Huawei has unveiled the FreeBuds Pro 4, the latest generation of its premium true wireless earbuds, directly competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Both earbuds promise excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a premium design.
But which one is the better option for you?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down every key detail—from design and comfort to sound quality and features—to help you make the right choice.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro exude a premium look and feel. However, there are notable differences.
The FreeBuds Pro 4 features a matte finish, which not only adds to their aesthetic appeal but also resists fingerprints and scratches better than glossy surfaces.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, on the other hand, has a glossy exterior, which looks stylish but is more prone to smudges.
The charging cases are also different. Samsung has opted for a futuristic transparent-lid case that allows users to check the earbuds inside without opening it.Additionally, the case has a flat bottom, allowing it to rest securely on a surface.
Huawei’s case is more traditional but features a unique built-in speaker, which emits sound when charging or pairing.
Unfortunately, this speaker isn’t useful for locating lost earbuds, a feature that could have been a great addition.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is subjective, but it is very important for long-term usability.
The FreeBuds Pro 4 comes with both silicone and memory foam ear tips, ensuring users can find the perfect fit.
The inclusion of memory foam tips provides better passive noise isolation compared to standard silicone tips.
In contrast, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro rely solely on silicone tips, which may not offer the same level of passive noise blocking.
Both earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ears, making them suitable for workouts or prolonged usage.
However, the FreeBuds Pro 4’s ergonomic shape may provide a slightly more secure and comfortable fit for certain users.
Controls and Features
Both earbuds utilize pinch-sensitive controls on their stems, which allow users to play/pause music, answer calls, and adjust volume by swiping.
The controls are highly customizable via their respective companion apps.
A unique feature of the FreeBuds Pro 4 is the ability to answer calls with head gestures, though in practice, this may not be a must-have feature.
Samsung counters with exclusive features like a neck-stretch reminder and voice-detection auto-mute, which lowers the volume when it detects you speaking—a genuinely useful addition for hands-free interactions.
Water and Dust Resistance
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro boast an IP57 rating, offering better dust and water resistance compared to the FreeBuds Pro 4, which only carry an IP54 rating.
While both can withstand sweat and light rain, Samsung’s earbuds provide better protection in more demanding conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is nearly identical between the two. With active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, both deliver around 5 to 5.5 hours of playback on a single charge, which extends further with ANC turned off.
Both models support USB-C and wireless charging. Huawei and Samsung both ensure that their cases offer additional charge cycles, extending total playback time to around 25-30 hours.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro comes with Bluetooth 5.4, whereas the FreeBuds Pro 4 stick with Bluetooth 5.2. While Bluetooth 5.4 provides better efficiency and stability, the real-world difference is minor.
Codec support, however, is more significant. The FreeBuds Pro 4 support LDAC, making them more versatile across different devices.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro rely on Samsung’s Seamless Codec, which delivers excellent audio quality but is optimized for high-end Samsung smartphones.
Huawei’s AI Life app is compatible with both Android and iOS, while Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app is currently Android-exclusive. This could be a dealbreaker for iPhone users considering the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Microphone and Call Quality
Both models excel in call quality, offering clear voice transmission and excellent noise suppression. Whether indoors or outdoors, they handle calls remarkably well, making them ideal for business users or frequent callers.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Huawei’s and Samsung’s ANC implementations are among the best in the market. The FreeBuds Pro 4 have a slight edge due to their memory foam ear tips, which naturally enhance noise isolation.
That said, both models effectively block out ambient noise, making them great for commuting or work environments.
Transparency mode is another strong point for both. Huawei’s mode sounds slightly more natural, while Samsung’s version is still excellent but may feel a bit processed at times.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds use dual-driver setups. The FreeBuds Pro 4 feature an 11mm dynamic driver combined with a planar diaphragm, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro use a 10.5mm dynamic driver and a 6.1mm planar driver.
Out of the box, the FreeBuds Pro 4 offer a well-balanced sound with clear mids and deep bass.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro emphasize bass more heavily, which can be adjusted via the equalizer.
If you prefer a more natural sound profile without tweaking settings, the FreeBuds Pro 4 are the better choice. However, if you enjoy powerful bass, Samsung’s option may be preferable.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Category | Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Matte finish; traditional charging case with built-in speaker | Glossy finish; transparent-lid charging case with flat bottom |
| Controls | Pinch-sensitive controls; customizable via AI Life app; head gesture call answering | Pinch-sensitive controls; customizable via Galaxy Wearable app; neck-stretch reminder; voice-detection auto-mute |
| Water and Dust Resistance | IP54 rating | IP57 rating |
| Battery Life | Up to 5.5 hours with ANC; total up to 25-30 hours with charging case | Up to 5 hours with ANC; total up to 25-30 hours with charging case |
| Charging | USB-C and wireless charging | USB-C and wireless charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2; supports LDAC codec; AI Life app compatible with Android and iOS | Bluetooth 5.4; supports Samsung Seamless Codec; Galaxy Wearable app compatible with Android only |
| Noise Cancellation | Effective ANC with memory foam tips enhancing isolation | Effective ANC with strong performance, especially against human voices |
| Transparency Mode | Natural-sounding transparency mode | Effective transparency mode, slightly processed sound |
| Sound Quality | Balanced sound with clear mids and deep bass; 11mm dynamic driver and planar diaphragm | Bass-emphasized sound; 10.5mm dynamic driver and 6.1mm planar driver |
Price and Availability
Huawei launched the FreeBuds Pro 4 at $199.99, though early deals have dropped them to around $179. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were originally priced at $249.99, with occasional discounts but still remaining pricier than Huawei’s offering.
Given their similar feature sets, the FreeBuds Pro 4 offer better value for money. If you’re looking for a premium experience without stretching your budget, Huawei’s earbuds are a solid pick.
However, if you’re already invested in Samsung’s ecosystem and want the best compatibility, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro remain a compelling choice.
Best Deal:
Huawei Freebuds Pro 4: View on AliExpress
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: View on Amazon
Final Verdict
Both the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are exceptional true wireless earbuds with top-tier features.
Samsung’s buds bring better durability, newer Bluetooth technology, and exclusive software features, but they come at a higher price.
Huawei, on the other hand, provides better universal compatibility, superior codec support, and a more balanced out-of-the-box sound profile.
If you want the best all-around experience for any smartphone and the best value, go for the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4.
If you own a Samsung device and prioritize ecosystem benefits, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is still an excellent choice.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
