Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro along with the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4. In the new design, they offer ANC, 24-bit audio with Samsung's own codec and already Bluetooth 5.3. Compared to the Galaxy Buds Pro, the new wireless in-ear headphones are 15 percent smaller at 19.9 × 21.6 × 18.7 mm.
Cross between Buds 2 and Buds Pro
The new design is closer to that of the Galaxy Buds 2 (test) than its direct predecessor, the older Galaxy Buds Pro (test). Due to the shape, which integrates the ear wings almost directly, they should also be suitable for sports without falling out of the ear. In terms of weight, the new Buds 2 Pro are between the two models at 5.5 grams per earphone – the Buds Pro weigh 6.3 grams, the Buds 2 5.0 grams. The same applies to the 43.4 gram charging case, the wireless Charging supported, but can also be charged via USB-C. The dimensions are almost unchanged, which also applies to the battery life. Without ANC, the Buds 2 Pro should be able to play music for up to 8 hours, with ANC it is reduced to up to 5 hours, as with the Buds Pro. Together with the charging case, a maximum of 29 hours is possible (18 with ANC). The battery in the earphones has a capacity of 61 mAh, in the charging case it is 515 mAh.
Samsung Seamless Codec for 24 bit/48kHz
In conjunction with the Samsung Seamless Codec HiFi (SSC HiFi), the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro support a sampling depth of 24 bits and a sampling rate of 48 kHz, which puts them above the typical CD quality of 16 bits and 44.1 kHz. However, only Samsung devices support the SSC and these require at least One UI 4.0. In addition, the playback app on the smartphone or tablet must support the higher resolution, which according to Samsung has been the case with Tidal, Spotify and Amazon Music so far. In addition to SSC HiFi, the Buds 2 Pro support the audio codecs AAC and SBC. Bluetooth 5.3 does not yet bring any important innovations for end customers, but in theory a better connection and longer battery life. Samsung has not yet announced support for LE Audio and LC3, which is why customers should not expect an update that unlocks this function.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro hands-on
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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro hands-on
Simulated surround sound with 360° audio is supported from One UI 3.1. The sound is adapted to the relative position of the head to the smartphone. If you turn your head but don't change the position of the smartphone, the position of the sound also adjusts accordingly.
3 microphones for the ANC
With active noise cancellation (ANC), the Buds 2 Pro also suppress outside noise. Compared to the Buds Pro, the ANC is said to have been improved. As with the Galaxy Buds 2 and Buds Pro, Samsung uses two microphones on the outside of the earphones and one microphone pointing inwards for the new model, so that the sound can be dynamically adjusted by checking which ambient noise is reaching the ear penetrate.
Two-way speaker
As with the Buds 2 and Buds Pro, Samsung again uses a two-way speaker that separates the tweeter and woofer. As usual, Samsung promises the best sound in the series with the new model.
Speech recognition for automatic transparency mode
For telephony, the new model again has the Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) from Samsung, which was also used in the Galaxy Buds Pro. It recognizes the user's voice and is designed to filter out unwanted background noise to ensure clear intelligibility. When speaking, the Buds 2 Pro will also temporarily switch to ambient mode and reduce media volume so conversations can be heard without having to remove the earbuds.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Bluetooth standard: 5.3 5.0 5.2 Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, SSC Operation: Touch Battery life of the earphones: 8.0/5.0 (ANC) h 7.5 /5.0 (ANC) h Battery life with charging case: 29.0 h 28.0 h 29.0 h Wireless charging: Yes ANC: Yes Single use: Yes IP certification: IPX7 IPX2 Weight per earphone/charging case only: 5.5 /43.4g 6.3/45.0g 5.0/41.5g USB charging port: USB-C Dimensions charging case: 50.1 × 50.2 × 27.7 mm 50.0 × 50.2 × 27.8 mm Price: 229 € from 105 € 149 €
Many sensors, benefits still unclear
With an acceleration, position, proximity and Hall sensor, Samsung again installs many sensors in the Buds 2 Pro. It is not yet known whether the proximity sensor will be used this time to automatically pause and resume playback when just one earphone is removed from the ear. With the Buds Pro, it was used to detect whether both earphones were inserted, since only then could ANC be activated. The wear detection for the automatic pausing of the predecessor only kicked in when you took both earphones out of your ears, and the playback didn't start again when you put them back in – it's to be hoped that Samsung handles this differently in the meantime.
Waterproof according to IPX7
Like the Buds Pro, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are protected against water according to IPX7, so they can also be temporarily submerged without being damaged. Samsung recommends submersion to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes in clear water. As usual, protection in salt water and other liquids, especially those containing soap or alcohol, is not guaranteed. In addition, the IPX7 certification does not apply to the charging case.
Auto Switch with Galaxy devices
In connection with Samsung's own Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro again support “Auto Switch”, i.e. automatic switching to the device currently being used without the user having to change the Bluetooth connection himself. For this, the Galaxy devices must be registered with the same Samsung account. Seamless switching between earphones and Samsung TV is also possible, but this is only available on Samsung TVs launched in February 2022 or later and in conjunction with the July 2022 firmware update. In connection with the TV, it can also only be used for calls.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro also offer some functions that can only be used with a Samsung device.
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Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (image: Samsung)
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Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (image: Samsung)
Pre-order for 230 euros, start at the end of August
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can be pre-ordered from Samsung starting today for EUR 229 in the colors Graphite, White and Bora Purple. Shipping and general availability beginning August 26.
ComputerBase received information about this item from Samsung under NDA at a manufacturer event in London. The costs for arrival, departure and hotel were borne by Samsung. There was no influence on the part of the manufacturer or an obligation to report. The only requirement was the earliest possible publication date.