If your budget hovers around the $100 mark for investing in a pair of earbuds, chances are you’ve already zeroed in on two popular options: OnePlus Buds 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.
It’s understandable if you’re now caught in a dilemma, wondering which one to pick. That’s precisely why you’ve landed here, right? Well, fret not.
In this article, I’m going to delve deep into a comprehensive comparison between the OnePlus Buds 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.
We’ll explore every facet of these earbuds—from design and sound quality to battery life and additional features—to help you make an informed decision on which pair best suits your needs.
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Specs Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Buds 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $99 |
| Design | Luxury, compact, metallic finish | Small, snug fit |
| Weight | Earbuds: 4.8g Case: 40.8g | Earbuds: 5.8g Case: 40.2g |
| ANC Performance | Effective and clear | Strong ANC, blocks surrounding noises well |
| Audio Features | OnePlus 3D Audio, Dual dynamic drivers | Limited EQ options, Reasonable sound quality |
| Battery Life | Up to 44 hours with charging case (ANC off) | Up to 30 hours with charging case |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Waterproof Rating | IP55 | IPX2 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C, no wireless charging |
| Compatibility | iOS and Android | Android preferred, no iOS app |
| Colors Available | Metallic Gray, Splendid Blue | White, Graphite |
| Additional Features | Intuitive touch controls, HeyMelody app support | Wear detection, Lost mode, Patchy wear detection |
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: In-depth comparison
Design and Comfort
OnePlus Buds 3: The OnePlus Buds 3 boast a premium design with a compact and lightweight case, exuding a luxurious vibe that’s uncommon in budget-friendly earbuds.
The buds themselves feature a sleek metallic finish with on-stem touch controls, providing a comfortable fit and easy operation.
The design ensures that the earbuds sit snugly and securely in the ear, making them suitable for a variety of activities, including jogging.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Samsung’s offering comes in a small, snug fit design that’s particularly appealing for users with smaller ears.
The earbuds provide a comfortable wear experience, even during workouts. The charging case is compact, making it easy to carry around.
However, the lack of wireless charging support and a minimal IPX2 water resistance rating may be drawbacks for some users.
Sound Quality and Features
OnePlus Buds 3: One of the standout features of the OnePlus Buds 3 is their sound quality. The dual dynamic drivers deliver a warm soundstage with an emphasis on instrumental separation and clear vocals.
The ANC performance is impressive, allowing for an immersive listening experience. OnePlus 3D Audio adds another layer of immersion, although it may need some fine-tuning for certain tracks.
The HeyMelody app provides customizable EQ settings, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: The Galaxy Buds FE offers strong ANC capabilities at an affordable price, effectively dampening surrounding noises.
Sound quality is reasonable for the price point, with clear sound and a decent amount of bass.
However, the limited EQ options within the Samsung Wearables app may not satisfy all users. The lack of an iOS app restricts functionality for iPhone and iPad owners.
Battery Life and Charging
OnePlus Buds 3: The battery life of the OnePlus Buds 3 is commendable, with up to 10 hours of playback without ANC and 6.5 hours with ANC enabled.
The charging case extends the total battery life to 44 hours without ANC and 28 hours with ANC, ensuring that users won’t have to charge the buds too frequently.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: These buds offer up to 9 hours of playback with ANC off and 6 hours with it on, with the charging case providing an additional 21 hours.
While the lack of wireless charging may be a slight inconvenience, the overall battery performance is respectable for earbuds in this price range.
Price
OnePlus Buds 3: Priced at $100, the OnePlus Buds 3 presents an incredible value proposition, offering premium features, sound quality, and design at an entry-level price.
They cater to both iOS and Android users, making them a versatile choice for a wide audience.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Also priced at around $99, the Galaxy Buds FE is a great option for Samsung or Android users, offering good ANC, sound quality, and design.
However, iPhone users will miss out on some features due to the lack of iOS support.
Where to buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Buds 3 | View on AliExpress |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds FE | View on AliExpress |
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Verdict
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs OnePlus Buds 3 boils down to personal preferences and specific needs.
If you prioritize premium design, sound quality, and cross-platform compatibility, the OnePlus Buds 3 is an excellent choice. Their impressive ANC, luxurious design and feature-rich app experience make them stand out in the budget earbuds market.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a solid choice for Android users, especially those within the Samsung ecosystem. They offer great ANC, a comfortable fit, and good sound quality for the price. However, the lack of iOS support and limited EQ options may deter some potential buyers.
You may also like to see:
- Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
- OnePlus Buds 3 vs Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro
- OnePlus Buds 3 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
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.
