Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I tried both

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Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I tried both - here's who should upgrade Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro debuted with a new bud-and-stem design, and now, the company's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro double down on that design with a more polished look. The blade aesthetic is out for elevated brushed nickel accents. In the process, Samsung also upgraded its sound quality, ANC performance, and comfort. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro can take on industry heavyweights, including the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2. Also: I found true AirPods Pro rivals in these Samsung earbuds - and they're better in several ways But should you still consider the last-gen Galaxy Buds 3 Pro? And what's exactly new with the latest model? I wore them for five days to find out. Here's which pair of earbuds you should purchase this season. Specifications | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | | | Battery life | 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case | 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case | | IP rating | IP57 (dust protected and waterproof; earbuds only) | IP57 (dust protected and waterproof; earbuds only) | | Additional features | Real-Time Interpreter, Bluetooth Super Wideband; voice commands, Siren Detect; LE Audio | Real-Time Interpreter, Bluetooth Super Wideband; voice commands, Head Gestures; LE Audio | | Price | $250 | $250 | You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if… 1. You want the best sound from Samsung Both Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Buds 3 Pro sound great, but the new iteration has more character. The Buds 4 Pro's sound is more balanced than that of Bose and Sony, thanks to a new 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6.1mm planar magnetic tweeter with better tuning this year. Review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro The Buds 4 Pro have less treble emphasis than their predecessors. You can always adjust the EQ to fine-tune your experience, but the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver a wider, airier soundstage that's more enjoyable. They are the best-sounding Samsung earbuds yet. 2. ANC performance is important to you The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro delivered solid ANC performance, but they didn't compare to the flagship earbuds from Bose, Sony, and Apple. That's changed this year; the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer improved ANC performance, which is on par with the AirPods Pro 3. The fourth-gen Samsung earbuds dampen lower frequencies, such as the hum of automotive engines and air conditioners, very well. I also loved its ambient mode, which sounds more natural than last year's model. 3. You like more premium-looking earbuds Samsung's blade design with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro didn't last long (RIP… I liked it). The angular blade design was succeeded by a more mainstream-looking Buds 4 Pro. You get a flat stem with a polished finish and easier-to-use controls. These look more premium and classy than their predecessors. Also: Bose just gave me a compelling reason to put my AirPods Pro away for good I loved Galaxy Buds 3 Pro's half-transparent case, and that design element is still present on the Buds 4 Pro, albeit in a new shape. The new Samsung earbuds are more pocketable, thanks to a smaller case, but they'll both fit your jeans' penny pocket. 4. You want the latest features Both Samsung earbuds have a similar feature set, including spatial audio and head gestures. However, if you have a One UI 8.5-running Galaxy phone, you can take advantage of a few new features on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. For instance, you get Bluetooth 6.1 support (versus Bluetooth 5.4 on Buds 3 Pro), Seamless codec support with 24-bit/96kHz audio (on compatible Galaxy phones), and impressive noise reduction during calls. You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if… 1. You like an unorthodox look The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro weren't for everybody, thanks to their LED-equipped design and sharp edges. But I'm sure it appeals to some consumers. If you're one of them and want a pair of Samsung earbuds with a gamer vibe, the Buds 3 Pro are for you. 2. You can find them on sale The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro cost $249. While they undercut the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 and Sony XM6 earbuds, they aren't cheap. If you want a more affordable pair of flagship earbuds, keep an eye out for deals on the last-gen Buds 3 Pro. They're still a good deal if you can find them at around $180. Writer's choice The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro might seem like an iterative upgrade, but for me, they've been a significant step up from the last generation of Samsung earbuds. They fit me better, and I prefer the polished metal look to the all-plastic, sharp angles of the Buds 3 Pro. The fourth-gen earbuds are also easier to control and offer significant improvement in voice calls; pair this with their exceptional sound and ANC performance, and you have a winner.