Samsung Galaxy Buds Live SM-R180 review wireless ANC earbuds with dynamic 12mm drivers

Description

Sleek and Stylish Design

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live SM-R180 immediately caught my eye with their unique, bean-shaped design. They don’t resemble traditional earbuds, and honestly, that’s what makes them stand out. The Mystic Blue Limited Edition finish adds a classy touch, and the buds feel premium in hand. I found the rounded tips surprisingly comfortable, sitting snugly in my ears without causing any discomfort. Whether I was walking, lounging, or even doing light workouts, the earbuds stayed put. The charging case, compact and lightweight, fits easily in my pocket, making it ultra-portable.

On the downside, the open-fit design, while innovative, might not be ideal for everyone. If you’re used to the snug fit of in-ear silicone tips that block out ambient noise, you may find the fit here less isolating. However, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) compensates for some of this, which I’ll touch on later.

Impressive Sound Quality

The 12mm dynamic drivers are where these earbuds truly shine. The audio quality is clear and vibrant, with a surprising amount of bass for an open-fit design. Whether I was streaming music, listening to podcasts, or catching up on audiobooks, the sound felt immersive. One feature I particularly appreciated was the broad frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which ensures that both the highs and lows are well-represented.

However, if you’re a fan of heavy bass or need studio-level accuracy, these may not entirely meet your expectations. While the bass is rich, it’s not overpowering, which I personally enjoyed for casual listening. The mids and highs are crisp, and the overall sound profile feels balanced.

Key Benefits

• Unique, ergonomic design that’s easy on the ears.
• High-quality sound drivers deliver balanced audio.
• Compact charging case is portable and stylish.
• Touch controls for seamless media management.
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensures a reliable and stable connection.

Active Noise Cancellation: A Mixed Bag

Tapping into the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature, I noticed it’s not as robust as some over-ear headphones. It’s more about reducing background hums, like the noise of an air conditioner or distant chatter, than completely isolating you from your surroundings. I found it perfect for working in a café or focusing during calls, but it doesn’t entirely block out louder noises, such as nearby construction or crying babies.

The touch controls allow for easy toggling of ANC, which is a welcome feature. I didn’t have to fumble with my phone settings every time I wanted to activate it. However, keep in mind that the ANC on these earbuds isn’t designed to compete with high-end noise-canceling over-ear headphones.

Downsides

• Active Noise Cancellation is effective but not groundbreaking.
• Open-fit design may not suit everyone’s preferences.
• Battery life, while decent, could be longer for heavy users.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is always a hot topic when it comes to wireless earbuds, and these deliver a solid six hours of playback on a single charge. With the charging case included, you get around 21 additional hours, which is decent for most use cases. I appreciated the USB-C charging support, which is much faster compared to older Micro-USB options.

The five-minute quick charge feature is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry. I tested it before heading out for a short walk and got enough juice to last me through a couple of songs and a quick call. However, for those long-haul flights or extended listening sessions, you might find yourself reaching for the charger sooner than you’d like.

Competitive Options

When I compare these earbuds to Apple AirPods (2nd Gen), the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live hold their own in terms of design and sound quality. The AirPods might have a better fit for some users, but the Galaxy Buds Live take the win with their ANC feature and richer bass performance. On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds offer superior noise-cancellation but come at a steeper price point.

The real edge of these earbuds is their integration with Android devices, offering seamless connectivity and features like Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app for customization. While Jabra Elite 75t earbuds offer better passive noise isolation, I found the open-fit style of the Galaxy Buds Live more comfortable for extended wear.

True Value

Considering the features like ANC, 12mm drivers, and Bluetooth 5.0, these earbuds offer a great price-to-quality ratio. They’re not the cheapest option out there, but they’re packed with value for what you’re getting. If you’re someone who prizes comfort, stylish design, and solid sound performance, these earbuds are worth exploring.

For me, the real charm lies in their unique aesthetic and versatile usability. While there’s room for improvement, especially with the ANC and battery life, I’d still recommend them to anyone seeking a balance of style, functionality, and sound clarity.

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