Home Wireless Earbuds Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Review

Last updated on Mar 30, 2024   7 minute read
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Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
VS
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

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Reasons why you might like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX2
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Review In Summary

Category Features Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IPX2
weight 8.56g 11.2g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 11mm 12mm
lowest frequency 10Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
POWER battery life 6hours 6hours
battery life of charging case 30hours 15hours
charge time 0.3hours 0.6hours
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 1Years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) IPX4
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live IPX2

Ingress protection ratings refer to the rating of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Compared to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Samsung Galaxy Buds Live have a rating of IPX2 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a higher liquid rating than Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Weight

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 8.56g
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 11.2g

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are easier to move with.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, at 11.2g weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by of 2.64g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

True wireless devices have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is an important difference since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the 2 earbuds together.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also is true wireless because it has no wires connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also have stereo speakers

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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

ANC makes use of more advanced technology to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after inverts the soundwaves to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live too have ANC which makes either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning travels. Each work with different noise cancellation types, pick the noise cancellation type that suits your travel or that suites your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit well in place, this creates a sound covering that reduces background noise and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out .

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 11mm
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 12mm

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the sound made by the earbuds.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live driver unit is 12mm in diameter, making them have a larger driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1mm , a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10Hz
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 20Hz

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device produces low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20,000Hz
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 20,000Hz

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio component produces high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices produce equal treble

Power

Battery Life

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6hours
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 6hours

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live's battery life is equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 30hours
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 15hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 30 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before recharging the case itself.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live's charging case has a battery life of 15 hours, less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 15 hours

Charge Time

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 0.3hours
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 0.6hours

It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live takes 0.6 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 0.3 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a supported charging pad.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also support wireless charging, always look out for the charging standard of a device.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights show the charging state of your device and charging case.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) v5
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live v5

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live has a Bluetooth version of 5, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10meters
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 10meters

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Has Aac

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your MacBook. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6only
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 6only

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.

While the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy environments.

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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

When lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a find earbuds feature.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live too have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the earbuds app on your phone to play an alarm from your earbuds to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device.

Also the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 2only
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also have the mute function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also have a control panel on them.

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 1Years
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals.

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also have voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them in your pockets without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.