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 performance is good for the price but not unanimous: several reviews call it strong in Max/Smart modes, while others describe it as average or clearly behind key rivals. Expect solid low-frequency reduction, with more variance on mid/high chatter and wind. Most reviewers note multiple ANC strength options (Mild/Moderate/Max plus Smart/adaptive). Smart can be handy, but lower settings may feel much weaker than Max and the adaptive shifts are not always obvious.
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 thanks to Fast Pair, broad feature access in HeyMelody, and LHDC availability on compatible phones. Non-OnePlus Android devices may need the app for full control.
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 HeyMelody app (or OnePlus system settings) delivers broad control over modes, EQ, and features. Experiences range from polished and fast to occasionally glitchy, especially when the app fails to detect the buds reliably.
Video lip-sync and general A/V timing are typically good, and low-latency/game modes help in demanding scenarios. Some gaming use can still show slight delay in fast shooters depending 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: often described as powerful and punchy, sometimes even thunderous. Whether it is a plus or a minus depends on your taste, and several reviews suggest using EQ/BassWave to moderate it.
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.
Real-world battery is usually around 6.5 to 7 hours with ANC on and closer to 10 hours with ANC off, matching most manufacturer claims. Heavy feature stacking (ANC + LHDC + spatial) can noticeably reduce runtime.
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.
Baseline Bluetooth stability is generally solid in everyday use, with rare reports of app-connection hiccups or slower initial pairing rather than persistent dropouts.
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 is generally good for the price, with solid fit and finish and durable day-to-day handling. A few reviewers flag that the buds are not especially rugged or that glossy parts show wear like fingerprints.
Control mapping is flexible in the app and most gestures work reliably. A few reviews dislike the lack of pressure-squeeze controls or note that default mappings may require customization to feel complete.
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 typically described as compact and pocketable with a decent hinge and finish. A few reviews call the plastic feel less premium or note it can be a bit slippery when removing buds.
Charging is fast and generally reliable, with quick-charge behavior repeatedly mentioned. The main downside is the lack of wireless charging on the case.
Codec support is strong for the tier (SBC/AAC plus LHDC 5.0) and generally works well. However, some testing suggests very high LHDC bitrates can be unstable and can cost battery.
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 a consistent strength: the buds are lightweight and many reviewers report long-session comfort. Fit can feel slightly loose for some ears, so tip selection matters.
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 box typically includes three tip sizes, which covers most ears but not all; some reviewers wish for extra-large tips or more varied options.
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 support is a major strength: multiple presets plus a custom multi-band EQ are widely praised for meaningful tuning, though a minority say changes can feel subtle depending on the preset and listening habits.
Find My features are typically audio-based (playing a sound) rather than full location tracking. Useful for nearby couch-cushion situations, less helpful for true lost-and-gone scenarios.
Frequency response out of the box is commonly described as V-shaped rather than neutral. With the right preset or custom EQ, several reviewers say it can get much closer to balanced listening.
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 often praised for this class, helped by the dual-driver design and tuning tools. Not every review calls it exceptional, but most agree it is above average at the price.
LDAC is not supported; multiple reviews point to LHDC as the hi-res option instead. If you specifically want LDAC, this model is a mismatch.
Clarity at high volume is good overall, though several reviews warn that treble can get harsh or sibilant when pushed toward the top end of the volume 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.
Background-noise handling on calls is frequently praised, with several reviews noting strong suppression of chatter and environmental sounds. Wind handling is good but not universally perfect across all reports.
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 often rated very good for the price, with voices coming through clearly. A minority describe it as merely adequate rather than class-leading.
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 presence is generally decent but can feel recessed compared to the bass and treble in the default tuning. Some reviewers find vocals clear, while others want more natural mid emphasis.
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.
Cross-platform support is better than many budget buds: iOS users get the app and most core features, but hi-res codec advantages and some behaviors may vary by device ecosystem.
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 is frequently highlighted as a standout convenience feature, with several reviewers calling it excellent or flawless for switching between two devices. Using multipoint can reduce available hi-res bandwidth on some setups.
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.
Preset profiles are generally useful (with some reviewers preferring certain presets as closer to balanced). Bass-leaning presets and BassWave can be fun but may not satisfy listeners chasing a reference curve.
Wear detection and other sensors generally work as expected for pausing, mode toggles, and personalization tests, though performance can vary by ear fit and configuration.
Glossy or chrome-like surfaces tend to pick up fingerprints and smudges, which multiple reviewers call out. The case finish is often less prone to marks than the earbuds.
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 with Fast Pair on Android, but a few reviewers report slower pairing or extra friction when installing/using HeyMelody on non-OnePlus phones.
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.
Overall sound quality is widely considered strong for the price, with an energetic, consumer-friendly tuning and plenty of detail for casual listening. A few reviewers still categorize it as merely good-not-great versus flagship sets.
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 generally moderate with a sense of space that improves with spatial modes, but it is not universally described as wide or holographic in standard stereo playback.
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 or 3D audio is polarizing: some reviewers find it immersive and a big value add, while others call it underwhelming or artificial, and it may not behave consistently across apps/devices.
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 in the ear is good for most users and workouts, but not perfect: a handful of reviews mention needing occasional readjustment, especially with sweat or a looser seal.
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 and swipe controls are generally responsive and feature-rich (including volume gestures). Some users report occasional mis-taps or finicky behavior when moving or when the touch area is hard to locate.
Transparency generally sounds natural and usable, but quality varies: some find it close to best-in-class for conversations, while others say it still muffles speech or is not clearly better than ANC.
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 lively and detailed, though it can become sharp, sibilant, or fatiguing at higher volumes for some listeners.
USB-C charging is standard and consistently present across reviews, with no major complaints about the port itself.
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.
Maximum loudness is a frequent positive: many reviewers note it gets very loud without needing to push the volume far. This helps in noisy environments but can tempt unsafe listening levels.
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 dust and water rating is a meaningful plus for rain and sweat, and reviewers generally treat it as dependable for everyday exercise. It is not intended for submersion.