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.
Active noise cancelling is widely rated among the best in true wireless, especially when paired with the foam seal; a few sources say it can be beaten by select rivals and varies with fit and environment. ANC/ambient controls are flexible, with adjustable ambient levels and adaptive modes; some users dislike automatic switching and prefer manual control.
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 with features like easier pairing and better codec/spatial feature access depending on device ecosystem.
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 Sony companion app is feature-rich (firmware, EQ, adaptive sound, 360 features) and often praised, but some find it busy/cluttered or occasionally buggy.
aptX is explicitly not supported in at least one review, which may matter to users who prefer Qualcomm codecs on certain Android devices.
Low-latency/LE Audio capabilities are mentioned as a benefit for reducing delay in supported scenarios, though real-world results depend on device and settings.
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 a defining trait: many call it punchy, tight, and engaging, but several note the default tuning can be bass-forward (or fit-dependent) and may need EQ to avoid mid-bass dominance.
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 repeatedly strong: around a workday class performance on the buds, with many reports of meeting or exceeding claimed playback; some note the case may need topping up more often than expected. Batteries are not user-replaceable, which limits long-term repairability despite the premium 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 stability is generally solid, with easy pairing and reliable everyday use; however, a minority report occasional dropouts or one-earbud connection quirks.
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.
Build quality feels premium overall, but foam tip durability and glossy-surface grip are the most common durability/handling complaints.
Control usability is divisive: customization helps, but multi-tap volume control and occasional mis-taps can feel awkward compared with stem squeeze/swipe designs.
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 compact and pocket-friendly with useful additions (like a pairing button), though the smooth finish can make buds harder to grab and case capacity tradeoffs are occasionally mentioned.
Charging is well-rounded with USB-C, wireless/Qi support in several reviews, and fast-charge capability that can deliver roughly an hour of listening from a short top-up.
Codec support is good overall (with high-res options in several reviews), but at least one major omission is noted compared with some competitors.
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 improves notably over the prior model thanks to a smaller, lighter shell and revised tips; fit is still subjective, and some users feel pressure or slippage over long sessions.
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 is praised for being smaller, more discreet, and premium-looking, but the glossy surfaces can be slippery and not everyone loves the foam-tip approach.
Four tip sizes (including extra-small) are commonly applauded for widening fit coverage, though some reviewers still want more shapes/materials in the box.
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 (including Clear Bass controls and guided EQ tools), though it is not as advanced as full parametric EQ systems.
Some reviews flag the lack of an integrated Find My-style tracking experience as a notable gap versus AirPods and certain competitors.
Tuning is broadly balanced once EQ is applied, but multiple reviewers mention a notable low-end / mid-bass emphasis in the default profile.
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 is repeatedly called out as strong, helping busy mixes stay organized and easy to pick apart.
LDAC support is repeatedly highlighted as a plus for compatible Android devices and high-res streaming.
At higher volumes, most reviews report the sound stays controlled and clear, with bass not turning muddy and treble avoiding harshness.
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 is strong in moderate noise and wind for many reviewers, yet can be inconsistent in extreme background noise depending on conditions and processing.
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 improved versus prior generations and often described as clear, but results are mixed in very noisy settings, where some testing reports choppy or degraded voice pickup.
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 is generally clear and natural, with vocals and instruments coming through cleanly even when the low end is emphasized.
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.
They work well on both iOS and Android for core playback/ANC, but ecosystem perks are stronger on Android while Apple users may miss AirPods-style integration.
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.
Two-device multipoint is commonly praised for seamless switching and reliability, though it does not extend to three-device connectivity.
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.
Passive isolation is a standout thanks to the foam-style tips and strong seal; performance is highly dependent on getting the fit right and the tips can be delicate over time.
Guided presets like Find Your Equalizer/Your Equalizer are considered helpful for quickly landing on a preferred tuning without deep audio knowledge.
Sensors (like in-ear detection and auto-pause) are generally reliable and add convenience in daily use.
Finishes resist fingerprints reasonably well in some reports, but the glossy shell can feel slick, affecting grip more than appearance.
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 straightforward (especially with a case pairing button and guided app flow), though sign-ins, UI complexity, or occasional software hiccups can add friction.
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, sound is consistently described as premium and highly detailed, with strong resolution and separation; a few testers find it merely good rather than best-in-class for the price.
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 considered wide for earbuds with good openness and imaging, but it can still feel somewhat in-your-head or less three-dimensional than top competitors.
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.
Spatial audio features (Sony 360 Reality Audio and head-tracking in some contexts) are viewed as impressive, yet can be limited by supported services, apps, or platform integration.
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.
Stability ranges from rock-solid to finicky depending on ear shape and tip choice; a correct seal is the make-or-break factor for both comfort and ANC.
Multiple reviews highlight more sustainable packaging/material choices (recycled paper, reduced plastics), though it is not the primary purchase driver.
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 sensors are generally responsive, and several reviews appreciate expanded control options versus older models.
Transparency/ambient mode is effective and adjustable, but several reviewers still rank Apple’s pass-through as more natural.
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 detail is widely praised as refined and crisp, though some listeners note occasional extra sizzle/sibilance or less sparkle than a few rivals.
USB-C charging is included and widely treated as a modern baseline convenience.
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 assistants (Alexa/Google/Siri, depending on platform) are supported, though hands-free reliability can vary by setup and use case.
Volume output is usually adequate, but at least one test notes the earbuds can feel quieter than competitors, making ANC (and a good seal) more important in loud places.
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 IPX4 rating is consistently framed as solid for sweat and light splashes, but not for submersion or heavy water exposure.
Weight is frequently cited as a comfort win: the buds are lighter and less bulky, reducing fatigue for many listeners.