Samsung Buds Core Review shows strong ANC, comfort and battery life, offering affordable entry into Samsung’s AI ecosystem.
Samsung’s 2025 audio lineup focuses on one goal: making Galaxy AI a part of everyday life, not just a premium feature. The Galaxy Buds Core represents a key step toward that aim. Positioned as a budget earbud, it plays a major role in Samsung’s broader ecosystem strategy. It connects seamlessly with products like the Galaxy S25 FE, the Watch 8 and even the Galaxy A56.
At first glance, the Buds Core appears simple. It has a compact case, lightweight buds, and a familiar Samsung design. However, there is more to these earbuds than meets the eye. Samsung aims for them to be the most affordable entry point into its AI-driven universe. In Kenya, they cost about KSh 8,895. No other Samsung audio device has been priced this competitively.
The common thread in the 2025 lineup is Galaxy AI. This feature is available in the new watches, tablets, and the S25 FE, which serves as a central hub for most users. The Buds Core enhances this concept. These earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC), clear call quality, long battery life, and crucially, on-device features that integrate AI into daily interactions.
However, the appeal cannot rely solely on AI. The hardware needs to perform well, and it does. The ANC effectively muffles room noise and reduces background chatter. It doesn’t block all sound, but it creates a steady cushion that makes working or commuting easier. The audio tuning is warm. The bass has depth, while high frequencies remain balanced. Vocals may sound slightly lower, but the sound gains richness as the volume increases. The equalizer presets in the Galaxy Wearable app help adjust tonal differences, particularly the Clear setting, which enhances the mid-range and reduces excess bass.
The triple-microphone setup on each bud boosts call quality beyond what many budget earbuds achieve. Indoors, voices come through clearly. Outdoors, the system manages noise fairly well, although there is a slight metallic sound when moving. You can take standard calls without issues, and most callers won’t ask you to repeat yourself.
The fit and battery life stand out as two of the Buds Core’s greatest strengths. Each bud weighs 5.3 grams, and the case adds a total weight of just over 30 grams. They remain comfortable during long listening sessions and stay secure during light exercise or running errands. With an IP54 rating, they offer dust and splash resistance, a step up from earlier budget Buds models. Battery life lasts up to 20 hours with ANC active and up to 35 hours with it turned off. For earbuds in this price range, that performance positions Samsung at the forefront of the category.
To keep costs low, Samsung did cut a few features. There is no wireless charging, and the box doesn’t include a USB-C cable. While these omissions are noticeable, they are understandable given the price.
The Buds Core shines in its integration within the ecosystem. Open the case near a Galaxy S25 FE, and pairing happens instantly. Switching between Galaxy devices is smooth. For instance, if you’re watching a video on a Galaxy tablet and a call comes in on your S25 FE, the earbuds automatically transfer the audio without manual input. If you misplace one bud, the Samsung Find app makes locating it easy.
The S25 FE plays a key role here. It serves as the heart of Samsung’s mid-range strategy, powered by an Exynos 2400 processor, featuring a large 120 Hz display, and offering long-term software support. It centralizes Galaxy AI features and pairs well with the Buds Core. Together with the Watch 8, Samsung is creating a multi-device environment that uses AI as a core element rather than as an optional feature.
In the end, the Buds Core serves a purpose beyond its specifications. They deliver everyday essentials: consistent comfort, reliable battery life, warm sound, functional ANC, and handy software controls. Their true value lies in how easily they introduce users to Samsung’s growing AI ecosystem without requiring a high-end price tag.
For anyone looking to use more Galaxy devices or explore the AI features being rolled out, the Buds Core is the best starting point. Available in Black or White, they represent one of Samsung’s most strategic product releases, providing users a pathway into a smarter ecosystem while keeping costs manageable.
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