At the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy Tab S11 series, Samsung also launched their latest TWS, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE. This is the lowest-end TWS model from Samsung when compared to the Buds3 Pro and Buds 3. However, in terms of its selling price, it is not in the affordable category for the TWS market and is the price offered in line with the overall performance of the Buds3 FE?
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE
TWS Type In-ear
Driver Single audio driver
Microphone 6 microphones
Battery 8.5 Hours/30 hours without ANC
6 Hours/24 hours with ANC
USB-C charging port
Wireless charging
Wireless charging Yes
CODEC AAC, SBC, SSC(Samsung Seamless Codec)
Operating system supported All
Virtual assistant support Yes/Bixby
Touchpad 2X touch
2X Pressure
Waterproofing IP54
Bluetooth 5.4
Selling Price RM 499
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE uses a design that is more or less the same as its brother, the Buds3 Pro, with this square stem. This design for me is quite different from others, making it easy to identify the Buds3 FE from afar. Plus, the color choices are minimal but still look stylish, namely Gray and Black.
Apart from that, I also like the size of the Buds3 FE because I previously used the Nothing Ear (3) which is slightly larger than the Buds3 FE. With this small size, it is also very easy to open the charging case with just one hand. The entire construction of the Buds3 FE uses plastic which makes it quite light but feels quite cheap.
The charging case cover uses transparent plastic which reveals the earphones inside. There is a single LED light dot to show the connection or battery status. At the bottom there is only a reset button and a USB-C charging port.
In terms of durability, as TWS in a cheaper category than its brother, it only has an IP54 standard for earphones making these TWS sweat-resistant when you are doing sports or getting a little rain.
The thing I don't like about the Buds3 FE is that it easily falls off my finger when taking it out of the charging case due to the use of this square stem. At the beginning of use, the controls on these earphones were a bit confusing to me because I often squeezed in the wrong place but after a few days I got used to the controls.
Audio Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE uses only one audio driver for both sides of the earphones. The first time I found out about this, it was a bit surprising to me because the TWS I've used usually uses at least two audio drivers. The Buds3 FE also uses Samsung's own codec, SSC. So how is the audio quality produced by the Buds3 FE?
Good news for fans of strong bass, the Buds3 FE can really satisfy you. I was quite surprised by the relatively strong bass production on the Buds3 FE because I thought the sound would be more stable and balanced. It can be said that this TWS focuses on a fairly deep bass sound.
In the sound at mid-frequency, it can be felt that it is a little submerged and settled with the bass produced. The guitar sound feels less satisfactory because it is overshadowed by the sound of the bass guitar and the stronger drums. The singer's vocals also sometimes feel unbalanced, especially for male singers, but if the singer has a high 'key' it sounds more melodious because it is more balanced with the sound of the instrument.
The noise cancellation mode on the Buds3 FE is also at an okay level, not too brilliant and not too bad. The noise in the Kelana Jaya LRT is still audible and you can feel a slight vacuum effect when using this mode for a long time.
In a not too noisy environment like in the office, this ANC mode can still be used. The transparent or Ambient mode can also be praised for this Buds3 FE because the ambient sound sounds very clear and natural as if you are not wearing these earphones.
Application
Like other TWS, this Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE can be used with the Galaxy Wearable application. The Galaxy Wearable application looks very minimal and neat but it feels very familiar with some basic settings. There are no additional interesting features that can be used with this Buds3 FE but for me, there is enough Equalizer that can be configured yourself for a sound result that better matches my taste.
Battery
A battery capacity of 53mAh is loaded in the earphones and 515mAh for the charging case. The battery life for the Buds3 FE is very good throughout the period of use. With ANC, it can last up to 4 hours continuously and can reach up to 18 hours with the charging case. I am not someone who uses ANC all the time so it can last for a few before needing to be recharged.
In terms of charging, the Buds3 FE does not have any support for wireless charging or wired fast charging. Samsung also does not provide a charging cable in the purchase box. Although there is no support for fast charging, it is not a big issue to charge the Buds3 FE.
What's In the Box
Here is what you will get with every purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE.
1x Galaxy Buds3 FE Set
2x Extra silicone bud inserts.
1x Manual
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE provides an okay user experience. It uses the same design as the Buds3 Pro but with a build material that feels a bit cheap. The audio quality is also not at the best level for its selling price and in the same price range there are several other TWS that may be better. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE may be more focused on Samsung device users as its name suggests (Fan Edition) due to the absence of Google Fast Pair for other Android devices and is not very friendly with Apple devices.
Pros
Same design as the Buds3 Pro.
Small size, light and easy to use.
Various features such as 360-degree audio and translation mode.
On the touch provides various controls needed.
Good see-through mode.
Good battery life for its class.
Cons
Not fully supported on iOS.
Quite expensive selling price.
ANC has a slight vacuum effect.
Plastic build material that scratches easily.
Charging cable is not provided.
