Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Welcome everyone to this detailed comparison of two of the hottest earbuds in the market right now: the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Sony released their new premium wireless headphones called the Sony WF-1000XM5. These headphones come after the popular WF-1000XM4 and have better noise cancellation, battery life, and sound quality.
But just because the WF-1000XM5 might be Sony’s best headphones doesn’t mean they are the best out there. Many people who love high-quality sound and tech experts think that Samsung’s headphones are the best. Last year, Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which have sound developed by AKG, a famous sound company. Many sound enthusiasts really like these headphones.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 are both fancy wireless earbuds. Both of these earbuds cost more than $200, but their price isn’t the only thing that makes them high-end. They have high-quality sound and the latest noise-cancelling technology. Let’s look at a comparison of their features to see what makes them stand out.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons
| Galaxy Buds 2 | WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and well-built design | Well-built and stable fit |
| SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec | SBC, AAC, and LDAC support |
| IPX7 water resistance | Design is much sleeker than before |
| Good noise cancellation | Excellent ANC and Isolation |
| Lot of features for Samsung users | Ear tips may not suit everyone |
| In-app EQ isn’t customizable | Super expensive |
| Battery life is only average | Glossy finish is a little slippery |
Specifications
| Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | Sony WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | August 26, 2022 | July 24, 2023 |
| Dimensions | Earbud: 21.6 x 19.9 x 18.7 mm Case: 50.2 x 50.1 x 27.7 mm | Earbud: 26 x 17 x 21 mm Case: 65 x 27 x 40 mm |
| Weight | Earbud: 5.6g Case: 39.6g | Earbud: 6g Case: 38g |
| Sound | Woofer speaker: 10 mm Tweeter speaker: 5.3 mm | 8.4mm dynamic speakers |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ear tip sizes | S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Water proof | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Mics | 3 Mics per earpiece | 3 Mics per earpiece |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Position sensor Hall sensor Proximity sensor Touch sensor | Bone sound sensor Accelerometer Proximity sensor Touch sensor |
| Battery life | 5 hours with ANC activated 20 hours with case and earbuds | 8 hours with ANC activated 24 hours with case and earbuds |
| Charging | USB-C Qi Wireless | USB-C Qi Wireless |
Design and Comfort
The design differences between these two models are quite apparent. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers a matte finish case, while Sony opts for a recycled plastic finish. Samsung’s case is noticeably smaller than Sony’s, but it’s worth noting that Sony has reduced its case size significantly compared to last year’s model. As for the earbuds themselves, both are distinct yet offer a comfortable fit.
Case: Both have small cases suitable for everyday carry. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s case is larger and thicker compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5.
Sony WF-1000XM5s have a standard in-ear fit, going deeper into the ear canals. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has a shallow in-ear fit, providing better comfort and lockdown compared to Sony.
Connectivity
Both earbuds come equipped with Bluetooth 5.3. Sony’s headphones support LDAC codec (primarily for Android), while Samsung introduces its Samsung Scalable Codec. Both have their own dedicated apps, with Sony’s application standing out for its comprehensive features and customization options.
Sony WF-1000XM5 can simultaneously connect to two devices regardless of the ecosystem, allowing seamless switching between devices. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers smooth switching within Samsung devices.
App Experience
The Sony Headphones Connect app gives you a six-band equalizer, which offers more control than the Galaxy Wearable app’s EQ presets. In Sony’s app, you can customize the 360 Reality Audio experience and turn on head tracking. The app also lets you upscale lossy audio files with DSEE Extreme. Additionally, you can switch on features like Ambient Sound mode, Speak-to-Chat, and Adaptive Sound Control.
On the other hand, Samsung offers similar features in its Galaxy Wearable app, but only for Android users. This app lets you get updates (Samsung recently added features like binaural audio recording for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro). You can also change noise-canceling settings, customize commands, and choose from different EQ presets.
Controls
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers a more intuitive control interface than the Sony WF-1000XM5, with features like “Tap The Edge” for volume control.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro:
- A single tap on either the left or right bud will play or pause your music.
- Tap twice on the left bud, and you’ll skip to the next song. If you do the same on the right bud, you can answer or end a phone call.
- Three taps on the left bud will take you to the previous song. On the right bud, it will decline an incoming call.
- Holding down on the left bud will reduce the volume or even reject a call. On the right bud, it can increase the volume or switch between ANC and ambient modes. If you say “Hey, Bixby” when holding them down, and if you have a Samsung device, it will listen to your request or question.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds:
- If you tap the left bud once, it will switch between ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Ambient sound. Tapping the right bud once will play or pause your music.
