Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Earbuds vs Technics EAH-AZ100 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.

ANC is broadly strong and often near flagship level, though several reviewers say it still falls short of the very best Bose-style silence.

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 praised for LDAC, fast pairing, and strong ANC value with Android phones.

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

The app is mostly praised for useful controls, customization, stability, and EQ access, despite some complaints about layout.

aptX support is a weakness because one reviewer specifically wished Qualcomm aptX codecs were included.

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

Video sync is mostly strong, with two reviewers reporting zero or no visible lag, while one notes a slight delay with some codecs.

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

Auracast support is a concern in one scored review because the reviewer criticizes its absence.

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 is widely praised for depth, control, punch, and low distortion, with only one review criticizing the default balance as too boomy.

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 consistently a strength, with reviewers praising long ANC runtime and major improvement over the AZ80.

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 reliability is consistently praised, with reviewers reporting stable connections and no meaningful dropouts.

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

Build quality is praised as premium, tactile, mature, and a substantial step forward.

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.

Hi-res playback is praised in the one scored review, where LDAC/FLAC listening brought more detail, solidity, and space.

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

Control remapping is praised as unusually flexible and useful across the app and earbuds.

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: it is compact and pocketable, but multiple reviewers criticize weak magnets, rattle, scratches, or bland styling.

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 viewed positively where evaluated, especially wireless charging and case convenience.

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 praised for LDAC/LC3 breadth, but the absence of aptX is called a mild limitation.

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

Comfort trends positive thanks to smaller, lighter ergonomics, but fit fatigue and bulk remain concerns for some ears.

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

Design and aesthetics are generally praised as premium, sleek, compact, or classy, though a few reviewers find the look plain.

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 generally good with the right size, but some reviewers report looseness, bulk, or falling out.

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

Ear tip options are considered useful and generous, especially for finding the right fit across ear sizes.

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

EQ customization is a clear strength, with many reviewers praising the eight-band control and meaningful tuning options.

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

Find My support is useful for peace of mind, though one reviewer is disappointed by the location behavior.

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

Frequency response impressions are mixed: one review calls it strange, while others praise accuracy, balance, and low distortion.

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

Included accessories draw criticism where reviewed because foam tips are missing despite multiple silicone tip sizes.

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 a standout strength, with reviewers hearing layers, voices, and complex arrangements as distinct and clearly placed.

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

Independent left/right earbud use is praised as convenient and useful when scored.

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

LDAC is received positively for higher-quality playback and better sound from compatible Android or hi-res sources.

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 praised for staying clean and distortion-free even at high levels.

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 polarized: several reviewers praise wind and background suppression, while one reports failed clarity and cutouts.

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

Call quality is mixed, ranging from serviceable or excellent in some reviews to choppy, robotic, or poor in others.

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

Midrange and vocals are generally described as clear, detailed, warm, and more forward than the previous model.

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 praised because the app and customization work across iOS and Android.

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

Multipoint is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising reliable switching and three-device connectivity.

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

Passive isolation is viewed positively when the tips seal well, with reviewers noting isolation even before ANC is active.

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

Portability is strong because the case is repeatedly described as pocketable, small, and easy to carry.

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

Preset EQ quality is mostly positive, especially Direct, Dynamic, and Treble+ modes, though SuperBass+ is too heavy for one reviewer.

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

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 and software simplicity are mostly positive, but the lack of a physical pairing button adds friction for one reviewer.

Sound leakage is a weakness in the one scored review, which says loud music can be heard in a quiet room.

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 overwhelmingly praise the AZ100's sound as clear, detailed, musical, and high-end, though one review found the stock tuning odd.

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

Soundstage depth is usually strong, with reviewers praising depth, immersion, and layering, though one long-term reviewer wanted more depth.

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

Soundstage width receives strong praise, with reviewers describing the presentation as spacious, broad, expansive, and room-like.

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 mixed: reviewers appreciate Dolby/head-tracking support, but several find it merely decent, distracting, or less clear than stereo.

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

Stability is mixed: several reviewers found the fit secure, while others would not trust it for vigorous movement.

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

Touch controls are generally responsive and customizable, though sensitivity and personal preference create some mixed reactions.

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

Transparency mode is mixed: some find it natural or useful, while others hear hiss, over-processing, or weaker situational awareness.

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

Treble is usually considered clear, airy, detailed, and non-harsh, though one review says the default tuning lacks high-end content.

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 is mixed-to-positive: reviewers like the premium feature set and sound, but several note the high price and strong competition.

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

Voice assistant integration is limited in coverage but works reliably where tested or described.

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

Volume output is praised as top-tier and very loud in the reviews that discuss it.

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

Water and sweat resistance is adequate for workouts or rain, but one reviewer cautions against heavier rain exposure.

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

Weight comfort is praised because the earbuds feel better distributed, light, and easier to forget during use.