Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, review: Moving beyond their own path. What they lack in flash they make up with solid performanceNothing launched the Ear (1) earlier this year with a bold idea: fashion accessories made of earbuds. Although the company spoke a lot about transparent design's non-invasiveness, StockX launched the Ear (1) with a fashion forward focus.Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 are in this regard the anti-Nothing. They are almost unassuming in their approach. This is in line with the previous Buds generations, but it's still a striking contrast to a company that makes some of most extravagant smartphones in the world. The two (!) are a great example of this. New foldables were launched at the Unpacked event along with the headphones.Samsung's casual approach to headphones is a mixed blessing. Samsung could be more clear with its branding for what appears to be an ever-changing lineup of models. I asked the company for clarification on how things work ahead of this week's launch. The company replied as follows:The Galaxy Buds Pro are our premium offering. They use cutting-edge technology to provide immersive audio, intelligent Active Noise Cancelling, and seamless connectivity. The Galaxy Buds Live are a great way to showcase your unique style. They combine high-quality sound with a striking design.The short answer to your question is that there are three versions available for Galaxy Buds: Buds 2, Buds Pro, and Buds Live. You can confirm your suspicions that the $149 Buds Pro Buds are less useful than the $170 Buds Live Buds. They won't last long, unless there is a major upgrade. This leaves a clearer choice of Buds 2 or Buds Pro as the two-level offerings.As I've said before, wireless earbuds are quickly becoming a popular choice. I recommend that people choose a pair made in the same company that made their phone. Direct access to the hardware and software of a device is a market advantage.This is obviously a huge advantage for a company like Samsung with such a large global market share. The Galaxy Buds 2 are pretty good in a pretty good way. They aren't flashy and have a design that is 15% smaller than the original Galaxy Buds and 20% lighter than their predecessors. This allows them to disappear with very little surface area.These buds are extremely comfortable due to their size and shape. Although I don't know why, these earbuds are so ergonomic and durable. The exposed side has enough area to allow for touch control. The downside is that you can't adjust the size in your ears without accidentally activating that touch. It became annoying when I had to adjust them for sweaty ears while running.Samsung subsidiary AKG ensures a solid sound. Although not exceptional, these buds are pretty close to what you would expect from a pair of $149 buds. Active noise cancellation was also a highlight for me. It was a very good experience, but not exceptional. It's a great way to listen. The Pros can be upgraded to better sound, or you can choose from Nuras or Sonys depending on your budget. 360 Audio is another feature that the Buds Pro offers, but it's unlikely to make or break a small percentage of buyers.The case can be charged wirelessly, which is a nice touch. The battery lasts five hours when using ANC, and 7.5 when it is turned off. The battery's life expectancy is boosted to 20 hours by the small, transparent case. While the IPX2 water resistance is great for sweat, there are other things that the company could improve upon.It's a short list. The Galaxy Buds 2 are a solid, simple addition to the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.
