Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review: Premium sound, incremental gains

The premium TWS segment is becoming increasingly competitive, with brands constantly refining their offerings to stay ahead. With the new Galaxy Buds 4 series, Samsung returns after skipping a generation, and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro take center stage. Priced at ₹22,999, these earbuds focus on delivering a polished, well-rounded experience rather than chasing headline-grabbing upgrades. On paper, they pack in a solid set of hardware, including a 2-way speaker system with a dedicated woofer and tweeter, dual amplifiers, and support for 24-bit/96kHz audio via Samsung’s Seamless Codec. Add features like AI-powered Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 6.1, and an IP57 rating, and the Buds 4 Pro clearly aim to tick all the right boxes in the premium segment.

Price & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are priced at ₹22,999 in India and are available across major online and offline retail channels. Positioned as Samsung’s flagship audio product for 2026, they launched alongside the latest Galaxy S-series lineup, clearly targeting users who want a seamless ecosystem experience.

Design & Comfort

Samsung continues with its signature minimal and premium design language, and the Buds 4 Pro reflect that philosophy well. The case is compact and polished, making it easy to carry around, while the earbuds themselves are ergonomically shaped to sit comfortably for extended periods. The lightweight construction ensures that they don’t feel intrusive, even during long listening sessions, and the snug fit makes them suitable for daily use, whether you’re commuting or working out. The IP57 rating also adds a layer of durability, offering resistance against water and dust, which makes them more reliable for workouts and outdoor use. Subtle improvements like refined touch controls, including pinch, swipe, and even head gesture support, further enhance everyday usability.

Audio Performance

Audio is where the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro truly justify their premium positioning. The 2-way dynamic driver setup, combining a woofer and tweeter, delivers a noticeably richer and more layered sound. The inclusion of dual amplifiers helps minimise distortion, especially at higher volumes, resulting in cleaner output. The soundstage feels wide and immersive, with good instrument separation, while the tuning remains balanced enough to suit most genres. Vocals come through clearly, and the bass has enough presence without overpowering the mix.

Support for Samsung’s Seamless Codec with 24-bit/96kHz playback adds to the overall fidelity, particularly when paired with compatible Galaxy devices. Features like Adaptive Equalizer and 360 Audio with head tracking further enhance the listening experience, making it feel more dynamic and spatial.

Active Noise Cancellation is also quite effective, aided by AI-powered enhancements that adapt to your surroundings. It handles everyday noise like traffic and chatter well, even if it doesn’t completely outperform the absolute best in the segment. For calls, the six-microphone setup, with three mics per earbud, ensures clear voice pickup, making them reliable for both indoor and outdoor conversations.

Software Support

Samsung leans heavily on its ecosystem strengths, and that’s evident here. The Buds 4 Pro offer a smooth and intuitive software experience, especially when paired with Galaxy devices. Features like Auto Switch allow seamless transitions between devices, while Galaxy AI-powered tools such as Interpreter and Auracast add a layer of smart functionality beyond just audio. Customisable EQ settings, ambient mode, and intelligent ANC controls are all neatly integrated, making the overall experience feel cohesive and refined. While most features work across Android, the full experience is clearly optimised for Samsung users.

Battery

Battery life on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is practical and reliable for everyday use. The earbuds offer around six hours of playback on a single charge, with the case extending total usage to approximately 26 hours. This is complemented by both USB Type-C and wireless charging support, making it convenient to top up in different scenarios. Fast charging also helps when you need a quick boost before heading out. While it doesn’t lead the segment in endurance, it comfortably covers daily usage without causing concern.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feel like a refined and calculated upgrade rather than a bold leap forward. They bring together solid hardware, thoughtful features, and a polished user experience, resulting in a pair of earbuds that perform consistently well across the board. The audio quality is strong, ANC is effective, and the design remains comfortable and premium.

That said, the improvements are incremental, and users coming from recent flagship earbuds may not notice a dramatic difference. For those upgrading from older models or stepping into the premium segment, however, the Buds 4 Pro make for a dependable and well-rounded choice that gets most things right without trying to reinvent the category.