Samsung Electronics will unveil its latest wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4, at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on February 26. This marks the first release to the Galaxy Buds line in about one year and eight month since July 2024. The new model features a simpler design, enhanced features, and extended battery life, as Samsung aims to challenge Apple’s dominance in the premium wireless earbuds market.
According to industry reports on February 23 that the Galaxy Buds 4 is expected to retail for $179.99, while the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will likely be priced at $249.99. These prices are identical to the launch prices of the previous Galaxy Buds 3 series. European pricing is anticipated to follow suit, with the Buds 4 at €179, and the Buds 4 Pro at €249. This pricing strategy suggests that Korean consumers can expect similar price points to the previous models.
Despite rising component costs across the tech industry, Samsung’s decision to maintain current price levels is seen as a strategic move to compete with Apple. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3rd generation maintained the price at $249 when launched last September, matching that of the 2nd generation model. With Apple reportedly commanding over 50% of the North American wireless earbuds market, analysts suggest that any price hike by Samsung could potentially harm its sales figures.
The Galaxy Buds 4 series is rumored to feature a significant redesign. The exterior will shift from an angular look to a thinner, flatter form, and the charging case will change from a vertical to a horizontal earbud placement. The case lid will feature a transparent material, allowing users to see the earbuds inside – a blend of practicality and modern aesthetics.
For the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, Samsung is likely to remove the signature Blade Light LED feature. This decision comes in the wake of quality control issues with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, including inconsistent LED brightness and gaps in the casing. By removing this feature, Samsung appears to be prioritizing overall product quality and improved battery life.
The new Galaxy Buds are also expected to introduce several AI-powered features. Unlike the previous models that required users to activate translation mode on their smartphones, the Galaxy Buds 4 may allow users to initiate translation simply by long-pressing the earbud stem. Another anticipated feature is head gestures, enabling users to answer calls or dismiss alarms with a simple nod.
