Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Nothing Ear (3a)

Sound quality is the standout strength. Reviewers repeatedly describe the Buds 4 Pro as detailed, clean and engaging, with several calling them among Samsung’s best-sounding earbuds.

The sound is widely considered capable and enjoyable for the price, with strong energy across music and movies. Listeners seeking finer detail or balance often need EQ, while bass fans may enjoy it immediately.

Spatial audio is polarizing. Some users find head-tracked 360 Audio immersive and excellent, while others call it gimmicky, disruptive or not meaningfully different from standard playback.

Static spatial processing is often dismissed for adding echo, darkening tracks, or overriding EQ. A few listeners enjoy its immersive effect, especially for certain songs, concerts, films, or games.

Most reviewers hear a balanced, coherent tuning, especially after minor EQ adjustment. A few object to the bass-to-treble balance and describe the stock response as somewhat off.

Stock tuning often sacrifices neutrality and detail to a dark, bass-heavy presentation, although some hear a pleasing balance. Sound changes between ANC and transparency also bother a few listeners.

Background-noise rejection during calls is a major strength, especially for traffic, wind and steady environmental noise. A few tests found occasional pickup quirks, but the overall pattern is strongly positive.

Wind filtering and voice isolation impress several testers, including a call taken near a hair dryer. Others hear background chatter or find that aggressive suppression makes voices compressed and less intelligible.

Bass is generally deep, energetic and well controlled without burying the rest of the mix. A smaller group finds the low end too boomy or colored and prefers dialing it back with EQ.

The powerful low end delights bass lovers, especially with electronic music and hip-hop. Many others find the stock bass boomy or overpowering and prefer to reduce it in the equalizer.

The presentation is commonly described as open and spacious for true-wireless earbuds. Reviewers hear a broad sense of width that helps music feel less congested.

Several testers hear an open, generously wide stage with room around vocals and instruments. Others find orchestral mixes tight or less spacious than competing buds.

Latency is generally manageable and a gaming mode can reduce delay, but one reviewer found the highest-quality audio mode could create noticeable lip-sync mismatch. The experience therefore depends on the selected mode.

Video lip sync and the low-lag mode work well in the reported tests, including on Android and iPhone. Latency is also described as reasonably low without enabling the dedicated mode.

ANC is widely considered strong and useful, particularly against steady travel, fan and city noise. It is not universally class-leading, and some reviewers report weaker performance, fit sensitivity or occasional ANC glitches.

Cancellation usually reduces engine hum, traffic, and travel noise well for the price, but voices and higher sounds often remain audible. Improvements over older Nothing buds vary with fit, and several listeners still want stronger suppression.

Passive isolation depends heavily on getting the right seal. A good fit can block a meaningful amount of outside sound, while poor tip matching noticeably weakens isolation and ANC.

A good tip seal gives helpful passive reduction in quieter spaces. It is less reliable against voices and higher sounds, so noisy journeys often still call for ANC.

The only scored support-service report is negative, describing a poor experience when seeking help for a charging-related problem. There is not enough data here to generalize beyond that case.

Standard warranty coverage and an established update history add confidence for one reviewer. This is reassurance about ongoing ownership rather than a report of a support claim being handled.

True multipoint is one of the most repeated weaknesses. Samsung-device handoff can work well, but reviewers who mix Galaxy phones with Windows, iPad, Mac or other hardware frequently dislike the lack of universal automatic switching.

Dual-device connection usually works reliably and is useful for moving between a phone and computer. Some tests show a brief handoff delay or require pausing one device before starting the other.

Several reviewers disliked Samsung’s proprietary tip system, describing removal as fiddly and sometimes needing aftermarket tips or earhooks. This is one of the clearest usability drawbacks for fit-sensitive buyers.

Tip changes are usually straightforward, though the snap-on fitting can require more force than expected. Some aftermarket tips interfere with closing the case or seating the buds correctly.

Value depends strongly on the buyer’s ecosystem and priorities. Fans of the sound, ANC and Samsung integration often justify the premium price, while others see too little improvement or too many platform limits for $249.

The $99 package is widely praised for combining distinctive styling, useful features, and capable audio. Strong budget rivals mean it is not everyone’s best-value pick, especially when ANC or untouched sound matters most.

Samsung’s own high-quality codecs are praised for sound and stability on compatible Galaxy devices. The benefit is ecosystem-dependent, which limits the appeal for listeners using other phones.

AAC, SBC, and LDAC cover familiar listening needs, and codec flexibility is generally welcomed. Missing newer options are treated as a minor limitation rather than a universal dealbreaker.

