Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Plus (Black) vs THE KING Sony WF-1000XM3 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus offer great value with solid features compared to the pricier Sony XM3.

Key Insights

• 🎁 The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus present a cost-effective alternative to the pricier Sony XM3, catering to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing quality.
• 🛟 Battery life is a significant advantage, with the Galaxy Buds Plus lasting nearly double that of the Sony XM3 under regular usage without need for recharging.
• 👂 Sound quality highlights the Galaxy Buds Plus' fun and bass-heavy profile while the Sony XM3 offers superior refinement and sound staging for discerning audiophiles.
• 👂 The absence of active noise cancellation in the Galaxy Buds Plus positions them as a viable option for individuals who prioritize casual listening rather than total immersion.
• 🏪 Wireless features enhance convenience, particularly with the inclusion of both wireless and USB-C charging in the Galaxy Buds Plus.
• 🤙 The improved microphone performance of the Galaxy Buds Plus may appeal to users who rely on earbuds for calls in noisy environments.
• 👻 Customization options available with the Sony XM3 allow users to tailor their audio experience, an area where the Galaxy Buds Plus fall short.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences in battery life between the Galaxy Buds Plus and the Sony XM3?

The Galaxy Buds Plus provide up to 11 hours of use on a single charge, with an additional 11 hours available in the case, totaling 22 hours. In contrast, the Sony XM3 has a total battery life of up to 24 hours, but their actual earbud runtime is shorter, lasting only around 6 hours per charge. This makes the Galaxy Buds Plus favorable for those who prefer longer use without frequently recharging the case.

Q: How does the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds Plus compare to the Sony XM3?

The sound signature of the Galaxy Buds Plus is characterized as fun and impactful with a considerable bass presence. On the other hand, the Sony XM3 has a more laid-back sound that is warmer in the mid-range, allowing for a more spacious soundstage. While Buds Plus are enjoyable and exciting, the Sony XM3 offers more audio refinement and clearer track separation.

Q: What features do the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus lack compared to the Sony XM3?

The Galaxy Buds Plus lack active noise cancellation, a feature for which the Sony XM3 is well-regarded. Moreover, the Sony earbuds allow for more customization through a graphic equalizer. These limitations may affect users who prioritize enhanced noise isolation and sound personalization.

Q: How do the microphone qualities of the Galaxy Buds Plus compare to the Sony XM3 during phone calls?

The Galaxy Buds Plus outperform the Sony XM3 in microphone clarity and background noise cancellation. During testing in a noisy environment, the Samsung earbuds provided clearer audio of the speaker’s voice, indicating superior performance for calls. However, the difference is minimal as both earbuds perform acceptably in such scenarios.

Q: What wireless features do the Galaxy Buds Plus provide?

The Galaxy Buds Plus support Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a strong connection and improved range. Additionally, they come equipped with USB-C charging and wireless charging capabilities, making them convenient for users who prefer not to deal with cables. This feature gives them an edge over the Sony XM3, which lacks wireless charging.

Q: What is the latency performance of the Galaxy Buds Plus while gaming?

In terms of latency performance for gaming, the Galaxy Buds Plus have slightly more audio lag compared to the Sony XM3. The test showed that the Galaxy Buds Plus lagged behind both the Apple and Android devices during gaming scenarios. However, their latency is still favorable when compared with many other truly wireless options on the market.

Q: What improvements do the Galaxy Buds Plus offer over their predecessor?

The Galaxy Buds Plus have addressed several shortcomings of the original Galaxy Buds by enhancing battery life, sound quality, bass performance, and clarity without requiring adjustments to the equalizer settings. The overall user experience has been improved, making the Buds Plus a substantial upgrade over the previous model.

Q: What aesthetic features stand out in the Galaxy Buds Plus?

The Galaxy Buds Plus feature a glossy black finish that gives them a modern, sleek appearance reminiscent of sci-fi aesthetics, eliciting comparisons to futuristic devices. Their compact design and snug fit contribute to not only style but also comfort during long periods of use, making them highly appealing to consumers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are priced at $149, significantly cheaper than the Sony XM3’s $230, despite lacking active noise cancellation.

• While the Buds Plus provide impressive battery life with 11 hours per charge, the Sony's overall audio quality and soundstage are generally considered superior.

• Features like wireless charging and enhanced microphone performance make the Galaxy Buds Plus a compelling choice, though the Sony XM3 offers greater customization options.