On June 27, 2025, Samsung unveiled its new TWS earbuds, the in-ear Galaxy Buds Core. These are a fresh take on the Galaxy Buds FE Bluetooth earbuds.
What’s New. Compared to Galaxy Buds FE:
- Proximity Sensor: There’s a new proximity sensor, though its specific function isn’t detailed.
- Bluetooth Upgrade: The Bluetooth version has been upgraded from 5.2 to 5.4.
- Extended Battery Life: The total battery life with the charging case has increased from 30 to 35 hours.
The rest of the features remain identical. Nearly a year and a half after the release of the Buds FE wireless headphones, we’re seeing only minimal cosmetic changes.
To help me provide the best answers in the review, what specific questions do you have about the model?
The Galaxy Buds Core are presumed to use a dynamic driver for sound output. They support Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec, alongside the more common AAC and SBC codecs. Interestingly, the official website doesn’t provide specific details about the driver parameters. Furthermore, promotional materials for the Galaxy Buds FE only mentioned a “1-way speaker.” Given this, it’s reasonable to assume the sound quality won’t dramatically change from the previous model.
Noise Cancellation. The headphones feature a 6-microphone system (3 microphones on each earbud) for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). While the specific parameters of the ANC aren’t detailed, it is a declared feature. Additionally, a Transparency Mode is included, allowing users to hear their surroundings when desired.
Features. The Galaxy Buds Core stand out by offering live and simultaneous translation capabilities. However, it’s important to note that, according to Samsung’s official website, this translator feature is primarily marketed for their flagship and top-tier devices. As of March 2025, these include the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Tab S10, and Galaxy Tab S9. This implies the feature might leverage the processing power or specific software integrations of these higher-end Samsung devices.
Beyond translation, other notable features include multipoint connectivity, allowing the headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously, and the ability to locate misplaced headphones on a map. Furthermore, users can personalize their listening experience through the proprietary Galaxy Wearable app, available for both Android and iOS. This app allows for equalizer customization and the selection of pre-set sound profiles.
Design & Battery Life. The Galaxy Buds Core are offered in classic white and black color options, featuring IP54 dust and water resistance for added durability. Physically, the headphones retain the same size and weight as their predecessors. Interestingly, the overall battery life with the charging case has seen an increase, from 30 to 35 hours. While this is a welcome improvement, it’s plausible that this extended autonomy was achieved through various software and hardware optimizations rather than a significant battery capacity increase. Therefore, in real-world usage, the actual battery life might be quite similar to that of the previous model.
Availability and Price. Currently, the Galaxy Buds Core are available only in India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their approximate price is $50. This makes them significantly more affordable than the Galaxy Buds FE, which launched at a price of $99. Currently, the Galaxy Buds Core are available only in India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their approximate price is $50. This makes them significantly more affordable than the Galaxy Buds FE, which launched at a price of $99.
What are you interested in comparing this model to? Write in the comments.
Source official Samsung website
