Technology

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Review: The Only Earbuds You Should Have In Your Pocket

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Comfort and Fit

When it comes to earbuds, comfort and fit are crucial factors that can make or break the user experience. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live excels in this department, providing exceptional comfort even during extended wear. The unique bean-shaped design is not only visually appealing but also ergonomically crafted to fit snugly in the ear.

Featuring a lightweight build and a soft, silicone-like material, these earbuds sit comfortably in the ear canal without causing any discomfort or pressure. The absence of ear tips eliminates the need for finding the right size, making it accessible to a wider range of users.

What sets the Galaxy Buds Live apart is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that adapts to your surroundings, providing optimal noise suppression. This feature greatly enhances the listening experience by blocking out unwanted external sounds. Whether you’re on a crowded train or in a noisy café, the ANC technology ensures that you can immerse yourself in your favorite music or podcast without distractions.

The oval-shaped design of the Galaxy Buds Live also contributes to a secure fit and prevents them from falling out, even during physical activities such as jogging or working out. This makes them an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts who want to enjoy their favorite tunes without worrying about their earbuds slipping out.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Buds Live come with additional wingtips that provide extra stability and secure the earbuds in place, catering to different ear shapes and sizes. This customizable fit ensures that the earbuds stay in place, regardless of your movements.

The wireless nature of these earbuds adds to the overall comfort and convenience. With no tangled wires to deal with, you have the freedom to move around without any restrictions. The compact charging case also fits easily in your pocket, making it a travel-friendly option.

Design and Appearance

When it comes to design and appearance, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live truly stand out from the competition. The innovative bean-shaped design is not only visually striking but also serves a functional purpose.

The sleek and minimalist design of the earbuds gives them a sophisticated and modern look. The glossy finish combined with a range of vibrant color options adds a touch of style to your accessory collection. Whether you prefer a classic black or a bold and vibrant color, there’s a Galaxy Buds Live to match your personal preference.

What sets these earbuds apart is their low-profile design. Unlike traditional earbuds that protrude from the ears, the Galaxy Buds Live nestle comfortably in the ear, creating a seamless and streamlined look. This discreet design is perfect for those who want a more subtle and understated aesthetic.

The compact charging case of the Galaxy Buds Live complements the earbuds’ design. Its smooth and polished finish adds to the overall premium feel, while the rounded edges make it comfortable to hold. The case also features a convenient LED indicator that displays the battery level, ensuring that you never run out of power unexpectedly.

In terms of durability, the Galaxy Buds Live are built to last. The earbuds and the charging case are crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring their longevity. The charging case also offers protection and keeps the earbuds safe when not in use, making it a practical accessory to have.

While the design of the Galaxy Buds Live is undeniably eye-catching, it’s important to note that their unique shape may not be to everyone’s liking. Some users may find it takes a bit of time to get used to the unconventional design, especially if they are accustomed to traditional earbuds. However, once you find the right fit and adjust to the shape, you’ll appreciate the comfort and style that the Galaxy Buds Live offer.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is truly impressive, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Equipped with a 12mm driver and AKG tuning, these earbuds offer well-balanced sound with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass.

Whether you’re listening to your favorite music, watching movies, or taking calls, the Galaxy Buds Live provide a high-fidelity sound that is both crisp and dynamic. The AKG tuning ensures that each audio element is reproduced with precision, creating a captivating listening experience.

The powerful bass response of the Galaxy Buds Live adds depth and richness to the music, making genres like hip-hop and electronic music truly come alive. The balanced mid-range ensures that vocals and instruments are well-defined and easily discernible. The high frequencies are clean and well-extended, allowing for a clear and detailed representation of audio.

Additionally, the active noise cancellation technology further enhances the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds Live by minimizing the impact of external noise. By blocking out unwanted sounds, you can enjoy your music at lower volumes without compromising on clarity and detail.

For those who prefer a customizable audio experience, the Galaxy Buds Live offer an equalizer feature that allows you to adjust the sound according to your preferences. Whether you like a bass-heavy sound or a more balanced approach, you can fine-tune the audio to suit your individual taste.

