You pick up these dummy earbuds and the first thing that hits you is a cold, hard piece of metal. That's the new stem. Samsung's making a play for the premium feel, and it's doing it with a literal metallic statement. The rest of the design might look familiar, but that one change is loud enough to suggest these aren't just another iterative update.
First Look Highlights
- The Premium Grab: Forget plastic. The stems on both models now have a metallic finish, and it completely changes how the buds feel in your hand.
- A Fork in the Road: The Buds4 looks like it's sticking with an open-ear design, while the Buds4 Pro keeps the in-ear silicone tips. Samsung's segmenting its audience right from the jump.
- Lights Out: The flashy "Blade Lights" from the last Pro model? They seem to be completely gone from these dummies.
In the Box: What You Get
Let's be clear, these are non-functional store display units. We're looking at plastic shells meant to show off the shape and finish. That means we can't confirm the final unboxing experience. But if Samsung follows its own playbook, you'll get the buds, a matching charging case, some spare ear tips for the Pro model, and a USB-C cable. Don't count on a wall charger being in there, that ship has sailed.
Design & Build: A Metallic Statement
This is where the dummy units tell the real story. The design evolution is subtle, but the material change is not.
The New Stems
That metallic sheen isn't just for show. On the Buds4 Pro dummy, it has a brushed, matte texture. On the standard Buds4, it looks glossier. It's a cold, solid contrast against the plastic earbud body, and it's a direct upgrade in perceived quality. You notice it immediately.
Form Factor & Fit
The main body keeps Samsung's bean-shaped silhouette, but the stems look flatter and more angular now. The big practical difference is in the tips, or lack thereof. The Buds4 dummy has no silicone tips, confirming an open-ear design. The Buds4 Pro dummy clearly has them, which is non-negotiable for getting any kind of serious noise isolation and ANC performance.
Color and Finish
The leaked dummies show a black Buds4 Pro with a matte body and that brushed metal stem. The regular Buds4 is white with a glossier plastic finish. It's a classic Samsung color split.
Key Features & Initial Observations
Blade Lights: Gone?
Remember the glowing light strips on the Buds3 Pro stem? They were a signature. Looking at these smooth, uninterrupted stems, it seems that signature is gone. If the final product matches these dummies, Samsung traded a flashy gimmick for a cleaner, more minimalist look. Some will call that a downgrade. Others will call it mature.
Charging Connectors & Fit
The charging pins are visible on the bottom of the stems, so the case will use standard contact charging. The Pro model's in-ear design with tips shouts "isolation and bass." The standard model's open design whispers "all-day comfort and situational awareness." They're already solving for different people.
Price and Availability in India
Samsung hasn't announced official Indian pricing yet, but the clock is ticking. An Amazon India listing has already popped up, which is the classic pre-launch tell. Rumors point to a reveal around February 25. When they do drop, you'll find them at Samsung's Opera House stores, on Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and other major retailers.
Expect the usual launch circus: instant discounts if you use a specific bank card, no-cost EMI plans, maybe a bundle deal if you're buying a phone too. The sticker price is one thing, the street price after week-one offers is another.
| Variant | Expected Price (₹) | Colors (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds4 | 12,999 - 14,999 | White |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro | 19,999 - 22,999 | Black |
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Judging by looks alone, here's how the Buds4 series seems to want to fight. Sound and features will decide the real war later.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro (Expected) | Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2) | OnePlus Buds Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Stems | Flat, Brushed Metallic | Glossy Plastic | Glossy Metallic |
| Tip Design | In-Ear Silicone Tips | In-Ear Silicone Tips | In-Ear Silicone Tips |
| Key Visual Feature | Metallic Accent | None | Chrome Stems |
| India Price (Approx.) | ₹20,000 - ₹23,000 | ₹26,900 | ₹12,999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro launching soon?
All signs point to yes. An Amazon India listing is live, and rumors target a February 25 unveiling.
What is the biggest design change on the Buds4 Pro?
The brushed metal stems. They're the most obvious shift, and they come with what looks like the removal of the Blade Lights.
What's the main difference between Buds4 and Buds4 Pro?
Fit. The dummy units show the Buds4 as open-ear, and the Buds4 Pro as in-ear with silicone tips. That's a fundamental split in experience.
Will there be an India-specific variant?
Probably not. Samsung usually sells global models, and the Amazon India leak confirms the country is getting them at launch.
Early Verdict: Should You Be Excited?
Based on plastic dummies? It's a solid maybe. The metal stems are a genuinely good move, a tangible upgrade that makes the old buds feel cheap. Killing the Blade Lights is a trade-off that makes the design cleaner but less distinctive. The real story isn't the looks, though. It's the strategy. By hardening the line between the open-fit Buds4 and the sealed-in Buds4 Pro, Samsung is forcing a choice. You're either buying for all-day comfort or for isolated audio performance. That's a clearer pitch than they've had in years. Now they just have to make sure the tech inside justifies the new metal shell.
Sources
- reddit.com
- gsmarena.com
- gizmochina.com
- digitaltrends.com
- sammyguru.com
- gadgets360.com
- 9to5google.com