Review: SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds2 True Wireless Earbuds, International Version (Graphite) – Excellent sound quality with comfortable fit

Explore the audio quality, battery life, and usability of Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds 2... Read more

Specifications

Brand	SAMSUNG
Model Name	Galaxy Buds2
Color	GRAPHITE
Form Factor	In Ear
Connectivity Technology	Wireless, Bluetooth 5.2

Introduction: Unboxing Samsung’s New Galaxy Buds 2

Unsealing the box of Samsung’s latest offering in wireless earbuds, the anticipation is undeniable. Naturally, as a tech enthusiast, the moment of unboxing is always special to me. In my hands, I hold the Galaxy Buds 2, a pair of earbuds that initially positioned themselves as a noteworthy competitor to Apple’s universally recognized AirPods.

A First Glimpse

The first encounter with the buds comes across as refreshingly modern and sleek. Subtle design cues like the rounded pebble-shaped case and neatly organized package, lure the tech-savvy hearts immediately. As I hold the case, the compact form with glossy design feels durable and suitable to face everyday wear and tear.

A Closer Inspection

• Inside the box, as expected, the Galaxy Buds 2 awaits, snuggled within their case. Alongside them, we have the usual minor companions like the user manual, USB-C charging cable, and several differently sized silicone ear tips for a customizable fit.
• The buds slot neatly into their case, held by a sturdy magnet that gives off a reassuring click. On the exterior, the case has a USB-C port for wired charging and can also support wireless charging, an appreciative point in the era of minimalism.
• In terms of design, the Buds 2 exhibit a look less radical than their predecessors. The touch-sensitive outer surface gives off a metallic shimmer, while the inner part that nestles into the ear looks organic with its matte finish.

First Impressions

Popping the buds into the ears for the first time makes a solid impression. They felt snug and comfortable – not too weighty to induce discomfort, yet substantial enough to stay put. The supplied additional silicone tips offer the potential for a tailor-made fit for each user.

Admittedly, a review based on just unboxing of the Galaxy Buds 2 is far from comprehensive. It just grazes the surface of what’s yet to discover about this intriguing device, touching upon aesthetics and initial fit. In the sections to follow, I will dive deeper into the functionality, sound quality, active noise canceling, and much more. Stay tuned to this space as I journey with the Galaxy Buds 2 and see whether they are worth all the hype.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Experience: User-Friendly and Sleek

• Galaxy Buds 2 offer simple initial pairing process
• Provides sleek, comfortable design but lacks seamless device transition
• Perfect for workouts due to secure ear fit

Upon first unboxing the Galaxy Buds 2 , they certainly knew how to make a good first impression. They promised a comfortable and seamless tech experience right from the get-go. Let’s dive into what the user experience and design elements of these buds have to offer.

Outlining the Setup Process

The initial pairing process of the Galaxy Buds 2 with Samsung devices exudes simplicity. Just pop open the case, and voila! The earbuds are instantly detected. Utilizing the Galaxy Wearable application, you can commandize control over the features and their functions. Though, it’s worth mentioning that these controls weren’t as accessible as expected. An Android widget did come in handy for quick access, which somewhat eased the inconvenience.

Something that seemed a tad cumbersome was the transition between devices; it wasn’t as automatic as anticipated. For switching or pairing with a second device, a few seconds of simultaneous tapping on both earbuds was required to precipitate the pairing process. A bit of an unnecessary hurdle, wouldn’t you agree?

Impressions of the Design and Build

Moving onto the design aspect, the Galaxy Buds 2 bear a striking resemblance to the Buds Pro, albeit with a more comfortable accentuation. This comfort factor is principally attributed to their considerably slimmer footprint. They can effortlessly take residence in your ears for long stretches without inducing the slightest discomfort.

These buds do outshine the AirPods in terms of fit. The silicone tips of the Buds 2 sit snugly in your ears, ensuring they don’t fall off easily. It’s somewhat disappointing that they decided to omit the wing options from this iteration. This kind of secure fit would be appreciated by fitness enthusiasts who frequently engage in workouts.

Further, the IPX2 rating does raise some doubts regarding their sweat resistance capacity. If you’re on the market for workout earbuds, it might be advisable to opt for ones with a higher rating.

To sum it up, the Galaxy Buds 2 offer a sleek, comfortable design, however, there’s room for improvement when it comes to making the user experience more seamless and intuitive.

Galaxy Buds 2 vs AirPods: A Critical Comparison

• Galaxy Buds 2 has a more snug fit than AirPods
• Galaxy Buds 2 offers better noise cancellation features
• Both have unique strong points, choice depends on user needs

Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Galaxy Buds 2 and the Apple’s AirPods. After spending considerable time on testing both, its clear each shines in its area.

