Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Review — The Stepping Stone

Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Buds4

The Galaxy Buds4 come in a compact package that includes the earbuds, a charging case, and the usual documentation. At RM699, they’re positioned as Samsung’s entry-level option, sitting below the Galaxy Buds4 Pro at RM999. Despite the lower price, the Buds4 still pack a surprising number of premium features.

Walkaround

Design-wise, the Galaxy Buds4 look and feel premium, with a smooth stem design that closely resembles Apple’s AirPods 4. Unlike silicone-tipped earbuds, these are “open ear,” which impacts ANC performance but makes them more comfortable for users with smaller ears.

The charging case lies flush rather than upright, differentiating it slightly from Apple’s design. Importantly, Samsung retains a physical button on the case, a welcome feature missing from Apple’s latest AirPods.

Controls are straightforward: hold the stem to toggle ANC, pinch once for play/pause, swipe for volume, and more. Android users benefit from customizable controls through the Wearables app, while Galaxy phone owners get deeper integration with proprietary features like UHQ audio and 16kHz call bandwidth.

Connectivity is future-proofed with Bluetooth 6.1, offering extended range and stability. Multipoint switching works seamlessly within the Galaxy ecosystem, though switching between non-Samsung devices requires manual intervention.

Specifications

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Buds4
Price	RM699
Colors	Black, White
Connectivity	Bluetooth 6.1
ANC	Yes (open-ear design)
Durability	IP54
Battery Life	6 hours (buds), 30 hours (case)
Weight	4.6g (earbud) 45.1g (case)
Dimensions	18.3 x 19.3 x 30.5 mm (earbuds) 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm (case)
Compatibility	Android, iOS

Pros

Rich, Dynamic Sound Quality

The Galaxy Buds4 deliver audio that punches well above their price. Bass is deep and expansive, mids are dynamic, and treble is crisp without harshness. Across genres, from EDMs, to alternative rock, and even acoustic singer‑songwriter recordings, vocals remain clear and instruments well‑separated. Compared to AirPods 4 ANC, the Buds4 sound warmer, richer, and less tinny, making them a standout in this price bracket. For listeners who stream hi‑res audio on platforms like Spotify Premium or Tidal, the Buds4 will impress.

For electronic, I played Strobe by Deadmau5, the pulsing bassline and layered synths showcased the Buds4’s ability to handle complex low‑end without muddying the mids. Switching to alternative rock, Everlong by Foo Fighters highlighted the crispness of guitars and the clarity of layered vocals. Finally, with acoustic material like Skinny Love by Bon Iver, the Buds4 captured the intimacy of the vocal performance and the subtle resonance of guitar strings beautifully.

Comfortable Fit

Thanks to their open-ear design, the Buds4 are especially comfortable for users with smaller ears. They avoid the pressure and fatigue that can come with silicone tips, making them suitable for long listening sessions, whether commuting on the MRT or working in the office.

Customizable Controls and EQ

While I was confused initially as I expected the use of Samsung’s Wearables app, it turns out that you simply had to select the gear icon in the Bluetooth section for all the settings and customization options. You get to enjoy extensive customization, including a 9-band equalizer with six presets. Galaxy phone users gain access to proprietary features like UHQ audio, which enhances hi-res playback. Controls are intuitive and can be tailored to personal preference, giving Android users more flexibility than Apple’s AirPods.

Strong Call Quality in Noisy Environments

While voice clarity is slightly behind the Galaxy Buds4 Pro and AirPods Pro 3, the Buds4 excel at blocking ambient noise. In loud environments like a busy café in Kuala Lumpur or a crowded LRT ride, they effectively reduce background interference, making them reliable for calls on the go.

Future-Proof Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.1 ensures extended range and stability, outperforming Apple’s reliance on Bluetooth 5.4. This makes the Buds4 a more future-ready option, capable of keeping pace with upcoming devices for years to come.

Cons

Mediocre ANC Performance

Without silicone tips, the Buds4 cannot achieve a full seal, limiting their ANC effectiveness. They handle chatter decently but allow high-frequency sounds to leak through. For Malaysians who travel frequently on noisy buses or planes, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro would be better suited.

Ecosystem-Limited Multipoint

Seamless multipoint switching is restricted to the Galaxy ecosystem. Using the Buds4 with non-Samsung devices requires manual switching, which can be frustrating for users juggling multiple platforms like Windows laptops and iPhones.

Slightly Muffled Call Quality

Although ambient noise reduction is excellent, voice clarity lags behind premium competitors. Callers may notice a slightly muffled tone compared to the Buds4 Pro or AirPods Pro 3.

Battery Life Could Be Better

The Buds4 last 6 hours per charge (5 with ANC), with 30 hours total from the case. While not class-leading, this is better than Apple’s AirPods 4 ANC, which manage only 5 hours without ANC and 4 with it. For everyday use, from office hours to evening workout sessions, the Buds4 provide enough endurance unless one has to go overtime.

While competitive against Apple, Samsung’s 5–6 hours of playback pales in comparison to Sony’s WF-C710N, which delivers up to 12 hours per charge. Heavy users in Malaysia who rely on long listening sessions may find themselves recharging more often.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 are an impressive entry-level option that outperform Apple’s AirPods 4 ANC in nearly every way. They deliver richer sound, more customization, and better connectivity, all at RM699. Their weaknesses lie in ANC performance and ecosystem-limited multipoint, but for Android and especially Samsung users, these are minor trade-offs. If you’re invested in the Galaxy ecosystem, the Buds4 are a fantastic choice.

Compared to the AirPods 4 ANC, the Buds4 make Apple’s offering look underwhelming. Unless you’re deeply tied to Apple’s ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds4 are the better buy. For those who demand stronger ANC or longer battery life, stepping up to the Galaxy Buds4 Pro (RM999) or Sony WF-C710N may be worthwhile. At the end of our Galaxy Buds4 review, I award this pair of TWS earbuds with our Silver Pokdeward.

Big thanks to Samsung Malaysia for sending us the Galaxy Buds4 for the purpose of this review.