Galaxy Buds Pro bring fresh features, tight integration to Samsung phones

After months of leaks and tons of hype, Samsung has finally launched the Galaxy S21 series, with improved performance, an all-new design, and more. Alongside the phones, however, Samsung also launched other new devices — like the Bluetooth-tracking SmartTags, and the new Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds.

You might assume that the new earbuds are simply an upgraded version of the Galaxy Buds Live that Samsung launched alongside the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Instead, they offer a fresh true wireless design, along with a series of high-end features that should appeal to any Galaxy user that wants a pair of portable earbuds.

The headphones come in a small and very portable charging case, along with an ergonomic design that’s aimed at offering a comfortable fit. The buds also have an IPX7 water resistance rating in case you sweat or get caught in the rain.

As you would expect, the headphones also offer a series of smart features, both to improve audio quality and to help ensure the headphones better integrate with your other devices. Notably, the Buds Pro offer noise-cancellation that Samsung says can reduce background noise by up to 99% — and you can tune the ANC to your preferred level. They also offer an Ambient Sound mode, which can amplify outside sounds for things like having a conversation. And the headphones can intelligently switch between those modes by detecting when you’re speaking.

The headphones integrate with the rest of your Galaxy tech too, even though many of these features are taken directly from Apple. For example, they can automatically switch between your Galaxy phones and tablets, and if you get a call on your phone when watching a video on your tablet, your video will automatically pause so you can take a call with the buds on your phone.

The headphones also offer 360 Audio, which is built with Dolby Head Tracking technology. Essentially Samsung’s take on Apple’s Spatial Audio, the feature should help you get a surround sound experience in a pair of stereo headphones. Last but not least, the Galaxy Buds Pro support Samsung’s new SmartThings Find, which helps you locate each individual bud if you lose it, even if they’re no longer connected to Bluetooth.

The Galaxy Buds Pro headphones offer 8 hours of continuous battery life, with an additional 20 hours of use with the charging case, without ANC. With ANC, you’ll get only 5 hours of continuous use, with an extra 13 hours thanks to the charging case — though that’s still not bad.

The headphones are now available from Samsung for $200 and will be available from other retailers starting on January 15. Samsung also intends to keep the Galaxy Buds Live and even the older Galaxy Buds+ in the market, for those who are more price-conscious.