What you need to know
- The Galaxy Buds 4 series could drop last year’s sharp blade look in favor of a smoother, brushed-metal finish.
- Samsung isn’t likely to be abandoning stems introduced with the Buds 3 — they still improve mic quality and enable pinch controls.
- Both models might also move away from vertical storage as both earbuds seem to lie flat in their charging case.
Samsung is once again shaking up its audio lineup, and if the latest leak is anything to go by, the blade design phase didn’t last long. Only a year after the bold, angular Buds 3, new listings and images reveal the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro returning to a brushed-metal look.
With the Galaxy Buds 3, Samsung took a massive gamble by adopting stems for the first time, a move that drew endless comparisons to AirPods. The stems improved mic placement and added pinch controls, but the sharp triangular design didn’t appeal to everyone. Now, according to high-resolution renders from a Spanish listing, Samsung is rounding out the design but keeping the useful stems (via SammyGuru).
There’s a clear difference between the two models. The regular Galaxy Buds 4 appear to use an open design without silicone tips, which is great for people who don’t like the sealed feeling of in-ear buds.
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(Image credit: Alkosto)(Image credit: Alkosto)(Image credit: Alkosto)(Image credit: Alkosto)
Two distinct models with different fits
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro still have silicone ear tips for a better fit, which helps with the improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) we’re expecting. Both models appear to be ditching the vertical pockets in the charging case. Instead, the buds will now lie horizontally under a familiar transparent lid.
Under the hood, rumors point to a new head-gestures feature that lets you nod to accept a call or shake your head to dismiss a notification. We’re also seeing reports of improved 360-degree audio recording and a more autonomous Interpreter Mode that works directly through the buds.
However, some recent leaks say Samsung might have removed the built-in speaker for the Find My feature to save space or battery. This would be a surprising step back.
Prices are expected to stay the same, with the standard model at €179 ($179) and the Pro version at €249 ($249). Samsung will likely announce them officially at the February 25 Unpacked event, along with the Galaxy S26 series.
Android Central’s Take
In my opinion, this return to basics is just what was needed. The Buds 3 were bold, but the sleeker, flatter stems on the Buds 4 feel more true to Samsung—original and premium, not just copying a trend.
As someone who uses earbuds every day, I appreciate the stronger head gesture controls and AI features, which help me stay hands-free during my commute or workouts. If the price remains reasonable, the Galaxy Buds 4 series could easily become the top pick in Samsung’s audio lineup.