Examining the Snug Fit:

Comparing the Galaxy Buds 2 and AirPods is like comparing apples to oranges. However, one area where the Galaxy Buds 2 gets the upper hand is their snug fit. It’s worth mentioning that whereas the AirPods can sometimes feel a tad bit loose in the ear, the Galaxy Buds 2 seemed to fit much more snugly and comfortably. This was especially noticeable during my workouts, the buds barely moved, tallying a point for Samsung in the battle for the best earbuds. Although, I did find myself missing the wing options that the previous Galaxy buds offered.

Critique of the Enhanced Features in Galaxy Buds 2:

Going beyond the fit, when I inspected the features that each pair offered, the enhancements in the Galaxy Buds 2 stood out. If you’re considering earbuds for exercising, the Galaxy Buds 2’s IPX2 rating might cause skepticism about their sweat resistance. Personally, I think if you’re a heavy sweater, you might want to go for a higher-rated product.

Despite these small shortfalls, the Galaxy Buds 2 certainly holds its own. Samsung’s new offering brings essential features like noise cancellation more obtainably than Apple’s Airpods.

However, bear in mind that this isn’t the be-all and end-all when selecting the right pair of earbuds. Considerations such as compatibility with your device ecosystem, price point, battery life should also factor in. While I found the Galaxy Buds 2 to hold an edge over the Airpods in some respects, Apple’s offering could still be a favorite for some users.

Remember, it’s essential to make an informed decision that factors in your unique user needs and requirements when purchasing a pair of earbuds. Happy listening!

Galaxy Buds 2: Features Explored

• Galaxy Buds 2 delivers good sound quality for calls
• Noise cancellation feature is impressively effective
• Ambient mode quality is lacking authenticity

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 come with an array of interesting features that truly make these earbuds a formidable contender in today’s market – but no product is perfect. Let’s dissect the main features that these little pieces of technology bring our way.

Phone Calls and Voice Quality

Speaking from experience, the Galaxy Buds 2 attempted to provide a good sound quality for phone calls. With its three microphones, two beamforming with an inner mic, and a voice pickup unit, Samsung has tried to deliver top-notch voice quality. Despite the bustling noise of urban life, callers reported that phone calls were pretty clear.

As Samsung claims, the voice pickup unit aids in a machine-learning approach for handling voice calls. So, it has been distilled to me that the voice quality might well improve over time. However, it should be noted that a definitive conclusion about this approach would require longer use.

Active Noise Cancelling and Ambient Mode

Another noteworthy feature is the active noise cancellation, which surprisingly, didn’t disappoint at all. These little earbuds hold their own even against bigger competitors like Apple AirPods Pro or the Buds Pro – especially for their price. There’s my experience, and then there’s the suction (or lack thereof) which made them more comfortable than other earbuds with similar features.

The ambient mode, on the other hand, remained unsatisfactory. Although you get different levels of it, the absence of vents like that in AirPods Pro or Buds Pro makes the ambient sound artificial. So while trying to listen to your surroundings while music is still playing seems a good idea, it doesn’t quite hit the mark with authenticity.

On a more positive note, through the Galaxy wearable application, there is a feature available to test the right fit for you. So you can try your luck and maybe find a balance between noise cancellation and ambient sound that suits your preference.

All in all, the Galaxy Buds 2 are packed with commendable features, albeit having room for improvement. The voice quality is promising although the machine-learning feature remains to be thoroughly tested. While the noise cancellation is impressive, the ambient mode falls short for those yearning for natural ambient sound. One thing is for sure, however, Samsung has taken bold steps in the competitive earbuds market, and the Galaxy Buds 2 resonate this commitment.

Sound Quality of Galaxy Buds 2: Crisp and Customizable

• Galaxy Buds 2 offer exceptional sound quality
• Provides Bluetooth 5.2, woofer and tweeter
• Supports sound customization through Galaxy Wearable app

Let’s dive into the standout feature of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2: the sound quality. The Buds 2 pack an impressive punch in this department, offering Bluetooth 5.2 support, a woofer and a tweeter on each side, and most importantly, an exceptional sound experience. As a potential buyer, this one’s for you. Let’s parse these specs meticulously and figure out what they mean in the real world.

Bluetooth 5.2 and Codec Support

First off, the Bluetooth 5.2 support ensures a solid and reliable connection, making sure that your favorite playlist or podcast doesn’t get interrupted. However, what really matters is the combination of Samsung’s scalable proprietary codec, along with AAC and SBC. This ensures nearly lossless transmission of audio from your device to your earbuds, resulting in crisp and clear sound with next-to-no lag.