Moreover, the Galaxy Buds Live offer excellent sound isolation even without active noise cancellation enabled. The tight seal provided by the unique bean-shaped design helps to minimize sound leakage and external noise interference.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live deliver impressive sound quality that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. Whether you’re a music lover or someone who appreciates great audio, these earbuds are sure to impress with their detailed sound reproduction and immersive listening experience.

Active Noise Cancellation

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live feature active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which is a game-changer in the world of wireless earbuds. ANC works by analyzing external noises and generating an opposing sound wave, effectively canceling out the unwanted sounds.

The ANC feature on the Galaxy Buds Live is highly effective in reducing background noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your audio content. Whether you’re in a noisy airport, bustling city streets, or a crowded office, the ANC technology helps to create a peaceful and focused listening experience.

One of the unique aspects of the Galaxy Buds Live’s ANC is its ability to adapt to your surroundings. The earbuds use AI-based technology to automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation depending on the ambient noise levels. This intelligent feature ensures that the right amount of noise cancellation is applied at all times, providing an optimized audio experience.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Buds Live offer a transparent mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off the earbuds. By activating this mode, you can have conversations, listen for announcements, or simply be aware of your surroundings without the need to remove your earbuds.

It’s important to note that while the ANC on the Galaxy Buds Live is effective, it may not completely eliminate all background noise. Certain high-frequency sounds, such as sirens or loud conversations, may still be partially audible. However, the ANC technology significantly reduces the impact of these noises, allowing you to enjoy your audio content without distractions.

The ANC feature on the Galaxy Buds Live can also be customized to your preferences. By using the companion app, you can adjust the level of noise cancellation to suit your needs. This versatility ensures that you can personalize your listening experience and strike the right balance between immersing yourself in your audio and staying aware of your surroundings.

Battery Life and Charging

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer impressive battery life, ensuring that you can enjoy your music, podcasts, and calls for extended periods without interruption. The earbuds themselves provide up to 6 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, which is commendable considering their compact size.

In addition to the earbuds’ battery life, the charging case provides extra juice for on-the-go charging. With the charging case, you can get up to 21 hours of total playback time before needing to recharge either the case or the earbuds.

When it comes to charging, the Galaxy Buds Live support both wired and wireless charging. The USB-C port on the back of the charging case allows for quick and convenient charging using a USB-C cable. Additionally, the earbuds are compatible with wireless charging pads, making it even easier to keep them charged and ready to use.

It’s worth noting that the charging case itself can be charged wirelessly, adding to the convenience factor. Simply place it on a compatible wireless charging pad, and it will replenish its battery without the need for any cables.

Another notable feature is the fast charging capability of the Galaxy Buds Live. With just a 5-minute charge, you can enjoy up to 1 hour of playback time. This is perfect for those situations when you need a quick top-up before heading out.

The battery life of the Galaxy Buds Live may vary depending on various factors such as volume level, usage, and connection stability. However, with their impressive battery life and convenient charging options, these earbuds are designed to ensure that you can enjoy your audio content throughout the day without any worries about running out of power.

Wireless Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live excel in terms of wireless connectivity, offering a seamless and reliable connection to your devices. These earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring a stable and efficient connection with your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices.

Setting up the Galaxy Buds Live is a breeze. Simply open the charging case near your device, and it will automatically detect and pair with the earbuds. Once connected, the earbuds will automatically reconnect to your device whenever they are taken out of the case, providing a hassle-free user experience.

The wireless connection range is impressive, allowing you to move around freely without worrying about signal drops or interruptions. With a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters), you can leave your device in one room while moving around the house, and the connection will remain stable and strong.

In addition to the seamless connection, the Galaxy Buds Live offer multi-device connectivity. This means that you can easily switch between devices without the need to manually disconnect and reconnect. Whether you’re listening to music on your smartphone and receive a call on your tablet, the earbuds will seamlessly switch the audio source, providing a convenient and uninterrupted user experience.

Thanks to the integration with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, the wireless connectivity of the Galaxy Buds Live is further enhanced. The earbuds can automatically connect to your Samsung device, allowing for hassle-free pairing and quick access to customization options.

Overall, the wireless connectivity of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is top-notch, offering a reliable and seamless connection to your devices. Whether you’re using them with your smartphone, tablet, or Samsung Galaxy device, you can expect a smooth and uninterrupted wireless audio experience.

