Although it was rather an announcement than a launch itself, Google unveiled in Made by Google 2019 Your new Pixel Buds 2 wireless headphones. Designed to be highly compatible with Android, you will have to face other market alternatives with the same approach. We compare the Google Pixel Buds 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds, one of the first options designed to take full advantage of Google's operating system.
Price
When the Samsung Galaxy Buds debuted in early 2019, they stood out for several reasons. One of them was the price. At $ 129 dollars, they are cheaper than other alternatives true wireless, including Apple AirPods ($ 159 dollars) and the first version of the Google Pixel Buds ($ 159 dollars). With the second generation of Pixel headphones that will have a value of $ 179 dollars when they go on sale in 2020, Samsung will take more advantage in this area.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Buds are very small and are among the most comfortable wireless headphones we have tried. They fit perfectly in your ears, thanks to the small fins integrated into the main housing. The charging case is also compact, although it is not as practical as that of Apple AirPods.
The Google Pixel Buds 2 appear to be larger, with the outer section taking up more space. They have fins, which suggests they need additional support to assert themselves. The first generation of the Pixel Buds already had challenges to feel comfortable and safe. The carrying case may have an advantage: its curved shape seems to be more practical for transport.
Since we have not tried Pixel Buds 2 yet, it is difficult to say whether Google has adequately addressed the details in terms of design and adjustment, so we will avoid making a judgment. That s: Samsung has left the rod very high.
Winner: to be determined
Battery life
This category may depend on how you use your headphones. The Samsung Galaxy Buds achieve a respectable 6 continuous hours, surpassing the AirPods and the first generation Pixel Buds. The charging case only provides an additional 7 hours. The advantage is that if you have a Samsung Galaxy S10, you can recharge it wirelessly with your phone, which can help you complete a full day of use.
The Pixel Buds 2, meanwhile, only offer 5 hours between charges, but the charging case offers an additional 24 hours. That is a pretty big difference, which should be considered.
Winner: Google Pixel Buds 2
Characteristics
The Samsung Galaxy Buds have some impressive features, such as Environmental Awareness mode or Ambient Aware, which carries external sounds, such as traffic, through the microphones, to avoid accidents. The complementary application offers you a set of equalization controls and allows you to choose between Samsung Bixby or Google Assistant. If you lose one or both headphones, it has a practical function that will help you find them.
With an IPX2 protection rating, Galaxy Buds are sweat resistant, but you should probably keep them away from any other water source.
The Pixel Buds 2 also do not fall behind in terms of additional functions. They maintain instant transcription of the first generation and provide hands-free access to the Google Assistant. Although they do not have any type of noise cancellation or an adjustable environmental mode, they have a “space port” that allows the entry of some external sounds that will keep you aware of your surroundings. According to Google, Pixel Buds 2 are sweat and water resistant, but did not specify an IPX rating.
For now, the Galaxy Buds offer more useful features, but we can change our decision when we have the opportunity to try the Pixel Buds 2.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds
What remains to be defined
Without trying both products, it is not possible to compare aspects such as usability, comfort or sound quality. However, the Samsung Galaxy Buds got an extremely good score in our review, which means that the Google Pixel Buds 2 will have to perform very well to prevail in this comparison. In terms of sound quality, for example, the Galaxy Buds are as good or better than the AirPods, something we cannot say about the first generation of the Pixel Buds
Whereas when they go on sale they will be $ 50 dollars more expensive than the Galaxy Buds, the Pixel Buds 2 will have to work hard to justify that difference.
What are the best headphones true wireless? When we have the possibility to test in detail the new headphones and we can give you a more complete idea of how Google Pixel Buds 2 vs. compares. Samsung Galaxy Buds, we will update this article.
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