Fresh images of Samsung’s next earbuds offer the clearest look yet at the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, showcasing a sleeker stemmed design, refined microphone layout, and distinct case finishes. The leak, shared by Android Headlines, suggests Samsung is doubling down on a more stable, premium aesthetic after last cycle’s big design pivot.
Design details from the leak on mics, stems, finish
Both models adopt a polished stem that appears to house contact points on the inner edge, with microphones positioned at the stem’s tip and atop the earbud body. That placement typically supports better voice pickup and wind suppression, pairing a bottom mic for speech focus with a top mic for ambient analysis—key ingredients for cleaner calls and effective noise control.
- Design details from the leak on mics, stems, finish
- Pro versus standard: what changes in fit and features
- Cases and colors: how each model signals identity
- Quality and strategy: Samsung’s approach this cycle
- Competitive backdrop as rivals ready next flagships
- What to watch next: features, codecs, and durability
The earbuds themselves lean into a jewelry-like finish rather than a matte, utilitarian look. It’s a continuation of Samsung’s move toward a more expressive wearable design language, a shift that began when the company embraced stems to improve usability and mic performance.
Pro versus standard: what changes in fit and features
The most obvious difference is fit. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro include silicone tips for an in-ear seal, while the standard Galaxy Buds 4 appear tipless in an open-fit style. That split mirrors the broader market: sealed designs can deliver quieter commutes and stronger bass response, while open-fit buds tend to feel lighter and more breathable over long stretches.
Expect the Pro model to unlock the best of Samsung’s noise-canceling tech. A snug seal gives adaptive ANC algorithms more to work with, and prior Samsung earbuds have paired multiple mics per ear with advanced beamforming and 24-bit audio support on Galaxy phones. If history is a guide, the Pro should be the audiophile pick, while the standard model targets comfort-first listening and quick calls.
Cases and colors: how each model signals identity
The leak points to a two-tone case for the base Galaxy Buds 4—an exterior that looks dark green with a black interior matching the buds—while the Pro case appears uniform in white. It’s a subtle but telling distinction: two-tone treatments give the entry model a lifestyle edge, while a single-color finish signals a clean, premium vibe for the Pro.
The earbuds shown feature a black finish for Buds 4 and white for Buds 4 Pro. Earlier chatter also suggested an Apricot-style option may be in development, hinting at a broader palette to complement Samsung’s phone lineup.
Quality and strategy: Samsung’s approach this cycle
Korean industry reports have indicated Samsung is prioritizing reliability after mixed feedback on aspects of the previous generation. The new hardware looks pragmatic: stems that improve call clarity, mic placements optimized for ANC, and a simpler industrial design that’s easier to manufacture consistently at scale.
That approach makes sense in a fiercely competitive true wireless market. Counterpoint Research pegs Samsung’s share around 9% in recent shipment tallies, with Apple leading above 30%. Delivering a confident, no-surprises experience—especially on the Pro tier—could help Samsung defend its position against premium rivals.
Competitive backdrop as rivals ready next flagships
The timing also lines up with renewed activity from other audio heavyweights. A Thai retail listing recently leaked Sony’s WF-1000XM6, the follow-up to one of the most acclaimed ANC earbuds. With new flagships jockeying for attention, Samsung’s clarity on fit and feature segmentation may prove advantageous.
What to watch next: features, codecs, and durability
Look for confirmations on codec support and connectivity. LE Audio with the LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.4, and Auracast broadcast audio are increasingly common on premium buds; seamless multiplatform pairing and tighter integration with Galaxy phones are also likely. Battery life and IP ratings will be pivotal—Pro buyers, in particular, will watch for robust ANC endurance and strong water resistance for workouts.
- LE Audio with LC3, Bluetooth 5.4, and Auracast broadcast audio
- Seamless multiplatform pairing and tighter Galaxy phone integration
- Battery life and IP ratings, with robust ANC endurance
- Strong water resistance suitable for workouts
While nothing here is official, the latest images paint a clear picture: a polished design push, sharper differentiation between open-fit and sealed options, and cases that telegraph each model’s identity. If Samsung pairs those looks with reliably strong ANC, clear calls, and stable connectivity, the Galaxy Buds 4 series could mark a confident step forward at the next Galaxy launch.