Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Earbuds vs Sony WF-C510 Earbuds

Most reviewers rate ANC highly, with several calling it excellent or top tier, though one subway-focused test found it only barely adequate in very loud environments.

The WF-C510 does not provide active noise cancellation; reviewers often accept that tradeoff at the price, but ANC-focused buyers are repeatedly told to look elsewhere.

AI translation is treated as a useful Samsung ecosystem bonus, especially when it pipes live translations into the earbuds, but reviewers often frame it as a feature rather than the core reason to buy.

Android compatibility is strongest on Samsung phones and tablets, where key sound and ecosystem features unlock; non-Samsung Android works with more limits.

Android compatibility is positive where tested, especially Google Fast Pair and app-supported pairing that reviewers describe as uncomplicated or fast.

The app and Samsung settings integration are important to getting full value, unlocking ANC controls, EQ, AI features, updates, and other advanced controls.

The Sony app is mostly praised for EQ, setup, device control, and ease of use, but PC support and some interface choices draw criticism.

aptX support is treated as absent and a limitation by the one reviewer who explicitly wanted higher-quality Bluetooth codec options.

Video latency evidence is positive, with one reviewer reporting no noticeable delay and calling the earbuds suitable for watching videos.

Video and gaming sync evidence is mixed: one reviewer found lip sync spot-on, while gaming-oriented comments note no low-latency mode or only limited gaming suitability.

Auracast support is a weakness because at least one reviewer was disappointed that the Buds 3 FE did not get the feature.

Bass impressions are mixed: several reviewers find it well-defined or pleasantly emphasized, while others say it is less punchy or not as controlled as rivals or the Pro model.

Bass impressions are mixed: several reviewers praise controlled, punchy or well-rounded bass, while others say bass is light, not skull-rattling, or weaker than pricier Sony buds.

Battery life is usually described as average to solid, with ANC runtimes around five to six hours and some praise for the quoted Galaxy Buds endurance.

Battery life is widely praised for long earbud runtime, often around 10-11 hours, but the case's single extra charge creates some battery-life caveats.

Bluetooth connection is generally stable and easy on Samsung devices, though one reviewer notes the fast-pair experience is slick only when it works.

Bluetooth connection reliability is praised where reviewers discuss reconnection and pairing, though one review notes minor jitters in busy stations.

Build quality receives positive but limited evidence, with one reviewer directly calling the overall build sturdy.

Build quality is split: some reviews call the buds solid or well built, while others emphasize cheap plastic, budget feel, or cut corners.

Hi-res playback is a tradeoff: reviewers note that higher-end 24-bit features are reserved for the Pro model, limiting the FE for serious high-resolution listening.

Pinch and swipe controls are generally useful and sometimes praised, but reviewers also note extra force, awkward stem angles, or a short learning curve.

Physical button usability is divisive: some reviewers prefer the tactile controls and find them easy, while others dislike pushing the buds into the ear or repeated presses.

The case is compact and secure in testing, though case-related praise focuses more on size and magnet retention than premium materials.

Case quality is mixed: reviewers like the small, pocketable case and some hinge resistance, but others call the plastic cheap or the case limited.

Charging is a compromise because USB-C works and wired charging can be quick enough, but missing wireless charging is repeatedly called out as a bummer or tradeoff.

Charging is generally acceptable thanks to quick-charge support, but reviewers criticize slow case charging, no wireless charging, or limited case reserve.

Codec support is Samsung-first: SSC can improve fidelity on Samsung devices, while non-Samsung users are limited to AAC or SBC.

Codec support is a common compromise: AAC and SBC are usually considered sufficient for streaming, but reviewers still flag the lack of higher-end codec options.

Comfort is a strength across reviewers, with repeated praise for the light, familiar stem fit and comfortable listening sessions.

Comfort is one of the strongest areas, with many reviewers saying the small, light buds are easy to wear for long sessions, though one had fit problems.

Design receives broad praise for the matte finish, understated styling, premium look, and slimmer case, although the stem shape is not universally loved.