Woofer and Tweeter: A Symphony in Your Ears

The use of a woofer and a tweeter in each bud is an interesting design choice. This is meant to provide rich bass and clear treble. In my experience though, the Galaxy Buds 2 outshine in the highs and provide enough punch in the low-frequency range to satisfy most listeners. Definitely, no muffled bass lines here! However, your experience might slightly vary depending on your music taste and preference.

Customizing Sound to Your Taste

Arguably, one of the best features of the Galaxy Buds 2 is the ability to modify sound to your heart’s content through the Galaxy Wearable application.

1. Navigate to Galaxy Wearable app.
2. Go to equalizer in settings.
3. Select an equalizer preset . We have options like Normal, Bass boost, Soft, Dynamic, Clear, and Treble boost.

However, while the presets alter the sound profile, some may find the alterations rather restrained. It would have been great to have a custom EQ setting for those audiophiles among us who want to create their unique sound.

On a concluding note, if sound quality is paramount in your checklist, the Galaxy Buds 2 stand tall in this category. They offer excellent audio quality for the price, demonstrating rounded success in delivering crisp, balanced sound with admirable clarity and solid bass response. However, bear in mind that your mileage may vary depending on your audio preferences and the type of content you consume.

Overview of Battery life and Charging

• Galaxy Buds 2 have satisfactory but shorter battery life
• Turning off Active Noise Cancelling extends listening time
• Charging options are versatile and efficient

Here, I’m going to dive into the battery life and charging capabilities of the Galaxy Buds 2. When it comes to wireless earbuds, these are often make or break points. So, let’s get into it.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 advertised battery life is five hours. In my experience, I found that to be mostly accurate. However, this is certainly shorter than that of its predecessor, the Galaxy Buds Plus, which boasted an impressive 10 hours of battery life. It appears the Active Noise Cancelling and more powerful drivers in the Buds 2 have taken a toll on battery longevity.

Despite a slightly disappointing battery life, it’s worth noting these earbuds are on par with many other premium earbuds on the market, including the Galaxy Buds Pro. However, they don’t quite hit the six-hour mark needed for transcontinental flights, which could be a sticking point for some users.

That said, I found that turning off Active Noise Cancelling lends an extra 2.5 hours of listening time, making up a total of up to 7.5 hours. In conclusion, the battery life of the Galaxy Buds 2 is more than satisfactory for everyday use, but may leave frequent travelers or long-haul listeners a little wanting.

Charging

Samsung’s charging case promises to deliver up to three extra charges to the earbuds. I found this estimate to be roughly accurate during my testing. I also appreciated the quick charge feature which grants one extra hour of listening from a mere five-minute charge — perfect for those in-between times when you just need a quick top-up.

The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, providing flexibility in charging options for users. Regardless of your charging preference, the Galaxy Buds 2 cater to both camps.

In sum, the Galaxy Buds 2 cover the base when it comes to charging. The options provided are aligned with industry standards, making for a convenient and reliable user experience.

Final verdict: While it’s a minor setback that the Galaxy Buds 2 don’t quite meet the battery longevity of their predecessor, they strike a reasonable balance between active features and battery life. Moreover, the versatile and efficient charging options offered do make up for it to a significant extent.

The User Interface: Convenience or Complexity?

• Galaxy Buds 2 interface balances between convenience and complexity
• Touch controls refined but with noticeable drawbacks
• Buds 2 performs well across different ecosystem devices

With a product like Galaxy Buds 2, the interface should ideally be as simple and intuitive as the setup process. However, as with many tech devices, there’s a fine line between accessibility and complexity, and the Buds 2 occasionally stumble into the latter.

Touch Controls: A Step Forward or Backward?

My initial experiences with the capacitive touch controls were, in truth, a bit of a mixed bag. It’s great to see that Galaxy Buds 2 have attempted to push the envelope in terms of interacting with the earbuds; buttons pushing into your ears can be downright uncomfortable. However, as elegant as this solution might sound, I found it had its drawbacks.

The touch controls on the Galaxy Buds 2, while theoretically more refined, were a bit hit or miss in my experience. Generally, they worked as intended – but every now and then, there would be a hiccup. For example, I found myself unintentionally pausing a song or activating my voice assistant more often than I would have liked. Let’s just say errors occurred frequently enough to be noticeable, especially when my hands were wet. It felt like a classic case of theory not quite matching up with practice.

Galaxy Buds 2 & The Great Ecosystem Debate

On the point of ecosystems integration, Samsung demonstrates some clear foresight. Though the hand-off between different Samsung devices wasn’t exactly seamless, once paired, switching between my Samsung devices was relatively smooth. For someone deeply entrenched in the Samsung ecosystem, this feature adds value to the product.

But, what if you’re not glued to Samsung devices? To Samsung’s credit, Galaxy Buds 2 performed admirably when tried them with other android phones, plus the option to choose your favorite voice assistant was a nice touch. It hints at an understanding that while ecosystems can be powerful, they shouldn’t be limiting.

