Samsung Galaxy Buds+ vs Apple AirPods Pro: Which is better?
What's the story
Alongside the latest Galaxy S20 smartphones and the folding Z Flip, Samsung also introduced Galaxy Buds+, the upgraded version of Galaxy Buds. The new model retains the same in-ear design of its predecessor while improving on sound quality, battery life, and call audio. But how does Samsung's truly wireless offering compare to that of Apple's flagship AirPods Pro? Let's find out.
At a glance
Galaxy Buds+ vs Apple AirPods Pro: Design
The Galaxy Buds+ features an in-ear design with silicone ear-tips that ensure a secure fit. It offers a mix of matte and glossy plastics and comes in Black, White, and Blue color options. In comparison, AirPods Pro has an all-white plastic body with swappable rubbery ear tips, a vent system to help equalize pressure, and a smaller stem than regular AirPods. Winner: You decide.
Highlights
Galaxy Buds+ vs Apple AirPods Pro: Features
The AirPods Pro's feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that helps remove background noise, a "Transparency mode" that lets you hear ambient sounds (opposite of ANC), and "Adaptive EQ" that is touted to tune music to the shape of your ear automatically. The Galaxy Buds+ have an Ambient mode that lets you increase/decrease the ambient sound, but there is no ANC. Winner: AirPods Pro.
Sound
Galaxy Buds+ vs Apple AirPods Pro: Audio quality
The Buds+ packs a new 2-way dynamic speaker system comprising a dedicated woofer and a tweeter for enhanced bass reproduction and clear high notes. It also comes with an adaptive 3-microphone system that offers improved call quality. The AirPods Pro has a single speaker driver, a high dynamic range amplifier, and a dedicated chip that helps with all the audio processing. Winner: You decide.
Nitty-gritty
Battery life
The Galaxy Buds+ offers up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge, and the charging case extends that to 22 hours. The carry-cum-charging case also supports wireless charging. In comparison, the AirPods Pro offers up to 4.5 hours of music playback. However, the carry case, which can also charge wirelessly, packs in an additional 24 hours of juice. Winner: Galaxy Buds+
Information
Pricing: The key factor
In India, the AirPods Pro is priced at Rs. 24,990. As for the Galaxy Buds+, Samsung is yet to reveal how much it will cost in the country. Internationally, the Buds+ cost $149 (approx. Rs. 10,600).
Our verdict
How things stack up?
The AirPods Pro is really attractive with new features like ANC, Adaptive EQ, and Transparency mode. But it's not tailor-made for Android phones and surely not as affordable as the Galaxy Buds+. On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds+ offers decent noise isolation, have a much longer battery life, and sound as good as the AirPods Pro (if not better). Winner: Galaxy Buds+