Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 vs Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

Reviewers agreed ANC is the weakest major feature: two hands-on reviews found it modest or not serious, while the specs-focused comparison expected improvement over Buds 3.

ANC is broadly seen as good to impressive for everyday noise, though several reviewers note it is not the strongest at this price or for deep low-frequency rumble.

Android and especially Samsung users get the strongest experience, with one reviewer explicitly saying the buds were made for Android/Samsung users.

Android compatibility is positive, with easy Android pairing and Android-only hi-res codec benefits noted.

The app and phone settings offer a broad control surface, with reviewers highlighting a huge range of adjustable settings.

The app is mostly praised as useful, stable, and customizable, although one reviewer found its look ugly and another noted missing device-list convenience.

aptX support is treated as part of the product’s unusually broad high-resolution codec package, including aptX Adaptive and lossless-related support.

Latency and gaming support are viewed positively, with reviewers noting strong gaming performance and premium audio use beyond music.

Bass was consistently praised as punchy, wide, warm, and stronger than expected for open-fit entry-level earbuds.

Bass is the most divisive sound attribute: some reviewers heard deep or strong bass with the right fit or preset, while others found it light, thin, or lacking punch.

Battery life was treated as adequate but unimpressive, with one reviewer calling 5-6 hours poor beside longer-lasting rivals.

Battery life is average to mediocre overall; some reviewers found it acceptable, but many expected more from a premium-priced earbud.

Bluetooth was viewed positively, with reviewers citing longer range, future-proofing, and Bluetooth 6.1 as a meaningful upgrade.

Bluetooth performance has limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer praising range after staying connected across an office.

Build quality drew positive comments for a premium feel and a more refined look than the prior generation.

Build quality is mostly positive, with reviewers praising finish and construction, though one noted cheap-looking plastic.

Hi-res/UHQ playback was praised when paired with compatible Galaxy hardware and high-resolution sources, adding perceived expansiveness and cleaner sound.

Hi-res playback and audiophile-grade sound receive strong praise in the available evidence.

The stem controls were praised as easy, precise, and straightforward, especially after Samsung refined the blade shape.

The squeeze or pinch controls are usually considered reliable and customizable, though a few reviewers found them delayed or weaker than top competitors.

The case was reviewed favorably for practical design touches, including visibility through the lid and useful physical controls.

Carry case impressions are mixed: reviewers liked its secure magnets or compact/pocketable feel, but others criticized its size, looks, or chunkiness.

Charging is a positive convenience point, especially wireless charging and quick top-ups.

Codec support is a major strength, repeatedly praised as exhaustive or unusually complete for high-resolution listening.

Comfort was a major strength in the Tom's Guide review, including for smaller ears and everyday listening.

Long-use comfort is generally strong, with several reviewers wearing them for hours or all day, though one review found comfort only medium over time.

Design impressions were positive overall, with reviewers calling the Buds 4 more polished, premium, and refined despite the familiar AirPods-like shape.

Design is subjective and split, with reviewers admiring its distinctive modern look while others called it unattractive, retro, or an acquired taste.

Fit evidence was mixed: reviewers liked the comfort of the open form, but the lack of a seal and repeated fit adjustments hurt stability and ANC.

Fit is highly important and mostly positive; reviewers found better bass and stability once the right tips or seal were achieved.

Ear tip size options are praised for helping users find the right fit and bass seal.

EQ customization was described as a premium feature, with access to adjustment options and presets inside Samsung's software experience.

EQ customization is polarizing: reviewers like the depth and flexibility, but many criticize limited bands, poor bass impact, or weak responsiveness.

One comparison review credited the Buds 4 tuning with better clarity and balance than the prior generation.

Reviewers describe the frequency balance as generally accurate and controlled, with strong detail and tonality, though the bass region is less consistently weighted.

Head gestures were treated as a useful modern addition that adds hands-free control and helps Samsung keep pace with rivals.

Included accessories get positive limited evidence, especially the multiple tips and protective pouch/case cover.

Instrument separation was praised in track testing, where synths, bass, vocals, and percussion stayed layered rather than smeared together.

Instrument separation is one of the clearest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly praising clean layering, precise reproduction, and strong detail retrieval.

The integrated microphone system was described as upgraded and designed for clearer calls and better voice recognition.

The integrated microphone setup is adequate in limited evidence, but not a leading strength.

LDAC support is repeatedly included in reviewers’ praise for the broad high-resolution codec package.

Lossless audio support is a strength within the broader codec package, with reviewers treating the support as unusually complete.

Microphone noise reduction was a strength, with reviewers saying background roar, white noise, wind, and background noise were reduced or blocked.

