Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is Samsung's latest budget earbuds with ANC feature under the FE brand of products. These wireless earbuds are a testament to Samsung's commitment to providing great quality products under the budget segment. After spending some quality time with the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, I can confidently say that they are a fantastic addition to the true wireless earphone market.
I was using Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for the last few days and in this article, we are going to share an in-depth review of it with all readers of Geeky Stuffs.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Bluetooth Earphones - Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are quite small earbuds with a compact charging case, making them convenient for those with limited pocket space. The small case charges via USB-C, though it lacks wireless charging capability. Its glossy finish allows for easy pocket insertion but may pose a risk of slipping if not handled carefully.
Featuring a concha fin on each earbud, these fins secure the earbuds to the outer ear, applying more pressure as they are twisted into the ear canal. The wide earbud nozzle, equipped with a grille. With an IPX2 rating, these earbuds offer limited protection against occasional rain but are not fully waterproof.
The package includes small, medium, and large ear tips, with the Buds FE available only in black or white. Two pairs of wing tips and three sizes of ear tips are provided, allowing users to experiment with sizes for a more stable fit. Despite being in-ear, the Galaxy Buds FE are relatively comfortable due to their limited mass, enhancing overall comfort.
The Buds FE do not feature Samsung's 360 Audio (spatial audio) capabilities, lack a conversation mode, and do not offer advanced gesture controls, such as the ability to tap your cheek near the earbuds instead of directly on the buds. Notably, they also do not support wireless charging, which diverges from the typical Samsung earbud standard. Unlike the Buds Plus, which supported Qi charging in 2020, the absence of wireless charging in the Buds FE is a clear indication of cost-cutting measures. Additionally, their ruggedness is compromised, as they are rated only IPX2 for water resistance, in contrast to the usual IPX4 rating (or the IPX7 of the Buds 2 Pro).
Controls
Operating the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is not complicated, as it doesn't involve confusing gestures or physical buttons. Instead, pressure on the two flat surfaces at the back of each earbud is responsive to your finger. Although simpler than traditional buttons, you have the flexibility to customize these controls to some extent using the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app.
Within the app, you can activate and define the behaviors associated with double-tap, triple tap, and touch-and-hold actions. Simply toggle the switch in the "touch controls" section next to the desired gesture and tap the menu text. From there, you can modify the touch-and-hold gesture to perform functions such as switching noise control (default), activating Bixby, adjusting volume, or controlling Spotify.
Sound Quality
The Buds FE adhere to Samsung's typical tuning curve, delivering an overall enjoyable listening experience that most users will appreciate. Out of the box, the treble may seem a bit subdued compared to the Pro buds, but this adjustment helps prevent unpleasant sibilance. Moreover, users have the option to personalize the audio further through various EQ presets available in the Galaxy Wearable app.
While the Buds FE do not feature head-tracking spatial audio, a premium offering from Samsung's pricier earbuds, the absence of this feature doesn't significantly impact the overall experience, as it can often feel more gimmicky than practical. In terms of voice call performance, the buds proved satisfactory during phone conversations and Google Meet sessions. Additionally, users have the flexibility to configure the buds to enhance self-audibility during calls.
Noise Cancellation
The noise isolation provided by the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is quite effective, and the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature is notably impressive. I experienced minimal external noise intrusion with these earbuds. They excel at isolating the ear canal from the surrounding environment, and the ANC is capable of canceling the majority of the external noise, depending on the frequency. This level of performance makes them particularly well-suited for use during commutes and flights.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE boast impressive battery life, as they are promoted to deliver up to six hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled and 8.5 hours with it turned off. When factoring in the charging case, these totals extend to 21 hours and 30 hours, respectively.
Although my real-world usage yielded slightly shorter durations than Samsung's estimates, I consistently achieved over five hours of continuous playback on multiple occasions. Overall, the earbuds consistently met my expectations for endurance, leaving me satisfied and not in need of additional battery life.
Connectivity
Similar to other Samsung earbuds, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE establishes a Bluetooth connection with your phone, computer, or other devices, supporting the SBC, AAC, or Samsung Scalable codecs. The Samsung Scalable Codec, a proprietary connection method from Samsung, is exclusive to Samsung phone users. The earbuds and your phone automatically prioritize the best available connection method, simplifying the process for users who may not have actively selected a specific codec in the developer's settings.
Additional features include a game mode for reduced latency and seamless auto-switching between Galaxy devices, enhancing the overall software experience. However, the absence of true multipoint Bluetooth is a drawback, and quick-switching within Samsung's ecosystem may not be a perfect substitute. Fortunately, Samsung's SmartThings app offers functionality such as locating the buds and receiving notifications if they are inadvertently left behind.
Conclusion
In the realm of mid-range earphones, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE offer a commendable performance. Not too long ago, acquiring wireless earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) required a hefty investment, but now we have quality products available at reasonable price points. While the sound profile may not suit every listener's preferences, those seeking a reliable companion for their daily commute are likely not expecting a concert hall experience. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE may not be a unicorn, but they are solid earbuds priced at less than $100, making them a satisfactory choice for most users, even if audiophiles may find other options more suitable.
Though the sound leans towards the bassy side, commuters often prioritize effective ANC over audio nuances, a feature the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE deliver. Marketed as "your everyday audio companion" by Samsung, these earbuds seem well-aligned with the needs of their target audience. Considering the cost, finding a better alternative without some compromises can be challenging, but exploring other options may be worthwhile for those prioritizing superior audio quality or specific features like spatial audio.