LDAC is likewise absent, which limits high-resolution codec choices outside Samsung’s ecosystem. That matters most to buyers who do not plan to use a compatible Galaxy phone.

Compatible Android listening can gain texture, separation, and upper-range detail with LDAC. Shorter battery life and recording-feature tradeoffs mean it is not always worth leaving enabled.

Accessory complaints focus on what is not included, such as a charging cable or broader fit accessories. The supplied package is functional, but some buyers expected more at this price.

Leaving out the charging cable is generally accepted because spare USB-C cables are common. The missing accessory does not substantially hurt these reviewers’ impression of the package.

The preset profiles are well received, with Dynamic mentioned repeatedly as a strong choice. Reviewers say the better presets add punch or balance without requiring manual tuning.

Balanced tuning appeals to bass fans, while the Vocal option can improve spoken-word listening. Other testers find the presets heavy-handed, thin, or less effective than making their own EQ.

Basic Bluetooth use across phones and computers is possible, but the product is much less complete outside Samsung hardware. Reviewers repeatedly cite missing customization, codecs and automatic switching on mixed-device setups.

Pairing across Android, iOS, computers, and a TV receives favorable reports. Some platform-specific customization differences remain, so the experience is not identical on every device.

Voice detection, siren awareness and related sensors are among the smarter features reviewers actually appreciate. They generally trigger promptly and make conversations or safety alerts easier without removing the buds.

Wear detection is usually useful for automatically pausing and resuming playback. A finicky sensor can occasionally misread fit and interrupt ANC, and it complicates some bench tests.

Vocals and midrange instruments usually come through cleanly and with strong presence. The few reservations are mild, mostly asking for richer or more natural tonal balance.

Vocals can sound warm, clear, and expressive, but excessive stock bass often pushes them back or masks lower instruments. EQ adjustments commonly bring the midrange into better focus.

One reviewer specifically praised the buds for keeping the sound clean and avoiding distortion at high output. There is not enough broader commentary to establish a wider pattern.

Several listeners praise clean, controlled playback without harshness at higher levels. One reports sub-bass distortion on demanding electronic tracks with the stock bass amplification.

Pinch-and-swipe controls are often convenient and better positioned than before, but reactions are mixed. Some users find volume gestures exacting, hard to locate or less responsive than they want.

Touch gestures are described as responsive and usefully customizable through the app. The flexibility helps adapt everyday playback and noise controls to personal preferences.

Instrument separation is a consistent strength in the reviews that discuss it. Individual parts remain distinct even in busy mixes, reinforcing the buds’ detailed presentation.

Instrument and vocal separation can be convincing, especially after reducing the bass. Busy arrangements sometimes become congested or lose guitars beneath the low end.

Volume is generally ample, with several reviewers saying the buds get very loud. A few users reported low-output issues or found the level less impressive until settings or firmware were addressed.

Output is enough for most listeners and can get very loud in some tests. Others want more headroom, particularly after EQ, while one first-impressions listener found maximum volume uncomfortable.

Transparency or Ambient mode earns broad praise for sounding natural and keeping speech easy to hear. Several reviewers place it near the best modes they have used, with only scattered complaints.

Some hear natural surroundings and hold conversations easily, while others notice hiss, boosted fan noise, or a blocked-ear effect when speaking. The result depends on fit and expectations of naturalness.

Stability follows the same ear-shape split as fit: many users can run, work or move without trouble, while others experience frequent loosening or outright fallouts.

The buds usually stay put during walking, gym sessions, and even running. A poor seal can still require frequent readjustment, and some rivals feel more secure to particular ears.

Galaxy phones provide the fullest and smoothest experience, with quick pairing and access to Samsung-only audio and smart features. Other Android phones can still work well, but some premium functions remain unavailable.

Fast Pair makes Android setup convenient, and Android users are a strong fit for the feature set. Compatibility advantages matter most to listeners who are not relying on Apple ecosystem switching.

Overall satisfaction is very high, especially among Samsung-phone owners who prioritize sound and comfort. The main reservations come from fit, battery, ecosystem lock-in and whether the upgrade is worth the price.

Most listeners recommend these as stylish, capable everyday earbuds at a budget price. Reservations cluster around stock tuning, cancellation limits, case usability, and the usefulness or privacy implications of recording.

Samsung’s UHQ/SSC playback is repeatedly praised for added detail, spaciousness and resolution on compatible Galaxy phones. Reviewers who switch it on often hear a meaningful upgrade.