Touch Controls and Intuitive Operation

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are equipped with intuitive touch controls that allow you to easily manage your audio playback, adjust volume, and access other features without the need to reach for your device. These touch controls enhance the overall user experience and provide convenient operation on the go.

Each earbud of the Galaxy Buds Live has touch-sensitive areas that respond to various gestures. Tapping once on either bud can play or pause your audio, while double-tapping can skip to the next track. By customizing the touch controls through the companion app, you can also assign different functions like activating your voice assistant or adjusting the volume with specific touch gestures.

In addition to the basic gestures, the Galaxy Buds Live offer touch control customization options, allowing you to set up the earbuds according to your preferences. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor the touch controls to match your usage habits and streamline your interaction with the earbuds.

The touch controls of the Galaxy Buds Live are responsive and accurate, reducing the chances of accidental presses while ensuring ease of use. However, it may take some time to get used to the touch gestures and find the right level of tapping pressure for optimal performance.

One notable feature is the ability to control the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound modes directly from the earbuds. This allows you to switch between noise-canceling and ambient sound with a simple touch, making it easy to adapt to different environments and situations.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Buds Live offer seamless integration with voice assistants such as Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri. With a simple tap and voice command, you can access your voice assistant to make calls, send messages, play music, or get answers to your queries, without having to reach for your phone.

Overall, the touch controls of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live provide a convenient and intuitive way to manage your audio playback and access other functions. With their responsiveness and customization options, these touch controls enhance the overall user experience and make controlling the earbuds a breeze while on the go.

Compatibility with Samsung Devices

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are designed to seamlessly integrate with Samsung devices, providing a seamless and enhanced audio experience for users of Samsung smartphones and tablets. These earbuds offer a range of features and functionalities that are specifically optimized for Samsung devices.

One of the key advantages of using the Galaxy Buds Live with Samsung devices is the automatic device pairing and quick switch functionality. When you open the charging case of the earbuds near a Samsung device, it will automatically detect and pair with the earbuds. This eliminates the need for manual Bluetooth pairing, making the initial setup process quick and effortless.

Additionally, the quick switch feature allows you to easily switch between Samsung devices without the need to disconnect and reconnect the earbuds. For example, if you’re listening to music on your Samsung smartphone and want to switch to your Samsung tablet, simply navigate to the Bluetooth settings and select the earbuds, and the audio will seamlessly transition to the new device.

The Galaxy Buds Live also offer seamless integration with the Samsung Galaxy wearable app. Through this app, you can access a range of customization options such as equalizer settings, touch control configurations, and software updates. This level of integration allows you to personalize your audio experience and make adjustments according to your preferences.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Buds Live support Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant, allowing you to conveniently control various aspects of the earbuds using voice commands. With Bixby, you can play music, adjust volume, answer calls, and more, simply by speaking to your Samsung device, providing a hands-free and intuitive interaction.

While the Galaxy Buds Live are optimized for Samsung devices, they are also compatible with non-Samsung devices that support Bluetooth connectivity. This means that you can enjoy these earbuds with other Android smartphones, iPhones, and tablets, although some features and functionalities may be limited in such cases.

Voice Assistant Integration

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer seamless integration with popular voice assistants, including Samsung’s own Bixby, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. This integration enhances the overall usability of the earbuds and allows for convenient hands-free control and access to various features and functions.

With voice assistant integration, you can easily interact with your smart devices and perform tasks with just your voice. By simply saying the wake word or pressing and holding the touchpad on the earbuds, you can activate your preferred voice assistant and give commands or ask questions.

When connected to your smartphone, the Galaxy Buds Live can leverage the power of voice commands to perform a range of functions. You can initiate phone calls, send text messages, play your favorite music, set reminders, check the weather, and even get answers to general knowledge questions, all without picking up your phone.

In addition to controlling your smartphone, the voice assistant integration extends to other compatible devices such as smart home devices, making it convenient to control your connected ecosystem with just your voice and earbuds.

One of the notable features of voice assistant integration is the ability to read and respond to notifications hands-free. When a notification arrives on your connected device, your voice assistant can read it aloud to you, allowing you to stay informed without having to check your phone manually. You can also dictate responses or perform quick interactions with notifications through voice commands.

