If you’re looking to buy a solid pair of mid-range earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds Core are two excellent choices.
But picking the right one isn’t always straightforward. I’m here to break it down for you!
In this comparison, I’ll dive into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which pair suits your needs best.
So, let’s get started!
Price and Availability
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core are not available globally, as they’re only available in a few countries, like the UAE and India, with a price of around $59 USD.
The OnePlus Buds 4 retail for $129 USD, and they’re available globally.
Design and Build
Looks and feel matter when you’re wearing earbuds daily. The OnePlus Buds 4 sport a stem design with a matte finish, giving them a sleek, understated vibe. They feel sturdy, and the matte look appeals to those who like a minimalist aesthetic. However, they don’t scream “premium” at first glance, which might disappoint some at this price.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core go for a stemless, in-ear bud design with a glossy finish. They look and feel more upscale, and their compact size makes them super easy to slip into a pocket or bag. If you’re someone who values portability and a polished appearance, the Galaxy Buds Core stand out.
Which wins?
It’s a matter of taste. If you lean toward a subtle, matte look, the OnePlus Buds 4 are your pick. If you want something glossy and pocket-friendly, the Galaxy Buds Core take the crown.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is key for long listening sessions, and both earbuds deliver, though in different ways.
The OnePlus Buds 4 are lightweight with their stem design, making them comfortable for hours of use, especially for activities like jogging or commuting. Their fit is secure but can vary depending on your ear shape.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core, with their compact in-ear design, offer a snugger fit that seals well in the ear canal. This enhances passive noise isolation, which is great for blocking out background noise even without active noise cancellation (ANC). However, comfort is subjective—some might find the tighter fit less comfy over time.
The takeaway?
The Galaxy Buds Core are better for a secure, noise-isolating fit, while the OnePlus Buds 4 shine for all-day comfort. If possible, try both to see what suits your ears best.
Sound Quality
Sound is where these earbuds really start to differ.
The OnePlus Buds 4 boast a dual-driver setup (11mm + 6mm) tuned for bass-heavy audio. If you love booming bass for genres like EDM or hip-hop, these are a dream. However, the heavy bass can sometimes overshadow mids and treble, making vocals and instruments less distinct. They’re fun and crowd-pleasing but might not satisfy audiophiles looking for refined sound.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core takes a more balanced approach. While the driver size isn’t clearly stated (likely 6.5mm or 12mm), they deliver clear mids, crisp highs, and solid bass without any frequency overpowering the others. The soundstage feels wide, and there’s no muddiness, making them great for everything from pop to classical. If you want clarity and well-tuned audio, these are hard to beat.
Who’s the winner?
Bass lovers will gravitate toward the OnePlus Buds 4, while those who prefer a balanced sound with clear vocals and instruments will love the Galaxy Buds Core.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a must for many, and both earbuds deliver here.
The OnePlus Buds 4 offer 55dB ANC, which is impressive for the price and competes with pricier models. They do a fantastic job of muting background noise, whether you’re on a busy street or a noisy train. Their transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings, is decent but feels a bit artificial and overly amplified.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core don’t specify their ANC strength, but their tight fit boosts passive noise isolation, making the ANC feel effective in most settings. Their transparency mode is a standout, sounding natural and letting you carry on conversations without removing the earbuds.
The verdict?
The OnePlus Buds 4 are better for ANC, while the Galaxy Buds Core excel in transparency mode for a more seamless real-world connection.
Connectivity
Both earbuds offer solid connectivity with minimal lag or stuttering, but there are differences.
The OnePlus Buds 4 support LHDC 5.0, AAC, and SBC codecs, delivering high-resolution audio on compatible devices (mostly OnePlus phones). Their dual pairing works across all platforms—laptops, Android, and even iPhones—making them incredibly versatile.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core stick to AAC and SBC codecs, missing out on high-res options like LHDC. Their dual pairing is limited to Samsung devices logged into the same Samsung account, which feels restrictive if you use non-Samsung gear.
What’s better?
The OnePlus Buds 4 are the clear winner for connectivity, especially for users with diverse devices.
App Support
The OnePlus Buds 4 pair with the HeyMelody app, which offers robust customization, including touch gestures and in-ear detection. It works across all platforms, including iPhones, making it a huge plus for Apple users. The in-ear detection is responsive and enhances the user experience by pausing music when you remove an earbud.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core use the Samsung Wearable app, which is less flexible for customizing touch controls and has less effective in-ear detection. Worse, it doesn’t support iPhones, limiting its appeal for non-Samsung users.
The choice?
The OnePlus Buds 4 offer better app support and broader compatibility, especially for iPhone users.
Call Quality
For calls, both earbuds perform well, but they handle noisy environments differently.
The OnePlus Buds 4 excel at canceling background noise, even in traffic-heavy settings, while keeping your voice clear and natural.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core are great indoors but can make your voice sound tinny in noisy environments as their noise cancellation tweaks the frequency, affecting vocal quality.
Who wins?
The OnePlus Buds 4 are better for calls, especially in challenging conditions.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Buds 4 give you 5–6 hours of playback with ANC on at 50–60% volume, with the case extending total playtime to 45 hours.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core edge out slightly with 6–7 hours per charge, but their case offers 35 hours of total playtime.
Both support fast charging, but neither includes wireless charging.
The edge?
The Galaxy Buds Core last longer per charge, but the OnePlus Buds 4 offer more total playtime with the case.
Extra Features
Both earbuds come with a game mode for low-latency audio, but the OnePlus Buds 4 provide lower latency, making them better for gaming.
For durability, the OnePlus Buds 4 have an IP55 rating (dust and water resistance), while the Galaxy Buds Core have an IP54 rating, giving the former a slight edge.
Both offer AI translation, but it’s limited to their respective brand’s phones (OnePlus or Samsung), so it’s not a major selling point unless you’re in that ecosystem.
Which Should You Buy?
Here’s the breakdown:
Pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core if:
- You want balanced, clear audio for a wide range of music.
- You prefer a compact, glossy design that’s easy to carry.
- A natural transparency mode and snug fit are priorities.
- You use Samsung devices for seamless integration.
- You’re looking to save a bit with a lower price tag.
Pick the OnePlus Buds 4 if:
- You love bass-heavy sound for energetic music.
- You want top-tier ANC, versatile connectivity, and iPhone-compatible app support.
- Longer total battery life and more features for the price matter.
- You prefer a matte, minimalist design and better call quality in noisy settings.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Buds 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds Core are both fantastic choices in the mid-range TWS market, but they shine in different areas.
The Galaxy Buds Core are perfect for music lovers who want balanced sound and a premium, portable design, especially if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem.
The OnePlus Buds 4, however, offer more bang for your buck with stronger ANC, better connectivity, and a feature-packed experience, making them ideal for versatile use across devices.
Best Deals:
OnePlus Buds 4: View on AliExpress
Galaxy Buds Core: View on Amazon
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.