Design sentiment is mostly positive for the compact size, clean look, matte colors, and small profile, though some reviews see the finish as clearly budget.

Fit is one of the strongest points: sealed tips usually create a secure seal and help the Buds 3 FE stay put, though sizing may not work for everyone.

Eartip fit is usually strong, with many reviewers praising seal and comfort, though one reviewer could not get any included tip size to fasten securely.

Ear tip options are a recurring caveat because reviewers like having sizes included but several want more choices, especially an XL option.

Ear tip option evidence is limited but positive where reviewers connect the included choices or secure tips to small-ear comfort and practical fit.

EQ customization is useful through Samsung software, with custom and preset options, but one reviewer misses personalized tuning.

EQ customization is a major value add for many reviewers, especially Sony's custom tools, though SoundGuys and TechRadar find the EQ limited or confusing.

Find My evidence is limited but positive, with one reviewer confirming the feature worked and showed location on a map.

Frequency response evidence is strong from measurement-based reviews that say the default tuning tracks the target curve closely.

Frequency response evidence is limited and mixed, with SoundGuys describing a response that is not immediately off-putting but does require adjustment for some listeners.

Included accessories are a weakness because multiple reviewers note the missing cable and limited box contents.

Included accessories are a mild weakness: the missing USB-C cable is criticized by one reviewer but dismissed as a non-issue by another.

Instrument separation is split: one reviewer hears distinct musical layers, while another says the Buds 3 FE lack detail and separation versus stronger options.

Instrument separation is praised in the strongest hi-fi-leaning reviews, though some note that instruments are not the sharpest at this price.

The integrated microphones are generally strong for calls and voice commands, with particular praise for background-noise handling.

The integrated microphone receives limited direct praise, with PCMag calling it decent, but broader call-quality evidence is more mixed.

LDAC is a limitation because a reviewer points to alternatives that include LDAC among features the Buds 3 FE lack.

LDAC support is absent and repeatedly cited as a compromise, though some reviewers say the omission is acceptable for the budget tier.

Lossless-style playback is possible only in limited Samsung conditions through SSC, so reviewers treat it as a Samsung-first benefit rather than universal hi-fi support.

Maximum-volume clarity is positive, with reviewers hearing little distortion or clean highs and mids even at loud levels.

Maximum-volume clarity is a strength in several reviews, with repeated comments that the earbuds avoid distortion or peaking even when pushed.

Microphone noise reduction is mostly praised as much improved and strong at reducing background sounds, though one reviewer says it could still be better.

Microphone noise reduction is a weak spot overall, with multiple reviewers saying background sounds leak through or aggressive gating can cut into the voice.

Call microphone quality is a strength overall, with reviewers reporting clear voice pickup and reliable call performance, except in harder windy cases.

Call microphone quality is inconsistent: some hear clear voice pickup in quiet settings, but several reviews criticize noisy-call performance and background pickup.

Midrange clarity is consistently positive, especially for vocals, which reviewers describe as clear, present, crisp, and detailed.

Midrange clarity is a recurring strength, with vocals and instruments often described as clear, detailed, natural, and well separated from the bass.

Multi-platform compatibility is a weakness: the earbuds work as basic Bluetooth buds on iPhone, but advanced controls and ecosystem features are Samsung- or Android-dependent.

Multi-platform compatibility is supported by reviewers who praise iOS/Android parity or smooth phone-desktop use, but PC app support is a limitation.

True multipoint is one of the clearest repeated negatives, with reviewers calling its absence disappointing, a potential dealbreaker, or worse than alternatives.

Multipoint connectivity is a recurring advantage, with several reviewers calling switching or reconnection seamless, reliable, or unusually good for the price.

Passive isolation benefits from the sealed design, with reviewers citing meaningful isolation and better noise blocking than unsealed Buds models.

Passive isolation is one of the clearest strengths; reviewers repeatedly say the seal blocks a surprising amount of ambient noise despite the lack of ANC.

Portability is positive but lightly covered, with the case described as pocketable.

