Samsung’s Galaxy Buds family has always been about blending sleek design, practical features, and smooth integration with Galaxy devices. With the Galaxy Buds3 FE, Samsung is bringing that same philosophy to a more budget-friendly tier, giving users access to features often reserved for its premium earbuds, but at a price that’s easier to digest. We will go through into this review to see if the Buds3 FE are worth the price and performance.
Unboxing
Design and Comfort
At first glance, the Galaxy Buds3 FE carry over the minimalist look of the Buds3 series but with subtle differences. The buds feature a compact, ergonomic design that sits snugly in the ear, making them comfortable even during extended listening sessions.
The case is pocket-friendly and sports the familiar pill-shaped design, complete with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The buds themselves are lightweight, and the silicone ear tips ensure a secure fit that helps with passive noise isolation. Samsung offers multiple ear tip sizes in the box, so getting the right seal shouldn’t be an issue.
For everyday use, the Buds3 FE are also rated with an IP54 splash resistance, so they can handle light sweat and drizzle but they aren’t meant for hardcore workouts in the rain.
Sound Quality
Samsung has tuned the Buds3 FE with a focus on balance. The sound profile is clear and detailed, with vocals standing out well in the mix. The bass is present but not overwhelming, delivering just enough punch for pop, R&B, and casual hip-hop listening.
While they don’t match the richer soundscape of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, these earbuds are no slouch. The mids and highs remain crisp that ensures stable high-quality streaming with SSC when paired with Galaxy devices. For non-Galaxy users, standard AAC and SBC support is also available.
An added bonus is the Galaxy Wearable app (now part of the OneUI or separately if you are using other Android phones), which lets you customize the equalizer to your preference, whether you prefer extra bass, soft tones, or a treble boost.
One of the standout features of the Buds3 FE is that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) makes it to this “Fan Edition” model. While it isn’t as powerful as Samsung’s higher-end models, it does a respectable job of cutting down on low-frequency hums, like bus engines or office air conditioning.
The Ambient Sound mode (also known as the transparency mode) is useful when you want to stay aware of your surroundings, such as when crossing busy streets or having a quick chat without removing the buds.
Connectivity and Features
Pairing is a breeze, especially if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy phone. The Buds3 FE support Auto Switch, allowing seamless transitions between Galaxy devices like tablets, laptops, and phones. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connections with minimal dropouts, even in crowded areas.
Voice assistant support is present, with Bixby integration for Galaxy users, though they also work fine with Google Assistant or Siri depending on your device ecosystem. Touch controls are responsive and customizable via the Galaxy Wearable app, allowing you to play/pause, skip tracks, toggle ANC, or summon your voice assistant.
Call Quality
Samsung has equipped the Buds3 FE with three microphones per earbud to improve voice clarity and noise cancellation. In quiet environments, voices come across clear and natural. In noisy outdoor areas, the mics do a decent job of reducing background chatter, though some wind noise or overly noisy area will still slips through. For video calls and casual conversations, they hold up well.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid for the category. On a single charge, the buds last about 3 to 4 hours with ANC on, and up to 8 hours with ANC off by playing music based on our usage. With the charging case, you can expect a total of around 24–28 hours of listening time depending on your usage.
Fast charging is also supported with a quick 10-minute top-up gives you about 1.5 hours of playtime. Wireless charging however is not included, but the charging speed is fast enough to make up to it without waiting for too long.
Price and Value
As a Fan Edition device, the Galaxy Buds3 FE aim to strike a balance between features and affordability. While they lack some of the premium touches of the Pro models such as higher-grade ANC, hi-res audio, or advanced spatial sound, but they retain the essentials that most users will care about: good sound, ANC, seamless Galaxy integration, and decent battery life.
For users already in the Galaxy ecosystem, they make an especially compelling choice, thanks to smooth syncing and extra software perks.
Verdict & Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE prove that you don’t need to overly too much at just RM499 to enjoy solid wireless earbuds with ANC, customizable sound, and reliable Galaxy ecosystem integration. While audiophiles or power users might gravitate toward the Buds3 Pro, the Buds3 FE hit the sweet spot for casual listeners, students, and budget-conscious Galaxy fans.
Pros:
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Balanced sound with customizable EQ
- Active Noise Cancellation included
- Long battery life with wireless charging
- Smooth Galaxy ecosystem integration
Cons:
- ANC not as strong as higher-end models
- Limited IP54 water resistance
- Call quality struggles a bit in overly noisy or windy conditions
If you’re looking for affordable earbuds that still deliver on the essentials, the Galaxy Buds3 FE are an excellent entry point into Samsung’s audio lineup.