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 the standout trait in these reviews, with repeated praise for unusually strong noise reduction at this price.
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 works in the cited reviews, including Fast Pair, though Android users miss out on higher-end codec options.
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 app is feature-rich and easy to navigate for several reviewers, though one reviewer found it a little basic.
The cited reviews explicitly state that aptX support is missing.
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 repeatedly described as fantastic, powerful, punchy, or clean, though one review says it can overpower the mix.
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 usually described as strong or all-day, though one review reports closer to 6.5 to 7 hours in mixed use.
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 5.3 with AAC/SBC support is clearly documented, and the cited reviews describe connection quality as stable.
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.
The earbuds themselves are often described as solid or premium enough, though some reviewers still notice plasticky elements.
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 case is pocketable and sometimes feels sturdy or premium, but several reviewers also call it plasticky or a bit bulky.
USB-C and quick charging are positives, but wireless charging is repeatedly absent.
Codec support is limited to SBC and AAC, and multiple reviews flag the lack of advanced codecs as a downside.
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.
Multiple reviewers say the earbuds stay comfortable for hours, with several calling them all-day or long-session friendly.
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.
The transparent Glass Blue look stands out and is generally seen as attractive or distinctive in the cited reviews.
The cited reviews describe a snug, comfortable seal when the fit matches the wearer’s ears.
The earbuds come with extra tip sizes in the box, but the selection is still fairly limited.
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.
Reviews consistently highlight adjustable EQ options, including presets, custom tuning, and guided personalization tools.
Objective-minded reviews say the tuning broadly follows preference targets, but they also note a darker balance and upper-treble dip.
The cited review mentions a modest accessory pack with extra eartips included in the box.
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.
The cited reviews note audible instrument separation and stereo layering on well-recorded tracks.
One review explicitly confirms onboard microphones are built into the earbuds for calls.
One review explicitly says either earbud can be used on its own while the other charges.
The cited reviews explicitly state that LDAC support is missing.
One review explicitly notes the lack of aptX Lossless or LDAC, so lossless-grade wireless support is not present here.
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 on calls is generally effective, especially against wind and street noise, though it is not flawless in every scenario.
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 usually clear in calmer settings, but some reviews report less natural or choppier results in noisy environments.
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 performance is often described as clear or warm, but some reviews say mids can get muddy or constrained.
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.
The cited reviews describe smooth use across iPhone, Android, and laptop setups.
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 connection to two devices works smoothly for several reviewers, though one review reports buzzing and dual-device issues.
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.
The passive seal is strong in the cited reviews, helping block outside noise even before ANC is engaged.
The case is described as compact and easy to carry in a pocket.
One review specifically praises the Excited preset as a strong option for punchier bass.
Wear or in-ear detection is a recurring feature callout, and reviewers say the auto pause/resume behavior works well.
One review specifically says the case is not much of a fingerprint magnet.
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.
Some reviewers find the software easy to use, but one review reports annoying re-pairing and reconnection steps.
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.
Sound quality is broadly praised as very good for the money, though some reviews stop short of calling it flagship-level.
Reviewers note a three-dimensional presentation and useful depth cues, especially for the price category.
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.
The cited reviews describe the presentation as wide with clearly defined stereo placement for the price.
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.
Sony 360 Reality Audio support is present, but enthusiasm is mixed and some reviewers do not see it as a major draw.
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.
For everyday use the fit is steady for several reviewers, but one review says the buds can slip during running or workouts.
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 usually respond well, but repeated-tap volume changes and accidental triggers come up repeatedly as annoyances.
Ambient and transparency modes are useful for conversations and awareness, but some reviewers mention hiss, white noise, or activation delay.
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 usually described as clear or crisp, though some reviews mention upper-treble softness or occasional distortion.
USB-C charging is explicitly present in the cited reviews.
These reviews consistently frame the earbuds as excellent value around the $100 to $120 range, especially for ANC and comfort.
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.
The controls can trigger a phone voice assistant, with Siri and Google Assistant support explicitly referenced.
One review describes the earbuds as loud and proud, suggesting strong output.
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 cited reviews consistently mention IPX4 splash and sweat resistance suited to light workouts and daily use.
One review specifically highlights the very light 0.18oz-per-bud weight as a comfort benefit.