Samsung's Fan Edition Earbuds Outperform the More Expensive Buds 3 Pro in a Crucial Aspect
Samsung has entered the fray once more with the release of the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, boasting impressive battery life that sets it apart from its predecessors and competitors.
Battery Life Comparison
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE offers up to 6 hours of continuous playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on and 8.5 hours with ANC off, extending its total battery life to 24 hours with ANC on and 30 hours without ANC when including the charging case. This surpasses the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which typically provide up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on and about 18 hours total with the case.
In the market for similarly priced earbuds from OnePlus, while no direct battery specs are available for comparison, typical models in the $150 price range usually offer about 4.5 to 7 hours of playback per charge and 20 to 28 hours total with the case. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE's battery life is at the higher end of this range, especially for total playback time without ANC.
Design and Features
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE shares a similar design with the AirPods, and sports a matte finish, unlike the glossy finish of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. It weighs 5 grams less than its Pro counterpart, making it a lighter option for extended wear.
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE also offers real-time AI translation features, available only on Samsung phones, and hands-free Gemini compatibility. However, it does not have LED lights on its stems, a feature found in some other models.
Sound Quality and Dual-Driver Design
While the Galaxy Buds 3 FE delivers longer battery life, it may not match the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in terms of sound quality, with the Pro model featuring a dual-driver design for improved fidelity and dynamic range.
Price and Value
Priced at $150, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE could be a good choice for those looking to save money without making major compromises. Its battery life numbers may not be mind-blowing in the general field of wireless earbuds, but for Samsung users seeking a balance between sound quality, battery life, and affordability, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE is a compelling option.
In summary, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE offers the longest battery life of any Samsung earbuds to date, making it a strong contender in the wireless earbud market. Its design, features, and sound quality are also worth considering for Samsung users seeking a new pair of wireless earbuds.
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE is priced at $150, making it an affordable option for those seeking a balance between sound quality, battery life, and technology in their gadgets. The tech industry publication Gizmodo has yet to review the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, but its impressive battery life is a promising feature for the future of Samsung's tech lineup, especially when compared to competitors in the smartphone and technology realm. With the dual-driver design of the pricier Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, it remains to be seen if the Galaxy Buds 3 FE can offer comparable sound quality in the realm of tech gadgets.