I’m not particularly enthusiastic about the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, but that may actually be a good thing.
Earbuds from phone manufacturers often receive a negative perception. Audiophiles typically disregard earbuds from mainstream tech companies, such as Samsung, Google, or Apple, instead preferring offerings from established audio brands like Sony or Bose. However, I’ve found the newest Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds, and AirPods models to be quite impressive. Honestly, the ideal earbuds for most consumers are those that align with their phone brand.
Among them, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro could be the most overlooked. In terms of audio performance, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can compete with the best. They offer comfort, effective active noise cancelation, and a superb software package. While there are a few aspects where the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro could be enhanced, I’m not looking forward to the impending Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
The leaks about Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro began appearing in October 2025, and the information has been flowing swiftly since then. Based on various icons and graphics found in One UI 8.5 builds, it appears that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will come with a revamped design for both the earbuds and the case. Nonetheless, it seems as though Samsung is altering things just for the sake of making changes. If that’s the case, you might want to purchase the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro right now.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro design shouldn’t be altered
Samsung appears determined to overhaul the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro design significantly. It’s easy to see why. Fans and critics alike mocked the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for their design, which mimics the AirPods Pro aesthetic in a notably similar fashion. This model introduced stems for the first time and snap-on ear tips for the first time, akin to AirPods.
Reports suggest that Samsung executives were extremely upset that the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro resembled a replica of the AirPods Pro. Consequently, I’m not at all shocked that the company is planning to implement considerable changes with the upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. I just didn’t anticipate these changes would be so dramatic.
As indicated in a leak from One UI 8.5 animations, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are likely to sport a redesigned look with flatter stems, a different insertion angle, and a new mesh grille on the exterior (via Android Authority). The triangular stems and their LED strips seem to be completely absent.
Examining the leaked Galaxy Buds 4 Pro images, I find myself prematurely grieving the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. I had hoped Samsung would enhance the reliability of the swipe gestures and pinch controls, which were too easily triggered unintentionally. I would have also appreciated sturdier ear tips and an improved connection system, as the tips on the current model tend to tear when swapped out frequently.
But an entire design overhaul? That seems excessive.
Considering the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were arguably my top choice for earbuds until Bose launched the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 earbuds a few months back, I’m concerned that the design alterations could lead to negative outcomes. In terms of headphone and earbud aesthetics, simplicity often prevails. If it’s functioning well, there’s no need to fix it.
It’s a notion I’m quite familiar with, since Apple’s redesigned AirPods Pro 3 left me feeling excluded. Although I’ve used AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 previously, I simply find the latest model uncomfortable. That’s the gamble a company takes when it undergoes significant design changes for an audio product. What’s alarming is that the speculated design alterations for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro appear to be far more extensive than what Apple applied to the AirPods Pro 3.
Samsung might alter the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro case for the worse
Samsung isn’t stopping at just the earbuds — it’s also speculated to be altering the case design. Instead of a tall charging case where the earbuds fit in vertically, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are expected to utilize a flat, jewelry-style charging case. I’m not in favor of this type of case, as they are generally bulkier and more challenging to fit in pockets than the alternative. I feel the replacement for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro might represent a regression.
The one positive thing I can share about the rumored Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is that they are still expected to embrace what Samsung’s audio products excel at — software. Beyond classic features like game mode and Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) support, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are anticipated to introduce a “Find Your Phone” button on the charging case.
This button would allow you to locate your phone via Bluetooth from the case of the earbuds. The reverse might also function, utilizing a speaker grille on the charging case. This appears to be the standout feature of the rumored change in charging case design.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are
