Samsung’s Fan Edition or the FE series has consistently delivered aesthetically pleasing devices that offer dependable performance without breaking the bank. Now, with the launch of the Galaxy Buds FE, the brand is expanding its ambition into providing budget-friendlier earbuds without skimping too much on the flagship features that made the original Galaxy Buds so attractive in the first place – both in appearance and performance.
Priced at RM 399, the Buds FE has all the features and elements it needs to perform as a good earpiece. But the most attractive feature of all is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). While ANC is not uncommon in more expensive or premium buds/earpieces, the Galaxy Buds FE doesn’t cost that much. In fact, it is the cheapest ANC-ready Galaxy Buds to date.
Galaxy Buds FE
- Bluetooth – v5.2
- Sensors – Hall, Proximity, Touch.
- Buds Battery – 60mAh
- Case Battery – 479mAH
- Ambient Sound – No
- 360 Audio – No
- Active Noise Cancellation – Yes
- Mic – 6
- Wireless Charging – No
- Rating – IPX2
- Price – RM 399
Design – Buds and Case
The Galaxy Buds FE’s case design is identical to other Galaxy Buds cases. With a nice glossy finish all over the case, it looks premium and the material used doesn’t feel cheap. The design of the earbuds itself is more distinct. Unlike the previously favoured round-shaped design, the Galaxy Buds FE spots a winged-ear tip design that has a practical goal.
With the tip design, I find it sitting in my ears more securely without the fear of it dislodging during activities. Winged-tip design is also helpful in keeping the buds in place when I tap on them to skip or reverse a song. The older design is a little more susceptible to taps, causing them to move.
The touch area is flat compared to the round design in the past. This actually makes it easier for a user to find exactly where they should tap (or shouldn’t) and reduce the chances of mis-tapping which often happened to me with the Galaxy Buds launched before this.
With an IPX2 rating, the buds are afforded some protection against water. Mainly just water sprays which when tilted up to 15 degrees vertically. This isn’t something that you can go swimming with, or to sit under a showerhead pampering yourself in music. But if it rains, the protection should give you ample time and opportunity to put them away safely.
If you’re one who’s into cute stuff, Samsung has actually released a Minions-themed Eco-Friendly cover that’s actually meant for Galaxy Buds2 Pro but also fits with the casing of the Galaxy Buds FE.
It comes in two pieces meant for both the top and bottom part of the casing and attaches magnetically to the case. Other than aesthetic reasons, I find that they are also a good icebreaker. Everybody who’s seen it has come and asked me – What is that? Smart marketing by Samsung, I’d say.
Pairing the Galaxy Buds FE to my phone was effortless. All I did was open up the case for the first time and both my phone and the buds immediately shook hands before a notification appeared to ask if I wanted to pair them together. Within 10 seconds, everything was completed. But it is worth noting that I’m using a Samsung phone so two devices from the same brand having a seamless interaction isn’t actually surprising.
Audio
The Galaxy Buds FE is able to handle and deliver clear audio even at maximum volume. The sound profile is clean, and the bass is pretty decent. There are also different sound profiles users can pick by using the Galaxy Wearable App on the phone. There are – Normal, Bass Boost, Soft, Dynamic, Clear, and Treble Boost options to be picked from. Which profile sounds the best for you would depend on your personal preferences.
But the hero of the department is undoubtedly the ANC feature that Samsung claims can block out 98% of outside noise. I do not know what a 2% outside noise sounds like, but I’d say the claim is not exaggerated. Sitting in the middle of a cafe on a busy lunch afternoon, the ANC feature managed to dumb every surrounding noise down to almost a complete mute.
If you’re worried about completely isolating yourself from your surrounding (sound-wise), there’s the ambient sound mode (another mode that usually only comes with more expensive earbuds,) that allows a decent pass-through so that you can still hear someone calling out to you and remain alert to your surroundings.
The audio department has everything it needs to provide an enjoyable experience. But still, since this is a mid-range product, the sound quality is understandably below the other more expensive Galaxy Buds models. But nevertheless, it didn’t stop me from listening to my favourite playlists and podcasts. The difference in quality is just not significant enough to keep me reminded throughout my listening experience.
Battery
- Buds Battery – 60mAh
- Case Battery – 479mAH
Samsung advertised the Galaxy Buds FE as having a total of 30 hours of listening time (Buds+Case) with ANC off. With that celebrated feature on, that number comes down to 21 hours, which is not bad. The Buds alone offer up to 9 hours of listening time, 6 with ANC on. Whereas the Casing, when fully charged, has enough juice in its jug for another 21 hours. Based on my own use and testing, I’d say the reality is pretty close to the claim.
On the charging side, the Galaxy Buds FE can only be charged using USB-C cables. The casing does not support wireless charging, which I guess, makes sense if Samsung were to keep the cost low, but I still wish it came with it.
What I Really Liked About The Galaxy Buds FE
- Good Audio quality
- Comfortable to wear and ear-fitting earbuds
- Practical Winged-tip design
- Flat surface surface makes it easier for tapping
- Good ANC and Ambient Sound quality
- Easy to pair
- Friendlier price tag than other Galaxy Buds models.
What I Wished Was Better
- No wireless charging
Verdict
It’s hard to argue against the Galaxy Buds FE. It has everything most people, bar those who are seeking top-range products, practically will need. And it isn’t just fairly priced, good audio quality and a decent battery life. But the Galaxy Buds FE came ready with ANC and Ambient Sound Mode, two features that you won’t usually find in products selling at this price. I also appreciate how considerations were made to the design of the earbuds to make them both more comfortable and practical. The lack of wireless charging is a bit of a miss there but at this price tag? I suspect many wouldn’t even care about it.
