ANC is the main weakness. The open design limits sealing, so the effect is modest against chatter and steady noise and much less convincing against higher-frequency or sudden sounds, even if it appears somewhat improved over Buds 3.
ANC is widely viewed as strong for the category, but wind performance is a recurring weakness in several reviews and some listeners notice a faint hiss in very quiet rooms. Mode switching is straightforward, but several reviewers want finer ANC intensity controls and better ways to access wind-related settings without opening the app.
Android compatibility is strong, and Galaxy phones get the most complete experience. Non-Samsung Android users still get meaningful control through Samsung's software, but the best extras remain Galaxy-first.
Android support is strong, helped by features like Fast Pair and LDAC compatibility on supported phones.
Samsung's settings integration and Wearables app expose useful controls, EQ options, and ANC adjustments. The software feels feature-rich, though some advanced features stay exclusive to Galaxy phones.
The Status Hub app is generally seen as clean and useful for EQ and features, though some reviewers flag firmware/update hiccups or missing toggles for certain behaviors.
Some reviews explicitly note the lack of aptX-family support, which may matter to Android users who prefer Qualcomm codecs.
Latency is described as typical for Bluetooth: fine for most video, but not ideal for competitive gaming and some reviewers wish for a dedicated low-latency mode.
Bass is a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling it punchy, warm, and satisfyingly deep for an open-fit earbud. It is not as textured as the Pro model, but it gives the Buds 4 a lively, full sound.
Bass is generally described as deep and controlled, but some listeners want more punch or find the low end a bit warm depending on tips/EQ.
Battery life is acceptable rather than exceptional at roughly 5 to 6 hours from the buds and up to 30 hours with the case. Reviewers treat endurance as serviceable, not a category advantage.
Battery life is mixed: some see close to the rated numbers in lighter use, while others measure around 5–6 hours with ANC and/or LDAC, which can feel short for the price.
Connectivity looks strong overall, helped by Bluetooth 6.1 and solid range in real-world use. The bigger limitation is not dropouts but that the smartest switching behavior is mostly reserved for Samsung-centric setups.
Bluetooth connections are usually stable and easy to pair, though a few reports mention occasional quirks during reconnection or device prioritization.
Build and finish are seen as more refined than the previous generation, with a more polished stem design and cleaner execution. The Buds 4 feel premium enough for the price, though not especially rugged.
Overall build quality is viewed as premium, though there are occasional reports of small durability quirks such as case contact issues.
Physical buttons are appreciated for tactile control, yet multiple reviewers dislike that key button functions are fixed and not fully remappable.
The case earns positive marks for its flatter layout, translucent lid, and practical physical pairing button. It feels useful and better thought out than a generic accessory shell.
The charging case is often described as sturdy with strong magnets, but a few complaints include one-hand opening difficulty or isolated hardware/connector issues.
Charging is convenient with USB-C and wireless charging support noted across reviews, and case-to-bud top-ups are generally quick.
Codec support is a highlight, with broad coverage including common codecs plus modern options mentioned across reviews.
Comfort is one of the Buds 4's biggest wins, especially for listeners who prefer open-fit earbuds or have smaller ears. The only caveat is that the looser fit can require occasional readjustment.
Comfort is one of the strongest themes, with many reviewers reporting hours-long wear without hot spots once the right tips are chosen.
Design feedback is favorable overall: slimmer stems, a cleaner case, and a more polished look improve the presentation. The main knock is that the styling still feels very close to Apple's template.
Design stands out with a distinctive blocky stem look and premium finishes that many reviewers find sharp and upscale.
Tip selection is commonly limited to three sizes, which most can work with but feels sparse at this price tier for very small or very large ears.
EQ flexibility is unusually strong for mainstream earbuds, with both a multi-band equalizer and preset options available. This gives listeners real room to tailor the sound signature.
EQ customization is a major strength, with an 8-band EQ and advanced tweaking options that let users significantly reshape the sound.
The find-earbuds tools (audible beeps and last-known location style tracking) are generally useful and easy to trigger in the app.
Default tuning is often described as balanced or close to a preference curve, and the multi-driver setup helps maintain clarity across lows, mids, and highs.
The Buds 4 separate vocals, synths, percussion, and layered mixes well for the class. They are not hyper-analytical, but they rarely sound congested or smeared.
Instrument separation and imaging are consistently strong, helping complex mixes stay organized even with bass-forward tracks.
LDAC support is consistently highlighted as a premium feature, with the usual tradeoff of higher power draw in real-world use.
At higher volumes, distortion is generally kept in check, with some reviewers noting the sound stays composed near the top of the range.
