Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Test

This is where the differences with Samsung smartphones are revealed. The South Korean manufacturer offers several exclusive functions of its headphones in combination with a smartphone from the same brand. Thus, the basic location of your headphones offered on Lambda Android smartphone turns into geolocation, as precise as with a smartphone ! The Galaxy Wear app offers the SmartThings Find function. It locates the right/left earpiece in the form of a Google Maps card geographically and individually. It even specifies the street and the probable number ! Everything is much easier with a Samsung smartphone. By opening, the case for the first time near a Samsung smartphone, the phone offers pairing. He will later suggest a connection, even if the Buds2 Pro have been paired with another device.

Test of the Galaxy Buds2 PRO: Samsung improves its ANC headphones but always ignores iOS

Always as compact, Buds2 Pro offer good quality sound, correct autonomy and effective noise reduction. It is just a shame that Samsung has not made more effort on the application, not available for iOS.

01net’s opinion.com

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

• + Very compact scouts and housing
• + Very good sound quality
• + Excellent active noise reduction

• – No application for iOS
• – Personalization of limited touch controls
• – Some functions are only available on Samsung devices

Comfort and autonomy

Dimensions and weights

Writing note

Note published on 06/09/2022

Technical sheet

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Model	True Wireless Intra-Auricular Helpers
Return of sound	Stereo
Active noise reduction system	Yes
Weight (with cord and batteries)	10 g

See the full file

After the Galaxy Buds2 (149 euros), which we tested last year, Samsung offers its Galaxy Buds2 Pro (229 euros). The term pro indicates that the active noise reduction (ANC) is more efficient and that the sound has been improved. This is what we will see ..

We appreciated the small size of the Galaxy Buds2. Samsung succeeds in doing the same with its buds2 pro which barely exceeds the ear and is 15 % smaller than the first generation of Galaxy Buds Pro. This does not prevent them from perfectly in place and being very comfortable to wear, choosing the right size of tips (three pairs are available). Good point, they are IPX7 certified and can therefore be used in the shower. In comparison, Buds2 only benefit from IPX2 certification.

Only downside, their rounded shape sometimes makes them a little difficult to remove from the ears. And we have triggered an order several times by touching the tactile zone inadvertently during this operation. Tactile controls are reactive and allow you to control reading and noise reduction, or even volume as we will see below.

Before going to listening tests, we send a lively criticism to Samsung. Depending on the smartphone you will use, you will not have access to all the functions of the headphones. Indeed, the Galaxy Wearable application is not available under iOS. And you will need a recent Samsung smartphone to access certain advanced functions (see below). Another criticism, the SWITCH auto function, equivalent to multipoint Bluetooth, allows you to connect two devices at the same time, but only works with Samsung devices (smartphone and tablet with at least oneui 3.1, Galaxy Watch watch from model 4 and even recent televisions). It is the same for quick pairing on smartphone and tablet. It is a shame that Samsung does not use Google’s fast peer, much more universal on Android smartphones.

A warm sound

Thanks to the use of two speakers (one for the bass and one for the treble), the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer excellent sound quality. We appreciated the very good rendering of the serious and the low mediums. But the treble is also there, which allows to have a detail. However, the sound is less neutral than that delivered by Apple AirPods Pro.

The headphones have the classic SBC and AAC audio codecs, but also play the high definition card with the SSC codec (Samsung Seamless Codec). Alas, as you guessed in the name, it is a proprietary codec in Samsung ! We asked the manufacturer of information on this codec, but did not learn much, except that it treats the sound on 24 bits instead of 16 bits. In addition, it only works with devices with one UI version 4.0 (or more). So we did a listening test with a Galaxy S22 smartphone, without seeing any blatant difference in sound quality. An observation that we have already made with the high definition codec LDAC.

You must also have a Samsung device to access the manufacturer’s audio 360 and benefit from 360 degree sound as in the cinema. This is now compatible with Dolby Atmos, as well as with multichannel 5 sound.1 and 7.1, if you have the One UI Surchase Version 4.1.1 or later. However, the feeling remains below what Apple’s spatial sound offers on its AirPods Pro, especially for sounds supposed to come from the rear.

