Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Sony WF-C510 Earbuds

ANC drew mostly positive reactions, from useful to very strong, but several reviewers still found it behind the best competitors or dependent on fit.

The WF-C510 does not provide active noise cancellation; reviewers often accept that tradeoff at the price, but ANC-focused buyers are repeatedly told to look elsewhere.

Android and Samsung compatibility was strong for Galaxy owners but weaker for non-Samsung Android users because many advanced features are locked down.

Android compatibility is positive where tested, especially Google Fast Pair and app-supported pairing that reviewers describe as uncomplicated or fast.

The app and software feature set was considered robust and useful, but some reviewers found the app bare-bones or ecosystem-gated.

The Sony app is mostly praised for EQ, setup, device control, and ease of use, but PC support and some interface choices draw criticism.

aptX support was scored negatively because reviewers explicitly criticized the lack of compatibility with formats like AptX outside Samsung’s codec path.

aptX support is treated as absent and a limitation by the one reviewer who explicitly wanted higher-quality Bluetooth codec options.

Latency evidence was mixed: Android latency and gaming mode were praised, while one reviewer warned that a high-quality audio setting could affect lip sync.

Video and gaming sync evidence is mixed: one reviewer found lip sync spot-on, while gaming-oriented comments note no low-latency mode or only limited gaming suitability.

Auracast was treated as a useful, forward-looking feature for public and shared broadcasts.

Bass was usually described as deep, energetic, controlled, and not boomy, but one reviewer found the low end too strong on some songs.

Bass impressions are mixed: several reviewers praise controlled, punchy or well-rounded bass, while others say bass is light, not skull-rattling, or weaker than pricier Sony buds.

Battery life was consistently a caveat: it often met claims or felt average, but multiple reviewers called it short or disappointing versus rivals.

Battery life is widely praised for long earbud runtime, often around 10-11 hours, but the case's single extra charge creates some battery-life caveats.

Bluetooth performance was mostly positive, with future-proofing and no disconnection issues noted, but one reviewer experienced a few dropouts.

Bluetooth connection reliability is praised where reviewers discuss reconnection and pairing, though one review notes minor jitters in busy stations.

Build quality impressions were positive, with reviewers noting a more premium metallic look and a case that felt more durable.

Build quality is split: some reviews call the buds solid or well built, while others emphasize cheap plastic, budget feel, or cut corners.

Hi-res playback was praised as detailed and audibly better on Galaxy devices, but several reviewers stressed that it is Samsung-gated.

Button and pinch controls were mixed: several reviewers liked the redesigned stems, while others found the controls awkward or slow to learn.

Physical button usability is divisive: some reviewers prefer the tactile controls and find them easy, while others dislike pushing the buds into the ear or repeated presses.

Case quality was generally praised for style, pocketability, easier bud placement, and wireless charging, though some found it blocky or less ergonomic.

Case quality is mixed: reviewers like the small, pocketable case and some hinge resistance, but others call the plastic cheap or the case limited.

Charging was praised for convenience, especially wireless charging and the inclusion of USB-C.

Charging is generally acceptable thanks to quick-charge support, but reviewers criticize slow case charging, no wireless charging, or limited case reserve.

Codec support was strong for Samsung owners but criticized for proprietary lock-in and lack of open hi-res formats.

Codec support is a common compromise: AAC and SBC are usually considered sufficient for streaming, but reviewers still flag the lack of higher-end codec options.

Comfort was a major strength across many reviews, with several reviewers wearing the buds for hours without fatigue or pain.

Comfort is one of the strongest areas, with many reviewers saying the small, light buds are easy to wear for long sessions, though one had fit problems.

Design and aesthetics were widely praised as sleeker, more premium, more distinctive, and better than the previous generation.

Design sentiment is mostly positive for the compact size, clean look, matte colors, and small profile, though some reviews see the finish as clearly budget.

Eartips fit was highly subjective: some reviewers got a fantastic or secure seal, while others could not get a firm fit.

Eartip fit is usually strong, with many reviewers praising seal and comfort, though one reviewer could not get any included tip size to fasten securely.

Ear tip options were a recurring concern because the proprietary design limits third-party swaps and included sizes did not solve fit for everyone.

Ear tip option evidence is limited but positive where reviewers connect the included choices or secure tips to small-ear comfort and practical fit.

Equalizer customization was praised for giving users strong control over the sound and for rescuing or tailoring the tuning.

EQ customization is a major value add for many reviewers, especially Sony's custom tools, though SoundGuys and TechRadar find the EQ limited or confusing.

Frequency response evidence was mixed, with one lab-style reviewer saying the mids were fine but the bass balance was somewhat off.

Frequency response evidence is limited and mixed, with SoundGuys describing a response that is not immediately off-putting but does require adjustment for some listeners.

Head gestures were treated as modern and mildly useful, though not a breakthrough feature.

Included accessories are a mild weakness: the missing USB-C cable is criticized by one reviewer but dismissed as a non-issue by another.

Instrument separation and detail were praised through references to clear placement, textural insight, and good separation between instruments.

Instrument separation is praised in the strongest hi-fi-leaning reviews, though some note that instruments are not the sharpest at this price.

The integrated microphone array received positive hardware-level comments, even though call quality varied across reviews.

The integrated microphone receives limited direct praise, with PCMag calling it decent, but broader call-quality evidence is more mixed.

LDAC support was scored negatively because reviewers explicitly criticized the lack of compatibility with formats like LDAC outside Samsung’s codec path.

LDAC support is absent and repeatedly cited as a compromise, though some reviewers say the omission is acceptable for the budget tier.

