Samsung unveil the third generation of true wireless earbuds on stage at their Unpacked 2024 event, showing a new direction in design.

Samsung just had their Unpacked 2024 event, where they debuted new hardware and software, including Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro.

Both pairs of new earbuds take a new direction in design compared to the Galaxy Buds and Buds2. Buds3 move away from the circular design of previous models and introduce a stem, reminiscent of the AirPods. What separates the Buds3 from other stem-based earbuds is the more angular design and blade light on the outside of the Pro earbuds. This light indicates Bluetooth pairing status, but can also be set up to stay on all of the time. The stem design moves the microphone closer to your mouth, therefore, along with super wideband cutting down on noise, provides clearer phone calls. The buds are rated for IP57 water and sweat resistance.

Galaxy Buds3 feature an open design with no eartips, just like the non-Pro AirPods. Galaxy Buds3 Pro on the other hand feature a closed, in ear design, just like the AirPods Pro. The Pro model also bring a few other advanced features.

Both models feature active noise cancelling, while the Pro model includes ‘Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation’. Similarly to other high-end earbuds we’ve seen over the past year or two, Adaptive ANC uses Galaxy AI to reduce unwanted noise, while Siren Detect and Voice Detect passes through important sounds. Noise cancelling will be more effective on the Pro models too, thanks to the closed design providing passive noise cancellation. Adaptive EQ on both models optimizes the sounds based on your unique fit.

Buds3 and Buds3 Pro connect to your phone using Bluetooth 5.4 for ultra-high quality audio, up to 24-bit, 96KHz on compatible Galaxy phones. Inside the Pro model, you’ll find a 2-way speaker with dual amp for improved sound quality. Another Galaxy-only feature is Interpreter. When connected to a compatible device, you can have real-time, face-to-face conversations with foreign language speakers. This feature also works on calls via the Samsung Phone app.

When the buds are paired with a compatible Galaxy smartphone, Galaxy Tab or Samsung TV, you can enjoy 360-degree audio with head tracking, for a cinematic, theater-like experience.

Unfortunately, there’s no multipoint in the Buds3, however they will automatically switch between phone, PC or tablet, when paired with a compatible phone, Galaxy Book series PC or TV.

Pause, skip, accept calls and more are programmable to touch controls, including a swipe or pinch. Media automatically pauses and resumes when the buds are places in or taken out of the ear. Bixby is also on hand for voice controls.

Battery life is another area where the Pro and non-Pro earbuds are separated. Buds3 Pro provide increased battery life with and without the case. The buds alone are good for 6 hours of play time, while the case increases this to 26 hours and 30 hours with ANC off. The non-Pro model lasts for 5 hours, 24 hours with the case and 30 hours with ANC off.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro are available for pre-order today and start shipping July 24. Both pairs are available in Silver (a dark metallic colour) and White. Buds3 are $179.99, while the Buds3 Pro are $249.99, coincidently the exact same RRP as the AirPods and AirPods Pro. In the box you’ll get the buds, a wireless charging case with a unique transparent lid (great for checking they’re still there), USB-C to USB-C cable and three tip sizes on the Pro model. For a limited time, Amazon are also throwing in a free clip case and two-year warranty.

The Buds3 and Buds3 Pro look to be a great option for existing Galaxy owners, however with so many Galaxy-only smart features, other smartphone users may be best looking elsewhere. This launch has pushed the price of the Buds2 further down. They are currently available on Amazon for $87.99 for the standard Buds2 and $103.33 for the Pro model.