Samsung Galaxy Buds FE review - Long-lasting headphones with powerful sound

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are available in black (Graphite) and white (Mystic White). The differences between the two versions are limited to the earphones and the interior of the charging case, as both versions come with a high-gloss white plastic case. Despite the slightly bulky appearance, the earphones weigh less than 0.21 oz and bear a resemblance to the Galaxy Buds+ from 2020, particularly due to the replaceable fin, known as wingtips by Samsung.

The overall quality is good, with no notable issues. While the plastic used in both the charging case and the earphones may not exude a high-end feel, they present a solid feel. Despite the high-gloss surface, the case is resistant to fingerprints. 

When inserted into the ear canal, the earphones penetrate quite deep, especially with the smallest attachment size. The pre-installed medium size may feel a little tight for some users. Notably, the fin provides additional support behind the Anthelix, ensuring that the Samsung headphones stay securely in place, even during sports activities or rapid head movements. 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE differs from the Galaxy Buds2 Pro by featuring a single one-way speaker per earphone, as opposed to a two-way system. Despite this distinction, the pink noise measurement reveals strikingly similar characteristics. Subjectively, the drivers of the Galaxy Buds FE impart a more robust and richer impression compared to the top model, resulting in a compelling audio experience for both music and movies. It's worth noting that the more potent SSC codec is exclusive to Samsung products; others are limited to SBC or AAC.

Equipped with three microphones per earphone, these Galaxy headphones offer favorable conditions for both ANC and telephony. The in-ear design inherently provides passive noise isolation, further augmented by the ANC. While the ANC performs satisfactorily, some background noise may still be perceptible. The HearThrough function effectively allows external voices to be heard clearly, but ambient noise remains prominent. 

In terms of telephony, the Galaxy Buds FE delivers a somewhat average performance. In quiet environments, voice quality is good, though the user's voice may sound slightly muted. In busier surroundings, such as main roads, comprehension can be challenging, accompanied by occasional dropouts. If used in a home office setup, for instance, the TWS headset can also be employed with a single ear. 

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): Harmonic distortion quantifies the distortion caused by non-linear components (harmonic content) in relation to the original signal. THD specifically refers to the fundamental component. It's important to note that while the term "distortion factor" is often used interchangeably, it actually refers to the overall signal, not just the fundamental component.
THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise): This value is comparable to THD, but in addition to measuring the interference power of harmonics, it also takes into account the impact of noise as an effective value. For the measurement, a low harmonic sinusoidal signal (typically at 1 kHz and > 0 dB) is played back through the headphones under test. This signal is then recorded by a linear measuring microphone (placed at a measuring distance of approximately 0.40 inches) in an artificial head.

Both values are expressed as percentages. The lower the value, the higher the fidelity of the signal. 

The Galaxy Buds FE has a battery life of up to six hours, according to Samsung. They exceeded this estimate in our test at a loudness level of 65 dB(A). 

Three more charges are provided by the charging case. 

The Galaxy Buds FE can be purchased directly from Samsung, but are also available on Amazon.