A noise reduction at the height

Now let’s move on to no noise reduction with a test in the TGV first. It’s pure enchantment to no longer hear the sound of the train. Alas, you will still be entitled to the baby’s sound tips located in the same wagon as you, as well as the controller ads by speaker. In short, Samsung does not come up to the Quietcomfort Earbuds of Bose for the filtering of the voices. In the street, the two wheels are still slightly noticeable. And in the metro, anchored very good work, even if we still perceive the acute sounds which sometimes occur during accelerations. Note that listening to the surrounding sound is rather natural and that the return of the voice is satisfactory for telephone calls.

Autonomy: mixed assessment

We have measured autonomy with anc of 4 h 57 min for pro buds and 6 h 54 min for buds2. Do Buds2 Pro do better ? Unfortunately no, since the score falls at 5 h 35 min. In question, the former who consumes more energy than on buds2 and an unchanged battery. However, this value remains satisfactory and can even reach 8 h 17 min if you cut the noise reduction. According to Samsung, the load box allows you to reach a total of 18 hours. But we especially appreciated its small size which allows it to slide it easily in your pocket to transport it.

The case has an external diode to indicate its condition, but also an internal diode for headphones. It has a Type-C USB port for load, but also works in wirelessness thanks to Qi technology.

For some more functions

As we said above, iPhone and iPad users can do nothing more with headphones, because Samsung does not offer the Galaxy Wearable app. So let’s move on to (happy) owners of Android smartphones. Unpleasant surprise, it is not possible to adjust the power of the ANC, nor the level of the surrounding sound. The app has an equalizer with predefined settings, but still no manual mode, which is a shame.

We appreciate the header adjustment test function, which allows you to choose the right tip size, as well as voice detection. When you talk to an interlocutor, the headphones automatically activate the mode Its surrounding its and drop the volume of music. The normal mode returns after a period of 10 seconds without speaking, but you can change this value.

More surprising, the app offers a stretch reminders of the neck, which is triggered when you keep your head leaning down for more than 10 minutes. The app warns and offers you a stretch session, appreciable to avoid possible back pain, as well as the neck.

We were disappointed by the personalization of touch controls, just limited to prolonged support. You can choose between changing the ANC modes, using the voice assistant and volume control. But it is unfortunately not possible to manage both volume and noise reduction.

If you remove the two earphones from your ears, the music is automatically paused. But Samsung goes further and includes in the app a function that rocks a telephone call or a WhatsApp type audio conversation, on the smartphone speaker when you remove the Buds2 Pro. And if you insert them again in the ears, the call automatically makes on the earphones.

Finally, it is possible to ring the Buds2 Pro if you no longer know where you have put them, provided that they are within reach of your mobile device to communicate in Bluetooth. Practical for dizzy.

Technical sheet

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Model	True Wireless Intra-Auricular Helpers
Return of sound	Stereo
Active noise reduction system	Yes
Weight (with cord and batteries)	10 g

See the full file

• + Very compact scouts and housing
• + Very good sound quality
• + Excellent active noise reduction

• – No application for iOS
• – Personalization of limited touch controls
• – Some functions are only available on Samsung devices

The verdict of the test

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

The software part is the weak point of Samsung headphones with the absence of an iOS version, no manual fashion for the equalizer and personalization of too limited touch controls. It is all the more unfortunate that the Galaxy Buds2 pro appeal to their miniaturization, their warm sound rendering and their noise reduction which does very good work in public transport. We would also have liked that autonomy with ANC is higher, even if it remains greater than that of pro buds and first generation pro AirPods.

Note
writing

Test Samsung Buds2 Pro, premium headphones that take care of your ears … and you

The Galaxy S21 had the Samsung Buds Pro, the release of Flip and Fold 4 is accompanied by Buds2 Pro. A marriage of reason for these flagships of high -end mobility; considerable pressure for the Korean manufacturer. Comparison with Apple’s new premium model is inevitable. Has Samsung won his bet ? The answer is here.

