Review of Samsung Galaxy Buds Live headphones with advantages and disadvantages

Who as a child did not imagine being a secret agent after the next James Bond film? A camera built into glasses, a pen that turns into a grenade when pressed awkwardly, or wireless, almost imperceptible, headphones that the protagonist pompously corrects during the mission? It's time for bright images to become reality with Samsung.

The Korean brand at the beginning of August, 2020 announced Galaxy Buds Live earphones. Without waiting for the official start of sales, they have already spread all over the Internet due to their unusual shape, as well as their unique sound. Are they really that good? Will terry luxury and fashion for AirPods be given a head start? Let's find out right now!

Design

The design of the novelty is truly unusual.Headphones are something between vacuum models and earbuds, and despite the ridiculous comparison with beans (from English Beans), these Galaxy Buds Live are captivating.

Of the main features - the absence of ear pads. That is, the sound does not directly affect the eardrums, but is scattered, thereby not impairing hearing.

Another “+” is hidden here for those who are tired of losing rubber lotions!

The second feature is the universal size and low weight. On the representative's website, the dimensions of the Galaxy Buds Live are stated - 0.6 x 2.73 x 1.5 cm, with a weight of 5.6 grams (each earbud). The cover is made of durable plastic with a glossy finish. The streamlined shape allows them to confidently stay in the ear, additionally insuring a small notch that clings to the tragus (cartilaginous protrusion). For sports, the Korean brand has equipped the model with Wingtips and sweat resistance. Thus, you do not have to worry about the safety of the headphones during difficult exercises or running. Can AirPods do that?

Wireless headphones are suitable for both men and women, and children. At the same time, they will not look bulky in the ear. Everything is like in spy movies!

Equipment

The packaging of the headphones is also miniature (even too much). It includes:

• Standard USB cable;
• Talon, certificates;
• Flip case.

An adapter is not required, as the headphones support charging through the portable panel that comes with the kit. Case for Galaxy Buds Live adapts to any luggage conditions. Its dimensions are 5 x 5.2 x 2.78 cm. The developers took into account the mistakes of previous versions, so the mounts on the cover with magnetic stripes became tighter. Thus, there is no need to be afraid that the case will open in your pocket and the lid will break.

There are three possible colors available: white, nude beige/pink and black. They completely repeat the design of the upcoming Samsung Note 20 Ultra smartphone and, according to the brand, work most smoothly with this particular model.

Characteristics

Battery

When active, each earpiece conducts:

• 7 hours of continuous music listening;
• 6 hours with noise canceling on.

However, if you turn off most of the functions, such as ANC, then the model will last 1-1.5 hours longer.

The battery capacity of the flip case is 472 mAh, thus extending the life of the Galaxy Buds Live by 21 hours. A small indicator inside the case indicates the pairing of the headphones (red - they are not working, green - Bluetooth is on), and you can see the data in percentage by installing a special application.

Operating Instructions

You can use the model both using the touch cover on the headphones, and through the official application. The huge advantage of Galaxy Buds Live is that both methods are intuitive, so getting used to the accessory is not difficult.

In the first case, a number of standard commands are used. For example, when you double-tap the earpiece, the music turns on / off. Single touch - noise reduction. They also react if they are pulled out of the ear.

The second, more practical way is to download the special Galaxy Wearable program. When you connect Galaxy Buds Live to a Samsung smartphone, you will be redirected to the download link (weight no more than 5 MB).In other cases, you will have to search for the application manually.

The information is presented in sufficient detail, users with smart watches will not have any problems at all. The program displays the battery level and basic settings. Such as ringtones, volume (equalizer), voice signals, etc.

About the charge level and connection

As for charging, to check the condition of the battery you need:

1. Put both earbuds into the case and close it;
2. Look in the Galaxy Wearable "Battery" section for data.

How to know Galaxy Buds Live are paired and ready to use:

1. Put on charged headphones, touch the surface and do not let go until a characteristic sound signal. Then you can start using.
2. The same procedure is carried out when switching off.

