Samsung Galaxy Buds FE vs Galaxy Buds 2: When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds FE, many were puzzled about their place in the lineup that already included the Galaxy Buds 2 and Buds 2 Pro. In this article, we dive into these earbuds to see how they stack up against each other, particularly focusing on the Galaxy Buds FE versus the Galaxy Buds 2. We’ll break down their differences in design, sound, microphone quality, and software offerings. Let’s find out which pair might be the best for your listening pleasure and tech needs.
Pros and Cons
| Galaxy Buds FE | Galaxy Buds 2 |
|---|---|
| 30 hrs long battery life | Small, lightweight design |
| Competitive $99 price | Fast and wireless charging |
| Three microphones | Great comfort and fit |
| ANC works great | Galaxy Wearable app is useful |
| Ambient sound is average | Sensitive touch controls |
| No wireless charging | Poor microphone quality |
Table of Contents
As in any comparison that we usually do, the first thing we will show you are the specifications of each headset so that you can see what each model offers.
Specifications
| Galaxy Buds FE | Galaxy Buds 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung | Samsung |
| Price | $99.99 | Â $99.99 |
| Released | Oct 5, 2023 | Aug 11, 2021 |
| Earbud weight | 5.8g | 5g |
| Â Case weight | 40.8g | 41.2g |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Design | In-ear | In-ear |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging | Wired | Wireless |
| Waterproof | IPX2 rating | IPX2 rating |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Colors | Black White | Black, White, Purple, Green |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
Both the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds FE support AAC and SBC codecs, which help your music sound clear. But, the Galaxy Buds 2 have a special feature called Audio 360 surround sound. This cool tech makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of a live concert when you’re listening to songs.
Also, the sound in the Galaxy Buds 2 is designed by a famous Austrian company called AKG. This makes the sound quality really good. Another awesome thing about the Galaxy Buds 2 is that they have two-way speakers, which means they can play a wider variety of sounds than the Galaxy Buds FE, which only have one-way speakers.
Thanks to these features, the Galaxy Buds 2 can handle lots of different sound frequencies, making your music and videos sound much better.
Design
The cases for both models are compact and portable, but there are key differences. The Galaxy Buds FE’s case has a no-frills design and lacks wireless charging, offering only USB-C charging. The Galaxy Buds 2’s case supports wireless charging and sports a similar glossy finish.
The Galaxy Buds FE are quite distinctive, bringing back the wingtip design from earlier models like the Buds Plus. This design is a real winner for stability, ensuring they stay put no matter how much you move. They also have a practical flat touchpad that minimizes accidental touches.
Galaxy Buds 2: The Galaxy Buds 2, on the other hand, have a sleeker look with a glossy finish, but they lack a defined touch area, making them more prone to unintended touches. They’re designed to fit snugly in your ear and are slightly lighter than their Pro counterpart.
Sound Quality
Galaxy Buds FE: For sound, the Galaxy Buds FE deliver a crisp audio experience with adequate bass, making the most of their single-driver setup. They’re great for casual listening, offering a sound that is clear and balanced.
Galaxy Buds 2: Upgrading to the Galaxy Buds 2, you’ll notice a step up in sound quality. They provide a richer audio experience with more depth, especially evident when you’re switching from the Buds FE.
Noise Cancellation
Both the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds FE come with three microphones – two on the outside and one on the inside. They also both have a system for active noise cancellation (ANC) and a special mode that lets you control how much of the outside sound you want to hear.
But, the Galaxy Buds FE have a cool advantage. They use a smart AI feature called the deep neural network (DNN). This makes your calls really clear and crisp. The AI works like a smart filter—it cuts out the unnecessary background noise and makes sure your voice comes through loud and clear.
When it comes to microphone performance, all models are equipped with three microphones, offering clear audio capture. The Galaxy Buds 2, paired with a Samsung phone, can utilize 360 audio recording, which is a bonus for capturing immersive sound.
Software
The software experience is quite different between the two. The Galaxy Buds FE keeps things straightforward with standard features like in-ear detection and Bixby voice wake-up. The Galaxy Buds 2 elevate the experience with additional features like 360 audio in the Labs settings and double-tap edge touch for volume control.
Water Resistance
Both the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and the Galaxy Buds 2 can resist a bit of water because they have an IPX2 rating. They also come with cool features like proximity sensors, hall sensors, touch sensors, and they can work with Bixby, which is Samsung’s voice assistant.
But the Galaxy Buds 2 have a couple of extra tricks. They come with an accelerometer and a special part called a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU). This nifty VPU helps to keep background noise down when you’re talking on the phone, making your calls clearer.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and the Galaxy Buds 2 are almost the same, but one model edges out just a bit. The Galaxy Buds FE have a battery of 60 mAh and their case holds 479 mAh. On the other side, the Galaxy Buds 2 have a slightly bigger 61 mAh battery, and their case has 472 mAh.
But here’s the twist – a bigger battery doesn’t always mean longer playtime. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the Galaxy Buds FE can keep playing for up to 8.5 hours when you’re not using active noise cancellation (ANC). The Galaxy Buds 2, with their bigger battery, only give you 7 hours of listening without ANC.
The charging cases tell a similar story. With the Galaxy Buds FE, you can get up to 30 hours of total use, but with the Galaxy Buds 2, you’ll get just 29 hours. And one more thing: the latest model’s case doesn’t support wireless charging.
So, if you want the headphones that keep playing the longest, the Galaxy Buds FE are the winners.
Which Earbuds Are Right for You?
After checking out both headphones’ strengths and weaknesses, we can figure out which one is worth your money. The Galaxy Buds FE come out on top, despite the Galaxy Buds 2 having awesome 360 Audio and two-way speakers for better sound.
Why do the Galaxy Buds FE win? They last longer on a single charge, and they have a smarter noise cancellation system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) with something called a deep neutral network (DNN). This AI helps you hear phone calls better by cutting out background noise.
Although the Galaxy Buds 2 also try to block out unwanted noise with a VPU, the newer AI technology in the Galaxy Buds FE is more advanced, giving them an edge.
This doesn’t mean the Galaxy Buds 2 aren’t good; they really shine when it comes to sound quality. It’s just that newer models like the Galaxy Buds FE often outdo older ones in certain areas. Here’s a quick recap:
- The Galaxy Buds 2 deliver superior sound with their 360 Audio and dual speakers.
- The Galaxy Buds FE offer longer battery life than the previous Samsung model.
- The Galaxy Buds FE have a higher-quality noise cancellation thanks to their AI-powered deep neutral network.
- Both are water-resistant and have similar features, but the Galaxy Buds 2 include a VPU for clearer calls and noise filtering.
- If you’re active and need earbuds that stay secure with practical controls, the Galaxy Buds FE might be the perfect fit.
- If you want a richer sound experience with advanced features, and wireless charging is a must, then the Galaxy Buds 2 could be the way to go.
So, if you’re choosing between the two, consider what features matter most to you!
Which of the two headphones will you choose to buy? Do you want us to compare other headphones to see which one is the best? If you do, let us know in the comments. And if you enjoyed this article, please share it!
