Samsung’s Upcoming FE-Level Earbuds: Galaxy Buds Core Could Be Coming Soon
Samsung appears to be on the verge of launching the next version of its Fan Edition (FE) wireless earbuds, with recent leaks indicating they may be branded as the Galaxy Buds Core. Though the company has not yet made an official announcement regarding this product, several regulatory filings and leaks are providing a clearer idea of what consumers can anticipate from this new audio device.
What We Know Up to This Point
Recent findings in the Nemko Platform database have revealed a new Samsung gadget with the model number SM-R410, which is believed to be the Galaxy Buds Core. This is consistent with earlier reports from 91Mobiles and Android Authority, which also mentioned an FCC listing indicating a similar model. The charging case, designated as EP-QR410, is said to contain a 500mAh battery, while each earbud is expected to have a 200mAh battery.
These specifications indicate that the Galaxy Buds Core may provide reliable battery longevity, potentially matching or even exceeding the previous Galaxy Buds FE, which offered up to 8.5 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
Connectivity and Features
The Galaxy Buds Core are anticipated to include support for Bluetooth 5.0 Plus and dual-band Wi-Fi (up to 5.8GHz), potentially improving connection reliability and streaming performance. While specific specs are still largely unknown, the addition of these features suggests a comprehensive audio experience, possibly featuring enhanced latency and range.
Design: Going Back to Basics or Charting a New Course?
A significant question regarding the Galaxy Buds Core is their design approach. The previous Galaxy Buds FE employed a wing-tip design for a secure and comfortable fit, reminiscent of the ergonomic aesthetics of earlier Galaxy Buds iterations. However, Samsung’s latest flagship earbuds—the Galaxy Buds 3 series—introduced a bold new design, taking on a stemmed appearance that echoes Apple’s AirPods.
This design shift was not merely cosmetic; it also incorporated innovative gesture controls, allowing users to pinch or swipe the stem to manage playback and volume. Should the Galaxy Buds Core adopt the design elements of the Buds 3 series, they may feature similar touch controls. Nevertheless, there’s speculation that Samsung might distinguish the Core model by reverting to the wing-tip design, providing consumers with a more classic in-ear experience.
A Much-Awaited Successor
The last FE-level earbuds, termed the Galaxy Buds FE, were released in 2023. They garnered positive feedback for their reasonable pricing and feature set, which encompassed Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Ambient Sound mode, and a triple-microphone system for improved call clarity. The Buds FE were recognized as a value-oriented alternative to Samsung’s high-end earbuds, delivering many comparable features at a more affordable price.
In light of the Buds FE’s success, the Galaxy Buds Core could be seen as their spiritual successor. With a fresh name and possibly enhanced design and features, Samsung may be looking to rejuvenate its mid-range audio offerings while upholding the FE principle of providing flagship-like features at a more reachable price point.
What Lies Ahead?
Although Samsung has not formally introduced the Galaxy Buds Core, the growing volume of regulatory filings and leaks implies that a launch might be on the horizon. If the company adheres to its usual release schedule, we could witness an official reveal alongside other Galaxy devices later this year, potentially during a summer Unpacked event.
In the meantime, enthusiasts of Samsung’s audio products can anticipate a new model that aims to merge performance, battery life, and affordability—key attributes of the FE brand.
Stay tuned for further updates as we uncover more about the Galaxy Buds Core and the enhancements they will contribute to Samsung’s expanding range of wireless audio devices.
