Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Buds 3: Don't upgrade, unless...
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
The all-new Galaxy Buds 3 sets a new standard for Samsung's wireless earbuds lineup, offering upgraded features and capabilities over last year's Buds 2 model. However, how does it compare with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Samsung's previous top-tier earbuds?
Can the Buds 3 justify an upgrade for existing Buds 2 Pro owners? Or are the improvements too incremental to warrant the switch?
Key Takeaways
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has superior audio capabilities than the Buds 3, offering two-way speakers and ambient sound that the Buds 3 lacks. The Buds 3's main advantages lie in the improved design and extended battery life, which are marginal improvements that still can't beat the overall performance and audio quality of the Buds 2 Pro.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
The Old Gem of Premium Audio
✓ Two-Way Speakers
✓ ANC & Ambient Sound
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ 5-29 Hours Play Time
Galaxy Buds 3
The Enhanced Everyday Audio
✓ One-Way Speaker
✓ ANC
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ 5-30 Hours Play Time
#1 Price
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro had a launch price of US$229.99 when it was first released back in 2022. As of July 2024, its price has significantly dropped to US$$159.99, which makes it more budget-friendly than the latest Galaxy Buds 3, which retails at US$179.99.
If you are on a budget, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is the better value option compared to the newer Galaxy Buds 3. However, a $20 price difference is not that big, so you won't need to sacrifice much by opting for the Galaxy Buds 3 if the newer model appeals to you more.
#2 Design
Galaxy Buds 3
Galaxy Buds 3 introduces a totally new design compared to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Instead of the familiar bulb-shaped form factor typically seen in previous Galaxy Buds models, the Buds 3 features a more stem-like design similar to the Apple AirPods.
Different designs result in different touch control mechanisms, with the Buds 3 offering innovative touch controls that allow you to swipe and pinch the stem to control various functions intuitively. Meanwhile, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro relies on a more traditional touch surface that relies on tap, double tap, triple tap, and hold gestures.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Another design difference is the color and aesthetics of the earbuds. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro comes in a soft matte finish in 3 color options: Bora Purple, Graphite, and White. The Bora Purple is especially a standout color if you want to look trendy and stylish.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 3 looks glossy in Silver and White color options. It gives a more tech-savvy vibe compared to the matte finish of the Buds 2 Pro. However, appearance ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The more objective comparison between the two concerns durability, with the Galaxy Buds 3 having an advantage of its IP57 rating compared to the Buds 2 Pro with IPX7 rating. The rating indicates that while both are water- and sweat-resistant, the Galaxy Buds 3 is tested to be dust-resistant as well.
#3 Audio Features
Galaxy Buds 3
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3 share a range of common audio features, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to filter out outside noises, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support for a richer listening experience, and Enhanced 360 Audio for immersive surround sound.
However, thanks to its 2-way woofer and tweeter speakers, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers superior audio quality compared to the Galaxy Buds 3, which which only has a single 11mm dynamic driver setup.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro also offers Ambient Sound mode, which lets in outside noise to keep you aware of your surroundings, a feature not available on the Galaxy Buds 3. This feature may be very desirable for people who often use the earbuds in public, as it allows them to stay connected to their environment while enjoying music or audio.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
With the Buds 2 Pro, Intelligent Conversation Mode automatically switches noise control settings from ANC to Ambient Mode when you start speaking, allowing for seamless conversations without having to manually switch modes. Meanwhile, with the Galaxy Buds 3, you will have to manually turn off the ANC to converse with your surroundings.
Galaxy Buds 3 does offer a new feature known as Adaptive Equalizer, which automatically adjusts the audio based on how you wear the earbuds. However, compared to the Buds 2 Pro's distinctive Ambient Mode, this new feature is not as appealing for most average user, so the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro remains the superior choice for audio quality and features.
#4 Smart Features
Interpreter
Both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro support Galaxy AI, providing access to AI features like Interpreter and Live Translation, which translates foreign languages in real-time right to your ear. This can be very useful for international travelers or those who frequently communicate with people from different language backgrounds.
Both models also offer Bixby support, but the Galaxy Buds 3 has an advantage with the Voice Control. This feature allows controlling various functions of the earbuds using voice commands without any wake word required.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro doesn't offer Voice Control and only has Bixby support, so the "Hi Bixby" wake word is required to activate voice commands.
SmartThings Find is supported in both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3, allowing easy location of lost earbuds through the SmartThings app.
#5 Connectivity
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro share many connectivity features that make both of them great wireless companions, including Auto Switch for seamless switching between different compatible devices and Auracast for sharing audio with multiple users.
The only difference between the two is that the Galaxy Buds 3 relies on the latest Bluetooth 5.4 standard, while the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro uses the previous older Bluetooth 5.3 standard. Compared to the other more important aspects, different Bluetooth versions do not make a significant difference in real-world usage.
#6 Battery Life
Galaxy Buds 3
The buds battery capacity of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is larger at 61mAh compared to the 48mAh buds battery capacity of the Galaxy Buds 3, while the charging case for both earbuds has the same 515mAh battery capacity.
When used independently from the charging case, the Buds 2 Pro has a longer play time of 5 hours with ANC on and 8 hours with ANC off, while the Galaxy Buds 3 can last for up to 5 hours with ANC on and 6 hours with ANC off.
However, with the charging case, Galaxy Buds 3 claims a longer total play time of 24 hours with the ANC on and 30 hours with the ANC off. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers up to 18 hours of total playback time with ANC on and 29 hours with ANC off.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Buds 3
While the Galaxy Buds 3 offers some notable improvements in design and battery life, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro remains the superior choice for most users. With its two-way speakers, Ambient Sound mode, and Intelligent Conversation feature, the Buds 2 Pro delivers a more immersive and versatile audio experience.
Unless you prioritize a sleeker stem-like design or require the extra battery life, existing Buds 2 Pro owners have little reason to upgrade to the newer Buds 3 model.
The Buds 2 Pro's impressive audio quality and comprehensive feature set make it the better value proposition, especially with its recent price drop.
If you like to read more about wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 3 Pro
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Buds 3 Pro
Galaxy Buds FE vs Buds 3
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