Galaxy Buds 2 Pro - Graphite

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro features a matte, rubberized plastic case that’s a rounded square shape. Unlike other cases, this one feels nice and grippy. Unfortunately, the material scratches easily, and you can’t buff it out the way you might with some plastics. Magnets keep the lid closed, but the case is its own kind of dust magnet too, picking up dust particles like a lint trap in a clothes dryer. The case shape lays flat like a jewelry box, and the lid feels pretty sturdy. The strong internal magnets pull the buds into the case but don’t guide the buds precisely into their cutouts. Sometimes I need to shift the earbuds around to sit them properly.

 

Keeping in the theme of round whimsy, the buds’ design matches the case. The same matte, rubberized texture coats the outside of each earbud, and the inside is smooth plastic. On the top of each bud, you’ll find a vent to relieve pressure from ANC. If you get caught in the rain frequently or participate in sweaty activities, the IPX7 rating of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro ought to ensure your buds will endure. The fit might not be ideal for runners, even if the IP rating is. A lack of stabilizers or hooks can mean one relies entirely on the shape of the bud and finding a perfect fit with one of the three sets of ear tips to secure the buds. While comfortable, on walks the buds require occasional adjustments.

 

The silicone ear tips are pretty utilitarian in three sizes: 11mm, 13mm, and 15mm. They are easy to swap out, which is nice given that changing some ear tips is a finicky process. Use the app’s Fit Test to make sure you choose the right set. While the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro buds don’t offer the most secure fit, they are among the most comfortable for long stretches. Sometimes, the battery will actually drain before I get the chance to remove the buds from my ears, scarcely noticing how many hours passed.

 

Samsung resolved the hypersensitivity present on previous Galaxy Buds series touch panels. This new version has a reasonable sensitivity, balancing the need for occasional fit adjustment with registering commands as intended. When you tap your command on the panel the buds will make a sound to signal that they’ve registered your command. Feedback is useful here, as users can be left to wonder if a headset actually registers their taps and swipes.

 

However, user control customization is very limited. Only one touch control can be customized, and even then, the extent you can customize it is hamstrung to one “type” of command. By default, the touch-and-hold command is set to “volume up” on the right and “volume down” on the left. There’s a list you can choose from to change it, but Samsung doesn’t let you mix and match.

 

For example, if you want one earbud to control volume up, and the other to control listening modes (ANC on/off, ANC to Ambient sound, or Ambient sound on /off) it alters the other bud to “match” the function on the other bud. This is annoying. At most the flexibility available to you includes variation within a type of control, like assigning one bud’s command to switch ANC to normal listening mode, and the other to toggle ANC to Ambient sound.