What to know
- Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on August 18, 2025, priced at $129 with a rollout starting September 5.
- They feature a stem design, Active Noise Cancellation, Galaxy AI, and up to 30 hours of battery life.
- Available in black and gray, compatible with Android 11.0+ devices.
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on August 18, 2025, adding a new option to its wireless earbud lineup. Priced at around $129, these earbuds aim to deliver key features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Galaxy AI integration at a lower cost. Here’s a breakdown of what they offer.
Galaxy Buds 3 FE Specifications table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $150 (US), ~£110 (UK), ~AU$230 (varies by market) |
| Colors | Black, Gray |
| Dimensions | Earbud: 18.0 x 21.1 x 33.8 mm (without eartips); Case: 58.9 x 48.7 x 24.4 mm |
| Weight | Earbud: 5g; Case: 41.8g |
| Speaker | 1-Way Dynamic Driver (11 mm) |
| Microphones | 3 per earbud |
| ANC & Ambient Sound | Active Noise Cancellation (up to 32 dB), Ambient Sound mode |
| Battery Capacity | Earbuds: 53mAh; Case: 515mAh |
| Battery Life (Music) | 6 hours (ANC on), 8.5 hours (ANC off); Total: 24–30 hours with case |
| Battery Life (Talk) | 4 hours (ANC on/off); Total: 18 hours with case |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, Auto Switch; Codecs: SSC, AAC, SBC |
| Compatibility | Android 11.0+ with 1.5GB+ memory |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (earbuds only) |
| Charging | 1W (earbuds), 4.5W (case) |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI Interpreter, Gemini voice commands (with compatible Galaxy devices) |
Note: Specifications may vary by market. Battery life depends on usage conditions.
Design and fit
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE feature a stem design, similar to the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, with silicone ear tips for improved fit and noise isolation compared to the open-fit Galaxy Buds 3. They come in black or gray with a matte finish and a semi-transparent case lid. Controls are intuitive: pinch the stem to play/pause or swipe to adjust volume. The earbuds are lightweight at 5g each, and the case is compact at 41.8g. An IP54 rating ensures resistance to sweat and light splashes, suitable for workouts or mild rain.
Audio and features
Equipped with 11 mm dynamic drivers, the Buds 3 FE deliver clear sound with decent bass and treble. ANC reduces external noise by up to 32 dB, effective for commutes or noisy environments. Crystal Clear Call technology uses AI to enhance voice clarity during calls, with microphones positioned closer to the mouth for better pickup. Galaxy AI features, like real-time translation via the Interpreter app and “Hey Google” voice commands, work best with Galaxy devices running One UI 8.0 or later. Auto Switch enables seamless transitions between Galaxy devices. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4 and codecs like Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC), AAC, and SBC, though SSC is exclusive to Samsung devices.
Good features
- Affordable Price: At $150, they offer premium features like ANC and AI integration at a lower cost than the $180 Galaxy Buds 3 and $250 Buds 3 Pro.
- Effective ANC: Up to 32 dB noise reduction, strong for the price, ideal for noisy settings like public transport.
- Galaxy AI Integration: Real-time translation and voice commands enhance usability, especially for Galaxy users.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 8.5 hours without ANC (6 hours with) and 24–30 hours with the case, competitive for the price.
- Secure Fit: Silicone ear tips and a stem design improve comfort and noise isolation over previous FE models.
- IP54 Rating: Sweat and splash resistance make them suitable for active use.
Not so good features
- Single Driver System: Uses a one-way dynamic driver, less rich than the two-way system in the Buds 3 Pro, potentially limiting audio depth.
- Limited Codec Support: SSC is Galaxy-exclusive, and there’s no support for advanced codecs like aptX, which may affect audio quality on non-Samsung devices.
- Galaxy-Centric Features: AI features and Auto Switch require compatible Galaxy devices, reducing functionality for other Android users.
- Modest Water Resistance: IP54 is decent but lags behind the IP57 rating of the Buds 3 Pro, offering less protection against water.
- No Wireless Charging: Unlike the Galaxy Buds 3, the FE case lacks wireless charging, which may inconvenience some users.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE are priced at $150 in the US, with a launch date of September 4, 2025, via Samsung’s website and select retailers. A $30 trade-in credit is available for old wired or wireless earbuds. Pricing in other markets, like the UK (£110) or Australia (AU$230), may vary. A Latin America listing mentioned $129, but $150 is the confirmed US price.
Why They Matter
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE provide a balanced mix of features for budget-conscious buyers, improving on the fit and noise isolation of earlier models. They’re a strong option for Galaxy users but less versatile for those outside the ecosystem due to proprietary features.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE deliver solid performance for $150, with ANC, AI features, and good battery life. While they don’t match the Buds 3 Pro’s audio richness or durability, they’re a practical choice for Android users, especially in the Galaxy ecosystem. Visit Samsung’s website for more details.
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