- Tap twice on the left bud, and you’ll access a feature called ‘Quick Access’. On the right bud, two taps will skip to the next song.
- Tapping three times on the left bud still gives you ‘Quick Access’, but on the right bud, it will go to the previous song.
- Four taps on the left bud will reduce the volume, and on the right bud, it will increase the volume.
- If you hold down on the left bud, it will turn on ‘Quick Attention’. Holding down on the right bud will activate the voice assistant on your device.
Microphone Quality
Both the Sony and Samsung headphones are great for phone calls, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have one downside.
Both headphones work well when you’re talking on the phone. Each earpiece has three microphones. Sony’s headphones use a special sensor that feels the vibrations when you talk. This helps to make your voice sound clearer. Samsung’s headphones have a sensor that picks up only your voice and blocks out other voices around you.
When it comes to sound quality, both headphones can give you really high-quality sound, known as Hi-Res Audio. They use special technology to do this: the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro use Scalable, while Sony uses LDAC. Plus, both headphones can make it feel like sound is coming from all around you, thanks to the 360° Audio technology.
But here’s the catch: you can enjoy all these cool sound features on the Sony headphones whether you have an Android phone or an iPhone. But for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, you can only get the best sound quality if you have a Samsung phone. This is because their special sound technology only works with Samsung phones and not with others.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound, while both earbuds offer dynamic drivers, Sony seems to have the upper hand with its clearer and richer sound signature. Samsung delivers a commendable performance, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 seems to offer a more immersive audio experience.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have the balanced sound that people who love high-quality music look for. But you might prefer the sound of the Sony earbuds.
Let’s break it down. The Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro sound different. The Sony earbuds use an 8.4mm dynamic driver to give strong bass and clear high notes. Most people like this kind of sound because it’s great for music like hip-hop, pop, reggaeton, and electronic. These genres highlight the beat (bass) and singers (high notes).
On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro use two drivers: a 10mm one for bass and a 5.4mm one for high notes. AKG, a sound company, tunes them. This means they produce balanced mids, highs, and deep bass. This kind of sound is something that fans of high-quality music really like.
ANC
Sony leads the way in noise-canceling technology, but Samsung is close behind. Sony keeps making their noise-canceling technology better. For their WF-1000XM5 earbuds, they used special foam pads that block a lot of outside noise. Plus, they added two new processors to help cancel noise even more. But, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro also do a good job at keeping unwanted sounds out. The only thing is, their silicone eartips don’t block out noise as well as Sony’s foam pads do.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, Sony’s headphones come out on top. You can use them for up to 8 hours when the noise-canceling feature is on. And with the charging case, you can get 24 hours of listening time. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro last for 5 hours with noise-canceling on and 20 hours with their charging case.
Water Resistance
If you’re thinking about water resistance, Samsung’s earbuds are better. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have an IPX7 rating, which means they can be under water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. Sony’s headphones, on the other hand, have an IPX4 rating. This means they can handle some splashes, like from rain or sweat, but you shouldn’t dunk them underwater.
Price
Price is a crucial factor for many. The Sony WF-1000XM5 comes with a heftier price tag compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. However, considering the features and performance, the price might be justifiable for some.
Conclusion: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5
In summary, if you’re looking for top-notch sound quality, advanced features, and have a flexible budget, the Sony WF-1000XM5 might be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly without compromising too much on quality, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is a solid choice.
If you already use Samsung products and want to save money, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a great choice for high-quality headphones. They have awesome noise cancellation, good water resistance, and they’ve become cheaper since they first came out. They started at $229.99, but now you can buy them for just $174.00.
Don’t own a Samsung phone? Then you should consider the Sony WF-1000XM5. They deliver high-quality sound on any phone that supports LDAC. While they might not handle water as well as the Samsung earbuds, they last longer on a charge. The downside? They’re pricey. They just hit the market at a cost of $298.00.
FAQ
How do I adjust the volume using the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds?
Four taps on the left bud will turn the volume down, while four taps on the right bud will turn it up.
Which earbud offers a “Quick Attention” feature?
The Sony WF-1000XM5 does. By holding down the left bud, you activate the “Quick Attention” mode.
What voice command activates Samsung’s voice assistant on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro?
Saying “Hey, Bixby” activates the voice assistant on compatible Samsung devices.
Are Sony WF-1000XM5 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro compatible with an iPhone?
You can connect both the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to an iPhone. But, if you use the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with an iPhone, you might miss out on some cool features like the app and updates. On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM5 gives you the same app experience on both iPhone and Android.
Do Sony WF-1000XM5 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have wireless charging?
Yes, both the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro come with cases that support wireless charging.
