Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: Worth Buying? vs AirPods Pro 2
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 often comes down to which phone you carry. For Irish shoppers, the decision also involves local pricing, durability in damp weather, and whether those extra features locked to Samsung phones are worth the switch.
Release date: July 2024 •
Weight per bud: 5.6g •
Driver size: 11mm dynamic + 6.5mm planar •
IP rating: IP57 •
Battery life (ANC on): 6 hours buds, 26 hours total •
Codec support: SBC, AAC, Samsung Seamless Codec (24-bit)
Quick snapshot
- Dual drivers: 11mm dynamic + 6.5mm planar (Samsung official specs)
- IP57 dust and water resistance (What Hi-Fi (UK reviews authority))
- Adaptive ANC with three levels (RTINGS (expert test lab))
- Future Galaxy AI features for Buds 3 Pro remain unannounced
- Exact Irish sales figures not published
- July 2024: launched with Galaxy Unpacked (Samsung press release)
- August 2024: Irish Times review (8/10) (Irish Times (Ireland’s leading daily))
- Potential Galaxy Buds 4 Pro successor later in 2025
- Ongoing lawsuit about Galaxy Buds Pro skin irritation may affect brand trust
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro specifications reflect their premium positioning.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SM-R630 (White/Silver/Black) |
| Driver | 11mm dynamic + 6.5mm planar |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC with 3 adjustable levels |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint pairing |
| Battery (buds) | 58 mAh per bud |
| Battery (case) | 515 mAh |
Are Galaxy Buds3 Pro worth buying?
Pros and cons of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Upsides
- Rich, detailed sound with dual drivers (What Hi-Fi)
- IP57 rating means rain and dust are no concern for Irish weather
- 24-bit hi-res audio when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone (Samsung official)
Downsides
- Best features locked to Samsung phones (RTINGS)
- Battery case total (26h) falls short of AirPods Pro 2 (30h)
- No high-res codecs on non-Samsung devices
User reviews from Irish retailers
On gomibo.ie, buyers give the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro an aggregated sound quality score of 9.5/10 and design score of 9.1/10 (gomibo.ie (Irish electronics retailer)). The Irish Times called them “a decent set of Bluetooth earbuds, lightweight and easy to get started with,” noting that audio is great but some of the best features are reserved for Galaxy phones (Irish Times (Ireland’s leading daily)).
At roughly €189 in Ireland (Harvey Norman, Powercity, gomibo), they sit below the AirPods Pro 2’s typical €249, making them the cheaper entry point for Android users who want premium ANC.
The pattern: if you already own a recent Samsung Galaxy phone, the value proposition is strong. For iPhone users, the trade-off in ecosystem features is steep.
Samsung Galaxy owners get 24-bit audio and full app control; iPhone buyers lose seamless switching and get a degraded codec. The price gap of €60 might not bridge that gap.
What is the difference between Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Design and fit differences
The standard Galaxy Buds 3 have a single dynamic driver and an IP54 rating, while the Buds 3 Pro step up to dual drivers (dynamic + planar) and an IP57 seal (Samsung official specs). Both use a stem design, but the Pro model adds a blade light and a slightly larger housing.
Audio features: ANC and drivers
- Bud 3 Pro: Adaptive ANC with three levels, dual drivers, 24-bit support
- Bud 3: Single driver, basic ANC, no hi-res codec
Battery and charging differences
The Buds 3 Pro deliver 6 hours with ANC versus 5 hours on the standard Buds 3. Total case life is 26 hours for Pro, 24 hours for standard (What Hi-Fi).
What this means: for an extra €50–60, the Pro model gives you better waterproofing, richer sound, and longer battery. The standard Buds 3 are a compromise that few reviewers recommend.
Are Galaxy Buds Pro 3 as good as AirPods Pro?
Sound quality comparison
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro use dual drivers to produce a bassier, more configurable sound than the AirPods Pro 2, according to RTINGS (expert test lab). However, AirPods Pro 2 have a more neutral, balanced frequency response out of the box.
ANC performance
Both models deliver “fantastic noise isolation that goes toe‑to‑toe,” per RTINGS. The Buds 3 Pro add adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment automatically.
Ecosystem compatibility: Samsung vs Apple
The ecosystem battle defines this comparison more than raw specs.