Portability is a strength, with the tiny case and small buds repeatedly described as easy to pocket and carry.

Preset EQ profile quality gets direct praise from one reviewer, who says the presets work well.

Preset EQ evidence is sparse and mixed, with PCMag finding the preset selection serviceable and SoundGuys calling the presets bland.

Sensor behavior is a weakness because reviewers complain that wear sensors do not provide full auto-pause/resume functionality.

Sensor support is a weakness because wear detection is absent, forcing manual pause/play or allowing playback to continue after removal.

Sidetone during calls is useful when transparency mode lets the wearer hear their own voice clearly and reduces call fatigue.

Smudge resistance is a small design strength thanks to the matte finish, which reviewers say reduces fingerprints, shine, and scratches.

Setup is easy on Samsung devices, with reviewers describing instant pairing, quick setup, and a painless process.

Setup simplicity is mostly praised for easy pairing and app use, though control customization and app-volume behavior can feel unintuitive.

Sound quality is the most praised attribute overall, with most reviewers calling it excellent, balanced, outstanding, or great for the price, despite a few mixed impressions.

Reviewers consistently describe the WF-C510 as strong for the price, with clear, balanced, enjoyable sound; the main dissent is that some find it merely serviceable rather than exciting.

Soundstage depth is generally positive when discussed, with reviewers noting pleasing depth or enough richness despite the single-driver design.

Soundstage depth evidence is limited and mixed, with one reviewer enjoying grander tracks while another says the buds do not emphasize open staging or layering.

Soundstage width receives positive evidence, with reviewers describing openness and a pleasing amount of width.

Soundstage width gets positive notes from reviews that hear spaciousness, separation, or a more open presentation, especially with Sony processing or acoustic material.

Spatial audio is mixed: one reviewer likes the immersive 360 effect, while others dislike the lack of head tracking or find the effect diffused.

Spatial audio is present and sometimes enjoyed for added scale, but several reviewers treat 360 Reality Audio as mixed, limited, or gimmicky for music.

Stability is strong for normal use and shake tests, though one reviewer says the stem design is not ideal for high-impact running.

In-ear stability is generally excellent, with repeated praise for secure fit during walking, running, cycling, workouts, and head movement; one review reports falling out.

Touch responsiveness is mixed, ranging from fantastic controls to complaints that double and triple taps are finicky.

Touch-control evidence is limited to two reviews that describe the controls as responsive or easy, though most other reviews treat the controls as physical buttons.

Transparency mode is widely praised as good, clear, natural, or great, with enough clarity for conversations and awareness.

Transparency or Ambient Sound mode is usually considered useful and natural for awareness, but some reviewers find it mild, situational, or not enough for easy conversations.

Treble clarity is mostly positive, with clear highs and less fatigue, but one reviewer criticizes the highs as splashy and uncontrolled.

Treble is generally clear and crisp, especially for vocals and detail-focused music, though a few reviews note underemphasis, crunchiness, or limited brightness.

Value is a major strength, especially for Samsung phone owners, with reviewers repeatedly calling the Buds 3 FE an easy recommendation or strong deal.

Value for money is the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly frame the WF-C510 as a bargain or standout budget pick despite tradeoffs.

Voice assistant integration is useful but not complete; Gemini and Bixby support exist, while built-in voice controls from the Pro model are missed.

Volume output is very strong in the available evidence, with one reviewer calling the volume insanely loud.

Volume output is context-dependent: many reviewers find it more than loud enough, while a few flag low default app volume or a less powerful maximum.

Water and sweat resistance is generally considered adequate for workouts and rain, though reviewers note IP54 is lower than the Pro model.

The IPX4 rating is viewed as useful for sweat, rain, running, gym use, and daily activity, but reviewers consistently warn it is not full waterproofing.

Weight comfort is lightly but positively supported, with reviewers calling the buds lightweight and comfortable.

Low weight contributes heavily to comfort; reviewers repeatedly highlight the roughly 4.6 g earbuds as light, slight, or easy to forget in the ear.