Galaxy Buds4 vs. Galaxy Buds3: What’s the Difference?
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds lineup continues to evolve with improved sound technology, smarter connectivity and deeper integration with Galaxy devices. If you’re deciding between the newer Galaxy Buds4 Series and the previous Galaxy Buds3 Series, understanding the differences in sound quality, features and everyday usability can help you choose the right wireless earbuds for your needs.
The Galaxy Buds4 lineup introduces updates such as refined audio tuning, improved connectivity and expanded Galaxy ecosystem features. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds3 Series remains a strong option for users who want premium sound, reliable noise control and seamless device compatibility.
In this guide, we’ll compare Galaxy Buds4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 vs. Galaxy Buds3 FE to highlight what’s new, what’s improved and which Galaxy Buds model may be the best fit for your everyday listening.
Galaxy Buds4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds3 Pro: What’s New?
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are both premium wireless earbuds designed for immersive sound, clear calls and seamless Galaxy connectivity. However, Galaxy Buds4 Pro introduce refinements across sound performance, design and intelligent features.
Sound quality: Galaxy Buds4 Pro build on the premium listening experience of Galaxy Buds3 Pro with an enhanced 2-way speaker system, featuring an enhanced dynamic driver (woofer) and tweeter, along with Dual Amplifier support. This helps deliver fuller lows, clearer highs and a more balanced Hi-Fi1sound experience.
Both models support SSC-UHQ (24-bit / 96 kHz) audio, but Galaxy Buds4 Pro are designed to make that high-quality audio feel even more immersive with updated tuning and refined sound delivery.
Noise control and awareness: Both Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro include Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Noise Control, and 360 Audio with Head Tracking. Galaxy Buds4 Pro continue that premium experience while adding refinements designed to make listening feel more vivid and natural in changing environments.
1- Ultra High Quality Audio (UHQ) up to 24-bit / 96 kHz is available on Galaxy S26 Series, S25 Series, S24 Series, S23 Series, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S11 Series, Tab S10 Series, Tab S9 Series with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.
1- Ultra High Quality Audio (UHQ) up to 24-bit / 96 kHz is available on Galaxy S26 Series, S25 Series, S24 Series, S23 Series, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S11 Series, Tab S10 Series, Tab S9 Series with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.
Calls and smart features:
Both models support Super Clear Call, six microphones, and Galaxy AI-connected experiences. Galaxy Buds4 Pro also add Head Gesture 1, giving users another hands-free way to interact with calls and compatible features.
Design and connectivity:
Galaxy Buds4 Pro come in White, Black and Pink Gold and feature Samsung’s updated blade design with a refined, fit for all-day comfort. They also upgrade to Bluetooth 6.1, compared with Bluetooth 5.4 on Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
For commuters or travellers, Galaxy Buds4 Pro’s improved noise control and refined sound tuning can make music and podcasts easier to hear in busy environments such as public transit or flights.
1- Head Gesture is off by default. Users can turn on Head Gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app.
1- Head Gesture is off by default. Users can turn on Head Gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app.
Galaxy Buds4 vs. Galaxy Buds3 FE: Key Differences
For users comparing Samsung’s everyday wireless earbuds, Galaxy Buds4 build on the Galaxy Buds3 FE experience with, expanded smart features.
Sound quality and everyday listening: Galaxy Buds4 feature a 1-way dynamic driver with Single Amplifier and support SSC-UHQ (24-bit / 96 kHz) audio, along with SSC, AAC, SBC and LC3 codecs. This helps deliver detailed sound for music, podcasts and everyday listening.
Galaxy Buds3 FE offer strong everyday sound performance, but Galaxy Buds4 introduce newer tuning and higher-quality codec support designed to preserve more detail in your audio.
Noise control and awareness: Both Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds3 FE support Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound. Galaxy Buds4 also include features such as Adaptive EQ 2.0, 360 Audio with Head Tracking and Auracast, providing a more immersive listening experience across different environments.
Calls and smart features: Galaxy Buds4 support Super Wideband Call, DNN Noise Reduction and Personalized Beamforming, helping isolate your voice during calls. They also include Head Gesture, Auto Switch and Galaxy AI compatibility, offering deeper integration with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem.
Battery and connectivity: Galaxy Buds4 support Bluetooth 6.1 and offer up to 6 hours of listening time (30 hours total with the charging case when ANC is off). Galaxy Buds3 FE use Bluetooth 5.4 and provide similar overall battery endurance, making both models suitable for everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs. Galaxy Buds3 Series Comparison Table
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Colours
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Battery Capacity¹
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Play Time ANC On / ANC Off6
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Talk Time ANC On / ANC Off
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Intelligent Audio Technology
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Call
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Connectivity
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Dimensions (mm)
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Speaker
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Microphone
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Water Resistance
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Compatibility
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AI Assistant
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Controls
1. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions.
