The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro represent Samsung’s bold redesign with AirPods-style stems, dual-driver audio (planar magnetic tweeter + dynamic woofer), and Galaxy AI integration at £199-249. Independent audio reviewers praise the sound quality as “thick, juicy bass, smooth vocals, clean track separation,” while TechRadar notes the ANC does “an amazing job at eradicating noises around you.” However, the AI features are Samsung-exclusive—requiring Galaxy phones for adaptive EQ, real-time translation, and SSC HiFi codec—making them far less capable on iPhones or non-Samsung Androids. SoundGuys reports ANC performance is actually worse than the Buds2 Pro predecessors, blocking only 76% of noise versus competitors’ 85%+, and the stems point backward in the case requiring annoying flips before each use. For Samsung ecosystem devotees, these deliver premium audio with 6-7 hours battery and IPX7 water resistance, but the £50-100 premium over alternatives isn’t justified unless you’ll actually use the Galaxy-locked features.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐☆
Audio Quality and Smart Features
The planar magnetic tweeter delivers crisp highs reaching 40kHz frequency response, paired with rich bass from the dynamic driver that creates a warm, V-shaped sound signature perfect for EDM, pop, and hip-hop genres. The Samsung Wearable app (Android-only) provides extensive EQ customization including a custom equalizer, though Apple users get zero app support and lose access to these tuning options entirely. The SSC HiFi codec streams 24-bit/96kHz audio from Tidal or Qobuz on compatible Samsung devices, noticeably improving detail retrieval. Battery life hits 6 hours with ANC enabled or 7 hours without, extending to 26-30 hours total with the charging case supporting both wireless and USB-C fast charging.
Samsung Ecosystem Wins:
- Best-in-class transparency mode – Multiple reviewers including Aaron x Loud and Wireless call it “one of the best, if not THE BEST transparency” with clear, bright, natural sound and no hissing, making outdoor awareness genuinely useful
- AI translation features actually work – Real-time interpreter translates face-to-face conversations and phone calls through the buds for travelers, though requiring Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 4.0+ and language downloads
Frustrating Limitations:
- Worse ANC than predecessors – SoundGuys testing confirms the Buds3 Pro block 76% of noise versus Buds2 Pro’s better performance, with high-pitched metallic sounds (nail clipping, silverware) leaking through unlike AirPods Pro’s superior algorithms
- Case design annoyance – Stems face backward in the case so users must flip them 180° every single time before inserting in ears, an unforgivable daily irritation for £200+ earbuds
Ecosystem Lock-In and Value Assessment
| Feature | Galaxy Buds3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £199-249 | £229 | £259 |
| Battery (ANC on) | 6 hours | 6 hours | 8 hours |
| ANC effectiveness | 76% (moderate) | 85%+ (excellent) | 85%+ (excellent) |
| iOS compatibility | Poor (no app) | Excellent | Good (app works) |
| Android features | Samsung-only | Basic | Universal |
| Water resistance | IPX7 | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Transparency mode | Excellent | Excellent | Very good |
Who should buy these: Samsung Galaxy S23/S24/S25 owners who’ll genuinely benefit from adaptive EQ optimizing sound based on ear canal shape, real-time translation for international travel, and seamless auto-switching between Galaxy phone/tablet/PC. If you stream lossless audio from Tidal/Qobuz and want the SSC codec’s 24-bit quality, the sonic upgrade justifies purchase. The IPX7 water resistance (submersion up to 3 feet for 30 minutes) makes them solid gym companions. What Hi-Fi concludes: “If you’re a Samsung fan and can get the best out of them, these could be well worth your time,” noting the solid ANC performance and likeable feature set for the ecosystem.
Who should avoid these: iPhone users lose app support entirely, making these £200+ earbuds with basic Bluetooth-only functionality—buy AirPods Pro 2 instead. Non-Samsung Android users (Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.) miss adaptive ANC, SSC codec, translation features, and TV 360 Audio, essentially paying premium prices for mid-tier performance. Trusted Reviews notes call quality is “below average” with mumbly voice pickup despite excellent noise cancellation. Anyone wanting best-in-class ANC should spend the extra £10-40 for Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5, both offering superior noise blocking and longer 8-hour battery life without ecosystem restrictions.
Are you locked into Samsung’s ecosystem or shopping cross-platform? These buds demand commitment to Galaxy devices for their best tricks. What matters more to you—universal compatibility or ecosystem-exclusive features?