High-resolution playback is welcomed as an affordable extra rather than a reason to buy a flagship. LDAC-equipped listening is credited with preserving detail and energetic sound on compatible devices.

Reviewers view the IP57 protection as a useful advantage for workouts, sweat and wet weather. They still caution that the buds are not meant for swimming or routine submersion.

Splash and sweat protection on both buds and case is appreciated for commutes and workouts. The reported protection is meant for everyday moisture rather than swimming or full submersion.

Packaging feedback is mixed in a very small sample. One customer calls it exceptional, while another criticizes the protection or presentation.

The minimal presentation and helpful pull tab make unpacking pleasant. A thin outer box makes a less premium first impression, but the product itself matters more to that listener.

The clear or glossy case surfaces pick up fingerprints and scratches more readily than some reviewers would like. Cosmetic durability is a minor but recurring presentation complaint.

The transparent case is criticized as prone to fingerprints and fine surface marks. Keeping it away from abrasive items may help preserve its appearance.

Treble is usually praised for crisp detail and clarity, but it is more divisive than the mids. Some listeners hear the top end as recessed, bright, scratchy or insufficiently balanced against the bass.

Highs are often crisp or smooth without harshness, particularly with suitable EQ or LDAC. Other listeners want more sparkle and detail, or find treble adjustments metallic.

The case is portable enough for most pockets, and several reviewers call it compact. Others find the squarer shape blocky or more noticeable in a pocket than slimmer competitors.

Most find the slim case easy to pocket and carry. Others see the clear outer frame as unnecessary bulk and prefer a smaller or differently shaped case.

The redesigned case gets praise for easier bud placement, premium looks and wireless charging. Criticism centers on its thickness, scratches, battery reporting and occasional case-battery drain.

The three-part status light is a useful, popular addition, and many like the case’s rounded feel. Its shallow opening lip, strong magnets, and occasional lid looseness or misplaced buds frustrate others.

Find My is useful when it updates correctly, including locating buds from Samsung’s ecosystem. One customer reported stale location information, making reliability less consistent than the feature promise suggests.

The audible finder helps one tester locate a bud, but another finds it too quiet for a laundry basket or deep pocket. Its usefulness depends on how well the alert can be heard.

The included tip sizes work well for many people but do not cover every ear shape. Small-ear users and those between sizes are the most likely to need third-party alternatives.

The extra-small option broadens the fit range and helps several small-ear listeners. A wider choice does not guarantee a seal for everyone, and one tester wanted extra-large tips.

Fit is highly ear-dependent. Many reviewers get a snug, secure seal for hours, while a substantial minority reports looseness, slipping or buds that will not stay put during movement.

Soft tips and revised shaping often deliver a comfortable, secure seal. A few listeners still struggle to fit one ear properly, making tip selection important for both sound and cancellation.

The earbuds are repeatedly described as extremely light, which helps reduce fatigue over long sessions. Several users compare them favorably with heavier earbuds they previously wore.

The low weight helps the buds feel unobtrusive during longer listening sessions. Several wearers describe barely noticing them in their ears.

Build quality is usually seen as solid, durable and appropriately premium. A few customer reports mention cosmetic wear, scratches or a cheaper-than-expected feel after use.

The earbuds often feel solid and more polished than their price suggests. The plastic case divides opinion, with reports of lid play, fine scratches, and a less premium feel alongside praise for durability.

The cleaner metal-accented redesign is broadly liked and feels more distinctive and premium than the prior generation. A few buyers are less impressed by the styling or materials, but positive reactions dominate.

Transparent stems and vivid pink or yellow finishes give these earbuds a distinctive, playful look. Most love the visual identity, though a few criticize the case’s bulky decorative frame.

Long-wear comfort is one of the most consistently praised traits, with many reviewers forgetting the buds are even in their ears. Ear shape still matters, and a small minority reports pressure, soreness or irritation.

Many listeners can wear the lightweight buds for hours without soreness or fatigue. Smaller ears and poor seals can make longer sessions less comfortable, so fit remains personal.

Bluetooth is very smooth inside Samsung’s ecosystem, and many users report instant pairing and stable connections. Cross-device use is less consistent, with some dropouts, reconnect hassles and manual switching complaints.

Connections are commonly described as stable, with successful playback across rooms and floors. Bluetooth 6.0 is welcomed, although its presence alone does not settle conflicting reports about optional audio standards.

Samsung’s controls expose a broad set of sound and convenience options, especially on Galaxy phones. Opinions cool outside that ecosystem, where the app experience can be limited, bare-bones or less straightforward.

