Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: AI-Powered ANC Earbuds Hit the Market at $150
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Samsung's New Budget-Friendly Contender
Galaxy Buds 3 FE Bring AI and ANC to the Masses
Samsung has just unveiled the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, a more affordable version of its flagship earbuds that doesn’t skimp on premium features. Priced at $150, these earbuds pack AI-driven enhancements and strong active noise cancellation (ANC), making them a compelling option in the crowded wireless earbuds market. According to androidcentral.com, the 'FE' (Fan Edition) label signals a focus on delivering core flagship features at a lower price point—a strategy Samsung has used successfully with its smartphones.
For context, the original Galaxy Buds 3 launched earlier this year at $199, with top-tier ANC and AI sound optimization. The Buds 3 FE cuts some corners but retains the essentials, targeting users who want high-quality audio without breaking the bank. The question is: Can Samsung compete with rivals like Apple’s AirPods and Sony’s WF series in this price bracket?
AI Smarts: How It Works
Machine Learning Meets Audio Enhancement
The Buds 3 FE leverage AI to dynamically adjust sound profiles based on your listening habits and environment. For example, the earbuds can detect whether you’re in a noisy café or a quiet room and tweak the ANC and EQ settings accordingly. Samsung claims this is done locally on the device, avoiding latency issues and keeping your data private—a growing concern in an era of cloud-based AI processing.
Compared to the standard Buds 3, the FE version uses a slightly less powerful AI chip, which means real-time adjustments might not be as instantaneous. However, in practice, most users likely won’t notice the difference. The bigger trade-off is battery life: AI processing is power-hungry, and the Buds 3 FE last about 5 hours with ANC enabled, versus 6 hours for the pricier model.
ANC Performance: How Does It Stack Up?
A Budget-Friendly Noise-Canceling Experience
Active noise cancellation is the standout feature here. Samsung says the Buds 3 FE use a hybrid ANC system—combining feedforward and feedback mics—to block out ambient noise effectively. In testing by androidcentral.com, they performed admirably against bus engine rumble and office chatter, though they couldn’t quite match the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5 in outright noise suppression.
Where they excel is value. At $150, they undercut Sony’s XM5 ($299) and Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 ($249) while offering 80-90% of their ANC performance. For commuters or frequent travelers on a budget, that’s a compelling proposition. The trade-off? The earbuds lack some of the premium materials and multi-device switching found in pricier models.
Sound Quality: Balanced but Not Audiophile-Grade
Good for Most, but Bass Lovers Might Want More
Samsung tuned the Buds 3 FE for a balanced sound signature—clear mids and highs, with decent but not overwhelming bass. If you’re coming from bass-heavy earbuds like the Beats Studio Buds+, these might sound a bit reserved at first. However, the companion app lets you tweak the EQ, and the AI adapts over time to your preferences.
Compared to the standard Buds 3, the FE version uses a cheaper driver setup, which means slightly less detail in complex tracks. Classical and jazz enthusiasts might notice the difference, but for pop, hip-hop, and podcasts, they’re more than adequate. The real win here is the soundstage: even at this price, the Buds 3 FE deliver a surprisingly spacious listening experience.
Battery Life and Charging: The Trade-Offs
AI and ANC Come at a Cost
As mentioned earlier, the Buds 3 FE last about 5 hours with ANC on, extending to 7 hours with it turned off. The charging case provides an additional 18 hours, totaling around 24 hours of playback. That’s decent but not class-leading—the Nothing Ear (a) offers 8 hours on a single charge, and the AirPods Pro 2 stretch to 6.5 hours with ANC.
Where Samsung does better is fast charging: 5 minutes in the case gives you an hour of playback. The case itself supports USB-C and wireless charging, though the latter is slower than some competitors. If you’re a heavy user, you’ll likely need to top up daily, but for casual listeners, the battery should suffice.
Design and Fit: Comfort Over Flash
A Familiar Look with Minor Tweaks
The Buds 3 FE stick to Samsung’s tried-and-true bean-shaped design, which sits snugly in most ears. They’re lightweight at 5.2 grams per bud, making them comfortable for long sessions. The included silicone tips come in three sizes, and the IPX2 rating means they’re splash-resistant but not fully waterproof—don’t take them swimming.
Compared to the standard Buds 3, the FE version uses more plastic and lacks the glossy finish, which might disappoint some users. However, the matte texture does a better job hiding fingerprints. Touch controls are responsive, letting you adjust volume, skip tracks, and toggle ANC with taps and holds. Missing, though, is wear detection (auto-pause when removing an earbud), a puzzling omission at this price.
Who Should Buy These?
The Ideal User for the Buds 3 FE
These earbuds are perfect for Samsung phone owners who want strong ANC and AI features without spending $200+. They’re also a solid pick for Android users in general, thanks to broad compatibility and the decent companion app. If you prioritize battery life or audiophile-grade sound, you might want to look elsewhere, but for everyday listening, they hit the sweet spot.
Students, commuters, and remote workers will appreciate the ANC and comfort, while fitness enthusiasts might wish for better water resistance. At $150, they undercut many rivals while offering a balanced feature set—just don’t expect flagship-level polish.
The Bigger Picture: Samsung’s Audio Strategy
Pushing AI and ANC into the Mainstream
With the Buds 3 FE, Samsung is clearly trying to democratize premium audio features. AI-powered sound and strong ANC were once reserved for $250+ earbuds, but now they’re trickling down to the mid-range. This mirrors trends in smartphones, where computational photography and fast charging have become standard even in budget devices.
The move also pressures competitors like Apple, Sony, and Google to either lower prices or innovate further. For consumers, that’s a win—better tech at lower prices. The risk for Samsung? Diluting its premium audio brand. If the FE series becomes too popular, will anyone pay extra for the standard Buds? Only time will tell, but for now, the Buds 3 FE are a smart play in a cutthroat market.
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