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers heard good wind or background reduction, while others found ambient noise pickup and noisy conditions problematic.

Call quality was usable but not flawless: one review heard crisp clarity, another reported a muffled voice, and the comparison piece expected clearer calls.

Call quality ranges from excellent to merely okay, with most reviewers finding voices intelligible but not always natural, loud, or class-leading.

Midrange clarity was praised, especially for vocals, though Engadget described the non-Pro model's mids as merely filling the gaps adequately.

Midrange and vocals are usually praised as clear, detailed, and natural, with one reviewer noting vocal volume could dip in the mix.

Multi-platform compatibility was a clear limitation because the richest features and smoothest device switching stay tied to Samsung or Galaxy devices.

Multi-platform compatibility is positive in limited evidence, with codec support framed as useful across Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Google Tensor phones.

Multipoint and device switching were mixed: Tom's Guide criticized non-Galaxy limitations, while the specs comparison expected smoother Galaxy ecosystem switching.

Multipoint is useful and sometimes seamless, but not consistently reliable; one reviewer had to switch manually while others reported smooth pause-and-play behavior.

Passive isolation was weak because the open-fit body lacks a sealing silicone tip, letting outside noise seep in.

Passive isolation was described as decent with a proper fit, but the review evidence mainly focuses on ANC rather than unpowered isolation.

Portability has limited positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the charging case compact.

Preset EQ profiles are generally useful, especially Dynamic, which reviewers said improved balance or impact.

RGB/light customization has limited but positive evidence, with the case light colors treated as fun customization.

Sensors are mixed: one reviewer found wear detection unreliable, while another said it worked well.

Smudge resistance has limited positive evidence, with the matte case finish praised for helping prevent fingerprints.

Setup and software were strongest for Galaxy users, with settings baked into the phone and a broad range of options available.

Setup and software simplicity are mixed: pairing can be simple, but mode switching and Edifier-style configuration can feel sluggish or finicky.

Sound quality was the clearest strength across all three reviews, with praise for richness, refinement, and overall listening enjoyment.

Reviewers strongly agree the NeoBuds Planar are detail-first earbuds with unusually precise, clean sound, though a few found the tuning inconsistent or easier to admire than love.

Soundstage depth received positive evidence through UHQ listening, where acoustics were described as reverberating around the listener.

Soundstage depth is mixed: one reviewer heard no depth, another praised immersion, and another felt the presentation was pushed forward.

Soundstage width was praised in UHQ mode, with Tom's Guide calling the presentation surprisingly expansive.

Several reviewers heard an open, airy, expansive soundstage, with soundstage width treated as one of the planar driver strengths.

Spatial audio was not a selling point for one reviewer, who said upmixed spatial audio could warp music.

Spatial audio is a clear missing-feature complaint from the available evidence.

Physical stability was a weakness in the Engadget review because the open design required repeated fit adjustments.

Stability is mostly good for regular use and exercise, though some reviewers experienced shifting during runs or workouts.

Touch control responsiveness was praised, with reviewers finding the touch area easy to locate and the gestures precise or straightforward.

Touch/tap responsiveness is mixed: one reviewer found the controls pretty good, while others said the tap system needs adjustment or works only most of the time.

Transparency mode earned positive evidence from the comparison review because Ambient Sound made daily use more practical than Buds 3.

Transparency mode is functional but not a standout; reviewers praised voice-focused tools in one case but often found it muffled, unnatural, or merely adequate.

Treble performance was praised for crunchy highs and strong mids/treble performance, without the tinniness criticized in AirPods comparisons.

Treble detail is a major strength, often described as crisp, clean, or precise, but some reviewers found the highs bright, toasty, or potentially fatiguing.

Value was favorable for Galaxy owners and price-conscious buyers, with reviewers calling the performance strong for the $179 tier.

Value for money is heavily split by region and priorities: sound-focused reviewers can justify it, but many think the price is too high versus competitors.

Voice assistant integration was considered useful for hands-free tasks, though one reviewer personally had little interest in AI assistants.

Voice assistant use has limited but positive evidence, with voice commands described as swift.

Volume output drew mild criticism: reviewers generally found it usable, but noted it was on the lower side and not ideal for listeners who want maximum loudness.

Water and sweat resistance were a concern because the Buds 4 dropped from Buds 3's IP57 rating to IP54 and were described as less rugged.

The water and dust rating is viewed as practical for rain, sweat, dust, and realistic everyday conditions.

Weight comfort is positive in the limited evidence, with reviewers describing the buds as lightweight or far from heavy.