• Price and availability
• Technical sheet
• Box design
• Headphones
• Headphones ergonomics
• App and features
• An active reduction in excellent noise
• A concert hall in the ears … with a Samsung device
• Autonomy
• Comments

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at the best price

The Samsung Buds Pro headphones had already delighted our tester and his ears. Almost 2 years later, Samsung unveils the new high -end standard of its headphones. Expectations are great. Not only do they constitute the essential accessory of owners of Samsung mobiles but they also aim to be a reference for the Android world in general. The Apple/Samsung rivalry being fierce, the South Korean chaebol must do as well if not better than the Cupertino firm. Faced with historical heavy goods vehicles like Bose, Devialet or Sennheiser, the task is most complex.

Price and availability

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at the best price

The Samsung Buds2 Pro headphones have been sold since the month of August 2022 at the public price of 229 euros. However, they are now found at a price of 199 euros on the manufacturer’s website and cheaper on the partner sites and stores. Compared to the Samsung Buds Pro, launched at the start of 2021, these high -end True Wireless headphones have not increased in terms of prices. In addition, its premium segment places them as a direct competitor of the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation sold at 299 euros. Apple having no hints in the Android ecosystem, Samsung constitutes is ostensibly like the “airpods” for the mobile google OS. Its phones being clearly optimized to operate with the earphones of the same brand.

Technical sheet

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Color	Anthracite, white, lavender
Weight	Headphones: 5.5 grams (x 2) Box: 43.4 grams
Size	Headphones: 21.6 x 19.9 x 18.7 mm (x 2) Box: 50.2 x 50.1 x 27.7 mm
Battery	Headphones: 61 mAh (x 2) Box: 515 mAh
Audio codec	AAC, SBC, SSC (Samsung owner)
Connectivity	USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3 with HFP, A2DP, AVRCP profiles Quick charge
Certification	IPX7

Box design

Apple retains its global case look for all its airpods, Samsung in fact the same. Rather than the introduction of headphones vertically, the Korean manufacturer prefers the jewel -style case. Maintaining headphones is slightly less guaranteed despite the presence of micro-like. It is slightly more compact than that of the old generation, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. The observation is the same regarding its weight. It is 7.4 g less than its alter ego airpods pro at Apple.

The case is made of plastic with a matt velvety coating. An orange electroluminescent diode indicates the load in a continuous manner and the availability in a flashing manner. It becomes green when the case is closed to point out that its battery still allows at least a load. Another LED inside the case testifies to the state of the headphones: green when they are loaded, orange when they are unloaded. On the back of this case, there is a disc slightly dug in the body of the case. It actually delimits the wireless loading area (see autonomy and load).

Headphones

To continue the comparison with the airpods, Apple invented and persisted the design “with crutch”, Samsung perpetuates the “bud” look. Compared to the previous generation, these Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are 15% more compact and 0.8 g lighter per earpiece. They always adopt organic forms, all in curves, but wear a satin coating, like that of the case. They are therefore much more discreet to wear since your ears no longer sparkle as soon as there is a strong light. Unlike the Samsung Buds Pro available in 4 colors, these Samsung Buds2 Pro are only offered in 3 shades: white, lavender and black. The silver color has thus disappeared.

In addition to the two classic metallic contacts for the load, an optical sensor detecting insertion is identified with. Three microphones are integrated into this tiny volume. The first is outside under a grid is served both for calls and the active reduction in ambient noise. The second point upwards, inside (the ear covers it) and is only used for the old. The third, still dedicated to the ANC, is hidden in the vent diffusing the sound and covered with a silicone tip.

The headphones are IPX7 certified. IPX7 certification ensures that these headphones are capable of resisting immersion in fresh water for 30 minutes. It is therefore possible to take a shower with these Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Be careful however, sea water or pool is strongly discouraged. Samsung does not provide a manufacturer’s warranty in the event of damage resulting from water resistance. In addition, the case is not certified IPX7. Note, also that the tips are more sophisticated than the majority of the other brands since they are equipped with a small grid, preventing the cermeanal of butcher the loudspeaker of the headphones.

