The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are a unique addition to the Samsung wireless earbuds lineup, introduced as a stylish and innovative alternative to traditional in-ear headphones. Launched in 2020, these earbuds stand out due to their unconventional “bean-shaped” design, which provides a comfortable fit and distinct aesthetic. Despite their small size, the Galaxy Buds Live pack numerous features, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a long battery life, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
Here’s a detailed overview of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, covering their design, performance, features, and specifications:
Design and Build Quality
One of the most noticeable aspects of the Galaxy Buds Live is their design:
- Unique Shape: Unlike conventional earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Live feature a “bean-shaped” design. This ergonomic shape is designed to sit comfortably within the outer ear without requiring an ear canal seal. This makes them comfortable to wear for long periods and provides a secure fit without protruding from the ears.
- Compact and Lightweight: Each earbud weighs just 5.6 grams, making them incredibly lightweight. The compact design allows them to be almost unnoticeable when worn, and they fit snugly in the ear.
- Material and Color Options: Samsung has used high-quality plastic for the build, which is durable and provides a premium feel. The earbuds come in several color options, including Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, Mystic Black, and Mystic Red, allowing users to choose a style that suits their taste.
Audio Performance
The Galaxy Buds Live deliver a solid audio experience, especially for casual listening:
- Sound Quality: The earbuds are equipped with 12mm speakers, tuned by AKG, a well-known name in the audio industry. The sound profile emphasizes a balanced experience, with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The open-ear design can affect how the bass is perceived, but overall, the sound quality is impressive for the design.
- Advanced Audio Features: The earbuds feature a bass duct to enhance low-end frequencies, giving depth to music tracks without overwhelming the other frequencies. The open design can result in some sound leakage, but it provides a natural and spacious audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- ANC Technology: Unlike other noise-canceling earbuds that create a tight seal in the ear canal, the Galaxy Buds Live use a different approach to ANC. The technology mainly cancels out low-frequency sounds like engine hums or background noise while allowing mid and high-frequency sounds (like voices) to pass through. This makes them ideal for use in environments where users need to stay aware of their surroundings.
- Ambient Sound Mode: The design naturally allows some ambient noise to pass through, which can be advantageous when walking outside or in settings where situational awareness is important.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Buds Live offer impressive battery life, making them suitable for extended use throughout the day:
- Playback Time: The earbuds provide up to 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC turned on, and up to 8 hours without ANC. The charging case adds an additional 15 hours, bringing the total playback time to 21 hours.
- Charging Options: The charging case supports USB-C charging and wireless charging. It is compatible with Qi-certified chargers, and it can also be charged using a Samsung phone that supports Wireless PowerShare.
- Quick Charging: A quick 5-minute charge provides up to 1 hour of playback, which is convenient for users who need a quick boost of battery life on the go.
Connectivity
The Galaxy Buds Live are designed to work seamlessly with Samsung devices but are also compatible with other Bluetooth-enabled devices:
- Bluetooth 5.0: The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 for a reliable and stable connection, with improved range and minimal latency. Users can enjoy uninterrupted audio streaming and clear call quality.
- Seamless Integration with Samsung Devices: Samsung users benefit from easy pairing and integration. For example, the Galaxy Buds Live automatically connect to Samsung devices when the case is opened, and they can quickly switch between devices within the Samsung ecosystem.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Although the earbuds don’t support true multi-point connectivity (simultaneous connection to two devices), users can quickly switch between devices using Samsung’s easy pairing features.
Controls and Smart Features
The Galaxy Buds Live come with touch controls that make it easy to manage music, calls, and voice assistants:
- Touch Controls: The earbuds feature customizable touch controls for play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate voice assistants. The controls are intuitive and can be configured through the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Users can access Bixby, Google Assistant, or Siri using the touch controls. Voice commands can be used to play music, check notifications, or make calls.
- Find My Earbuds: Through the SmartThings app, users can locate their earbuds if they are misplaced. The app will show the last known location and can play a sound to help locate them.
Call Quality
The Galaxy Buds Live offer excellent call quality, even in noisy environments:
- Microphone Setup: Each earbud is equipped with three microphones (two external, one internal) that work together to pick up the user’s voice clearly while reducing background noise.
- Voice Pickup Unit: The earbuds include a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), which detects when the user is speaking and helps to isolate their voice from background noise, making it easier for the other party to hear clearly during phone calls.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a significant factor for the Galaxy Buds Live, and their unique design caters to users looking for a secure fit without the typical in-ear feel:
- Ergonomic Fit: The “open” design doesn’t insert deeply into the ear canal, which some users find more comfortable than traditional in-ear buds. The earbuds rest comfortably in the outer ear and are designed to be worn for extended periods without causing discomfort.
- Secure Fit: Despite the lack of a traditional ear tip, the earbuds fit securely in most ears due to their ergonomic shape. They come with different sizes of stabilizing wingtips to ensure a better fit.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Bean-shaped, open design |
| Weight | 5.6g per earbud |
| Speakers | 12mm drivers, tuned by AKG |
| Microphones | 3 (2 external, 1 internal) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, for low-frequency sounds |
| Battery Life | 6-8 hours (earbuds), 21 hours (with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Wireless, Quick Charge |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.0 |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 (splash-resistant) |
| Color Options | Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, Mystic Black, Mystic Red |
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are a bold and innovative entry in the wireless earbud market. Their standout design and open-ear fit offer a unique alternative to traditional in-ear models. Although the ANC performance may not match that of in-ear models, it still provides a level of noise reduction suitable for daily use. The seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, along with features like wireless charging, excellent battery life, and intuitive touch controls, make the Galaxy Buds Live an attractive choice for those who prioritize comfort, design, and versatility.
The Galaxy Buds Live are ideal for users who want stylish, comfortable earbuds with reliable performance, particularly those who already own Samsung devices. While the noise cancellation may not completely block out loud sounds, it can still help create a quieter listening experience. For Samsung users looking for wireless earbuds that stand out in design and functionality, the Galaxy Buds Live are definitely worth considering.