2. Requires initial setup via device settings or Galaxy Wearable app.
3. Feature supported on compatible Galaxy smartphones.
4. Dust resistant; tested for fresh water splashes.
5. Compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account.
6. ANC is on by default, and the touch and hold gesture for Active Noise Canceling can be configured in the Galaxy Wearable app.
Which Galaxy Buds model is best for you?
Choosing the right Galaxy Buds depends on what matters most for your listening experience, whether that’s premium audio performance, advanced features or everyday convenience.:
• Galaxy Buds4 Pro are ideal for users who want Samsung’s most advanced wireless earbuds yet, featuring enhanced 2-way speakers, Dual Amplifier support, refined noise control and the latest Galaxy ecosystem features.
• Galaxy Buds4 are a strong choice for users looking for a newer, everyday pair of Samsung wireless earbuds with reliable Active Noise Cancellation, and seamless Galaxy device integration.
• Galaxy Buds3 Pro remain a great option for users who want premium sound quality, Adaptive Noise Control and immersive audio features without necessarily upgrading to the newest generation.
• Galaxy Buds3 FE are well suited for users who want dependable wireless earbuds with essential features such as Active Noise Cancellation, clear calling and comfortable everyday listening at a more accessible price point.
Whether you’re upgrading from an earlier model or buying your first pair of Samsung wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Series offers options for music, calls, commuting and everyday listening across your Galaxy devices.
FAQs
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1. What is the difference between Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds3?Galaxy Buds4 build on the everyday listening experience of Galaxy Buds3 FE with updated connectivity, expanded Galaxy ecosystem features and refined sound tuning. They support Bluetooth® 6.1, SSC-UHQ (24-bit / 96 kHz) audio and Galaxy AI compatibility, while Galaxy Buds3 FE focus on essential everyday features such as Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound. ¹, ²
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2. Are Galaxy Buds4 worth upgrading from Galaxy Buds3?Galaxy Buds4 are worth considering if you want newer Galaxy ecosystem features, updated connectivity and a more advanced everyday listening experience. They introduce features such as Adaptive EQ 2.0, Head Gesture and Galaxy AI integration, while maintaining reliable battery performance and Active Noise Cancellation. ³, ⁴
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3. How are Galaxy Buds4 Pro different than Galaxy Buds3 Pro?Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer a more refined premium experience with enhanced sound tuning, an upgraded 2-way speaker system and Dual Amplifier support. Both models include premium features such as Active Noise Cancellation and 360 Audio, but Galaxy Buds4 Pro are designed to deliver more detailed sound and performance. ¹, ⁵
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4. Do Galaxy Buds4 sound better than Galaxy Buds3?Galaxy Buds4 are designed to deliver more detailed everyday sound with updated tuning and support for SSC-UHQ (24-bit / 96 kHz) audio. Galaxy Buds4 Pro further enhance the experience with a 2-way speaker system featuring a woofer and tweeter, helping produce clearer highs and fuller lows. ¹
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5. Do Galaxy Buds4 have better noise cancellation than Galaxy Buds3?Both Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds3 FE support Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound for everyday listening. Galaxy Buds4 also introduce additional features such as Adaptive EQ 2.0, Auracast and 360 Audio with Head Tracking, while Galaxy Buds4 Pro further refine the listening experience with Adaptive Noise Control. ⁵
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6. Is battery life better on Galaxy Buds4 compared to Galaxy Buds3?Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds3 FE offer similar overall battery performance depending on usage and settings. Listening time and total playback may vary based on features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth connection and usage conditions. ⁶
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7. Are Galaxy Buds4 good for calls and meetings?Galaxy Buds4 support Super Clear Call with DNN Noise Reduction and Super Wideband audio to help improve voice clarity during calls. These features help isolate your voice and deliver clearer communication in everyday environments. ⁷
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8. Which Galaxy Buds model is best for you?The best Galaxy Buds model depends on your needs. Galaxy Buds4 Pro are ideal for users who want premium sound and advanced features. Galaxy Buds4 offer a strong balance of performance and everyday usability, while Galaxy Buds3 FE are well suited for users looking for reliable wireless earbuds with essential features at a more accessible level.
- 1 - Ultra High-Quality Audio (SSC-UHQ) up to 24-bit / 96 kHz is available on compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Additional devices may be supported in the future.
- 2 - UHQ audio is off by default and can be configured in device settings or the Galaxy Wearable app depending on device and One UI version.
- 3 - Some features such as Head Gesture and advanced controls may be off by default and require setup via device settings or the Galaxy Wearable app.
- 4 - Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary by device model, region and operating system. Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features.
- 5 - 360 Audio and Adaptive Noise Control availability may vary depending on the connected device, application and content.
- 6 - Actual battery life may vary depending on usage conditions, settings, Bluetooth signal strength and other factors.
- 7 – Super Clear Call and Super Wideband audio availability may vary depending on the connected device, network and software version.