Headphones ergonomics

These more compact bud headphones exceed much less from the ear pavilion. From their shape and lightness, they hold much better in your esgourdes. A set of 3 silicone tip sizes is supplied with the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. For 95% of users, there should not be a problem. Let’s just notice that Apple offers one more size. According to our tests, it seems that in the long run, these tips lose a little of their rigidity. It is not annoying for common stains, but more boring during physical efforts. It will probably be preferable to switch to the upper size to guarantee better resistance to theral.

If you have any doubts of insertion of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, the app suggests an “header adjustment test” to check that everything is in order. Personally, with the standard size (average) or the large size of tips, the software has considered correct adjustment.

App and features

Now let’s go to the application part of these Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The South Korean mastodon always sulks the American giant: there is no official iOS app to pilot your Samsung headphones. This is a bit like the shepherd’s answer to the shepherdess, Apple having planned anything for AirPods users on Android terminals. We will come back to this a little further. So rebelote (expression of baomers assumed), the installation of Galaxy Wear is essential. Compared to the Buds 2 model a year earlier, the app was more or less extensive for this high -end version.

In addition to the classic internal equalizer (with 5 personalized profiles), we find the classic triad of noise controls: active noise deletion, deactivated mode and its surrounding. The removal of noise also called anc (Active Noise Control) for English speakers always offers no variations, but is efficient as the next section. The deactivated mode suspends any software or hardware amplification of the ambient sound or attenuating on the contrary this. It is therefore the listening method to favor to increase the autonomy of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The surrounding sound mode uses the microphones of the headphones to amplify the sounds surrounding you. Indeed, like any object in your auditory duct, the headphones passively reduce the sound volume.

So this is the exact opposite of the old mode. This mode thus plays the role of hearing aids a bit. It does not compete in any way as the latter since the amplification does not take into account the weaknesses of your ear, by increasing the share of serious or treble for example. On the other hand, this mode is practical for listening to music or a video while remaining vigilant about its environment, for security reasons in particular. It is possible to personalize this amplification a little. A cursor increases or reduce the intensity of the surrounding sound on 5 levels. A cursor for each ear allows you to modulate a degree (-/+), the ambient sound volume.

For high -end headphones, Samsung has challenged AirPods Pro in terms of functionalities. Already, the headphones have optical sensors (indicated as tactile) which detect insertion in the ear. Then, the headphones control is carried out by touch controls. The allocation of controls is imperative. In other words, pause is only offered for simple support on a earpiece, but it is rather logical, unlike the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro for example.

Note, moreover, that the earphones accept checks (response/end a call, refuse call) for phones while buds 2 did not offer it. These Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro proposes to automatically activate the surrounding sound during a telephone call to improve the comfort of the user (and incidentally prevent him from screaming on the phone in a public place). To stay in the phone game, an option rocks calls on headphones even if they are not housed in your ears.

In addition, several check boxes make it possible to personalize the “reading aloud notifications” in the headphones, even if you already handle the smartphone. To improve the comfort of its users, the Korean manufacturer has implemented a deactivable function of good ergonomic practice. As soon as you stay prostrate forward on your phone for more than 10 minutes, an alert signals you to stretch. It may seem completely gadget, but back pain is often presented as the evil of the century. The desktop work in front of a computer, the teleworking did not help anything. And the compulsive attitude to bend the spine in front of its smartphone produces terrible effects.

In practice, while watching a video or listening to music, listening gets a break and the message “it’s time to stretch your neck” is whispered. A notification also appears on the smartphone screen. The app even tells you how to relax your back ! A saving function whose trigger is not guaranteed 100%. So, by remaining motionless for 10 minutes, leaning on an Android phone, the app has not reacted. There is also a function that mute for 5, 10 or 15S the sound disseminated in your Buds2 pro as soon as you speak. This avoids going through the break via a touchscreen on smartphone or earpiece. And it is devilishly practical for short exchanges, for example.

