Samsung is working hard to offer audio accessories that can provide competition to AirPods but at a more affordable price. With their flagship and mid-range devices no longer “shackled” with a 3.5mm audio jack, the Galaxy Buds series has been launched at various price points.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is the latest model to enter the Malaysian market. It creates a dilemma of which Buds are the most worth owning because at the time there was a choice of Buds Live, Buds Pro, Buds2 and Buds2 in the local market. All I can say at the beginning of this review is that the Buds FE are the most affordable but they don't disappoint.
SPECIFICATIONS
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
In-ear TWS type
Drivers Two audio drivers
Microphone 6 microphones
Battery 8.5 Hours/30 hours with pod without ANC
6 Hours/21 hours with pods with ANC
USB-C charging port
Wireless charging None
CODEC SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, AAC, SBC
All operating systems are supported
Yes/Bixby virtual assistant support
Yes 2X touch pad
IPX2 waterproof capability
Bluetooth 5.2
Offline Audio None
Pulse scanner None
Selling Price RM 399
DESIGN
Buds FE is the most affordable TWS among the Buds series so far at a price of RM399 compared to Buds2 (RM499) or Buds2 Pro (RM899). Despite using the Buds name, the design of the Buds FE is different because it is more similar to the Galaxy Buds series of 2019. It has small "wings" on the body that are inserted into the ears and a contact pad on the flat side. On Buds2 and Buds2 Pro, the body is more rounded and smooth to use.
In terms of comfort I can say Buds FE are not as good as Buds2. The wings on the audio buds ensure that they don't easily come off the ear but cause discomfort after wearing for long periods of time. I once fell asleep with the Buds FE on and can admit they didn't come off at all after waking up the next morning. It also makes it difficult to remove the ear bud from the ear after it is no longer intended to be used.
The design may not be as comfortable as other Buds models but the touch pad is the best. The flat surface of the touch pad is easy to press and detects touch more precisely than the round hemispherical surface on the Buds2 Pro for example.
The provided silicone buds are comfortable to insert in the ear hole with two more pairs of silicone buds and another pair of rubber wings included in the box for those who find the included silicone buds less comfortable.
The charging pod-cum-storage pod is also made of shiny hard plastic. It's the same size as the Buds2, Buds2 Pro and Buds Pro charging pods. This means that if you bought the frame for the previous three TWS, it can be reused on the Buds FE pods.
The charging pod only supports USB-C charging only without wireless charging support. In order to reduce the selling price, this feature is not provided as in Bud2, Buds2 Pro and Buds Pro before.
The pod size is compact with a rounded body. So it always feels comfortable when kept in the pocket. It's better than the rubber finish on the Buds2 Pro which I don't like because it feels sticky.
Finally the charging pod and audio bud just passed the IPX2 waterproof standard which means they are just splash proof. This is a level of durability that is also lower than the Buds2 Pro which pass the IPX7 standard.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
The tethering process is easiest on Samsung devices. Open the lid and the device will detect the presence of the Buds 2 Pro with an on-screen graphic asking if the user wants to pair it to the device. After the tethering process, the Galaxy Wearable app can be opened to change the ANC, Ambient Mode, touch pad and equalizer settings. Because Buds FE is the most affordable model, users can simply change the ANC mode, ambient or turn it off directly. There is no option to change the ANC or ambient strength level like there is on the flagship Buds model.
Too bad there is no Fast Pair support on Android devices. If the addition is attempted without the Galaxy Wearable app, it's a little clunky because the Buds FE don't have a manual tether button on the pod. On the other hand, both contact pads on the ear buds need to be pressed first until the LED lights on the pods blink. Then it needs to be found in the Bluetooth list of the Android or iOS device you want to use.
I recommend installing the Galaxy Wearable app as it makes it easy to change settings, tune audio and update software. But this can only be downloaded on Android operating system only. For iOS or PC users, there is no application offered by Samsung.
Using Buds FE is the same as other TWS. Press the touch pad once to pause the music, twice to skip to the next audio and three times to go to the previous music. The flat touch pad on the Buds FE is responsive so all the actions can be done without any issues. If the touchpad is just a nuisance, it can be turned off via the Samsung Wearable settings.
ANC capability is comparable to Buds2 which means it is quite satisfactory. I used the Buds FE on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hawaii two weeks ago. The Buds FE's ANC system is good enough to block out engine roars and crying babies on a 16-hour flight. Buds FE may be Samsung's cheapest TWS but the ANC performance is as good as other Buds models.
Translucent mode is also satisfactory. I can hear what the captain of the ship is saying clearly if the see through mode is activated. I just miss the adjustable pass-through mode feature that the Buds2 Pro have. It gives me hearing like a superhero because it boosts the surround audio above normal hearing levels.
AUDIO QUALITY
The audio quality of the Buds FE I put on par with the Buds2 but not as good as the Buds2 Pro. This is to be expected due to the much cheaper selling price. The Buds FE only have one driver instead of two like on the Buds2 Pro. So the audio is good but not amazing.
Bass and treble are strong enough but the Buds FE's audio stage feels a little closed. At the loudest audio settings the audio is still satisfactory but it's getting louder because it only has one audio driver. The separation between the instruments in the song is also simple.
No audio support at higher resolutions or LDAC. Because I'm used to TWS with high-resolution audio support, the lack of audio dynamics is quite noticeable. If you want clearer audio, a more open audio stage and a higher audio experience the Buds FE are not for you.
But this is when compared to more premium TWS like Buds2 Pro, Nothing Ear (1) or AirPods Pro. I feel this comparison is not fair. When compared to the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 which are in the same class, the Buds FE offer the best audio experience and features in its class. If you're looking for a satisfying mid-range audio experience, I think what the Buds FE offers is more than satisfying.
BATTERY
The battery is advertised to last up to 21 hours with the help of a charging pod or 6 hours with ANC activated. This I feel can be achieved if the audio is not heard at high settings. It can last longer than advertised if music is not played at all. On a nearly 9-hour flight between Tokyo to Honolulu, I used the Buds FE as an airplane engine noise blocker without any issues. Recharging the pods and ear buds only takes about an hour wired.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Here's what you'll get with every purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
1x Set of Galaxy Buds FE
1x USB-C Cable – to USB-C
2x Install additional silicone buds.
1x Attach additional ear bud wings.
CONCLUSION
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is the most affordable wireless earphones with ANC offered by Samsung at a price of RM399. It offers a good audio experience, diverse features and satisfactory battery life. The ANC system for example was good enough to block out the roar of a jet engine on a transcontinental flight I took a few weeks ago.
I can recommend the Buds FE to those looking for a good TWS at a not so extreme price. But I feel if you have a little more money, Buds2 is a better choice because it offers more features and more audio experience for the price of RM499.
Pro
Satisfying audio.
The ANC system and see-through mode are also good.
Good battery life for its class.
IPX2.
Very useful application.
Cons
No wireless charging.
Not fully supported on iOS.
Not comfortable for long use.