsung Android users and iPhone owners.
Comparison & Data
| Specification | Galaxy Buds4 | Galaxy Buds4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Earbud capacity (typical) | 45 mAh | 61 mAh |
| Charging case (typical) | 515 mAh | 530 mAh |
| Play time (ANC on) | Up to 5 hours (total up to 24 h) | Up to 6 hours (total up to 26 h) |
| Play time (ANC off) | Up to 6 hours (total up to 30 h) | Up to 7 hours (total up to 30 h) |
| Water resistance (earbuds) | IP54 | IP57 |
| Extra | Open fit, lighter (4.6 g) | Canal fit, wider woofer (+19.8% area), heavier (5.1 g) |
The chart highlights the tradeoffs: Buds4 favors lighter weight and open comfort while Buds4 Pro trades slightly more mass for larger drivers, longer single‑charge play time with ANC on and a higher IP rating. Both models reach similar total system runtimes when the case is included, suggesting Samsung tuned case capacity to balance portability and charge cycles.
Reactions & Quotes
“A truly premium audio experience combines technical sound quality with how that sound feels throughout a user’s day,” Samsung said, framing the Buds4 line as an attempt to marry comfort and fidelity.
Ikhyun Cho, Corporate VP, Samsung Electronics
Samsung’s product notes stress the computational design process—built from hundreds of millions of ear data points and more than 10,000 simulations—to justify the new blade shape and smaller earbud heads for improved stability.
Samsung Electronics (press release)
Unconfirmed
- Market‑specific pricing and exact regional availability beyond “select markets” and the March 11 general date were not disclosed in detail.
- Real‑world battery life will vary by usage patterns; Samsung’s stated play times are based on internal testing and may differ in independent reviews.
- Performance claims for ANC, adaptive EQ and call clarity are manufacturer measurements; independent lab or reviewer verification is pending.
Bottom Line
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds4 series advances the company’s premium earbuds strategy by combining a measurable hardware change—a 19.8% larger effective woofer area in the Pro model—with computational design and deeper ecosystem ties. For Galaxy owners who value device integration and hands‑free AI features, the new buds offer clear upsides; the Pro targets listeners who want stronger low end and higher single‑charge ANC play time.
Whether the Buds4 series will shift market share depends on real‑world verification of sound and ANC improvements, pricing strategy and how many users prioritize the Samsung ecosystem. Expect professional reviews and user tests after units reach markets from pre‑order and March 11 availability to determine how the Buds4 lineup stacks up against rival premium true wireless earbuds.