Nothing X earns broad praise for its clean layout, dependable operation, and unusually extensive customization. The EQ tools are a particular highlight, although recording-account prompts and some fit-test quirks complicate the experience.

Voice control and assistant access can be convenient for hands-free use, and several reviewers like the implementation. Others dislike the assistant choices or the way features are tied to Samsung’s software.

The Nothing-phone assistant feature is viewed as a small extra rather than a major reason to buy. Its appeal depends on whether hands-free AI access fits everyday use.

Call quality is usually clear and dependable, with many reviewers impressed by voice pickup. Some calls can sound fuzzy, digitized or muffled, especially in difficult conditions or with an imperfect fit.

Calls are often clear in quiet rooms, with some testers rating them exceptionally highly for the price. Results outdoors and in busy spaces are less consistent, ranging from clean speech to distant or compressed voices.

Setup is usually fast and nearly automatic on Samsung phones. The main friction comes from finding integrated settings, learning the newer control location or troubleshooting occasional pairing/software issues.

Pairing and navigating the app are generally quick and simple. Needing to adjust the sound before enjoying it can reduce the straight-out-of-the-box convenience.

The physical pinch area is easier to find for many reviewers and avoids accidental touches while adjusting the buds. Others find the control point awkward or more demanding than expected.

Pinch controls usually feel deliberate, responsive, and customizable, reducing accidental inputs. Small sensing areas, quiet feedback, and awkward volume gestures create a learning curve for some hands.

The nine-band EQ and custom tuning options are a major plus for listeners who want control over the sound. Reviewers frequently use EQ to sharpen strengths or tame excess bass and treble.

The eight-band parametric EQ is one of the strongest reasons to buy, offering enough control to tame bass and improve clarity. A minority find adjustments less effective or notice a drop in volume.

Charging is generally convenient, with fast top-ups and wireless charging earning praise. A small number of customers report charging faults, but those are exceptions to an otherwise positive pattern.

Fast charging makes short breaks useful for getting back to music or finishing a movie. The lack of wireless charging ranges from an acceptable price compromise to a major disappointment.

Battery life is adequate for many daily routines but is one of the most common complaints. Roughly five to seven hours per charge is often viewed as merely average, and some users also report disappointing case endurance.

Everyday endurance is generally useful, and several listeners go days between case charges. ANC, LDAC, and retrospective recording shorten runtime, while some testers find stamina average or disappointing.

Adaptive cancellation draws mixed reactions: some find its adjustments useful and smooth, while others notice fluctuations or bugs. The highest manual setting can be the more dependable choice.

Quick media clips and call recordings can help with interviews, lectures, and remembering instructions. Others find them unnecessary or troubling, with regional restrictions and conflicting reports about recording alerts adding uncertainty.

Compatible Samsung playback can deliver very high-resolution audio, and reviewers say it handles lossless source material convincingly. The benefit is tied to Samsung’s codec and device support rather than universal Bluetooth lossless.

Gaming effects stay focused and footsteps can be distinguished to the left and right. The reported directional placement is usable rather than especially precise.

Some listeners hear convincing depth and a speaker-like sense of distance. One comparison also credits the sound with more depth than a budget EarFun rival.

Transcription can produce useful, accurate text, with the Pro model particularly praised for names and speaker separation. Subscription requirements and unclear ongoing pricing repeatedly weaken its appeal.

Live translation is useful for some Samsung users and can make face-to-face conversations more practical through the earbuds. Reliability is mixed, with at least one detailed test calling Samsung’s translation inconsistent and unusable.

The lack of aptX support is criticized as part of Samsung’s codec lock-in. Reviewers who want platform-agnostic hi-res options see that omission as a drawback.

Head gestures receive positive early feedback where reviewers actually use them. Nodding or shaking to handle calls works well, though the feature is not tested by everyone.

The onboard recording capacity is considered impressive for capturing audio without immediately transferring it to a phone. This praise concerns saved recordings rather than a music library for independent playback.

Sidetone is useful for hearing your own voice naturally during calls, and CNET-style testing praised its presence. One customer found the behavior less convincing, so the small sample is mildly positive rather than unanimous.

Auracast is viewed as a forward-looking and genuinely useful addition for shared or public Bluetooth broadcasts. The reviewers who discuss it are clearly positive about the flexibility it adds.

The metal hinge is praised for a sturdy, precise feel. One extended test also reports that it stays tight after repeated opening and closing.