Samsung’s new noise-canceling Galaxy Buds FE are priced at $99.99, making them the company’s entry-level earbuds. The lower price means consumers are getting fewer features compared to the flagship Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. However, the design of the Galaxy Buds FE stands out as they are a spiritual successor to the Galaxy Buds Plus and come with silicone “wings” that help them stay firmly planted in place. Their flattened touchpad area also makes controlling them more foolproof.
The Galaxy Buds FE go without Samsung’s 360 Audio features, conversation mode, and more advanced gesture controls. They also lack wireless charging, a feature that is outside the norm for Samsung earbuds. Additionally, their ruggedness is rated at just IPX2 for water resistance compared to the higher ratings of other models.
Despite the omissions, the Buds FE still preserve essentials like active noise cancellation, a transparency mode for ambient sound passthrough, game mode for reduced latency, and auto-switching between Galaxy devices. However, they don’t include true multipoint Bluetooth, which may be a downside for some users. The setup process through Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app has garnered some criticism due to its multi-step process. The Buds FE only come in black or white, and the glossy white carrying case is similar in shape and size to other models.
In terms of sound quality, the Buds FE follow Samsung’s standard tuning curve, which most users find enjoyable. They also include several EQ presets in the Galaxy Wearable app for customization. While the Buds 2 Pro provide richer fidelity and wider instrument separation, the Buds FE are still considered a good option for $100. Additionally, they provide satisfactory voice call performance.
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Battery life is another strength for the Buds FE, with up to six hours of listening time with ANC on and 8.5 hours with it off. Real-world experiences have confirmed that the battery life is impressive and met most users’ expectations.
While the Galaxy Buds FE may not have all the features of higher-end models, they are still a solid option for those looking for a comfortable fit and reliable performance at a more affordable price point. Samsung is filling out its earbuds lineup with the Galaxy Buds FE and they offer a welcome return to the older design that some users preferred. As a dependable bargain at $99.99, they are a suitable option for Android users who want a solid pair of earbuds without breaking the bank.
