Galaxy Buds4 Pro: Can a Planar Tweeter Kill the AirPods Pro 2?

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Series

At a Glance / TL;DR

The Problem: True wireless earbuds often trade off bass for treble clarity, and Bluetooth stability in crowded places (like Mid Valley or Pavilion) remains a friction point. The Solution: The Galaxy Buds4 Pro (RM999) features a 2-way driver system with a dedicated 5.5mm Planar Tweeter and an 11mm Super Wide Woofer (20% more vibration area). The Tech Leap: It’s the world’s first to debut Bluetooth 6.1, offering ultra-precise “Channel Sounding” for location tracking and rock-solid 24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio. The Verdict: If you’re on a Galaxy S26, the ecosystem integration (Auto-switch, 10% discount bundle) makes these the default choice over AirPods Pro.

With the launch of the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, Samsung isn’t just releasing another pair of “stem” earbuds. They are engaging in a full-scale assault on the high-fidelity audio market. By mixing an oversized woofer with a planar magnetic tweeter, Samsung is bridging the gap between consumer convenience and audiophile hardware.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro family

1. Innovative Hardware: The Dual-Driver Combo

Most earbuds use a single dynamic driver to do everything. The Buds4 Pro splits the labour:

  • The 11mm Super Wide Woofer: Samsung redesigned the speaker edge to increase the vibrating surface by 20%. The result? Bass that doesn’t just “thump” but has actual texture and resonance.
  • The 5.5mm Planar Tweeter: Planar drivers are usually reserved for expensive over-ear headphones. They move faster than traditional cones, eliminating distortion in the high frequencies. You’ll hear the “breath” in a vocal track that other buds muffle.

2. Bluetooth 6.1: Precision Beyond Audio

While the industry is still catching up to Bluetooth 5.4, Samsung has jumped to Bluetooth 6.1.

  • Internal Logic: It’s not just about sound; it’s about distance awareness. Bluetooth 6.1 uses “Channel Sounding” to measure the distance between your S26 Ultra and your Buds down to the centimeter.
  • The Benefit: Find My Buds is now terrifyingly accurate. Plus, the improved frequency hopping means your audio won’t “stutter” when you walk past the massive EMI interference of a mall’s security gates.

3. The “Blade” Design & Comfort

Samsung analysed 100 million ear-shape data points to refine the “Blade” (stem) design.

  • The Shift: The heads are smaller, and the stem features a premium metal finish with an engraved pinch area.
  • Ergonomics: It moves the center of gravity closer to your ear canal, making them feel lighter during long commutes on the MRT.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Buds4 Pro

4. Malaysia Pricing & The “Ecosystem Tax”

In Malaysia, the Buds4 Pro retails for RM999, while the open-fit Buds4 (no tips) goes for RM699.

  • The VC Recommendation: DO NOT buy these standalone. If you are getting an S26 Ultra, Samsung Malaysia offers a 10% Purchase-with-Purchase (PWP) discount (valid until 31 May 2026).
  • Internal Linking: This pairs perfectly with the 60W charging narrative of the S26 Ultra—one ecosystem, one fast-charging cable, zero friction.
Vernon is the founder and chief editor of Vernonchan.com. A graphic designer by profession, he has a deep love for technology, cars, gadgets, food, and travel. He tweets too much and is also known as a caffeine bacterium ("life's too short for bad coffee"). Bleeds Blue (go Chelsea FC!) and considers BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo cars to have in the garage--hallmarks of a true petrolhead.