Noise reduction during calls performs better than expected and can suppress loud background noise effectively. The tradeoff is that strong processing can make the speaker sound a bit digitized.
Noise reduction for calls and ANC-related wind filtering helps in many scenarios, but results vary, with multiple reviewers pointing to wind as the hardest condition.
Call quality is good in quiet spaces and usable in noisier ones, but it is not best-in-class. Voices remain understandable, though they can sound slightly muffled or processed compared with stronger premium rivals.
Call quality is generally clear in quiet settings, but some reviews note compression or muffling as background noise rises, and wind can be a challenge in certain tests.
Midrange tuning is clear and well judged, keeping vocals and core instruments present even with the Buds 4's fuller bass. This helps the earbuds sound richer than many entry-level competitors.
Midrange comes through clearly with strong vocal presence and good musical detail, especially with the Signature or Knowles-style tunings.
Basic listening works across devices, but the overall experience is plainly Samsung-centric. iPhone users and people mixing Apple, Windows, and Galaxy hardware lose access to several of the best features.
Compatibility across phones and computers is broadly positive, with some caveats around platform-specific codec support (notably iPhone and LDAC).
Automatic switching is strongest inside the Galaxy ecosystem and notably less convenient elsewhere. Mixed-device users should expect more manual intervention than they would want at this price.
Multipoint works well for many users with quick switching, but at least one review reports finicky behavior that required manual device management.
Passive isolation is weak because the open design does not create a proper seal. That physical limitation is a big reason the ANC never becomes truly class-competitive.
With ANC off, passive isolation is described as usable but not standout, and tip choice plays a big role in the seal.
Preset EQs provide meaningful variety, but naming can be confusing and some presets (especially brighter ones) may not suit everyone.
Sidetone is a well-liked call feature that helps users regulate their speaking volume and feel more natural on calls.
Setup and customization are straightforward on Galaxy phones and still manageable on other Android devices through Wearables. The biggest friction comes from Galaxy-only options rather than a confusing interface.
Setup is usually quick and straightforward, with several reviews praising how easy pairing and basic configuration are.
Sound quality is the clearest reason to buy the Buds 4. Across the reviews, the earbuds are praised for rich tuning, strong bass, clear vocals, and a presentation that beats many direct price rivals.
Across reviews, Pro X is praised for lively, detailed sound that competes with premium flagships, though a few reviewers call it more of an all-arounder than a market leader.
For everyday earbuds, the Buds 4 sound fairly open and spacious, especially with higher-quality Galaxy playback modes enabled. They do not sound huge, but they avoid the boxed-in feel common at this tier.
Soundstage is typically moderate rather than huge, but positioning and spatial precision are frequently called out as a strength.
Spatial audio is present as a headline feature, but clear enthusiasm is limited. It adds another box to the feature list more than it defines the Buds 4 listening experience.
Fit stability is acceptable for regular daily use, but the open shape can shift enough to require adjustment. This is not the best pick for people who prioritize a locked-in feel.
Fit stability is generally good for daily use and light workouts, but removing fit-wings and tip choice can affect how locked-in it feels for some users.
Touch and stem-based controls are a strength. Reviewers repeatedly call them easy to locate, responsive, and customizable, with the flatter stem helping usability.
Touch controls offer a large target and good customization, but sensitivity can be hit-or-miss for some users and swipe gestures are sometimes expected but not always present.
Transparency/ambient mode is often rated excellent with multiple strength levels, though higher settings can introduce hiss, occlusion, or extra white noise for some ears.
Treble comes through cleanly with good detail and vocal presence. Reviewers do not describe it as harsh or thin, which helps the Buds 4 avoid sounding brittle despite their lively tuning.
Treble is mostly clean and detailed, but certain presets can sound bright or fatiguing and one review notes slightly restrained upper-treble bite out of the box.
USB-C is standard here and is repeatedly mentioned as the primary wired charging option.
Voice assistant support is solid on paper, with access to Bixby and Gemini plus Galaxy-focused conveniences. It adds real hands-free utility, even if reviewers do not treat it as the product's main selling point.
Voice assistant support is present via controls, but it is treated as a basic convenience feature rather than a standout differentiator.
Volume gets loud enough for most use, but a few reviews want more headroom outdoors or note it is not the loudest in its class.
IP54 is enough for sweat and light splashes, making the Buds 4 workable for everyday workouts and commuting. Still, the rating is not especially rugged and is a downgrade from tougher earlier protection.
The IP55 rating is repeatedly cited as a meaningful durability perk for sweat, rain, and dust exposure.