At MWC 2026, I had one of those experiences that doesn’t happen every day. Samsung allowed me to sign in soundproof room to try new ones Galaxy Buds4 Pro next to a Galaxy S26 just taken out of the oven. And of course, if they eliminate the noise around you, what really matters remains. Neither “sensations in the subway” nor the typical “because they are canceled” are suitable there. There you can see if the product is serious. or if it is another.
I came with a high bar because I tried the AirPods Pro 3 and, for me, Apple had a comfortable lead in noise cancellation. Well, I left that room with a pretty clear idea in my mind. Samsung really screwed upand Buds4 Pro they really moved me for the better. Especially for something that seems silly and then isn’t ability to fine-tune the cancellation level and note that the changes are real, not placebo.
And I’m already telling you something so that you understand the “mood” of the test. no, I wasn’t on a plane or a train. with a rumble in the background. But in a controlled room, with “well-tuned” noise, and you’re focused on listening, If one earbud fails, sing. And here, in general, I found a very round product.…with a couple of nuances that I will also tell you I don’t like selling motorcycles.
Noise Canceling: Something that shuts out the world for you
The first thing that drove me crazy was this noise cancellation (ANC). Not just because it covers a lot, but because of how it does it. You increase your ANC and stay in your bubbleand that’s the best It didn’t give me that weird pressure which sometimes leaves your head feeling like you’re underwater (you know what I mean).
Samsung also talks about improved ANC this generation and a more “adaptive” approach with ambient modes and smart settings. The presentation mentioned that the Pro model brings concrete improvements over the previous generation, and in practice I felt that They don’t leave a stone unturned, they go for outstanding.
Compared to AirPods Pro 3? Here I will get wet from what I experienced there. It seemed better to meespecially because of this ability adjust the level and notice that the isolation becomes almost completely in a controlled environment. Now I will also tell you something: final test For me, there would be a repetition of this on the street, on the subway and on the plane. But as a first impression, It left a very good taste in my mouth..
“Top” sound and a configuration that aims high
In terms of sound quality, I was also satisfied. a lot. And here is an important detail that explains a great deal of what I heard. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro they created a system dual converterwith a dedicated woofer for bass and a tweeter for high frequencies. They mostly want to separate work so seriously don’t eat the details and to make everything sound cleaner when you turn up the volume.
My impression was of a “top” headset, with good definition and full stop clarity which makes you hear layers in songs that normally sound more crowded. Does it stick? If I get picky In the bass, the AirPods Pro 3 continue to sound harsher to meit’s easier to like in a minute. Buds4 Pro They didn’t seem weak to me.Not less, but something more controlled. and it can be good or bad depending on your tastes. If you like punchy bass, maybe the Apple still has that quick “wow” edge. If you prefer balance and detail, Samsung seems to be pretty serious.
And be careful with the ecosystem, because Samsung is very insistent on pairing with the mobile phone. In his materials he talks about Hi-Fi audio with SSC up to 24bit/96kHz when you pair them with a compatible Galaxy, and what if you listen correctly, It’s more noticeable than many people think. (especially in separation and micro-details).
360-degree audio with head tracking, plus everything is fine
It’s about Panoramic audio cut behind the head It was a different moment. This really annoys me because a lot of spatial audio demos make me laugh for 30 seconds and then get bored. Not here. I noticed it here very accuratewith sound “fixed” and with transition polite when you move your head. It’s one of those features that, when things go well, you forget it exists and devote yourself to pleasure.
Samsung is marketing it as an immersive music and video experience, and it makes sense. In a quiet room, with a well-prepared video, puts you in the scene without it looking like a cheap gimmick. And yes, it depends a lot on the content. Not everything you see on YouTube will sound like a movie. But if the material accompanies, the result is very attractive.
Also, the fact that they are designed to go hand in hand with the latest Galaxy phones is evident in details like integration and the ease of activating things. It’s not “messing around with twenty menus and praying.” It’s more directmore than put it on and start playing.
Technical details that matter and a typical sprocket
Beyond what I’ve heard, there’s data to help put it in context. To begin with, IP57 on the Pro model, which for real use there is peace of mind If you take them outside and it rains or you sweat during your workout. There is also talk of improved battery life and modern connectivity with features such as Auracast and compatibility with the Samsung codec, in addition to the launch already marked on the calendar.
The price also puts them in the premium league where they want to be. Buds4 Pro pricing has been announced 249 euros and arrival starting March 6.
And now an asterisk that always exists. Many of Samsung’s “star” features They look better if you have a Galaxy mobileand that’s important to say, because that’s when the surprises come. They work with Android, yes, but the full package is used at home.
Anyway, my feeling after this controlled test was very clear. Samsung is no longer chasing Apple in a hurrycompetitive from you to you. I’m missing the “real world” part to complete an overall verdict, but if you ask me about first impressions, I’ll tell you without drama. Galaxy Buds4 Pro surprised me. And not much at all.
