The Galaxy Buds 2 now comes in both Pro and non-Pro versions in Samsung’s product catalog, but how different are these two models? The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is newer than the Galaxy Buds 2, but what else distinguishes them?
It may appear that Samsung is competing with itself. Despite their confusingly similar names, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 have a few key differences. We’ll look at a few of them and see how they compare.
Buds 2 vs Buds 2 Pro: Specs
| Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | Galaxy Buds 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Earbud: 19.9 x 21.6 x 18.7mm Case: 50.1 x 50.2 x 27.7mm | Earbud: 17.0 x 20.9 x 21.1mm Case: 50.2 x 50.0 x 27.8mm |
| Weights | Earbud: 5.6g Case: 39.6g | Earbud: 5.0g Case: 41.2g |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec | Bluetooth 5.2 SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| Water resistance | IPX7 | IPX2 |
| Battery size | Earbud: 61mAh Charging case: 515mAh | Earbud: 61mAh Charging case: 472mAh |
| Listening time | 5 hours with ANC, 8 hours without ANC With case: 18 hours with ANC, 29 hours without ANC | 5 hours with ANC, 7.5 hours without ANC With case: 20 hours with ANC, 29 hours without ANC |
| Talk time | 3.5 hours with ANC, 4 hours without ANC With case: 14 hours with ANC, 15 hours without ANC | 3.5 hours with or without ANC With case: 13 hours with ANC, 14 hours without ANC |
| Charging | USB-C Wireless | USB-C Wireless |
| Speakers and microphones | 2-Way Woofer and Tweeter Three Microphones | 2-Way Woofer and Tweeter Three Microphones |
| Device compatibility | Android 7.0 or later 1.5GB of RAM or more iOS: Bluetooth only Windows 10: Galaxy Buds app TV: Samsung 2022 TVs and later | Android 7.0 or later 1.5GB of RAM or more iOS: Bluetooth only Windows 10: PC Buds Manager |
| Colors | White, Graphite, Bora Purple | White, Graphite, Olive, Bora Purple |
Price and colors
The Galaxy Buds 2 were originally priced at $149, but they are now available for around $75. They are available in White, Graphite, Olive, and Bora Purple.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is now on pre-order for $229.99. They are available in White, Graphite, and Bora Purple. The launch date is set for August 26, 2022.
Buds 2 vs Buds 2 Pro: Design
These two models are very similar in terms of overall shape and design. Both are small, oval-shaped earbuds with silicone ear tips on one end. The Buds 2 Pro has a less pronounced stem to attach the ear tips to and more mass above this area, whereas the Buds 2 does not. The Buds 2 are available in Graphite, Bora Purple, White, and Olive, while the Buds 2 Pro only has the first three colors. Read; OnePlus Buds Pro review: Good Buds
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is 15% smaller than the previous generation and has better airflow. They also have an IPX7 rating, which means they can withstand a 30-minute submersion in addition to sweat. The Buds 2, on the other hand, only have an IPX2 rating, which means they can only withstand light spraying water.
For the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Samsung claims five hours of playback time with ANC enabled or up to eight hours without ANC. The Buds 2 are also rated to last up to five hours with ANC turned on. Both models’ earbuds are rated at around 61mAh, but the Buds 2 charging case is 472mAh, and the Buds 2 Pro charging case is 512mAh, so there will be a slight difference in longevity. You can use wireless Qi charging, Samsung PowerShare, or USB-C to charge the case and buds.
Buds 2 vs Buds 2 Pro: Features
Because these are Samsung earbuds, they are optimized for Galaxy devices. They will also work with other Android phones, but some features will be missing.
Bluetooth codecs AAC and SBC are supported when connecting to most devices, while Galaxy phone owners can use the Samsung Scalable codec. Automatic device switching is also available on Samsung phones, but the Buds 2 Pro extends that functionality to Samsung TVs. Because the Galaxy Wearables app, which allows you to control Samsung buds, is only available on Android phones, neither model is ideal for iPhone users.
Controls
Multifunctional touch controls are available on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and the Galaxy Buds 2. Touch controls on Samsung’s buds are notoriously sensitive — bordering on oversensitive. To configure gestures, both of these models use the Galaxy Wearables app. Certain taps and tap-and-hold actions can be assigned to change the noise-canceling settings, enable ambient mode, switch EQ presets, and more. Read More; Google Pixel Buds Pro: Everything You Need to Know
SmartThings Find on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can notify you if you leave your earbuds behind, even when you are not connected to the internet. Bixby, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa are all available on both sets of buds. An ear tip test is also available for both models, which determines how well the buds fit inside your ears.
Noise-cancelling
Another area of improvement for the new Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is active noise cancellation. While not revolutionary, the manufacturer claims the Buds 2 Pro can provide an additional 3dB of attenuation and “intelligent noise-cancelling” compared to their predecessor. We’ll have to put these claims to the test because it’s unclear whether the attenuation is averaged across all frequencies or for a specific range. However, the previous Buds Pro outperformed the AirPods Pro in this category. The Buds 2 has better noise cancellation than the previous-generation Buds Pro, and they still perform well by today’s standards.
As long as you can get a good seal with the silicone ear tips, both earbuds should provide good isolation. Again, the Buds 2 provides better isolation than the original Buds Pro, but the new Galaxy Buds 2 Pro claim to be smaller, lighter, and better fitting while also reducing rotation and ear pressure, which could be beneficial.
Sound
We have yet to test the newly released Buds 2 Pro fully, but if their previous versions are any indication, they will produce a solid frequency response that most people will enjoy. On Galaxy phones, the new version includes support for 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos. The Buds 2 also support spatial audio, though the newer model’s head tracking is said to be improved. Read Also; Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review: Simply Stellar
You can only use EQ presets to adjust the sound profiles of either earbud. However, we found the previous Galaxy Buds Pro and the Buds 2 to have a consumer-friendly frequency response curve, so we don’t expect the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to deviate significantly from these. The new generation also supports 24-bit audio playback with Galaxy devices, whereas the Buds 2 do not.
Galaxy Buds 2 vs Buds 2 Pro: Which should you buy?
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro add some welcome refinements to Samsung’s earbuds lineup, and they’re a good choice for most people. They may not break new ground with improved ANC, support for more spatial audio formats, and a grippier surface, but they are progressing in the right direction.
However, the Galaxy Buds 2 are now significantly less expensive. If price is your primary concern, they still have useful features and solid ANC. Of course, Galaxy phone owners will get the most out of either set of earbuds.