Lossless and high-res support received positive evidence, but the strongest benefits depend on Samsung’s own codec path.

Review evidence supported strong clarity with little distortion, though comments were about clean output generally rather than a dedicated max-volume stress test.

Maximum-volume clarity is a strength in several reviews, with repeated comments that the earbuds avoid distortion or peaking even when pushed.

Microphone noise reduction was often praised for blocking background noise and wind, though fit and mic-selection issues could hurt performance.

Microphone noise reduction is a weak spot overall, with multiple reviewers saying background sounds leak through or aggressive gating can cut into the voice.

Call microphone quality was mixed: some reviewers heard crisp or strong calls, while others heard fuzziness, digitization, or minor wonkiness.

Call microphone quality is inconsistent: some hear clear voice pickup in quiet settings, but several reviews criticize noisy-call performance and background pickup.

Midrange and vocal clarity earned strong praise, with reviewers calling vocals clear, forward, cutting, or unmuddled.

Midrange clarity is a recurring strength, with vocals and instruments often described as clear, detailed, natural, and well separated from the bass.

Multi-platform compatibility was a weakness because reviewers repeatedly said the product feels incomplete or limited outside Samsung devices.

Multi-platform compatibility is supported by reviewers who praise iOS/Android parity or smooth phone-desktop use, but PC app support is a limitation.

Multipoint was one of the clearest weaknesses, with reviewers repeatedly noting no true universal multipoint and weaker switching outside Samsung devices.

Multipoint connectivity is a recurring advantage, with several reviewers calling switching or reconnection seamless, reliable, or unusually good for the price.

Passive isolation depended heavily on fit: some reviewers got a strong seal, while others found isolation could be weaker.

Passive isolation is one of the clearest strengths; reviewers repeatedly say the seal blocks a surprising amount of ambient noise despite the lack of ANC.

Portability was positive because the case was described as small and pocketable.

Portability is a strength, with the tiny case and small buds repeatedly described as easy to pocket and carry.

Preset EQ feedback was positive, especially for the Dynamic preset, which reviewers said added punch or emphasized the buds’ strengths.

Preset EQ evidence is sparse and mixed, with PCMag finding the preset selection serviceable and SoundGuys calling the presets bland.

Adaptive sensors and detection features were generally useful, with reviewers praising timely voice detection and automatic ambient switching.

Sensor support is a weakness because wear detection is absent, forcing manual pause/play or allowing playback to continue after removal.

Sidetone was appreciated for helping callers hear their own voice, though one review noted digital hiss.

Smudge resistance was weak because the transparent case was said to show scratches and fingerprints.

Setup simplicity was somewhat mixed, with one reviewer noting a learning curve after Samsung moved controls into phone settings.

Setup simplicity is mostly praised for easy pairing and app use, though control customization and app-volume behavior can feel unintuitive.

Reviewers largely treated sound quality as the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s standout strength, praising clarity, richness, and detail, though one lab-focused review found the tuning somewhat off without EQ.

Reviewers consistently describe the WF-C510 as strong for the price, with clear, balanced, enjoyable sound; the main dissent is that some find it merely serviceable rather than exciting.

Soundstage depth evidence is limited and mixed, with one reviewer enjoying grander tracks while another says the buds do not emphasize open staging or layering.

The soundstage was described as more open and expansive than expected for earbuds.

Soundstage width gets positive notes from reviews that hear spaciousness, separation, or a more open presentation, especially with Sony processing or acoustic material.

Spatial audio is present and sometimes enjoyed for added scale, but several reviewers treat 360 Reality Audio as mixed, limited, or gimmicky for music.

Stability was polarized, with some reviewers saying the buds stayed in well and others reporting slipping, especially while moving.

In-ear stability is generally excellent, with repeated praise for secure fit during walking, running, cycling, workouts, and head movement; one review reports falling out.

Touch and swipe responsiveness was mostly praised, especially when reviewers could adjust or grab the buds without accidental playback changes.

Touch-control evidence is limited to two reviews that describe the controls as responsive or easy, though most other reviews treat the controls as physical buttons.

Transparency and ambient mode were consistently praised as natural, clear, and among the better implementations reviewers had tried.

Transparency or Ambient Sound mode is usually considered useful and natural for awareness, but some reviewers find it mild, situational, or not enough for easy conversations.

Treble was generally praised for sparkle, crispness, and clarity, contributing to a clean and lively sound.

Treble is generally clear and crisp, especially for vocals and detail-focused music, though a few reviews note underemphasis, crunchiness, or limited brightness.

USB-C was mentioned positively as part of a convenient charging setup.

Value depended on the buyer: several reviewers called them worth it or easy to recommend for Galaxy users, while others said non-Samsung buyers could do better.

Value for money is the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly frame the WF-C510 as a bargain or standout budget pick despite tradeoffs.

Volume output was considered more than sufficient, with one reviewer saying maximum volume exceeded what users would need.

Volume output is context-dependent: many reviewers find it more than loud enough, while a few flag low default app volume or a less powerful maximum.

The IP57 protection was treated positively for dust, rain, sweat, and stronger water resistance than many earbuds.

The IPX4 rating is viewed as useful for sweat, rain, running, gym use, and daily activity, but reviewers consistently warn it is not full waterproofing.

Weight comfort was praised through comments about lightness, low pressure, and forgetting the earbuds were in.

Low weight contributes heavily to comfort; reviewers repeatedly highlight the roughly 4.6 g earbuds as light, slight, or easy to forget in the ear.