New Samsung Galaxy Buds Live earphones with active noise cancellation

11/8/2020

The stream of Samsung new devices continues - after the two Galaxy Note20 phones, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and two Galaxy Tab S7 tablets, the Galaxy Watch 3, the last device unveiled is the Galaxy Buds Live TWS earphones with one-of-a-kind aesthetics and active noise cancellation.

Samsung arrange all components horizontally to achieve the bean shape, that it feels follows the shape of the outer ear. That way the Buds Live don’t protrude from the ears and Samsung claims this will allow for a “more natural appearance”.

Since not all ears are the same in shape in size, the Buds Live can be attached to wingtips for better ergonomics. On the inside there is a 12 mm speaker and bass duct, while on the outside there are three microphones and Voice Pickup Unit - it allows two of the microphones to locate the position of your mouth and where your voice comes from enabling both in-call noise cancellation and ANC when listening to music.

The Galaxy Buds Live come with Game Mode that reduces audio latency, and Samsung also brings Bixby voice wake-up (market-dependent). Battery life goes from 5.5 to 8 hours depending if you use the voice wake and ANC, while the charging case can bring the total endurance north of 20 hours in all cases. It supports quick charge, with 5 minutes on the wire bringing 1 hour of play time. There is also wireless charging that will work with any Qi charger

Specs-wise, we have two earbuds that weigh 5.6 grams each, a case that is 42 grams more, and the battery life is 60 mAh per bud + 472 mAh in the case. There is a touch area on the upper side of the bean and the Buds Live come with Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live in Mystic Black

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live in Mystic White

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live in Mystic Bronze

Price and Availability

The Galaxy Buds Live has a recommended retail price of S$288, just a little more expensive than the Galaxy Buds+.

Choosing between the Buds Live and Buds+ is likely going to be a matter of design preferences. In terms of features, the call quality was already great on the Buds+, so we expect the Buds Live to be even better. ANC and Bixby support functions are also available on the new Buds+, so you’re potentially getting more out of it for just $20 more. Battery life with the charging case is status quo for both devices, but for the earbuds on their own, the Galaxy Buds+ will last longer.

If you’re not already getting the Galaxy Note20 Ultra which qualifies for a free pair of Galaxy Buds+, these new earbuds are now available for pre-order and it will be available for collection from 17th August.

Full retail availability will commence from 21st August at major electronics stores and telcos.