#transparencymode

okay but can we talk about how Samsung just casually dropped the actual earbuds of the year while everyone was arguing about the base Samsung Galaxy S26 and obsessing over the privacy screen on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 😭

like??? hello????

they released the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and barely made a scene about it. i’ve been using the Buds 4 Pro for a few days and i’m just gonna say it:

these are incredible. like… better-than-AirPods Pro incredible.

and yes i KNOW most people aren’t cross-shopping AirPods and Galaxy Buds. different ecosystems. different tribes. whatever. but as a performance benchmark? they clear.

design: cube case supremacy

new case design. little cube. tinted clear lid. magnetic snap that hits just right. satisfying in a way that makes your brain go “yes.”

still super pocketable

wireless charging

USB-C

pairing button

buds drop in easily once you get the motion down

the buds themselves finally got a redesign too. from the front in white they kinda give AirPods energy (all earbuds are just evolving toward “ear-shaped pebble” at this point) but flip them around and boom:

square stem. brushed metal back.

the square stem actually makes the gestures better. swiping volume up/down feels more precise. pinch controls are easier. it’s basically the ideal touch setup.

also — huge breaking news — they stay in my ears.

IP57 rated (same as AirPods Pro). case isn’t water resistant, which is a flaw, but the buds themselves? solid.

sound: this is where it gets serious

dual drivers in each bud. subwoofer + tweeter. separate amps. updated tuning.

they sound really, really good.

i’ve been using the dynamic EQ setting (slight V-shape boost) and it’s punchy in the best way. but you also get a full 9-band EQ, which is something AirPods still refuse to give you.

they somehow pulled off the trick that earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM6 aim for — immersive, high-quality sound — but without sacrificing comfort or portability.

the Sonys lean hard into “audiophile immersion” at the cost of:

bigger case

bigger buds

foam tips

less stability

the Buds 4 Pro sound just as good to me but feel like something you can:

work out in

fly in

wear in meetings

sit in a chair and disappear into music with

that balance is hard. they nailed it.

noise cancellation: actually elite

five levels of ANC (probably could’ve just been low/high but okay).

max setting? absurdly good.

i genuinely think it might be slightly stronger than AirPods Pro. airplane-ready. subway-ready. “i’m hearing new details in my music because the world disappeared” level.

ambient mode is also excellent. just shy of Apple’s transparency mode but better than almost everything else on the market.

plus:

auto switch to ambient if it hears sirens

auto switch to ambient when you start talking

auto return to ANC after you stop

that airplane snack cart scenario? handled.

ecosystem features: android finally gets its “airpods moment”

they do:

instant switching between Samsung devices

360° spatial audio with head tracking

in-ear detection

find-my tracking

live translate

nod to answer / shake to decline calls

and unlike AirPods:

gaming mode (lower latency)

full 9-band EQ

multiple colors

same $250 price point.

they are basically the AirPods Pro of the Android universe — specifically the Samsung ecosystem — but with more customization and a little more fun baked in.

yes, i paired them to an iphone

they work. regular bluetooth behavior. gestures still work.

you just lose the Samsung app customization.

the only reason these wouldn’t instantly dethrone AirPods on iPhone is because Apple would never allow that level of integration. same reason they don’t let Garmin watches behave like the Apple Watch.

ecosystem lock-in, baby.

anyway.

if you’re on android in 2026?

these are the ones to beat.

my favorite wireless earbuds of the year. sneaky winners.

samsung really tried to hide the best product in the lineup and thought we wouldn’t notice.

The Beats Studio Buds are the ultimate earbuds for music lovers and audiophiles. With a custom acoustic platform, these earbuds deliver powerful, balanced sound that's perfect for any genre of music.

But the Beats Studio Buds are more than just a pair of earbuds – they also come with two distinct listening modes. The first is Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), which uses advanced algorithms to cancel out unwanted background noise. This is perfect for when you want to focus on your music or have a phone call in a noisy environment. The second is Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the world around you while still listening to your music. This is great for when you're walking or running outside and need to be aware of your surroundings.

The Beats Studio Buds are also designed for comfort. They come with three soft eartip sizes to ensure a stable and comfortable fit, and an optimal acoustic seal. This means you can wear them for hours on end without any discomfort. And with up to 8 hours of listening time (up to 24 hours combined with the pocket-sized charging case), you'll be able to enjoy your music all day long.

In addition to their top-quality sound, the Beats Studio Buds also have industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth, which means they have an extended range and fewer dropouts. This makes them perfect for streaming music or taking phone calls on the go. They also have high-quality call performance and voice assistant interaction thanks to the built-in microphones.

The Beats Studio Buds are also IPX4-rated, which means they're sweat and water resistant. This makes them perfect for workouts or outdoor activities. And with compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, you can use them with any phone or tablet.

In conclusion, the Beats Studio Buds are the perfect earbuds for music lovers and audiophiles. With their custom acoustic platform, two distinct listening modes, and comfortable design, you'll be able to enjoy your music in any situation. Plus, with their extended range and high-quality call performance, you'll be able to stay connected on the go.