Semi-open design of Galaxy Buds 4

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are semi-open high-end earbuds available for 129.99 euros on Amazon, a discount from their original price of 179.99 euros. Unlike the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which use in-ear tips for maximum sound isolation, the Buds 4 use a semi-open format that allows some environmental sound to enter.

Comfort and sound quality

The Buds 4 are designed to be featherlight, weighing 4.5g per earpiece, which makes them comfortable for users who find silicone tips uncomfortable. Despite the lack of passive isolation, they deliver a punchy and controlled sound with deep bass and detailed clarity.

Features and usability

The earbuds include responsive pinch and vertical swipe commands on the stems. They support SBC and AAC codecs for premium sound and have an IP54 certification, making them suitable for use in the rain or during light workouts. Their Transparency mode is particularly effective for staying aware of surroundings.

Limitations and connectivity

The main limitation of the Buds 4 is their locked connectivity, which requires a Samsung smartphone to use Bluetooth multipoint or fast pairing. Their active noise cancellation is not very effective due to the semi-open design, and they lack the IP57 certification found in previous models.

Ideal for Samsung users

The Galaxy Buds 4 are described as good semi-open earbuds that attract users with Samsung smartphones who prioritize comfort and sound quality over active noise cancellation. They are ideal for long listening sessions at the office or on the street but may not be the best choice for users without a Samsung phone or those needing high-performance ANC.