Galaxy Buds3 FE – saving on everything but sound?

Samsung continues to actively develop its own audio direction, although it already owns a large number of well-known audio brands, from the mass JBL to premium ones, such as Bowers & Wilkins. This time it introduced an update to its completely wireless headphones in its Fan Edition series, called the Galaxy Buds3 FE. The models of this line were originally conceived as slightly higher than the mid-range segment, but much more affordable than the flagships. At the same time, they were supposed to retain some of the specifications of the top solutions and be similar to them in design. Whether Samsung managed to make more affordable headphones with the sound and capabilities of older versions, I will tell in this review.

Design, equipment and ease of use

Galaxy Buds3 FE inherited the design of Galaxy Buds3 Pro, that is, they have elongated triangular legs that are attached to ergonomically shaped emitters. However, in addition to the similar appearance, Samsung's new product immediately makes it clear that this is a more budget series. The Galaxy Buds3 FE uses simpler matte plastic and there are no LED indicators. However, the model is offered in two colors: black and gray. And, in my opinion, the latter has a more interesting look due to the preservation of the black stripe on the sharper edge of the leg.

Compared to the first generation of FE headphones, this is a radical change in shape and design, and in my opinion, it is more successful. In addition, this fit provides a more comfortable fit in the ear.

The kit includes only two additional sizes of tips, which is another simplification compared to more expensive Samsung models. Typically, manufacturers bundle TWS headphones with 3-5 tips, so in the case of the Galaxy Buds3 FE it is better to try them out right away to see if the included tips will suit you.

Each earbud weighs 5 grams, slightly lighter than the first generation, and is almost imperceptible in the ears, while the ergonomic shape does not cause discomfort even during prolonged use. The IP54 protection level means that the Buds3 FE are not afraid of sweat or rain, so they are suitable for training and walking in different weather conditions.

Management and connectivity

The Galaxy Buds3 FE uses touch-sensitive "pinch" gestures on the legs to control them. In particular, it's easy to squeeze one of them with two fingers to pause or skip a track, or swipe up/down on the edge of the earbud to adjust the volume.

There’s a dedicated button on the charging case for easy pairing, allowing you to quickly put the earbuds into pairing mode and switch between Samsung devices. The Auto Switch feature also automatically detects which Galaxy device is playing audio and instantly switches the earbuds to it. This is handy, for example, if you’re watching a video on your tablet and then pick up your phone to make a call, the Buds3 FE will automatically switch to your smartphone.

For all other settings, the Galaxy Wearable app is used (on Samsung smartphones with One UI 8.0+, key Buds3 FE options are now integrated directly into system settings). Through the app, you can switch noise cancellation and transparency modes, view the charge level of each earbud and case, update firmware, and customize the equalizer and features like 360 Audio and voice assistant.

Buds3 FE support Gemini voice calling with the phrase "Okay Google". Also, in conjunction with the Galaxy AI Translator application, you can get real-time translation of speech in another language (sound from the headphones + text on the smartphone screen), but there is still no support for the Ukrainian language. All these functions are available on Android, while on iOS Galaxy Buds3 FE will work only as regular Bluetooth headphones without the ability to change settings and update software.

It is worth noting that this model does not support the classic multipoint for simultaneous connection to two devices. However, if you are a user of the Galaxy ecosystem, then auto-switching performs a similar role, but only with Samsung devices in the same account. In addition, the Buds3 FE have a built-in Find My Earbuds function, which, when connected to a smartphone, allows you to track the last location of the headphones or turn on the sound signal to find a lost headphone.

Sound, noise cancellation and microphones

Despite the noticeable simplifications in design and configuration, the Galaxy Buds3 FE pleasantly surprise with sound, for their price. The headphones are equipped with enlarged 11 mm speakers, and they handle low frequencies quite well. The bass is really noticeable, but at the same time it does not "clog" the rest of the range. The mid and high frequencies also sound quite clean and detailed, creating a feeling of a wide and natural sound stage. However, it is worth noting that lovers of accentuated bass may find the Buds3 FE less punchy. For fine-tuning, the proprietary application has several equalizer modes: from boosting bass to emphasizing treble, or you can create your own preset. The supported codec formats are standard SBC/AAC, as well as the proprietary Samsung Seamless Codec for compatible Galaxy devices. Unfortunately, there is no support for aptX or LDAC.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) in Buds3 FE has also received a number of improvements compared to previous models. According to the manufacturer, the updated ANC more effectively blocks out ambient noise. In real-world conditions, the noise canceller copes well with typical situations, such as an office, street, or public transport. It noticeably reduces the hum of air conditioners, car traffic, or human voices to a comfortable level. However, it should be understood that this model is a bit lacking when compared to top-of-the-line headphones, in particular the Buds3 Pro. Buds3 FE cannot completely block out loud external noise, which means you can listen to music in the subway, but the noise from the train will still be audible in the background. As well as subway station announcements, which is probably not so bad. However, the headphones also have a transparency mode, so if you need to hear your surroundings better, this is solved very easily.

Each earbud has three microphones with support for AI-based noise cancellation algorithms. However, if in relatively quiet conditions the Galaxy Buds3 FE transmit voice quite well, then they almost do not cut off background noise, trying only to amplify the voice. On the one hand, this sound is more natural, without the “metallic” sound characteristic of many TWS headphones, but on the other hand, the interlocutors will also hear everything that is happening around you.

Battery life

Galaxy Buds3 FE have quite standard battery life for their class. Each earbud is equipped with a 53 mAh battery, the charging case – with 515 mAh. One charge of the headphones is enough for up to 6 hours of listening to music with ANC on (or up to 8.5 hours without noise cancellation). Together with recharging from the case, the total operating time reaches 24 hours with ANC on or about 30 hours without it. For phone calls, the headset is declared to last 4 hours (up to 18 hours with the case), which is typically less, because calls drain the battery more.

In my experience, these figures are close to the declared ones and correspond to the average level of TWS headphones in this price category. In other words, the Buds3 FE do not break battery life records, but they do not disappoint either: about 5–6 hours of operation on a single charge, which is quite acceptable for most scenarios, and the charging case can always be taken with you for recharging during the day.

The case is charged via a USB-C connector (cable included). There is no wireless charging in this model, another simplification that distinguishes the Fan Edition from the more expensive Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Fortunately, the fast charging function is supported. It takes about 40–60 minutes to fully charge the headphones themselves in the case, and a 5-minute recharge is enough for about an hour of listening. A full charging cycle of the case via a cable takes about 1.5 hours. In general, summing up, the battery life of the Buds3 FE is unlikely to be a problem in everyday use if you regularly put the headphones in the case in between listening pauses.