While open-ear earbuds are a common sight in the consumer tech space nowadays, not every company has been quick to adopt the technology, although we’re seeing more and more big names come up with their own take on the hardware. One good example is Samsung, which recently (albeit quietly) launched the Galaxy Buds On, its first-ever clip-on earbuds.
As you can probably tell, the new earbuds are a clear departure from traditional in-ear designs, and instead rests around a listener’s ear to leave the ear canal open, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings while reducing physical strain during extended listening sessions.
Image: Samsung
Samsung says that it analyzed diverse ear shape data and even ran simulations to determine the best speaker and battery placement. The Buds On’s design features a larger contact area for even pressure distribution, along with a fine-tuned elastic band that keeps the earbuds secure during movement. Meanwhile, playback and calls are handled via touch controls located on the back of each earbud.
Inside, the earbuds run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform and a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier. Samsung has also included TwinBoost speakers for improved low-frequency performance, an automatic volume control system that adapts to ambient noise, and an Audio Leakage Reduction feature to minimize sound leaks.
Image: Samsung
As for battery life, the earbuds can deliver up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge. You’re also getting Clear Call technology which uses a triple-microphone setup and a bone-conduction Voice Pickup Unit sensor for clearer-sounding voices during calls. Interestingly, the Buds On can use AI features when connected to a compatible Samsung phone or tablet, which includes Gemini voice controls and other voice-activated commands.
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Samsung will release the Galaxy Buds On in South Korea on October 27 in a single black version, priced at 299,000 won (around $220). That said, there’s still no word on when they’ll arrive for global markets.