Moreover, with the integration of multiple voice assistants, you have the flexibility to choose the one that works best for you. Whether it’s Bixby, Google Assistant, or Siri, you can leverage the power of your preferred voice assistant with the Galaxy Buds Live.

The seamless integration of voice assistants with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live not only adds convenience but also enhances the overall hands-free experience. With just a few spoken words, you can access information, control your devices, and stay connected, all while enjoying your favorite audio content without interruption.

Call Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live deliver exceptional call quality, ensuring clear and crisp voice transmission for both sides of the conversation. These earbuds are equipped with advanced technologies that enhance call clarity and minimize background noise, resulting in an optimal calling experience.

One of the key factors contributing to the excellent call quality is the three-microphone system integrated into the Galaxy Buds Live. Two of these microphones are dedicated to capturing your voice, while the third microphone helps to reduce external noise and focus on your speech. This configuration ensures that your voice is transmitted clearly with minimal interference from surrounding sounds.

The beamforming technology in the Galaxy Buds Live works in conjunction with the microphones to detect and amplify your voice, making it more audible to the person on the other end of the call. This results in improved clarity and intelligibility, even in noisy environments.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature also plays a role in enhancing call quality. By reducing background noise, the Galaxy Buds Live help to eliminate distractions and ensure that your voice is the primary focus during phone conversations. This is particularly useful in busy or noisy environments where it can be challenging to hear and be heard clearly.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Buds Live are equipped with an accelerometer that detects jaw movement during calls. This allows the earbuds to adjust the volume of your voice accordingly, ensuring consistent audio levels throughout the call.

The stable wireless connection of the Galaxy Buds Live also contributes to the overall call quality. The Bluetooth 5.0 technology provides a reliable and uninterrupted connection between the earbuds and your device, reducing the chances of dropped calls or audio glitches.

In terms of comfort, the Galaxy Buds Live are designed to provide a secure fit, preventing the earbuds from falling out during calls. This ensures that the microphones stay in the optimal position to capture your voice accurately, enhancing the overall call quality.

Whether you’re in a quiet room or a noisy outdoor environment, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live deliver exceptional call quality, allowing you to have clear and undisturbed conversations. With their advanced microphone system, noise reduction capabilities, and comfortable fit, these earbuds are an excellent choice for those who rely on high-quality communication.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of daily use. With their high-quality build and thoughtful engineering, these earbuds offer a level of durability that ensures they can keep up with your active lifestyle.

The Galaxy Buds Live feature a robust construction that includes a combination of durable materials. The earbuds themselves are made of a tough plastic material that can withstand everyday wear and tear. The charging case is also constructed with sturdy materials, protecting the earbuds when not in use and providing extra durability during travel or storage.

Additionally, the Galaxy Buds Live have an IPX2 rating for water resistance. This means that the earbuds are protected against splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts, light rain, or everyday activities that may involve exposure to moisture. While they are not fully waterproof, the IPX2 rating offers peace of mind that your earbuds can handle occasional exposure to water without damage.

It’s important to note that while the Galaxy Buds Live have a certain level of water resistance, they should not be submerged in water or exposed to excessive moisture for extended periods. This can potentially damage the earbuds and compromise their functionality.

Furthermore, the charging case of the Galaxy Buds Live also features a durable construction to protect the earbuds and ensure long-term usability. The case is designed to withstand minor bumps and drops, keeping your earbuds safe when not in use.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer a good level of durability and water resistance, making them suitable for daily use and light outdoor activities. However, it’s essential to handle them with care and avoid exposing them to excessive water or moisture to ensure their longevity.

Comparison with Competitors

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live with other earbuds in the market, several factors set them apart from their competitors. Let’s explore how they stack up against the competition.

One standout feature of the Galaxy Buds Live is their unique bean-shaped design, which sets them apart from the more traditional earbud designs. This unconventional form factor not only adds to their visual appeal but also contributes to a comfortable and secure fit in the ear. In comparison to other competitors, the Galaxy Buds Live’s distinct design offers a refreshing alternative for those seeking a unique and ergonomic earbud experience.

In terms of sound quality, the Galaxy Buds Live excel with their well-balanced audio reproduction and powerful bass response. The 12mm drivers and AKG tuning deliver rich and immersive sound, providing an enjoyable listening experience across a wide range of musical genres. While the sound quality may vary slightly between competitors, the Galaxy Buds Live consistently impress with their detailed and dynamic audio performance.

