Home Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: Release Date, Features, Rumours and Leaks

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: Release Date, Features, Rumours and Leaks

TL:DR

  • The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro may feature a design similar to AirPods, including a stem and angular edges.
  • Both models are expected to offer ANC, 24-bit/96 kHz sound, 360-degree audio, and improved battery life, with Pro having advanced features.
  • AI capabilities are anticipated, possibly with Google Gemini or Galaxy AI support, and the reveal is likely at Unpacked on July 10.

It’s almost two years since we were introduced to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, and now we’re hearing more and more about plans for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

To date, Samsung has struggled to compete alongside Apple, Sony and Bose for sound quality in the wireless earbud market. As a result, rumors and leaks are currently pointing toward a number of drastic changes for the third-generation Galaxy Buds.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: What we know so far

Design changes, active noise canceling, improved battery life, hi-res audio and, most interestingly, AI capabilities are the order of the day when it comes to news surrounding the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

Design

Previous editions of the Galaxy Buds 3 have taken on a bulbous design without a stem, making them quite distinctive against their competitors. However, according to recent leaks, Samsung may be about to completely switch up their design by moving towards a more Apple AirPods style look.

An image posted by a South Korean retail site, via SamMobile, portrays buds that look remarkably similar to the AirPods, while the charging case is also very similar to Apple’s.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
Image: Coupang

The introduction of a stem for the first time on the Galaxy Buds 3 helps with the similarities, for sure, but Samsung appears to have gone for a more angular design to help set them apart from Apple’s smoother edges.

In this particular image, the Galaxy Buds 3 are a metallic/silver color, while we don’t yet know for sure if there will be other colors available, although Android Headlines are reporting that there may be two colors available: Silver and White.

Specs & Features

According to Android Headlines, we can expect a one-way speaker in the Buds 3 and a two-way speaker in the Buds 3 Pro.

The Pro version will also likely feature adaptive noise control, blade lights and ambient sound. The standard Galaxy Buds 3 will not include any of those features. What are blade lights? No one really knows at the moment.

The two things that will be available on both versions of the Buds 3 are Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ultra High-Quality Sound with 24 bit/96 kHz. That will really improve the sound quality compared to previous generations, especially when listening via a Samsung smartphone.

Both versions will offer support for 360-degree audio and will, as standard, have an IP57 durability rating. On top of that, they’ll both offer 5.4 Bluetooth protocol and Auto Switch, which allow users to seamlessly switch between listening on multiple Galaxy devices via Bluetooth multipoint.

Battery Life

Android Headlines’ report suggests the Galaxy Buds 3 will last for five hours with ANC on, while you’ll get six hours with ANC on with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. You’ll be able to get an extra hour of battery life on each with ANC switched off.

The charging cases will be slightly different in size for both, with the Buds 3 offering up to 24 hours of battery life and the Buds 3 Pro giving us 30 hours.

AI Features

Perhaps one of the most anticipated features of the Galaxy Buds 3 is the introduction of AI capability. Samsung went heavy with AI features on the new Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone, so it’s no real surprise that rumors suggest they intend to extend that to their wireless buds range.

These rumors are being fueled by a post on Samsung’s own community forum, via Tom’s Guide, which features what appears to be marketing material that says the Buds 3 range will be “where audio meets AI.”

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
Image: AffinityNexa/Samsung

What this means exactly remains to be seen, but perhaps the Buds 3 will have Google Gemini and or Galaxy AI support, which will make it easier for users to interact with these features without having to take their Galaxy smartphone out of their pocket.

When will the Galaxy Buds 3 be released?

The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were launched at Samsung’s Unpacked event on July 10, alongside the Samsung Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch 7 and more.

They became available to buy on July 24, 2024.

How much will the Galaxy Buds 3 cost?

The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro cost $249, which is more than the 2022 Buds 2 Pro.

Featured Image: Coupang

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James Jones
Journalist

James Jones is a highly experienced journalist, podcaster and digital publishing specialist, who has been creating content in a variety of forms for online publications in the sports and tech industry for over 10 years. He has worked at some of the leading online publishers in the country, most recently as the Content Lead for Snack Media's expansive of portfolio of websites, including Football Fancast.com, FootballLeagueWorld.co.uk and GiveMeSport.com. James has also appeared on several national and global media outlets, including BBC News, talkSPORT, LBC Radio, 5 Live Radio, TNT Sports, GB News and BBC’s Match of the Day 2. James…

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