Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: Unleashing High-Fidelity Sound

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro represents Samsung’s newest upgrade in the premium true wireless stereo (TWS) segment, priced around ₹22,999 in India. Positioned as a direct rival to Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, Samsung aim to deliver high-fidelity audio improvements while leaning heavily into the Galaxy ecosystem. But in a crowded market dominated by ecosystem-locked competitors, does this premium TWS truly stand out as the best option, or is it best suited only for Samsung loyalists? After extensive use with a Galaxy S26, here’s a detailed breakdown.

DESIGN & BUILD

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro adopt a compact, ergonomic canal-fit design that feels premium and secure. Each earbud weighs about 5.1g, features smooth contours, and comes with three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) for a customized fit. The standout aesthetic element is the iconic real-metal blade on the exterior, featuring an aluminium hairline finish, that not only looks sophisticated but also serves as a touch-control surface for pinch gestures.

The charging case is notably compact and supports wireless charging via any Qi-compatible pad. However, the transparent plastic cover on the case, while visually appealing and allowing a quick glance at the buds inside, raises durability concerns. It can attract scratches and fingerprints over time with daily use. The buds themselves earn an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance (though the case is not water-resistant and not recommended for beach or pool use), making them suitable for workouts or light rain.

PERFORMANCE & AUDIO

Audio performance is where the Galaxy Buds4 Pro shine brightest, delivering noticeable improvements over predecessors. They feature an enhanced 2-way speaker system including an 11mm Super Wide Woofer paired with a 5.5mm planar tweeter and dual amplifiers per earbud. This setup produces deep, controlled bass, rich mids, and crisp, extended highs without distortion, supporting Hi-Res Audio up to 24-bit/96kHz via Samsung’s Seamless Codec (SSC) in UHQ mode.

The sound signature is smooth and warm, with impressive bass impact that feels balanced rather than overpowering, which is ideal for genres ranging from EDM to classical. Instruments and vocals remain clear, and 360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive spatial experience. A 9-band adaptive equalizer, plus features like Adapt Sound (personalized tuning based on hearing test) and Volume EQ, allow fine customization. On Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 8 and above (like the S26 series), many settings integrate directly into the Quick Panel or Settings menu, no separate Galaxy Wearable app required, mimicking the effortless Apple ecosystem. For older Samsung phones or non-Galaxy Android/iOS devices, the full Galaxy Wearable app is needed for EQ presets and ANC adjustments.

Pairing with the Galaxy S26 was seamless and instant upon opening the case, with auto-switching between compatible Galaxy devices (phones, tablets, watches). Call quality is enhanced by six microphones and Super Wideband (SWB) technology, resulting in clear voice transmission even in noisy environments, thanks to DNN processing. ANC 2.0 adapts in real-time to ear fit and surroundings, effectively blocking low-frequency rumble (planes, traffic). Transparency mode sounds natural, though I felt the AirPods Pro 3 edged it out slightly in realism. Battery life reaches up to 7 hours per bud (ANC off) or 6 hours (ANC on), with the case providing a total of 26-30 hours of playback, which is respectable but not class-leading.

VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer premium sound upgrades, featuring a dual-driver setup that enhances bass and detail, making them strong contenders against the AirPods Pro 3, particularly for Galaxy phone users. They provide smooth ecosystem integration with hands-free controls and AI features, along with good comfort and call performance. However, they have average battery life, a case prone to wear, and their advanced features shine best within the Galaxy ecosystem, limiting appeal for iPhone users. While ANC is effective, it may not consistently outperform the AirPods Pro 3. Overall, if you own a recent Samsung Galaxy phone, the Buds4 Pro deliver an excellent experience in the Android premium TWS space, but the AirPods still have their advantages for ecosystem neutrality.