Hello everyone! Today’s blog is a bit different. Usually we upload a detailed unboxing and video review first and then the written blog. However, this time, we’ll talk about the product in this blog first, and upload a video within the next few days. So, make sure to come back to watch a detailed video review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds live!
In this blog, we’ll be discussing and reviewing the all new Samsung Galaxy Buds live, that were just released on August 6, 2020 and are available on Amazon.com. If you were in the market for the new true wireless headphones/buds chances are you came across the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. Now, Samsung offers three completely different wireless buds that you can choose from: Samsung Galaxy Buds live and Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and the original Galaxy Buds. Both are extremely good wireless buds, some would say, best for the buck. However, let’s get this out of the way and compare what each of these headphones offer:
 |  | |
| ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes | No |
| Bixby voice wake-up | O Support (Bixby) | N/A |
| Speaker | 1-way, 12mm driver | 2-way dynamic per Bud Woofer + Tweeter |
| Mic | 3 Mics (2 Outer+1 Inner) | 3 Mics (2 Outer+1 Inner) |
| Play Time | 8H Earbud / 29H with Case (ANC & Bixby voice wake-up OFF) | 11H Earbud / 22H with Case |
| Talk Time | 5.5H Earbud / 19H with Case (ANC OFF) | 7.5H Earbud / 15H with Case |
Usually when a company comes out with a brand new, upgraded version of the product, everyone wants to upgrade. However, this is not the case with the all new Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. The reason being a completely new design that affects how these headphones sit in your ears. Instead of a common design with the ear tip that goes inside your ear canal and naturally provides noise cancellation, the new Galaxy Buds Live offer a completely new design with no ear tip. These new buds sit softly inside the ear, supposedly providing more comfort. However, many people did not appreciate this new design, some people have reported poor fitment inside the ear which is a HUGE deal if you ask me. On the other hand, you don’t have an ear tip stuck in your ear canal which naturally reduces noise sounds. If you ask me, I’d prefer Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, simply because I won’t feel “deaf” because of the ear tip, at the same time, I could turn on the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) at any time. Open design creates a live listening environment compared to traditional sealed ear tips; this created a better natural, spacious sound.
Battery life
As you can clearly see from the table, Samsung Galaxy Buds+ have an edge over new Buds Live, with 11h of play time versus 8h. However, the new Buds Live case has 29h of juice in it, vs 22h for the buds+, keep in mind, to get all 29h out of the case, the ANC and Bixby voice wake-up have to be OFF. I think that the battery life could be improved with a future software update from Samsung. What about speed charging? Well, again, the old Buds+ have a slight edge, over Buds Live. Just a 3-minutes charge will give your Galaxy Buds+ one hour of juice to power. Whereas, a 5-minutes charge gets you an hour for your Galaxy Buds Live. This does not sound like a lot, however, in just 1 extra minute, the old Buds+ will have 2 hours of juice. Attach these buds to the back of your Galaxy phone for a wireless on the go charge. We assume that this feature only works with Galaxy devices, so you are somewhat forced to buy a Samsung phone to be able to use all features of these buds.
What is a Bixby voice wake-up?
Bixby is a Samsung’s version of Amazon Alexa, basically a virtual assistant AI technology. You can use Bixby on your Galaxy phone or tablet to make hands-free calls, ask questions, or give commands using your voice. We are not sure if this feature will work on Android devices other than the Samsung Galaxy phones or tablets. But it is not a big drawback if you don’t plan on using voice-commands.
Design
This is where the Galaxy Buds Live have an edge in my opinion, as they stand out of all current competitors. Currently offered at only 3 color options: Mystic black, mystic bronze, and mystic white. Less colors options compared to Buds+, however, I am truly impressed with the all new “bean” looking
design.
Audio
For me, the Galaxy Buds+ always were one of the best buds when it comes to audio, they still have great highs, mids, but no lows, however, you can use the Galaxy Buds+ app to adjust the “Equalizer” settings for your preferences. However, the new Galaxy Buds Live have much better highs and lows, thanks to the AKG-tuned 12mm speaker, the bass duct also enhances lower frequency sounds. Back to the ANC. You might not be very impressed because of the “open back” headphones design, the ANC only cuts out some of the low noises, and it does not cancel all the noises the way you think it would. However, the Galaxy Buds Live have a way better microphone, which might be a huge plus if you plan on using them for calls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Galaxy Buds+ and the Galaxy Buds Live are very great earbuds. Both provide a great, easy way to charge the buds with an awesome case to be sure that you will not run out of juice your entire day. Personally, I feel like if you have a Samsung phone then it would be best to go with the Galaxy Buds Live. However, if you have some kind of other device then the Galaxy Buds+ will probably be the go to for you. The Galaxy Buds Live might seem supreme to the Galaxy Buds+, however, that is only because of the specific apps of which you need the Samsung phone for. Overall, both are very good earbuds.