Another area where the Galaxy Buds Live stand out is their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. With ANC, these earbuds effectively block out external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your audio content. Compared to some competitors, the Galaxy Buds Live offer a competitive ANC performance, creating a more peaceful and undisturbed listening environment.

Battery life is another aspect that sets the Galaxy Buds Live apart. With up to 6 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, and an additional 15 hours of battery life from the charging case, these earbuds offer a solid battery performance. While some competitors may offer similar battery life, the Galaxy Buds Live’s fast charging capability and compatibility with wireless charging make them a convenient and versatile option.

When it comes to wireless connectivity, the Galaxy Buds Live offer seamless connection and quick device pairing, especially with Samsung devices. With their integration with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, these earbuds provide additional convenience and personalization options for Samsung users. While other competitors may offer similar wireless connectivity, the Galaxy Buds Live’s compatibility with the Samsung ecosystem gives them an edge in terms of integration and control.

Lastly, the price of the Galaxy Buds Live compared to their competitors is an important consideration. While pricing may vary, the Galaxy Buds Live offer a compelling balance between features, performance, and affordability. With their unique design, sound quality, ANC, battery life, and wireless connectivity, they provide excellent value for the price, making them a strong competitor in the true wireless earbud market.

Price and Value for Money

When it comes to price and value for money, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer a compelling package that is hard to beat. These earbuds provide a combination of features, performance, and quality at a competitive price point, making them a solid investment for audio enthusiasts.

Compared to some high-end premium earbuds on the market, the Galaxy Buds Live offer a more affordable option without compromising on essential features. Their unique bean-shaped design, sound quality, active noise cancellation, and comfortable fit make them an attractive choice for users looking for a balance between performance and budget.

In terms of sound performance, the Galaxy Buds Live excel with their well-tuned audio and powerful bass response. The inclusion of 12mm drivers and AKG tuning ensures that the earbuds deliver a rich and immersive sound experience. Considering their price range, the audio quality of the Galaxy Buds Live is a testament to their value for money.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature of the Galaxy Buds Live is also worth noting in terms of value. ANC enhances the listening experience by reducing external noise and allowing you to enjoy your audio content with greater immersion. While some high-end earbuds offer advanced ANC capabilities, the Galaxy Buds Live’s ANC performance remains highly competitive and provides excellent value considering their more affordable price tag.

In addition, the battery life of the Galaxy Buds Live is commendable for their price range. With up to 6 hours of continuous playback and an extra 15 hours from the charging case, these earbuds ensure that you can enjoy your audio content for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. The inclusion of fast charging and wireless charging capabilities further adds to their value and convenience.

Moreover, the Galaxy Buds Live’s seamless connectivity with Samsung devices and integration with voice assistants offer additional value. Samsung users can take advantage of the streamlined user experience and further personalize their audio control. This level of integration and convenience adds to the overall value proposition of the earbuds.

Considering the combination of design, sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, and connectivity features, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live provide excellent value for money. Their affordable price point makes them an attractive choice for those seeking high-performance earbuds without breaking the bank.

Overall Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer a compelling package that delivers on multiple fronts, making them a top choice in the true wireless earbud market. With their unique bean-shaped design, comfortable fit, and visually appealing aesthetic, these earbuds stand out from the competition.

The sound quality of the Galaxy Buds Live is impressive, with well-balanced audio reproduction, powerful bass response, and clear vocals. Combined with the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, this makes for an immersive and enjoyable listening experience, whether you’re on-the-go or in a noisy environment.

In terms of usability, the touch controls and intuitive operation of the Galaxy Buds Live provide convenient access to various features and functions. The seamless wireless connectivity and compatibility with Samsung devices further enhance the user experience, while the voice assistant integration allows for hands-free control and access to information.

The durability and water resistance of the Galaxy Buds Live add to their appeal, ensuring that they can withstand everyday wear and light exposure to moisture. Additionally, the impressive battery life and fast charging capability mean you can enjoy extended music playback without frequent interruptions.

Considering their price point, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer excellent value for money. They provide a great balance between features, performance, and affordability, making them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles and casual users alike.