Meet Samsung Galaxy Buds2 - Affordable Buds Pro?

We take a deep dive into the Samsung Galaxy Buds2. The Korean giant's latest true wireless earphones with Active Nosie Cancellation.

Sound by AKG

Announced in August 2021, we finally got our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 back in October. 

To recap, the Galaxy Buds2 is Samsung's latest affordable true wireless earphones that feature Active Noise Cancellation and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has a three microphone system and IPX2 water splash resistance rating.

In the Philippines, it is priced at PHP 6,990. 

Let's see how it fares after several months of use.

Read on!

Meet Samsung Galaxy Buds2

Outer packaging

The Galaxy Buds2 comes in white packaging with the render of the earbuds printed in front. The color of the render depends on the color variant of the buds inside. We got the Olive colorway.

Box inclusions

Inside the box is the carrying case, earbuds, small and large size silicone ear tips, documentation, and USB Type-A to Type-C Cable.

Carrying case top and bottom

The outer case is made of lightweight polycarbonate with a glossy white finish. Printed on top is the Samsung logo while at the bottom are the regulatory information.

Carrying case front and back

In front of the case is the opening of the hatch and the LED indicator light while at the back is the hinge and the USB-C port.

The case supports charging via the USB-C port and thru Qi wireless charging.

Buds front and back

The earbuds are shaped like pears with two microphones on the outer side while the inner side has the other microphone, sensors, CPU contacts, and speakers with silicone earcups.

Buds in case

Inside the case is the "Sound by AKG branding" and an LED indicator light. On both sides of the LED indicator light are two wells with CPU contacts for the two earbuds.

Samsung Wearables app

Once opening the case, a nearby Samsung smartphone will be able to detect and pair with the Buds2 quickly. It will prompt the user to then download and install the Samsung Wearables app for the user to have more granular control of the Galaxy Buds2's features.

Samsung Wearable app

Once connected and paired with the Wearables app, the user has access to the settings and features. This includes touch controls, earbud fit test, Noise cancellation, ambient, equalizer, and the like.

Added features

Users also have the option to turn on Ambient sound during calls. There is also an experimental feature section called "Labs" where users can use Gaming Mode and Double Tap earbud edge.

The new Buds2 has significantly improved the audio and microphone quality from the previous Buds+ and it has significantly better Active Noise Cancellation over the Buds Live. The Galaxy Buds Pro and the Sony XM4 however still have a better sound quality and active noise cancellation but they are significantly more expensive. The Sound quality has good separation, clarity, and power while the sound stage has a decent size and the dynamic range is decently wide.

We love the immersive stereo experience and the overall sound quality of the Buds2. While the Active Noise Cancellation is more than good enough to tune out the environmental noise during the daily commute.

It features a 3-microphone system where there are two outer mics and one inner mic with a Voice Pick-up unit. This improves the microphone quality over the previous Buds+ and Buds Live but it isn't as good as the Galaxy Buds Pro, AirPods Pro, or the Sony WF-1000XM4.

Each earbud's battery can last for up to 4 to 5 hours of continuous use. The Carrying case extends the battery for up to 12 additional hours. This means a full charge of the earbuds and the case can offer over 17 hours of use. This is consistent with our daily usage and we also love that it can charge via USB-C and wireless charging. It charges 100 percent in around 90 minutes thru the USB-C and will charge longer via wireless charging.

At PHP 6,990, the Galaxy Buds2's performance is one of the best in the market right now.

Pros: Lightweight and solid build, colorful and eye-catching design, decent Active Noise Cancellation, seamless integration with other Galaxy devices

Cons: 17 hours of use is long but can be longer, 

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Specs

Driver: 2-way Woofer and Tweeter
Microphone: 3-mic system (2 outer, 1 inner) + Voice Pick up unit
Battery: 61mAh (per earbud), 472mAh (charging case) w/ wireless charging
Sensors: Proximity, IR
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 (Scalable, AAC, SBC)
Others: IPX2 water splash resistance, ANC, touch control, pop-up and pair, USB-C, Colors: Olive, White, Lavender, Graphite
Dimensions: 17.0 x 20.5 x 21.1 mm (per earbud), 50.0 x 27.8 x 50.2 mm (charging case)
Weight: 5.0 g (per earbud), 41.2 g (charging case)
Price: PHP 6,990

Quick thoughts

Complete package?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro surprised us with its incredible sound quality, battery, and active noise cancellation. Months later, Samsung launched the Buds2 which surprisingly offers similar performance to the Buds Pro but at a significantly more affordable price of PHP 6,990.

We love the volume, clarity, separation, and power of the sound from the Buds2. The Active Noise cancellation is good enough to tune out most of the environmental noise during the commute.

The battery is able to last for up to 4 to 5 hours per bud and can be extended up to 17 hours with the carrying case.

We have almost no negatives for the Buds2 at its price except for minor nitpicks. This includes the decent sound stage and the decent microphone performance. Other brands have steadily improved their microphone recording and although the Buds2 has better microphone performance than the previous generations, it may not be enough to compete with other brands.

What do you guys think?