Overall, whether the interface of the Galaxy Buds 2 falls on the side of convenience or complexity depends on where you’re coming from and what you’re looking for.

Bottom Line:

Despite minor touch control issues and some ecosystem intricacies, there’s still plenty to appreciate about Galaxy Buds 2’s user interface. But room for improvement? Absolutely.

Conclusion: My Final Verdict

In my quest to explore the ins and outs of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, I’ve come to a fair few conclusions. To say these buds are merely an upgrade to the Buds Plus is an understatement. They may not exactly replace the Buds Pro, but they certainly provide a substantial offering that makes you wonder if it’s worth paying extra for the Pro’s.

Performance

Looking at their performance in a vacuum, the Galaxy Buds 2 are top class, outdoing competitors like the regular AirPods. But obviously, the world of earbuds is not a vacuum. Despite the stiff competition from the likes of Amazon’s second-generation Echo Buds, I find that the Galaxy Buds 2 are able to hold their own.

Integration with other devices

What’s more, these earbuds are not just designed for Samsung users. Even if you have other smartphones, or even if Google Assistant or Amazon’s service is your voice assistant of choice, the Galaxy Buds 2 still work perfectly fine. Now, that’s what I call flexibility!

Sweat resistance

However, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. While the Galaxy Buds 2 did a fantastic job of staying firmly put during my workouts, their IPX2 rating did raise some doubts about their sweat resistance. If your workouts are intense, and you sweat a lot, the Buds Pro would arguably be a safer bet.

Sound & Battery

Sound-wise, I found the Galaxy Buds 2 to be a delight. Both the high and low frequency sounds were well balanced and pleasing to the ear, thanks to their dual woofer and tweeter configuration. Battery life, while not exactly earth-shattering, was good enough to last me through five hours of listening on a single charge — as advertised.

The Verdict

In view of the above, if you ask me, I’d say Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 are certainly worth considering. They pack in a host of features at a great price point, making them a reliable contender in the earbuds market. There aren’t as exclusive as other brands and perform better with non-Samsung android devices also.

Remember, the ‘right’ pair of buds is a deeply personal choice. The Galaxy Buds 2 may very well be the right choice for you. But ultimately, it’s your ears, your workouts, your calls… and your choice.

Should you buy the SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds2 True Wireless Earbuds, International Version (Graphite)?

Buy it if…

You’re deeply ingrained in the Samsung ecosystem

These earbuds integrate beautifully with other Samsung products, making it seamless to switch between them. If you’re a Samsung user, these buds are an obvious, convenient choice.

You value sound and call quality

With a woofer and tweeter on each side, the Galaxy Buds 2 ensures clear and balanced audio. The 3-microphone setup also does a great job during calls, even in a noisy environment.

You enjoy comfort and a secure fit

Due to their design and the inclusion of silicone tips, the Galaxy Buds 2 are comfortable for extended use and stay secure in your ears.

Don’t buy it if…

You need extensive battery life

With the active noise cancellation feature on, the Galaxy Buds 2 can only last up to 5 hours. If you need earbuds that have a longer battery life, you may need to look elsewhere.

You prefer physical touch controls

The Galaxy Buds 2 feature capacitive touch controls which may not suit everyone’s preference, particularly if your hands are wet.

You’re on a tight budget.

Although they provide excellent value, cheaper alternatives that offer similar key features, like Amazon’s Echo Buds 2, exist on the market.

FAQ

Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 easy to pair for the first time?

Yes, Galaxy Buds 2 can be easily paired with Samsung devices. The process involves simply opening the case to allow them to be detected by your device.

Do the Galaxy Buds 2 offer noise cancellation?

Yes, they offer very good active noise cancellation for their price. They have also been tested in noisy environments with good results.

How do the Galaxy Buds 2 perform with phone calls?

The buds use a machine-learning approach to voice calls, which results in good call quality. Callers also reported liking the results.

What are the battery life and charging options for the Galaxy Buds 2?

They offer a 5 hours battery life, although active noise cancelling may decrease this slightly. The case provides up to three charges. The buds support USB-C and Qi charging.

Do the Galaxy Buds 2 operate well with other phones and voice assistants?

Yes, the Galaxy Buds 2 work well with other phones and various voice assistants including Amazon and Google Assistant.

Can I change the sound settings of the Galaxy Buds 2?

Yes, you can modify the sound settings through the Galaxy Buds 2 application to suit your preference.

How well do the Galaxy Buds 2 fit for workouts?

The Buds 2 offer a snug fit which prevents them from falling off. However, they lack the wing options of their predecessors and may not be suitable for intense workout sessions due to the IPX2 rating for water resistance.