Galaxy Unpacked 2021 | Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro launch with an updated build, intelligent ANC and auto-device switching

Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro have essentially gone back to the "popcorn" form-factor rather than the "bean" shape developed for their Live predecessors. Then again, this new generation's design is amended and refined compared to the Buds or Buds+, resulting in a shape that leads to an improved in-ear fit thanks to the reduced surface area in contact with the outer ear, according to the OEM at least.

It has also upgraded ingress-protection to IPX7 in the Buds Pro, and has condensed their internals using the system-in-package (SiP) approach, as Apple does with its AirPods line of TWS earbuds. The new models are rated for new 11mm and 6mm drivers for bass and treble respectively

They also have new 472mAh cases in their new Phantom Black, Silver or Violet colorways, although Samsung indicates that the Buds Pro are also interchangeable with old Buds Live case accessories, should the user want to keep using them.

They are also rated for enhanced ANC that can "intelligently" fade out or in for "Conversation" or "Ambient" modes respectively. This is done using AI that "learns" to distinguish the user's voice and turn ANC down by itself whenever they start speaking.

The Buds Pro also leverage Dolby Head Tracking for a "360-degree" effect. They also have Wind Shield technology, a new 3-mic system and a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) for when the user wants to control their Buds Pro or phone via voice or make a voice call.

All in all, the new Buds are touted as earbuds that lets the user hear only what they want or need to. They can also make themselves useful to a Samsung fan through freshly advanced ecosystem support.

For example, if their wearer is watching content on a Galaxy Tab S7 as their new S21 starts ringing, the stream will pause on the tablet while the Bluetooth connection immediately transfers to the phone to take the call.

The new TWS products can also integrate with Samsung's SmartThings Find system. All of these new features don't come cheap, though, and it seems the rumors were correct: the Pros are the most expensive Galaxy Buds yet, going as they do for US$199 at launch. They are available from tomorrow (January 15, 2021) in the US on platforms such the Samsung online store.