Why the new Galaxy Buds Pro 2 headphones are a failure

Samsung is preparing with might and main for the presentation of new products, scheduled for August 10th. In addition to the smartphone Galaxy Z Fold 4, which we talked about earlier, the Koreans will release the second generation Galaxy Buds Pro headphones. Like its predecessor, the new headset positions itself as an advanced device for those who need high-quality sound, coupled with active noise cancellation. However, in general, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 did not live up to expectations, given the one and a half year difference between generations, and here’s why.

ПОДПИШИСЬ НА НАШ ЯНДЕКС.ДЗЕН И ЧИТАЙ ЭКСКЛЮЗИВНЫЕ СТАТЬИ, КОТОРЫЕ НЕ ВЫХОДЯТ НА САЙТЕ

Galaxy Buds Pro 2 design

New Samsung headphones with a few exceptions, they exploit the design developments of the previous generation. This is especially true of the case, which has not changed much. Before us is the same casket with square outlines, which now contains matte headphones. Glossy surface first Galaxy Buds Pro made it a little difficult to remove the headset from the case, but now there should be no problems with this.

In addition to purple, the headphones are also available in white and black.

On the other hand, Samsung did not experiment with colors, leaving a choice of three options: purple, dark gray, white. Remember the audience’s admiration for the bronze Buds Live. Externally, the new generation of headsets is definitely not a revelation. On the contrary, a certain stagnation is planned: after all, Samsung is presenting the next generation of headphones, and not their minor update, which is more like Galaxy Buds Pro 2.

Galaxy Buds Pro 2 Specifications

Let’s dwell on the technical aspect of the headset. Moreover, some might expect the same from the new Samsung headphones. aptX codec in the implementation of HD or Adaptive, which is important for many people. But the Koreans continue to bend their line, relying on their own SCS codec. This is a good audio compression algorithm, but it is only supported by Samsung devices with OneUI firmware, and in combination with other smartphones, you will have to switch to less detailed SBC or AAC options. All specifications of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are as follows:

• Bluetooth version – 5.3;
• speaker – 10 mm;
• active noise cancellation – yes;
• autonomy – 8 hours;
• case work time – 29 hours;
• moisture protection – IPX7.

First of all, Bluetooth 5.3 draws attention to itself. This is the newest wireless connection standard, but it has almost no effect on the stability of the connection. The differences from Bluetooth 5.0 are in the accuracy of positioning, which does not play any role in the case of headphones, as well as a slight optimization of power consumption and improved security.

It is also worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 use a 10mm driver (the flagship Buds Live have 12mm). This is too small a diameter for those who want headphones with good bass. Of course, if you value high frequencies more, then a 10 mm driver will be enough for a detailed picture. But also keep in mind that the size of the speaker affects the volume of the sound, and therefore you will most likely need to use the ANC function on an ongoing basis to cut off external noise.

The speakers are smaller, and this is a very dubious change

If you are surprised autonomy Galaxy Buds Pro 2declared in the characteristics, then do not rush to rejoice. This is pure marketing. In a press release for the first generation of headphones, Samsung talked about 5 hours of battery life in noise reduction mode, while without the ANC function, the same indicator reached the same 8 hours. As they say, sew on soap.

Price Galaxy Buds Pro 2 in Russia

The presentation of the headset and other Samsung devices will take place on August 10, and the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 will go on sale on August 26. The price of new headphones in Europe is already known. It will amount to 229 euros, or approximately 14 thousand rubles at the current exchange rate. It would seem that the cost is adequate, and even with all the nuances, the characteristics of the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 justify it.

ПОДКЛЮЧАЙСЯ К НАШЕМУ ЧАТИКУ В ТЕЛЕГРАМЕ. ТУТ ТЕБЕ ОТВЕТЯТ НА ЛЮБЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ ОБ АНДРОИД И НЕ ТОЛЬКО

But let’s not forget about the auxiliary factors that directly affect pricing in our retail. Therefore, in Russia, it will be possible to buy new Samsung headphones at best for 18-20 thousand rubles, taking into account all the intricacies of parallel imports. This fact will also affect the release date in Russia, which will most likely move to September.

Galaxy Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds Pro 2 comparison

The first generation Galaxy Buds Pro were glossy

What we have when we look at the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 Compared to Galaxy Buds Pro? Samsung has slightly changed the design, abandoning the glossy surface of the headphones. A matte finish is more practical, and for some, prettier. But in technical terms, the second generation of the headset looks completely unremarkable.

ПОДПИСЫВАЙСЯ НА ТЕЛЕГРАМ-КАНАЛ СУНДУК АЛИБАБЫ И ПОКУПАЙ ТОЛЬКО ЛУЧШИЕ ТОВАРЫ С АЛИЭКСПРЕСС

Samsung hasn’t been able to achieve a boost in battery life even by switching to the more energy-efficient Bluetooth 5.3, and the size of the speaker has shrunk. If in the Galaxy Buds Pro it was 11 mm, now it is no more than 10 mm. The active noise reduction function with transparency mode was there before, and only owners of Samsung devices will be able to appreciate all the headphone juice again, since the company is in no hurry to integrate support for the aptX audio codec, and even more so LDAC.