Along with the latest generation of folding screen smartphones, Samsung also presents a number of wearables that are right to accompany the new flagship. One of them is the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which is the successor of the previous Pro variant, which is now more pro.
Yes, when the Galaxy Buds 2 was launched some time ago, Samsung confirmed that the TWS earphones were not the successor to the first Galaxy Buds Pro, but instead came to replace the Galaxy Buds +. However, not a few people actually choose the affordable option, because the designed (and proven) design is much more comfortable.
Perhaps on this basis, Samsung presents the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with a very identical design, and improves the features in it both software and hardware. Making it a TWS earphone that can provide a complete package, not only audio quality, but also with intelligent ANC. Here’s the review.
Design
Both the design of the charging case and the earbuds of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are designed almost exactly the same as the non-Pro variant. The most noticeable difference is the presence of black accents on the surface of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s earbuds—possibly additional sensors to activate a number of additional features. The color options are also similar, namely Bora Purple, White, and Graphite which I reviewed this time.
With a matte surface material, both the case and the earbuds are equally able to “muffle” the appearance of fingerprints. Because it’s rough, putting the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro case into a trouser pocket feels a little difficult—as is the case with smartphones that are wearing soft silicone cases. The case itself is quite small with a square design.
I personally prefer the case design of the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 , which, although it’s wider and similar to the AirPods Pro, is slimmer. The opening and closing mechanism feels solid, as does the magnet when placing the earbuds in the case. There is only an indicator light, while to activate pairing mode, just touch and hold both earbuds together.
If you are the first Buds Pro user and complain about the uncomfortable design (plus a glossy surface that gets dirty quickly), don’t worry, you are not alone. Not a few users on Reddit have complained about the same thing, then feel very relieved when they have moved to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Oh yes, to my ears, the latest Samsung earphones are a bit less fitting when used during sports. Even with the proper eartips on, I had to fix them after a few minutes of running. My guess is that there is no wingtip like in the Buds Plus series. Of course this experience can be different from others.
Feature
To provide even more effective cancellation of external noise, each Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbud is supported by three microphones—two on the outside, one on the inside. Compared to other earphones in its price class, the ANC on this device is quite effective at reducing outside noise, as well as the sound of the wind blowing. Even without the ANC level setting option.
While the transparent mode aka ambient mode on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is still not on the same level as the AirPods Pro, but it’s comfortable to activate when you want to talk without having to remove the earbuds. Well, related to this, there is a feature that I think is very easy, namely Voice Detect.
This is the first time I know of a feature like this that is present in Sony’s earphones. If it’s activated via the Galaxy Wearable app, you can directly chat with other people, and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will automatically turn off ANC and activate ambient mode. Done talking? 10 seconds later, ANC will reactivate automatically.
How about the microphone quality for making calls? The sound can be heard clearly with minimal noise, although sometimes the sound turns a bit robotic—my guess is due to the noise-canceling algorithm. When used in a cafe with a slightly loud background music, the sound will sound a bit low, so you have to speak a little louder.
Operation
Despite the smaller, lighter and simpler design of the earbuds, the control options are still as much as the previous generation—for me personally, this is an attractive selling point. Everything can be customized, both single tap, double tap, triple tap and touch and hold, left and right.
Still lacking? You can activate the shortcut for volume control by tapping the tip of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro close to the front of the ear—it takes some practice to find the right tap position. Samsung also seems to have set the sensitivity level, you don’t have to worry about pressing it while adjusting the position of the earbuds in the ear (at least rarely).
There are tons of extra options to be found via the Galaxy Wearable app. I didn’t activate 360 audio myself because, for me, it didn’t sell anything. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can also read out incoming notifications, to remind users to stretch their neck occasionally when needed. And of course, it supports seamless earbud connection, for easy switching of devices without having to disconnect first.
If you use the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can be connected to two devices at once, such as tablets and smartphones. When you’re listening to music from your tablet and a call comes in on your smartphone, just tap the earphone and it will automatically go to the voice call. When finished, it automatically resumes playing music from the tablet.
Unfortunately, until now there is still no special application for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for iOS. I myself was confused, because the previous series existed. It should only take time, and before it is available, you are forced to do the settings on your Android smartphone first.
Audio Quality
Similar to the previous generation and including the standard version of the Buds 2, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has dual drivers on each earbud. Consisting of a separate woofer and tweeter, in theory the output that can be produced should be better. Moreover, now it supports high codecs via 24 bit Hi-Fi.
Unfortunately, this feature is only available when connected to a Samsung smartphone, and will activate automatically, unlike activating the LDAC or aptX feature in the Settings menu of most Android smartphones. Is it a significant difference compared to when connected to an iPhone? I don’t think, for many people, that’s the extent of the difference.
With the small size of the earbuds, the sound output is significantly better than the non-Pro version. The sound is wider, each instrument from Rex Orange County’s It’s Not The Same Anymore perfectly audible, including the thumping bass in the music that isn’t overpowering but not subdued either.
On the Galaxy Buds Plus, I had to change the EQ preset to dynamic so that the sound output wasn’t too warm. That’s not the case with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which I think has been made more neutral to suit most types of music. In short, quite satisfactory in its class. And don’t worry about not being able to enjoy the 24-bit Hi-Fi feature when using a non-Samsung device, because the difference is minor—at least to my ears.
Battery
Although the design is relatively small and has two drivers in each earbud, Samsung can still provide quite long battery life through the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. As claimed, when activating the ANC feature, this earphone can be used for almost 5 hours. The total time with the case itself is claimed to be up to 18 hours.
Not the most economical, indeed. But at least when the ANC is turned off, the durability can increase to 8 hours. It is enough for long flight times or long distance trains. The charging process is also flexible, it can be via the USB-C port or wirelessly from a supported flagship smartphone.
Charging the earbuds and case with the cable takes about 80 minutes. Meanwhile, if you use a wireless charger, of course it will take longer. At least there is a practical option when it comes to charging without using cables.
Conclusion
Since 2020, I’ve personally used the Galaxy Buds Plus as the mainstay of my daily TWS earphones. The reason? Reliable connectivity, full range of gesture options and a very long battery life. When you switch to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, it feels like everything is being upgraded. Both in audio quality, comfort, and of course the ANC feature.
Regarding the battery, at least the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can be made durable by turning off the ANC feature. Because I use two Android & iPhone smartphones every day, the absence of an application for iOS is not a significant problem, but only occasionally. But if you only use iPhone, of course it can be a problem in itself.
