The wireless earbud market is booming, with countless options vying for your attention. Two popular contenders are the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro.
But which one deserves a spot in your ears? Fear not, fellow audio enthusiasts! This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to guide you toward the perfect sound companion.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Price & Availability
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Priced at around $150, these noise-cancelling earbuds offer premium features but might require digging a little deeper in your pocket. They’re widely available online and at major retailers.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: At $120, these bass-heavy earbuds are a budget-friendly option without sacrificing impressive battery life. Availability might be slightly limited compared to the Buds FE, but they’re still readily found online and at select retailers.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds FE | View on Amazon View on AliExpress |
| Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | View on AliExpress |
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, minimalist, in-ear | Comfortable, extra eartips, IPX5 water resistant |
| Dimension | Earbud: 19.2 x 17.1 x 22.2 mm, Case: 50.0 x 50.0 x 27.7 mm | 3 x 2.1 x 2.5 cm |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes, industry-leading | Yes, smart adaptive, 4000Hz range |
| Weight | Earbud Weight: 5.6 g, Case Weight: 40 g | Case: 48g |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 | IPX5 |
| Driver | 6.5mm driver per bud | 11mm bass driver + 6mm tweeter, Hi-Res Audio, LDAC support |
| Sound | 3 mics, clear mics, background noise reduction | 6 microphones + AI algorithm |
| Battery Life | 5 hours + 7 charges (28 hours total) | 8 hours + 24 charges (32 hours total) |
| Charging Time | Earbuds: 50 minutes, Case: 120 minutes | Earbuds: 50 minutes |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth v5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Additional Features | Seamless Samsung integration, EQ settings, auto ear detection | Low latency mode for gaming, transparency mode, 6 mics |
| Price | Around $150 | Around $120 |
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Detailed Review
Design and Comfort
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: These earbuds are designed with a compact and snug fit in mind. They are notably small, making them comfortable for long listening sessions.
The case is also sleek and pocket-friendly, although it lacks wireless charging capability. An IPX2 rating means they can handle a bit of sweat but aren’t the best choice for heavy workouts or rainy conditions.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Realme opts for a pebble-shaped design with a glossy finish, giving it a more pronounced aesthetic appeal.
They feature an in-ear stem design, which ensures a secure fit. The IPX5 rating offers better protection against water, making them more suited for exercise and outdoor activities. However, like the Galaxy Buds FE, they miss out on wireless charging.
Audio Quality and Features
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: The Galaxy Buds FE provides reasonably good sound quality for its price range, with a notable active noise cancellation (ANC) feature that effectively blocks out ambient noise.
However, they may not satisfy those looking for a thumping bass. The lack of an adjustable EQ within their app might disappoint audiophiles seeking to fine-tune their listening experience.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: These earbuds step up the game with LDAC support and a dual-driver setup, promising a richer and more detailed sound. The ANC is impressive, claiming up to 50dB of noise reduction.
They also offer a more customizable listening experience through the Realme Link app, catering to those who like to tweak their sound profiles.
Battery Life and Charging
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: They offer up to 9 hours of playback (6 with ANC on), with the case providing an additional 21 hours. The absence of wireless charging is a minor inconvenience, considering the price point.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Realme promises up to 40 hours of total playback with the charging case, and a 10-minute charge can provide up to 7 hours of listening time. This superior battery life makes them a more appealing option for heavy users, despite also lacking wireless charging.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Optimized for use with Samsung and other Android devices, they might not be the best choice for iPhone users due to the lack of iOS app support. They offer Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity but lack Multipoint connection.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Featuring Bluetooth 5.3, they ensure a stable connection and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The addition of LDAC codec support allows for high-resolution audio streaming, making them a versatile choice for users across different platforms.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro boils down to what you value most in your earbuds.
If you’re looking for a great ANC, a comfortable fit for long listening sessions, and you’re already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds FE is a solid choice.
However, if you prioritize audio quality, battery life, and a more versatile use case across different devices and environments, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro could be the better option for you.
Both sets of earbuds offer excellent value for their price, but the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro edges out slightly ahead with its superior audio codecs, longer battery life, and better water resistance.
In the end, your personal preferences, brand loyalty, and specific use cases will guide your decision in choosing the earbuds that best fit your lifestyle.
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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.
