Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Deliver High-Quality Audio Exclusively for Galaxy Phones
New blooms on the horizon! Samsung has declared the second-gen Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in conjunction with its most recent array of foldables. These new buds are the descendants of 2021's Pro Buds. They assure 24-bit audio capabilities for Samsung phones and also showcase a sleeker form factor, making them suitable for various ear shapes. Although they're a bit pricier than the inaugural Buds Pro, Samsung assures its premium buds can provide the "supreme wireless listening experience."
Our evaluation will shed light on this claim, given the plethora of buds in the market—not forgetting the recently dispatched Android-friendly Google Pixel Buds Pro, which left us impressed by their battery life and noise cancellation. Until then, allow us a sneak peek at what's in store.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro now don a matte finish. Image: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
The Buds 2 Pro exhibit a likeness to last year's Galaxy Buds remake, but they're matte instead of glossy. Samsung claims they've made them more ergonomic and 15% smaller than the previous Buds Pro. They feel cozy in hand, and I predict the texture of the bud will be more adept at staying in the ear than the Buds 2 Pro I'm currently using. However, they seem to attract dust more than their smooth predecessors. We'll put the new matte finish to the test against sweat and stuffy atmospheres.
Samsung has long endeavored to be the Android accessory maker parallel to Apple. Particularly, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are Samsung's response to the AirPods Pro, hence they boast some Samsung-exclusive capabilities. Samsung smartphones running One UI 4.0 or beyond will have access to the Buds 2 Pro's proprietary 24-bit Hi-Fi and direct-multi channel sound tech, which Samsung promises helps music and audio sound as intended. Each bud's new coaxial two-way speaker is also said to enhance the audio's fullness.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are smaller than the last Buds Pro. Image: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Samsung has enhanced the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro's ambient noise cancellation (ANC) by adding three extra stages of decibel safeguards. Once activated, it features a voice detection function that distinguishes between real noise and human speech. Similar to headphones and earbuds with compatible features, the Buds 2 Pro will decrease the playback volume when conversations are in progress, allowing you to stay engaged in the dialog. This should be especially helpful for commuters or those working in an open office.
We're hopeful that the larger 500 mAh battery on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will fare better than the Buds Pro's 472 mAh power pack. Samsung guarantees 5 hours of playback for the buds with ANC on and 8 hours with it off. The Buds 2 Pro charging case can amplify this to 18 hours of playback altogether with ANC on and 29 hours with it off.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro come in various colors, including graphite (as seen here), white, and bora purple. Image: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
If you misplace an earbud or the entire case, the Buds 2 Pro can be traced using the SmartThings Find network. They also have an IPX7 water resistance rating, allowing them to endure up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes during those unintentional immersions.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are compatible with Android 8 devices or higher. They also support Windows devices and select Samsung TVs dispatched after July 2022. They even work with iOS devices, albeit as simple Bluetooth earbuds. If you switch between devices, the Buds 2 Pro can use Auto Switch to exchange between actively paired devices.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro come in three colors: graphite, white, and bora purple. They're up for pre-order and officially hit the market on Aug. 26 for $230.
The use of technology in the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is evident in their Samsung-exclusive 24-bit Hi-Fi and direct-multi channel sound tech, enhancing audio quality. Looking towards the future, the tech industry can expect advanced features such as the Buds 2 Pro's enhanced ambient noise cancellation and voice detection function.
