The color is also cute!(There are black and white.)
Gizmodo is reviewing the "Samsung Galaxy Buds Live" where the bean -shaped design is eye -catching.While wireless earphones are cheap and easy to reach, what about performance and usability?
Originally, Samsung started making wireless earphones after 2016 after the original "Gear IConx".It's a little before AirPods appears.
This time, the newly appeared "Galaxy Buds Live" has a more novel and unique presence.What kind of features are wireless earphones?
First, about the design.This is probably like a shining beans with mystic bronze color.This shape is meaningful and is essential for earphones performance.This is because, unlike ordinary earphones, they are used without pushing into the Eustachian tube.It is said that it is possible to twist between the ears (a small bump that protrudes in front of the Eustachian tube) and the collar (a semicircular depression that reflects the ear).increase.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
What is this: Samsung latest wireless earphone
How much: $ 170 (about 18,000 yen)
Favorite place: Good price, battery life, small, thin design, convenient touch control, sound quality, Qi compatible charging case
I don't like it: Active noise canceling is not powerful enough to expect
Comfort is outstanding!
If you like standard earphones that do not protrude from your ears, like AirPods, you should be able to experience a similar fit in Galaxy Buds Live.This feature is different from many earphones, including Galaxy Buds+.
Galaxy Buds Live is quite comfortable, even if you don't like or dislike earphones.Now, compared to the earphones on the market, it is relatively small and humble.I didn't feel uncomfortable when I fell asleep while wearing it, or when I exercised and sweated.
The noise canceling function is minimum
However, on the other hand, while this bean -type design does not completely seal the ear canal, you may be worried about the surrounding noise.This is Samsung's calculation mistake...Rather, it is within expectations.
By incorporating the ventilation hole in the earphone itself, it seems that air pressure is prevented in places such as automobiles, elevators, and airplanes, and it seems that it is possible to hear what is happening around.You can hear "important noise" such as sirens and speakers, so there was no need to remove the earphones to hear the announcement on the train.On the other hand, you can hear clear noise such as car horn sounds.
However, what to remember here is that there is Samsung's unique active noise canceling function (ANC).It reduces low frequency delay, such as the sound of a fan of a fan moving and the sound of a neighbor's child playing with toys.
Active noise canceling is quite useful for suppressing sustainable noise.However, the high range cannot be stopped, and people's voices can be heard.If you want a completely inaudible earphone, such as your baby's cry or a barking voice of a dog, Galaxy Buds Live may not be suitable.
If you have a minimum noise canceling function and want to be able to grasp what is happening around you, it's worth considering as a candidate for wireless earphones.
Another thing to know in advance is that if you turn on active noise cancellation, the battery will be reduced from about 8 hours to about 8 hours in one charge.In some cases, the Bixby Voice Wake -up function is always reduced to 6 hours depending on the settings.
Sound quality is stable
On the other hand, about the sound quality, I have the impression that Samsung is doing a stable job.At first, I felt the turbidity of the sound, so I decided to play with the preset EQ.In the end, the balance between the low and the high range was well balanced, and the low frequency was not too highly emphasized.
For those who have a strong sense of sound, it may be quite a blow that there is no customizable EQ.However, when using Galaxy Buds Live with Samsung devices, the range of functions that can be used, such as "game mode", which can minimize audio delays and concentrate on play, expands.I didn't know how effective the game mode was, how it was really quick, or the placebo effect.
Touch operation is customable, no swipe operation
Other features are that recent wireless earphones also support the familiar touch control.Play/pause in a single tap, skip with a triple tap with a double tap...というような操作ができます。タップ & ホールドでできる操作はカスタマイズ可能で、アクティブノイズキャンセレーションの切り替え、音量の上げ下げ、デジタルアシスタントの呼び出しなどの選択肢があります。サムスンのスマホはBixby、その他AndroidスマホではGoogleアシスタント、iOSならSiriの呼び出しができます。さらにサムスン端末の場合、長押しでSpotifyの起動もセットできます。音量をスワイプジェスチャーで変更できないのが少し残念。
How about compared to other earphones?
What should I get lost in comparing Galaxy Buds Live with other companies?For example, the level of the active noise canceling function is different, so options to replace Apple AirPods Pro ($ 250) and Sony WF-1000XM3 ($ 230)....Not.Galaxy Buds +($ 150) has a long battery life (11 hours!) And fits the ears perfectly, so the passive noise cancellation is very good.
...Then the true rival of Galaxy Buds Live is the standard AirPods or the second generation Google Pixel Buds.There is noise canceling itself, but it seems that Galaxy Buds Live wins in terms of the length of the battery life and the flexibility on various platforms.
Personally, I think it's much more comfortable than the standard AirPods and at the same level as Pixel Buds.The point is that it is more stable than Pixel Buds.In fact, the connection was never interrupted during the week we were reviewing (even in New York, known for Bluetooth instability).
Galaxy Buds Live is already perfect!However, it can be evaluated as having important functions.If you want to have a little connection with the sound of the outside world while commuting or walking, it is an earphone that you can use and use.
postscript
The latest update of the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app has greatly improved the active noise cancellation performance on Galaxy Buds Live.I contacted Samsung and asked about further software updates, so I will update it again at Gizmodo as soon as there is a response.
Memo
・ Galaxy Buds Live operates on various platforms, including Android and iOS.To use specific functions such as Game Mode, you need to pair with Samsung devices.
・ Because there is a ventilation hole for reducing air pressure accumulation, active noise canceling equivalent to AirPods Pro and Sony WH-1000XM4 cannot be expected.
・ Charge 1 time lasts 6 to 8 hours.A battery that can be used for another 20-22 hours for charging cases.
・ Different from many earphones is that in the case of Galaxy Buds Live, it does not actually enter the outer ear canal, but only in the outer cartilage (between the collar and the ears).The attached wing tip (small/large size) is convenient to adjust the fit.
・ If you turn off the active noise cancellation and Bixby Voice Wake-UP function, the battery life will be improved from 6 to 8 hours.