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Best codec | Samsung Seamless (24-bit) – Samsung only | AAC only (What Hi-Fi) |
| Device switching | Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 | Seamless iCloud switching |
| App support | Galaxy Wearable (Android only) | iOS built‑in |
The catch: RTINGS says the main decision factor is the operating system you use, because device switching, firmware updates, and app support are largely limited to your ecosystem.
If you carry an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 provide a smoother, more feature‑complete experience despite the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s hardware advantages. Android users, especially Samsung owners, get more value from the Buds 3 Pro.
The implication: for most people, the ecosystem you’re in decides the winner.
What is the difference between Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?
Design evolution
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro had a bean shape; Buds 3 Pro switched to a stem design. The IP rating shifted from IPX7 (water only) to IP57 (water + dust) (Samsung official).
Feature improvements
- Buds 4 Pro: single 10.5mm coaxial driver
- Buds 3 Pro: dual drivers (dynamic + planar)
- Buds 3 Pro add blade light and adaptive ANC
Price differences
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro launched at €229 in 2022; the Buds 3 Pro debuted at €189 in July 2024 (Irish Times). That’s a clear €40 drop for a newer, more capable product.
Why this matters: upgrading from Buds 4 Pro to Buds 3 Pro gives you better sound and dust resistance, but you lose the bean shape many users loved. It’s a lateral move, not a leap.
What is the lawsuit against Samsung earbuds pro?
Nature of the lawsuit
A class‑action lawsuit filed in 2023 alleges that earlier Galaxy Buds Pro models caused ear infections and skin irritation due to material composition. No official confirmation from Samsung has been provided.
Current status
No recall has been issued. Samsung maintains there is no defect. The case is ongoing.
Impact on Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sales
Irish retailers continue to stock the Buds 3 Pro without any warning notices. The lawsuit applies to earlier models (Galaxy Buds Pro, not Buds 3 Pro), but brand trust may be affected for cautious buyers.
The implication: if you’re sensitive to nickel or certain silicones, the Buds 3 Pro might still be worth a cautious try, but the suit hasn’t dented availability or prices in Ireland.
Timeline: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro key events
- July 2024 – Announced and released alongside Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Samsung)
- August 2024 – Irish Times publishes review scoring 8/10 (Irish Times)
- Q3 2024 – Wide availability in Irish retailers Harvey Norman, Powercity, gomibo
Clarity check: confirmed vs unclear
Confirmed facts
- Dual drivers and adaptive ANC
- IP57 rating (What Hi-Fi)
- Price ~€189 in Ireland (gomibo.ie)
- Comfort score 8.8/10 on gomibo
What’s unclear
- Future Galaxy AI features for Buds 3 Pro
- Exact Irish unit sales
- Final outcome of 2023 lawsuit
“The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a decent set of Bluetooth earbuds, lightweight and easy to get started with out of the box. The audio quality is great, with some of the best features reserved for use with a Galaxy phone.”
– Irish Times reviewer (Irish Times (Ireland’s leading daily))
gomibo.ie user ratings: Sound quality 9.5/10, Design 9.1/10, Comfort 8.8/10, Value 8.5/10.
– Aggregate from gomibo.ie (Irish electronics retailer)
For Irish shoppers weighing the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro against AirPods Pro 2, the choice is clear: if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem, buy them. If you’re on iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 remain the better daily companion. The Buds 3 Pro’s IP57 rating and dual‑driver sound are genuine wins, but they matter only if your phone lets you use them fully.
Frequently asked questions
Do Galaxy Buds 3 Pro work with iPhones?
Yes, they pair via Bluetooth but lose 24-bit audio, app support, and seamless switching. Basic playback and ANC work.
How do I pair Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with my phone?
Open the case, hold the button on the back, and select them in your phone’s Bluetooth menu. For Samsung phones, a pop‑up appears automatically.
What is the warranty on Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in Ireland?
Samsung Ireland offers a 1‑year manufacturer’s warranty. Retailers like Harvey Norman may extend coverage.
Can I use Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for running?
Yes, the IP57 rating makes them sweat‑ and rain‑proof. They stayed secure during gym tests per user reviews.
Does the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro case support wireless charging?
Yes, the case supports Qi wireless charging and fast wired charging via USB‑C.
Are there any known issues with Galaxy Buds 3 Pro connectivity?
Some users report occasional dropouts in crowded areas, but firmware updates have improved stability.
How do I clean my Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Use a dry, lint‑free cloth. Avoid liquids. Clean the mesh gently with a soft brush to prevent earwax buildup.
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