Galaxy next-gen Buds 4 Pro First Look

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are emerging from rumors with some exciting changes: a fresh design, reworked case, and a hands-free control system never seen on its earbuds before. Thanks to leaked One UI 8.5 animations, we’re getting our first proper look at how Samsung plans to evolve its premium TWS game. These buds could launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series, making them part of Samsung’s next major wave. If the leaks are accurate, the 4 Pro may redefine what “Pro” means for Galaxy’s audio ecosystem.

Specs & Features

• Design & Build: According to leaks from One UI 8.5, the Buds 4 Pro move to a flatter stem, ditching the sharp, triangular shape of the Buds 3 Pro.
• Charging Case: Redesigned into a horizontal layout where the earbuds rest flat, rather than dropping in vertically.
• LED & Controls: The signature light bar on the stem appears to be gone; pinch controls remain.
• Battery: Leaks suggest the charging case will house a ~ 530 mAh battery (vs ~500 mAh in Buds 3/3 Pro), potentially offering more standby or extra charges.
• Head Gestures: New feature lets you nod/shake your head to interact — answer calls, dismiss reminders, hear notifications, or respond to AI assistant prompts.
• Other Features: Leaks also show 360° audio recording, Adaptive Noise Control, and a “Find my phone” feature via the case.
• Codenames: Internally, the Buds 4 series are referred to as “Handel” (Buds 4) and “Bach” (Buds 4 Pro).

Design & UX

From the animations, the Buds 4 Pro look more refined and ergonomic. The flatter stem should feel more natural in the hand and on the ear, especially during pinch-based control.

The new clamshell case opens from the top, and its horizontal layout could make inserting/removing the earbuds more intuitive.

The removal of the LED light bar gives the stem a cleaner, more minimal look.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking UX change is the “Head Gestures” system — allowing users to control their buds with simple head movements. This could be a game-changer for accessibility and hands-free interaction.

Performance & Hardware

While we don’t yet have full hardware specs (these are still leaks), the hints are promising:

• The larger battery in the case could translate to more on-the-go top-ups, which is useful for power users.
• Adaptive Noise Control appears to be retained, helping the earbuds dynamically adjust noise cancellation based on your environment.
• 360° recording suggests use cases for calls, voice memos, or even spatial audio capture — a nice touch for creators.
• Connectivity & Controls: While codec, driver size, and mic config haven’t leaked yet, the continued use of pinch controls and smart gestures implies a sophisticated sensor and control system.

Price & Availability

• Launch Window: Leaks suggest the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro could arrive in early 2026, likely alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series.
• Pricing: No confirmed retail pricing yet.
• Markets: As with prior Pro models, the Buds 4 Pro will likely launch globally, but Samsung may prioritize regions with strong Galaxy phone adoption.

What’s Missing / Trade-offs

• Unclear Battery Lifespan for the Earbuds: While the case battery is rumored to be bigger, we don’t know if the actual earbuds' battery is improved.
• Gesture Sensitivity: Head gestures sound cool, but their real-world reliability — in different lighting or motion scenarios — is untested.
• No Confirmed Codec or Driver Specs: Without details on audio drivers or codec support, it’s hard to assess the sound fidelity or latency improvements.
• Potential Delay: With a 2026 expected launch, Samsung may face stiff competition — and these features might feel old compared to what rivals release in the meantime.

Verdict / First Impressions

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are shaping up to be one of Samsung’s smartest earbuds yet — a thoughtful redesign combined with genuinely useful innovation. The flatter stem and horizontal case feel like smart refinements, while “Head Gestures” could change how we interact with earbuds for calls and notifications. Battery improvements in the case also hint at better longevity. However, until we get hands-on or hear more about driver specs and actual runtime, some excitement remains speculative.

Our Take

If Samsung nails both the design refresh and gesture controls, the Buds 4 Pro could become a standout for users who value both style and practical hands-free functionality. While not yet proven, the leaks suggest a confident step forward in Samsung’s earbud evolution.

Looking Ahead

A full hands-on review will be key, especially to test audio quality, gesture accuracy, and actual battery performance. If Samsung launches these with the Galaxy S26, they could make for a compelling bundled offer — and potentially set a new benchmark for smart earbuds.