Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, a new set of earbuds designed to deliver premium features at a more accessible price point. These earbuds offer a similar aesthetic to the higher-end Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – priced at $250 – but with some key differences that contribute to the lower cost. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE are available for pre-order now and will be released on September 4th, in black or gray.
Design and Key Differences from the Pro Model
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE share a striking resemblance to the flagship Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. However, the fan edition omits the LED lighting found in the Pro model and features a single-driver design, compared to the Pro’s dual-driver system. The early Galaxy Buds FE earbuds, priced at $70, had a completely different, stemless design with wing tips that helped secure them in the ear. The current model’s design – referred to as “blade” – represents a significant shift.
Features and AI Integration
Like their more expensive counterparts, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE incorporate a noise-isolating design with silicone ear tips. They also include active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, allowing users to switch between blocking out external sounds and hearing their surroundings. Samsung is emphasizing the earbuds’ AI capabilities, highlighting the ability to use Gemini for conversational assistance and the Galaxy AI Interpreter app for real-time translation during phone calls. This suite of AI tools expands the functionality beyond simply listening to music.
Anticipated Performance and Pricing
While a full performance comparison with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is pending a hands-on review, it’s likely that there will be a noticeable difference in sound quality. The Pro model’s dual-driver system—featuring both a planar and dynamic driver—contributes to improved clarity and treble response. The simpler single-driver design in the FE model is a trade-off for affordability.
Despite this potential drop-off in audio quality, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE offer compelling value. The flagship Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are frequently discounted, with some Latin American versions available for as little as $125 on Amazon. Samsung is also offering a trade-in program, allowing customers to receive up to $30 off the purchase price by trading in any existing wired or wireless headset. This suggests that the Galaxy Buds 3 FE will likely see regular discounts as well, possibly reaching around $100 during the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE offer a strong combination of premium design and accessible features.
