For the past few months, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE have been my near-constant companions. Whether I’m pounding the pavement on my morning run, zoning out at the office, or unwinding with a good book, these true wireless earbuds have become an essential part of my daily routine. As someone who craves high-quality audio and a comfortable fit, I was eager to see if the Galaxy Buds FE could live up to the hype. Here’s a breakdown of my experience, highlighting the good, the bad, and the in-between.
Pros: What I loved most about the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
- Sound that Soars: The first thing that struck me about the Galaxy Buds FE was the sound quality. Samsung boasts about their “excellent sound,” and they weren’t exaggerating. Rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs combine to create a truly immersive listening experience. Whether I was belting out 80s classics or getting lost in the intricate soundscapes of movie scores, the audio was detailed and dynamic. The companion Galaxy Wearable app [Galaxy Wearable app] lets you tinker with the equalizer settings to further personalize the sound profile, which is a nice touch for audiophiles.
- Noise Cancellation Nirvana: Living in a bustling city, I constantly battle ambient noise. Thankfully, the Galaxy Buds FE’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a lifesaver. It effectively blocks out low-frequency droning sounds like traffic or air conditioners, allowing me to focus on what I’m listening to. While it can’t completely eliminate everything (shrill noises or loud conversations might still sneak through), it significantly dampens background noise, creating a much more peaceful listening experience.
- Fit for a Queen (or King): Finding earbuds that stay put can be a challenge, but the Galaxy Buds FE impressed me with their secure and comfortable fit. The snug design, coupled with the included wingtips that conform to the shape of your ear, ensures they stay in place during even the most vigorous activities. I never once felt like they were on the verge of popping out, which is a major win in my book. Plus, the earbuds themselves are lightweight, so I could wear them for hours on end without any discomfort.
Cons: A few small caveats regarding the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
- Touchy Feely: The Galaxy Buds FE rely on touch controls for playback, volume, and ANC activation. While the concept is intuitive (a tap to play/pause, a double tap to skip a track), the execution felt a tad finicky at times. Swiping to adjust volume was especially prone to misinterpretations, often registering a play/pause instead. The learning curve wasn’t steep, but it would have been nice to have a more responsive touch interface.
- Call Quality Could Be Crystal Clearer: While the mic picks up my voice decently during calls, it wasn’t the strongest aspect of the Galaxy Buds FE. In quieter environments, call quality was acceptable, but in noisier settings, my voice seemed to get muddled. If you frequently make calls in loud places, these might not be the ideal choice.
- App Dependence: While the Galaxy Wearable app [Galaxy Wearable app] unlocks a variety of features like customizing EQ settings and activating Find My Earbuds, it feels a bit mandatory. Some core functionalities, like ANC and ambient sound mode, can only be accessed through the app, which might be a turnoff for those who prefer a more set-and-forget approach.
The Verdict:
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a solid pair of true wireless earbuds that deliver excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. The touch controls could be more responsive, and call quality could be improved, but these drawbacks are balanced by the strengths. If you prioritize great audio and a secure fit for an active lifestyle, the Galaxy Buds FE are definitely worth considering, especially at their current price point (which I found to be around $80). Just keep in mind that you might need to spend some time fiddling with the app to get the most out of them.
A few additional thoughts after living with the Galaxy Buds FE for a few months:
- Battery Life: The battery life is decent, lasting for about 5-6 hours on a single charge with ANC on. The charging case provides a couple of additional charges, which is handy for extended use.
- Durability: The earbuds themselves seem well-built, and the charging case feels sturdy. However, I haven’t dropped them yet, so I can’t speak to their resilience in case of falls.
- Aesthetics: The design is sleek and modern, with a minimalist aesthetic that I appreciate. They come in classic black graphite and white color options, so you can choose the one that best fits your personal style.
