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.
USB-C compatibility is a clear strength, with successful use on Android phones in both reviews and no reported compatibility issues.
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.
There is no companion app, which is typical for wired earbuds but still limits customization and feature depth.
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.
Bass is punchy, agile, and clean rather than bloated, but both reviews suggest the very lowest bass lacks some rumble and weight.
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.
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.
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.
Build quality is viewed positively, with one review specifically calling it impressive for such an inexpensive wired model.
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.
One review specifically highlights the integrated DAC and 24-bit/96kHz playback support as a real value-add for budget wired listening.
The in-line controls are easy to press and responsive, but overall functionality is basic and volume adjustment is a notable limitation.
The cable looks slim and tidy, but the non-flat design can bunch up and tangle in a pocket.
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.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring themes, with both reviews describing long listening sessions as easy and irritation-free.
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.
The CX 80U looks understated and practical overall, with one reviewer liking the classy silver accents while another found the design too plain to stand out.
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.
Multiple eartip sizes help users dial in both comfort and seal, which directly supports the earbuds' fit and passive isolation.
There is effectively no EQ customization here, so users cannot tailor the sound profile beyond tip choice and source settings.
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.
Reviewers consistently describe the tuning as balanced and accurate for the price, with natural vocals, convincing tonal balance, and good detail retrieval.
The accessory bundle is basic but useful, mainly centered on extra eartips rather than premium extras.
Layering and separation are generally good for a budget model, though one review noted that mids are not as distinctly separated as on pricier alternatives.
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.
An in-line mic is included for calls and voice use, but it feels more functional than premium.
At higher listening levels, the earbuds stay controlled and avoid the harsh or tinny edge that often hurts cheap wired earbuds.
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.
Mic performance is acceptable but not exceptional, with decent vocal clarity offset by noticeable static in one review.
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.
Mids are clear and robust, especially for vocals and acoustic material, though they do not reach the finesse of more expensive earbuds.
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.
Cross-device compatibility is excellent for a wired USB-C model, with smooth use reported on phones, tablets, and laptops.
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.
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.
Passive isolation is a standout strength, with the seal doing a surprisingly strong job of reducing office chatter and everyday outside noise.
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.
Setup is about as simple as it gets: plug in the USB-C connector and start listening with no app, pairing, or extra steps required.
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.
Sound quality is the main reason to buy the CX 80U, with both reviews describing it as unusually refined, detailed, and balanced for the price. The wired USB-C path delivers clean, detailed playback and is a big part of why these earbuds outperform many cheap rivals.
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.
The presentation has more openness and spatial breathing room than expected at this price, helping the earbuds sound immersive rather than cramped.
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.
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.
With the right eartips, the earbuds stay in place well enough for desk use and walking.
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.
Touch and stem-based controls are a strength. Reviewers repeatedly call them easy to locate, responsive, and customizable, with the flatter stem helping usability.
Treble is vivid and expressive without turning harsh, which helps preserve detail and a sense of space.
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.
USB-C is a major advantage here, making the earbuds feel current and widely usable across modern devices.
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.
No water-resistance rating is highlighted, so these are a poor fit for buyers who need workout or rain-friendly earbuds.
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 earbuds are very light, which contributes to their easy long-session comfort and unobtrusive feel.