Samsung Galaxy Buds FE First Impressions 🤔
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE really is meant to be a more budget friendly option compared to the others. So it’s offered at a lower price at USD100 (or SGD158), but still has essential features like ANC, app support on Android, and auto-switching within the Samsung ecosystem. And even in terms of battery life, there is no compromise. It even rates a little better than the Buds2 Pro and the Buds2.
(From left: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs Buds FE vs Buds2 Pro )
TOTAL RATED BATTERY EARBUDS+ CASE)
GALAXY BUDS FE: 6 + 15 HRS (ANC ON)
GALAXY BUDS2: 5+13 HRS (ANC ON)
GALAXY BUDS2 PRO: 5+15 HRS (ANC ON)
To me what’s interesting about them is the design of the buds themselves. They are actually closer to the original Galaxy Buds and Buds+ from 2019 and 2020 respectively. I liked that design because of the wingtips. Those could lock into my ears better compared to later Galaxy Buds, and now the same snug fit has been brought to the Buds FE.
But are there any differences between them in terms of sound quality, active noise canceling, and mic pickup?
The trade-offs
Obviously, compared to the premium models, there are some trade offs. For example, the Buds FE does not have wireless charging , 360 Audio, and it uses a single 6.5mm driver per bud as opposed to the premium models’ 2-way driver designs.
However, my first impressions of its sound is… pretty positive, actually.
Sound Quality First Impressions
It’s a heavier sound signature compared to the premium models. It seems to have a lot more thump in the bass, and gravity in the mids. To me that’s a good thing, because I happen to be someone who likes a bit more thickness, more juiciness in my sound. So I’m not complaining about that.
But I do have to listen to it more because the Buds FE seemed a bit tighter and more compact in the soundstage. Its detail resolution also seems a little lower than the Buds2 Pro, but that is just my first impressions. I’ll have to spend more time with it first before arriving at a more concrete conclusion.
Microphone pickup
Listening to the Buds FE’s mic pickup recorded during a crowded and noisy event, with lots of human chatter, the noise reduction kicked in pretty quickly suppressing chatter rather well. Granted, my voice could sound a little clearer, but there were many people in close proximity talking at the same time, challenging for any earbuds since they have to pick filter out everyone’s voice except your own.
I’ll just have to compare them to the other Samsungs in similar situations to see if they could do a better job than the FE.
Active Noise Canceling
Its active noise canceling seems rather decent, as in there was a general dumbing down of chatter. That being said, it’s not anywhere near the level of the top noise cancelers in the market that made it to my recommended list, but it’s usable if you need to hear your music better in a crowded subway, or if you’re in a busy cafe studying for your next test.
Transparency mode
Its transparency mode seems to be similar to Buds2 Pro. I could hear the mid and high frequencies amplified loudly, and I was able to have a short conversation with friends there.
Galaxy Buds FE First Impressions
Overall the Buds FE looks very promising. In the short term it may not seem as attractive as the Buds2 because those are often going on promo, which sometimes brings them under $100, but the FE is going to appeal to people who prefer a heavier, bassier sound, even before EQ-ing them in any way. It will also appeal to people who want a snug, lock in fit because of their wingtips.
So those are my first impressions. A full review is coming once I get my hands on a review unit. In the meantime, watch me compare the Galaxy Buds2 Pro to some of the most popular earbuds!