There are also other functions exclusive to high -end models, such as previous Samsung Buds Pro. Thus, the surrounding sound during the calls can be deactivated, even if it improves the comfort of the calls. The location of headphones is also offered. On Android smartphone, it consists of showing a simple croissant beep. In terms of accessibility, Galaxy Wear keeps its cursor to increase the balance between left and right. However, he improves listening to a single earpiece. Usually the ANC and even the transparent mode are deactivated if the two headphones are not inserted. With this option, the listener can take advantage of any listening mode on one ear. In addition, the amplification of the surrounding sound can be automatically activated. All these small features put end to end distinguish ordinary headphones from high -end headphones. Samsung cares about all particularities to offer a tailor-made experience.

This is where the differences with Samsung smartphones are revealed. The South Korean manufacturer offers several exclusive functions of its headphones in combination with a smartphone from the same brand. Thus, the basic location of your headphones offered on Lambda Android smartphone turns into geolocation, as precise as with a smartphone ! The Galaxy Wear app offers the SmartThings Find function. It locates the right/left earpiece in the form of a Google Maps card geographically and individually. It even specifies the street and the probable number ! Everything is much easier with a Samsung smartphone. By opening, the case for the first time near a Samsung smartphone, the phone offers pairing. He will later suggest a connection, even if the Buds2 Pro have been paired with another device.

In addition, it will indicate by a small sign the condition of the batteries. Samsung even suggests a specific widget, bringing together the condition of the batteries (box + headphones), noise controls and the activation of touch controls. Phone settings are also increased. You can choose to automatically make telephone calls on Buds2 Pro, for example. The auto switch functionality facilitates the connection between Samsung devices, not just smartphone and tablet, but also TV or connected Galaxy Watch watch, as long as the Bluetooth is activated. These functions exclusive to Samsung smartphones are purely technical, but the audio 360 (its space) is an incredible comfort (read below A concert hall in the ears … with a Samsung device)). Who says better ?

An active reduction in excellent noise

Passive insulation of silicone tips is already satisfactory, like most True Wireless headphones. Samsung does not give figures on improving its active reduction system of the surrounding noise. According to our tests, this is one of the best on the market. The noises are halved as soon as the “active deletion of noise” mode is engaged, while no music is read ! By listening to medium volume music, the external noises disappear miraculously. The ANC system developed by Samsung/AKG (Samsung subsidiary) works perfectly on the voices (mediums), but also on the treble (metallic grinks) or serious (breath, wind, etc.). No need to set up the volume and damage the eardrums to isolate yourself from your environment, concentrate or simply enjoy your music.

A concert hall in the ears … with a Samsung device

In terms of acoustics, the Samsung Buds 2, of mid -range, had already satisfied us a little over a year ago. The high -end Samsung Buds Pro had delighted us at the start of 2021. The Samsung Buds2 Pro manage to do even better. Whatever the terminal (Android, iOS, Windows …), the sound is excellent. As often on True Wireless headphones, voices and more generally the mediums are well restored. But, the difference with entry headphones and medium -siders is at the level of the treble and especially serious.

The treble is easier to produce with small devices, but these Samsung headphones diffuse treble of electric guitars or sharp synthesizers like arrows. The bass is surprising. The lows of houses with house rhythms or jazzy strings sound wonderfully well. Each voice or instrument is clear and well detailed. Obviously, the quality of your “source” music is essential. Android phones benefiting from a Dolby Atmos or equivalent amplification will be privileged.

This sound quality is explained on the material level, but also software. First, the Korean manufacturer has established three types of speakers to correspond to the major frequencies of the human ear. But the sound rendering is very different depending on whether you listen from a simple Android smartphone, a Samsung or Apple terminal. The app and the source device are decisive. On Android phone, the app clearly amplifies your mp3, flac or streams (Spotify, Deezer, etc.). By choosing “amplifier. Bass “or” dynamic “, the notes slam like lashes. Unfortunately, the codec used for Bluetooth transmission will be AAC with a quality of 44.1 kHz sampled in 16 bits and a maximum flow of 250 kbps. We are far from HD sound praised by advertisements ..

