Samsung unveiled “Pro” earbuds alongside its late-2022 product portfolio. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro seek to replace the original Galaxy Buds Pro from 2021. Samsung claimed many advancements at its latest Unpacked event. Let’s compare Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with Galaxy Buds Pro to discover if you should upgrade.
The similarities
Both earbuds have a 5-hour battery life with Active Noise Cancelation. They don’t last as long as Google’s Pixel Buds Pro, but Samsung didn’t make matters worse. You may still use ANC with the new Buds 2 Pro, just like with the Buds Pro.
Automatic Device Switching is a common, if limited, feature. This lets you switch from your Galaxy Tab S8 Plus to your Galaxy Z Fold 4 when a call comes in. This isn’t genuine multipoint connectivity, as it requires Samsung Galaxy devices. Otherwise, you must manually pair your Buds Pro or Buds 2 Pro.
Both the Buds 2 Pro and Buds Pro have an IPX7 water resistant rating. Samsung says earphones can withstand three feet of “fresh water” for 30 minutes.
Wireless charging also returns with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. You may drop these on most wireless chargers or use wireless reverse charging on a supported phone.
The differences
Unlike the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Galaxy Buds Pro distinctions are clear. The case has been adjusted to fit the 15% smaller earbuds. Samsung says this makes the Galaxy Buds Pro more reliable and comfy.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro include two major design changes. First, all three colour options have a matte surface, unlike their glossy, fingerprint-attracting predecessor. Samsung’s newest earbuds have a slimmer “fin” when removed from the charging case.
Samsung tweaked charging, but battery life and dimensions are the same. A five-minute charge gives the Buds 2 Pro one hour of audio playback. It gives 30 minutes of playback with a five-minute charge, doubling the original’s time.
The Galaxy Buds Pro had Bluetooth 5.0, but the Buds 2 Pro have Bluetooth 5.3. This improves the connection between earphones and the best Android phones, even if you run outside or to another room.
Bluetooth 5.3 supports Samsung’s Seamless Codec HiFi, which provides “full 24-bit audio for clean, rich music.” Samsung is pushing the limits of totally wireless earphones to increase audio quality and attract more “audiophiles”
Samsung claims its new Buds deliver 40% greater noise cancellation, but using the same two-way driver combination. This is due in part to improved tuning, a better fit, and Samsung’s “Intelligent ANC.”
This takes us to the last two variances between these earphones. The first is for people deciding which to buy. Samsung has deleted the original Galaxy Buds Pro from its online store, therefore they may be withdrawn from other vendors.
At $230, even with all of the “special” features, it’s a tough pill to swallow. We expect the original Buds Pro to reduce in price after the Buds 2 Pro launches.
Bud 2 Pro vs Galaxy buds pro: The final call
Hard to advocate upgrading from Galaxy Buds Pro to Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. While the design improvements provide for a more comfortable fit and the ANC has been enhanced, there’s not enough to justify the price. The only negative of the original Galaxy Buds Pro is that they may be discontinued.
Which brings us to Buds 2 Pro vs. Buds Pro. The Buds 2 Pro are a vast improvement over its predecessor. Despite a shorter battery life, the Buds 2 Pro provide more functions and greater music quality than their predecessors.