Samsung has a reputation for producing quality tech gadgets, and their Galaxy Buds series is no exception. The Galaxy Buds FE (Fan Edition) is designed to deliver an excellent balance of performance, features, and affordability. Here’s a detailed review of these wireless earbuds:
Design and Comfort
The Galaxy Buds FE features a sleek, ergonomic design that is both stylish and functional. The earbuds are lightweight and compact, designed to fit comfortably in the ear for extended periods without causing discomfort. They come with multiple sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a secure and personalized fit. The matte finish gives them a modern look, and the compact charging case is easy to carry around.
Sound Quality
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Buds FE with 12mm dynamic drivers, which provide clear and balanced sound. The audio profile is well-rounded, with punchy bass, clear mids, and detailed highs. The sound quality is enhanced by Samsung’s Scalable Codec, which adapts the bitrate based on the signal strength to ensure a consistent listening experience. The earbuds support AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Galaxy Buds FE features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions. The ANC performance is good for the price point, effectively minimizing low-frequency noises such as engine sounds or background chatter. The Ambient Sound mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed, which is useful for outdoor activities or when you need to have a quick conversation.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration for wireless earbuds, and the Galaxy Buds FE delivers respectable performance in this area. The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback with ANC turned on and up to 8 hours with ANC off. The charging case provides an additional 14 hours of battery life, bringing the total to 20 hours with ANC on and 22 hours with ANC off. The case supports fast charging, giving you 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging, and is also compatible with wireless charging.
Connectivity and Features
The Galaxy Buds FE uses Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable and reliable connection. They support auto-switching between Samsung devices, making it easy to transition from your phone to your tablet or smartwatch. The earbuds come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive, allowing you to manage playback, adjust volume, and take calls effortlessly. The Galaxy Wearable app provides additional customization options, including an equalizer and touch control settings.
Call Quality
The Galaxy Buds FE is equipped with dual microphones on each earbud for clear and crisp call quality. The beamforming technology focuses on your voice while minimizing background noise, making these earbuds suitable for phone calls and virtual meetings. The overall call performance is reliable, ensuring your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Galaxy Buds FE has an IPX2 rating, making them resistant to light splashes and sweat. This makes them suitable for workouts and light outdoor use, although they are not designed for heavy rain or immersion in water. The build quality is robust, and the earbuds feel durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Offers a good balance of features and performance at a reasonable price.
- Sound Quality: Clear and balanced audio with good bass, mids, and highs.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Effective ANC for the price point.
- Comfortable Fit: Lightweight and ergonomic design with multiple ear tip sizes.
- Battery Life: Decent battery life with fast charging and wireless charging support.
- Connectivity: Stable Bluetooth 5.2 connection with auto-switching between Samsung devices.
- Customization: Galaxy Wearable app provides sound and control customization options.
Cons:
- ANC Performance: Good but not as advanced as higher-end models.
- Water Resistance: Only IPX2 rated, limiting heavy-duty use in wet conditions.
- Limited Codec Support: No support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC or aptX.
- Touch Controls: Can be a bit sensitive and may require some adjustment.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Buds FE is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability in wireless earbuds. They deliver solid sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, making them suitable for everyday use. While they may not have the advanced features of more expensive models, they offer great value for their price and are a worthy addition to Samsung’s lineup of wireless earbuds.