To fully exploit the full potential of these Samsung Buds2 Pro, it is therefore imperative to have a Samsung smartphone or tablet powered by One UI 4.0. It’s binding, but in the ears, it’s really sound nirvana. Already, the codec used becomes the SSC (Samsung Seamless Hifi Codec), the Samsung Scalable Codec boosted in Kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage). This HD coder/decoder authorizes a sampling rate of 48 kHz on 24 bits (higher than the good old compact disc). With an HD sound source, ideally Lossless (without loss), whether it is room (Alac, Flac, Ogg, etc.) or streaming (Deezer Hi-Fi, Spotify Premium, Qobuz …), music will only be more beautiful.

The latest Samsung smartphones offer the UHQ (Ultra High Quality) function that will smooth your sound curve, a bit like anticrelange on images. This parameter exists on high -end models (z flip, s), but also on entry -level such as the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G recently tested. The treble and the treble are even better returned without going through the equalizer manual of the app or the Dolby Atmos amplification.

And yet, the Asian equipment supplier manages to supplant the amplification of the American specialist Dolby with its 360 audio option. This is the equivalent of Apple’s space audio. By activating this box (exclusive to Samsung smartphones), you no longer listen to music, you are completely immersed in a torrent of notes. Music literally envelops you by turning your head. All your music has a hitherto unsuspected dimension.

Even more than with HD sound, the headphones seem to boost steroids to produce abyssal serious and crystalline treble. The acoustic rendering is impressive with music, but even more surprising by watching videos (correctly encoded). No need to increase the volume to feel the music, Audio 360 does the job. The Samsung Buds2 Pro do as well if not better than the Apple AirPods Pro, for 100 euros less. If the Dolby Atmos amplification was checked, it will be automatically deactivated if Audio 360 is triggered.

As much as the acoustic quality of these Samsung Buds2 Pro is excellent, as much the latency remains a black point, despite Bluetooth 5.3. The video game offset or video playback with an ordinary player is light but sensitive. With the majority of VOD platform apps, compensation will be automatic and the imperceptible latency.

Autonomy

With a lightened factor and increased functional wealth, the question of autonomy arises. According to our tests with a Samsung smartphone (volume always 50%), it is more than respectable: 8 hours without active noise reduction ! Not bad when you know that the capacity of headphones is the same on Buds pro or buds2, that is to say 61 mAh. By activating noise elimination, electrical independence goes at 5:10 am listening. In fact, listening with anc proclaimed lasts 4:30 and as soon as one of the earpieces batteries drops below 5%, the ANC mode is disabled. The headphones still operate approximately 40 minutes (with ancient mode and transparency deactivated).

Headphones consume about 12% battery (7.3 mAh) per hour. With the reduction in noise activated, we are rather at 21% battery per hour. In comparison with the Rivaux AirPods Pro, it is less good with the ANC but better without. Recall that the ANC and the Audio 360 are very greedy in Electricity Fairy. In use with an iPhone (with AAC codec), electricity consumption will lean on the side of the low range since the ANC is not supported, the app iOS does not exist.

Global autonomy is even better thanks to the box. Its capacity increases by 43 mAh compared to the previous generation (Buds Pro and Buds2) to reach 515 mAh. The load of headphones consuming approximately 25% of the battery of the case, the latter is therefore able to make 4 recharges: 32 hours of listening without anc, 18h with old. In total, with the earphones already loaded, theoverall autonomy climbs to 40 hours of listening without old and at 10:30 p.m. with former. Excellent autonomy, which has nothing to envy to the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen or the Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 or to the Sony Linkbuds S.

The headphones on standby and out of their box consume approximately 2.5% per hour. A beep sounds when the battery of a earpiece reaches the 20%, 10% and 5% level. The load via the USB-C cable of the case is possible. In 40 minutes it is loaded at 50% but it takes 1h40 to load it 100%. The wireless load of the case is also offered. In 30 minutes, only 20% will be recharged while a full recharging will take 2h23.