Samsung just pulled the wraps off the Galaxy Buds3 FE, and there’s quite a bit to unpack here. The biggest shift? A stem-style design, a noticeable departure from the wingtip look of the original Galaxy Buds FE. It’s not just cosmetic either. That new shape helps bring the microphone closer to your mouth, which should mean clearer calls and a more polished feel overall. It sort of aligns them with the flagship Buds3 and Buds3 Pro models.
Key Takeaways
- New Design: The Galaxy Buds3 FE now use a stem-based design, replacing the older wingtip style.
- Improved Audio: A larger 1-way dynamic driver delivers richer bass and cleaner treble.
- AI Features: Real-time translation and hands-free controls are powered by Galaxy AI.
- Noise Cancellation: Enhanced Active Noise Cancelling and Crystal Clear Call tech are built in.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of playback with ANC, and 24 hours total using the charging case.
Set to launch globally on September 4, 2025, these earbuds come in at around $149.99. That’s roughly 50 dollars more than their predecessor, but the upgrade feels like it’s trying to justify that.
Design That Feels Familiar but Fresh
With their dual-tone matte finish and semi-transparent case accents, the Galaxy Buds3 FE feel a little more refined. They’re clearly borrowing style notes from the main Buds3 series, and the stem also allows for touch gestures. You can pinch or swipe to manage volume, calls, or media, and it all feels pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it.
Audio and Call Features That Actually Matter
Samsung fitted these with a bigger 1-way dynamic driver, so bass sounds deeper, and treble comes through with more clarity. There’s also improved ANC, which is great for cutting down background noise. During calls, the Crystal-Clear Call tech kicks in. That’s Samsung’s AI-driven voice isolation tool, and it helps your voice stay sharp and audible even in noisy environments. And again, the mic placement on the stem helps with that too.
Galaxy AI Makes a Smart Appearance
Galaxy AI is slowly working its way into more Samsung products, and here it shows up in a few practical ways. One standout is the real-time translation, powered by the Interpreter app. You hear the translated voice through the earbuds while the phone displays the transcript. It’s a seamless setup, and if you travel or work across languages, this could actually be useful.
You also get access to hands-free features like checking your schedule or emails just by saying “Hey Google.” No screen tapping required.
More Than Just Talk: Battery and Durability
Battery life holds up pretty well. You get up to 6 hours of listening with ANC on, and 24 hours total when you factor in the charging case. If you turn ANC off, that bumps up to 8.5 hours, and up to 30 hours with the case. For voice calls, it’s about 4 hours on a single charge.
Durability gets a slight boost too. These now carry an IP54 rating, which makes them more resistant to dust and splashes than the previous FE’s limited IPX2 protection.
Why This Launch Matters
The Galaxy Buds3 FE feel like a deliberate step forward. Samsung didn’t just tweak the design for looks. They refined the functionality in subtle but meaningful ways, and layered in useful AI features that don’t feel over the top. For $150, you’re getting a solid combination of style, sound, smart tools, and everyday durability.
FAQs
Q: Do the Galaxy Buds3 FE work with non-Samsung phones?
A: Yes, the Galaxy Buds3 FE are compatible with any Android phone running Android 11.0 or higher with more than 1.5GB of memory. However, some Galaxy AI and other specific features may only work with compatible Samsung Galaxy devices.
Q: How do the Galaxy Buds3 FE compare to the previous Galaxy Buds FE?
A: The Galaxy Buds3 FE have a new stem design, a larger speaker for better sound, and include Galaxy AI features. The previous Galaxy Buds FE have a wingtip design and do not have Galaxy AI support.
Q: What is the battery life of the Galaxy Buds3 FE?
A: The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on, and a total of 24 hours with the charging case. With ANC off, the earbuds last up to 8.5 hours and a total of 30 hours with the case.
Q: Are the Galaxy Buds3 FE waterproof?
A: The Galaxy Buds3 FE have an IP54 rating for water resistance. This means they are protected from dust and water splashes, making them suitable for use during workouts or in light rain. They are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water.
