The market for true-wireless earbuds has become competitive, especially in the mid-range segment. Two strong choices in this category are Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 FE and Xiaomi’s Redmi Buds 6 Pro.
These earbuds aim to please users who want good sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit without breaking the bank.
We’ve put both models through their paces, and this comparison goes beyond just listing specs. Instead, we’ll focus on the overall user experience to help you figure out which pair might work best for you.
Design and Comfort
Both earbuds follow a familiar in-ear design with silicone tips, offering passive isolation even before ANC is enabled.
The cases are compact, sturdy and protect the earbuds effectively during everyday use. Fit is secure for walking or commuting, and neither causes discomfort during extended listening sessions.
However, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE take a slight lead in comfort. Their ergonomic shape sits more naturally in the ear canal, and their lower weight makes them easier for long wear.
Samsung also includes touch-sensitive gesture controls with swipe-based volume adjustment — a feature the Redmi Buds 6 Pro lacks.
Connectivity
Samsung uses the newer Bluetooth 5.4 standard, offering improved connection stability and lower latency. Xiaomi equips the Redmi Buds 6 Pro with Bluetooth 5.3, which still works reliably across Android devices and PCs.
The experience changes significantly depending on your smartphone:
- When paired to a Samsung device, the Buds 3 FE unlock deeper ecosystem benefits including instant pairing, Interpreter Mode support, and voice assistant activation.
- Redmi Buds 6 Pro counter with dual-device pairing that enables quick switching between, for example, a phone and a laptop.
For users inside Samsung’s ecosystem, the Buds 3 FE feel more polished. For broader device flexibility, Redmi has a clear advantage.
App Experience
Samsung relies on the Galaxy Wearable app, and Xiaomi on Xiaomi Earbuds. Both offer ANC modes, EQ adjustments and touch gesture customization.
Samsung’s application stands out for its completeness. It includes 360 Audio, voice notification reading, detailed sound control, and granular customization options for touch gestures and noise control behavior. It gives the Galaxy Buds 3 FE a distinctly premium software experience.
Redmi keeps things simpler: the essentials are present, and the interface is easy to use, but the feature depth is noticeably lighter.
Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound
Both earbuds feature active noise cancellation and wear detection. Music pauses automatically when you remove either bud, which is convenient during short interactions.
Redmi Buds 6 Pro deliver stronger ANC. Low-frequency rumble, such as bus engines and general city noise is reduced more convincingly, making them better suited for noisy environments.
Samsung’s ANC is effective but slightly less aggressive, although transparency mode feels more natural.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
In quiet spaces, both earbuds deliver clear voice pickup. However, Samsung’s microphone system demonstrates better clarity and noise filtering under outdoor or background noise conditions.
Voices remain more natural and focused, whereas the Redmi Buds 6 Pro’s microphones allow more environmental sound to seep into the call.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds exceed expectations for their price categories. Their tuning philosophies differ slightly.
Redmi Buds 6 Pro aim for a dynamic, lively sound signature. Bass has strong presence without muddying vocals, and volume levels remain clean even at higher output. It is Xiaomi’s best audio tuning in their mainstream lineup to date.
Galaxy Buds 3 FE offer a more balanced and refined sound. High frequencies are well-controlled, mids are detailed, and instrument separation feels precise. They are the more neutral option — ideal for listeners who value accuracy over intensity.
Which is better depends on preference: energetic and bass-rich versus accurate and clear.
Battery endurance is stronger on Xiaomi’s side. With ANC disabled, Redmi Buds 6 Pro can reach up to 9.5 hours of listening, extending to around 36 hours with the case. Galaxy Buds 3 FE manage roughly 8.5 hours per charge, reaching up to 30 hours overall.
For frequent travellers or long work sessions, the extra stamina from Redmi will be appreciated.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE vs Redmi Buds 6 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Features | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE | Redmi Buds 6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 11 mm dynamic driver | Coaxial / dual-driver (Hi-Res capable) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes (ANC + Ambient Sound) | Yes (ANC + Transparency) |
| Battery (earbuds) | Up to 8.5 hours (ANC off) | Up to 9.5 hours (ANC off) |
| Total battery (with case) | Up to ~30 hours | Up to ~36 hours |
| Case capacity | Not listed (manufacturer runtime specs) | 480 mAh (charging case) |
| Charging | USB-C (fast charge details per region) | USB-C |
| IP Rating | IP54 (dust & splash resistant) | IP54 / IPX4 class (varies by region/model) |
| App / Ecosystem | Galaxy Wearable (deep Samsung integration, 360 Audio, Galaxy AI features) | Xiaomi Earbuds / Mi AI app (EQ, ANC tuning, dual-device connect) |
| Controls | Touch + swipe (volume gestures) | Touch controls (customizable in app) |
| Microphone / Call features | Multi-mics with voice isolation / Galaxy call optimizations | Multi-mics with ENC; good call clarity |
| Weight (each) | 5 g | 5–6 g |
Which Should You Buy?
Both earbuds deliver very good value, but they focus on slightly different users.
The Redmi Buds 6 Pro are ideal for listeners who want the most performance per dollar — stronger noise cancellation, longer battery life, and an energetic sound signature that suits modern music.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE feel more premium in day-to-day use — more comfortable to wear, better call clarity, and the most complete software experience if you’re using a Samsung phone.
If I had to choose one for everyday life, I would lean toward the Buds 3 FE simply because they disappear into the routine better — the comfort, the gestures, and the ecosystem polish make them feel like a small upgrade in every moment.
But anyone choosing the Redmi Buds 6 Pro is still getting one of the best values in the mid-range market right now.
Best Deal:
- Redmi Buds 6 Pro: View on AliExpress
- Galaxy Buds 3 FE: 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.
