Skeptical eyes roll at iterative tech updates, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus make marked improvements over the original and make it easier to justify the costlier price tag. Physically, the Buds Plus are identical to the first-generation version, but there's more than meets the eye: Spotify integration is a lovely feature for any die-hard music fan and the extended battery life is great for commuters.
Read the in-depth review by SoundGuys
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus?
Samsung Galaxy owners and Android users will benefit most from the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus.
Samsung Galaxy S20 and S10 users, you're the target demographic for these whimsical earbuds as Wireless PowerShare is only available with compatible Samsung smartphones. Spotify integration is also included, but its availability is limited to Android devices; iPhone users will still have to open the app for music playback. However, iPhone users do get some perks like AAC support for high-quality, lag-free playback.
What are the Galaxy Buds Plus like?
SoundGuys The case's glossy finish is one of very few physical changes to the Galaxy Buds Plus.
Anyone who's used the original Galaxy Buds will feel at home with the Plus model; the design doesn't deviate from the first-gen earphones, save for the carrying case that now has a glossy finish, rubberized "L R" indicator, and slightly larger earbud cutouts. All else remains the same, including the all-plastic construction and IPX2 water-resistant rating. This may read as boring to some, but it just means Samsung focused more on functional, rather than aesthetic, upgrades — something I appreciate.
Identical touch panels adorn the outside of the earbuds and their functions may be remapped in the Galaxy Wearable app. This is an application you'll actually want to download as it lets you assign either panel to direct Spotify access. By tapping and holding the assigned panel, you're introduced to a random recommended playlist or radio based on the service's algorithms. It's a unique feature that I dearly miss after returning to standard 'buds. Sure, I can enter the actual Spotify app but the Galaxy Buds Plus streamline this process.
Other functions are afforded by the application, like ambient sound mode. You're given three intensity levels to choose from; I like the low or medium settings and found the highest level too loud. You can also choose between six equalizer presets; dynamic is selected by default, which slightly elevates low-end and upper-midrange frequencies to accommodate consumer audio preferences. There's also a "Labs" tab within the app for experimental features such as Game Mode, which further reduces audio-visual latency.
Some of the best true wireless battery life around
SoundGuys Wireless PowerShare is a great trick to have up your sleeve when you've left the USB-C cable at home.
During SoundGuys' Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus review, a standalone playtime of 11 hours, 44 minutes was recorded, which outperforms the beefy Beats Powerbeats Pro. Quick charging is supported, too: tossing the Buds Plus into the case for just three minutes provides an hour of listening.
Depletion is uneven, however, as the right earbud's battery cell drained 24 minutes prior to the left. This shouldn't pose much of an issue since most of us place the earbuds into the charging case when inactive, thereby ensuring consistently topped up battery life. Although doing so is convenient, it also contributes to true wireless earbuds' short life cycles. The constant charge cycling takes a toll on the small battery cells, wearing them down much faster than those found in traditional; Bluetooth headphones.
The pill-shaped charging case provides just one full battery cycle. It may not seem like much, but you get almost a full day's worth of listening before having to use the included USB-C cable. You can also charge it via Wireless PowerShare atop a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone such as the S10 or S20. Alternatively, the case is Qi-certified, so any Qi wireless charging mat will do as well. It takes less than two hours to fully charge the case, depending on the speed of your power source.
Connection and Bluetooth codecs
SoundGuys The Galaxy Wearable app lets user remap the touch panels for direct Spotify access.
Those with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone running Android 7.1.1 or later who also have the SmartThings app installed will see a pop-up window asking if you want to pair the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus to your device. Anyone using a different source device will have to go the old fashioned route of pairing the 'buds by removing them from the case and selecting the Galaxy Buds Plus from the source's Bluetooth menu.
Samsung's earphones use Bluetooth 5.0 firmware and afford the standard 10-meter wireless tether. There's no aptX support. Instead, we get the same high-quality Bluetooth codecs as before: AAC and the scalable Samsung codec. The latter operates similarly to aptX Adaptive by constantly optimizing connection strength and audio quality. It only works with Samsung devices, so other Android users (e.g. those with LG smartphones) are left streaming via the unstable AAC codec or default SBC codec. It's disappointing but expected.
The Galaxy Buds Plus are the perfect AirPods alternative for Android users.
Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus isn't supported, something we've seen from competitors like Edifier and 1More, but connection strength is reliable and latency is nearly imperceptible. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus initially promised Bluetooth multipoint connectivity to two Bluetooth 5.0 devices, but the company covertly removed any mention of this from the official product page. When asked about future support, a Samsung representative simply iterated that it is not currently available.
Sound quality
- Isolation performance can be quite good so long as you're using properly fitting ear and wing tips.
- AKG tuned the Galaxy Buds Plus drivers, resulting in clear audio with just a touch of amplification in the low-end.
AKG tuned the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus drivers and slightly amplified bass reproduction, creating a more consumer-friendly sound compared to the original Galaxy Buds. Listeners who prefer pop, hip-hop, rap, and dance music will enjoy this sound signature, as it adds a greater sense of impact to your music without detrimental auditory masking. Highs and mids don't receive much emphasis, which is fine, but certain songs may seem to lack detail — especially those with prominent female vocals.
Isolation is good so long as you use the proper ear tips to achieve a proper fit. Doing so will effectively keep environmental noise out. Not only does this optimize sound reproduction, enhancing bass specifically, but it also aids in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. We're less likely to crank up our tunes when ambient noise is passively blocked out.
Microphone quality is much better than before
A three-microphone array rests inside each earbud; two outer mics and one inner mic all work together for more accurate voice transmission. The external microphones focus on your voice while also reducing external noise, which is similar to how the Apple AirPods Pro system operates. During my time with the Galaxy Buds Plus, I used them for a handful of conference calls and my co-workers stated I sounded quite clear. Listen for yourself with the demo below.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus microphone demo:
Samsung Galaxy Buds microphone demo:
How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus compare to the Galaxy Buds?
SoundGuys The Galaxy Buds retail for $100 and are a great deal for anyone considering top-tier true wireless earphones.
SoundGuys conducted a detailed comparison between the true wireless earbuds, but here's a basic breakdown of the differences: you get 4.5 hours more playtime from the Plus than from the original Galaxy Buds. What's more, quick charging efficiency is improved, and microphone quality is notably better than before. Spotify integration is a Galaxy Buds Plus exclusive, which is expected since it's a selling point of the new earphones.
I'm disappointed that Samsung ditched the matte case for a glossy one, as 2020's glossy case is a fingerprint hoarder, but I suppose something had to change. The company also offers different color options with the Galaxy Buds Plus: black, white, and light blue compared to last year's silver, white, black, and yellow schemes.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus?
SoundGuys The Galaxy Buds can be charged via the Plus' case and vice versa.
Anyone who wants the best that Samsung has to offer should save for the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus. Although one could argue most of the improvements, better battery life and cleaner mic quality, are unexciting, the fact remains that they're all much-needed upgrades from the original Buds. If you're constantly scouring your favorite streaming service's discovery page for new jams, you'll appreciate Spotify integration. However, if these features don't pique your interest, then the Galaxy Buds (2019) are still a great pair of true wireless earbuds and can now be had for around $100.
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