Samsung has added a rather unusual product to its Galaxy Buds family. The new Galaxy Buds On are not traditional earbuds that sit inside the ear. Instead, they use a clip-on, open-ear design that sits around the ear, allowing users to listen to audio while still hearing what is happening around them.
The Galaxy Buds On will make their debut in Samsung's home market, South Korea, where they are set to go on sale on October 27. Samsung has priced them at KRW 299,000, which works out to around Rs. 21,000. The earphones will initially be sold in Black, while the company plans to bring them to other markets later.
Samsung Galaxy Buds On: What makes them different?
The biggest change is the way the Buds On fit. There are no conventional ear tips blocking the ear canal. Instead, the earphones wrap around the ear, with Samsung using an adjustable band and a wider contact area to keep them in position.
Samsung says it looked at different ear shapes while deciding where to place the speakers and battery. The result is a design that is meant to stay put even when the user is moving, while the open construction lets outside sounds come through.
That approach also carries over to the audio features. The Galaxy Buds On uses Samsung's TwinBoost speakers and has automatic volume control, which can change the listening level depending on the surrounding noise. Samsung has also added Audio Leakage Reduction technology to reduce the amount of sound escaping from the earphones. This could be useful when using them in quieter places such as cafes or libraries.
Galaxy Buds On battery and call features
Battery life is claimed to be up to 9.5 hours for music playback on a single charge. Samsung has paired the earphones with Qualcomm's Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform and a Class-D amplifier.
Calls are another area where Samsung is putting some focus. The Buds On has three microphones, along with a bone-conduction-based Voice Pickup Unit sensor. Machine learning is used to help separate the user's voice from background sounds.
Samsung says this setup can help keep calls clear even when there is noise from strong winds or household appliances in the background.
Galaxy AI features on the Buds On
The Buds On is also designed to work with some of the hands-free features available on compatible Galaxy AI devices. For example, users can start Gemini Live with a voice command, record something using Quick Voice Memo or use Head Gestures for certain actions.
Those gestures can be used to answer calls, dismiss alarms and check message notifications without having to reach for the connected phone.
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Pairing with compatible Galaxy smartphones and tablets is handled through the charging case. Once the case is opened, the Buds On can connect to a supported Galaxy device. Samsung also lets users change the volume and equaliser from the phone's settings or quick panel, so the Galaxy Wearable app is not required for those controls.
There are still some important details that Samsung has kept under wraps. The company has not yet confirmed the complete driver setup, Bluetooth version, supported codecs or the detailed battery and charging specifications.
For now, the Galaxy Buds On's first stop is South Korea. More details should emerge when the earphones officially go on sale there on October 27, ahead of their planned global rollout.