Samsung Galaxy Buds review: The Qi wireless charging, adaptive dual microphones set it apart

The Galaxy Buds are a refreshed version of the Gear Icon X – Samsung has dropped the ‘Gear’ name, instead calling them Galaxy, telling you in no uncertain words that they work great with Galaxy phones. But they’re Bluetooth of course, so they’ll work with any phone, including iPhone.

A good pair of true wireless earbuds has to get three basic things right. First, they need to maintain a stable connection with your phone/tablet/laptop and with each other. Second, they need to stay in perfect sync with your device so that you can use them for audio & video. And third, they need to sound great (for music & phone calls) while blocking a large portion of ambient sound. The Galaxy Buds excel in all three areas. But they don’t stop there!

The pill-shaped charging case is small & light (just 40 grams – each bud is only 6 grams). It’s plastic but feels exceedingly well-made. The Buds fit inside magnetically and the lid shuts with a satisfying magnetic click. There are touchpads on both Earbuds for playback control or to answer/end calls. The punchy sound is tuned using expertise from AKG Acoustics (which is now a brand owned by Samsung). They fit securely without feeling too tight and