Pairing

Like all modern models, Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are paired with phones via Bluetooth at least version 5.0. At the same time, they are synchronized with many popular brands. In addition to Samsung: Chinese - Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Honor, etc., as well as American - Apple.

Find out where the phone suddenly disappeared only at a distance of 10 meters. This is the maximum possible distance for pairing!

Sound features

Of course, Bluetooth headphones still lose to wired ones in sound quality. Although they are easier to wear and more durable. If we talk about the possibilities of Galaxy Buds Live, then the developers have carried out extensive work on the bugs. The mids have become more detailed, and users also noted good bass. The upper frequencies sound decently only at medium volume, with an increase they naturally begin to break down.It should be noted that when comparing the model with a wired accessory during a conversation, it turned out to be an order of magnitude louder, the words sound articulate.

The maximum frequency is 20,000 Hz. Minimum - 20 Hz.

The unique shape of the Galaxy Buds Live hasn't gone unnoticed either. Due to the fact that the device is adjacent to the ear, and does not direct the sound directly into it, the sound becomes much muffled. On the other hand, the Korean brand has installed 3 microphones in the "beans" for better noise reduction, for example, in public transport, an airplane, a noisy room.

This disadvantage easily turns into 2 advantages at once! Firstly, headphones do not damage hearing, like vacuum ones, and are also safer. It's better to hear a honking car than an explosive chorus.

Comparison with cheap and expensive models

In order to objectively consider all the possibilities of the novelty, let's compare the model with the most popular accessories of different price categories.

Why is the Galaxy Buds Live better than the 2nd generation Apple AirPods?

First of all, the Samsung model is newer and more economical (a difference of several thousand). Also in the Apple device is a flimsy case, the lid of which loosens after 2-3 months of wear. Among the advantages of the Korean novelty are:

• Active noise cancellation;
• The charge lasts 1 hour longer;
• Sweat resistant;
• Better fit in the ear, less risk of loss.

Advantages of AirPods:

• Lighter by 3.2 grams;
• Higher volume;
• Better equalizer.

As you can see, trendy headphones are already losing to Samsung. They are less adapted to different types of activity, while fragile and have every chance of falling out of the ear.

Compare budget Xiaomi Redmi AirDots with Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Surprisingly, the Chinese brainchild is much more competitive than the Americans.Just like in the first case, Samsung pushes ahead due to its novelty (2020 vs 2019), as well as brand new features:

• Suppresses noise directly while listening to music;
• Longer battery life (headphones last 2 hours more);
• Charges in a non-contact way;
• Better high and mid frequencies sound.

However, budget headphones have the following advantages:

• Waterproof, can be used in the rain;
• 7.1 grams lighter;
• Higher battery capacity (80 mAh vs 60 mAh);
• Passive noise cancellation (mute without music).

Thus, for users who are not chasing trends, Xiaomi Redmi AirDots and Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are more suitable. However, the latter are much more comfortable to wear and sound better.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Unusual shape;
• Beautiful design;
• Strong and compact case;
• Works with many famous brands;
• Holds a charge for a long time;
• Easy interface;
• Charging via dock. station;
• Competes with luxury devices;
• Does not damage ear canals.

• Not waterproof;
• Loose fit to the ear;
• Can only cancel noise while listening to music.

Bottom line and price

The approximate date of arrival of Samsung Galaxy Buds Live headphones on sale in the CIS is August 20. Estimated price varies between 10-12 thousand rubles.

Let's do a quick question:

Who is the device suitable for? Everyone without exception. Universal size, popular colors and a nice price for a large number of functions will melt everyone's heart. They will be a great gift for children who care about fashion trends, for young people who are always in a hurry, as well as for older people. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live have an interesting design, which adds to the image of solidity.

Are they suitable for sports? Undoubtedly. They're sweat-resistant, have a secure fit so they don't fall out while you run, and have a large battery.

Are they worth their money? In the Comparisons section, we found out that the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are superior to Apple in many ways. So yes, the sound quality (wide range) and easy setup are really worth the price.

Have a nice, and most importantly successful shopping!