Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 vs Technics EAH-AZ100 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 strong and often near flagship level, though several reviewers say it still falls short of the very best Bose-style silence.

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

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

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 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 concern in one scored review because the reviewer criticizes its absence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maximum-volume clarity is praised for staying clean and distortion-free even at high levels.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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