Earbuds / Compare
Apple AirPods 1 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4
Product A: Apple
61 of 166 known
Change Apple AirPods 1
Compare the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 with
Product B: Samsung
80 of 166 known
Change Samsung Galaxy Buds4
82 of 157 fields differ
- 32 different values
- 50 known for one only
- 9 the same
- 66 missing for both
Biggest differences
Each bar uses the scale of all 138 earbuds.
- With caseA: 24hB: 30hSamsung is 6 h higher.
- Battery lifeA: 5hB: 6hSamsung is 1 h higher.
Size, drawn to scale
Front and side.
- AApple: 16.5 × 40.5 mm
- BSamsung: 18.3 × 30.5 mm
Weight
0 to 80 g
Weight per bud
A4g
B4.6g
Case weight
A38g
B45.1g
All 166 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
8 of 8 differ
Series
Model numbers
A1523, A1722, A16022Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026A1523 and A1722 are the 2016 first-generation earbuds. A1602 is the original Lightning case with its status light inside. The separately sold 2019 Qi-compatible A1938 case is excluded.18Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1770_airpods-info.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original leaflet Mexico model list gives A1523, A1722 and A1602, matching original Quick Start Guide and current maker identification page.
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
Status
Not available
Predecessor
Not available
Samsung Galaxy Buds39Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/samsung/galaxy-buds4Read 5 October 2026RTINGS says the Galaxy Buds4 follow in the footsteps of the Galaxy Buds3.11Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/samsung/galaxy-buds3-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026A notice on the RTINGS Galaxy Buds3 review says these headphones were replaced by the Samsung Galaxy Buds4.
Successor
Apple AirPods 222Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/03/airpods-the-worlds-most-popular-wireless-headphones-are-getting-even-betterRead 10 October 2026March 20, 2019 release names the new model the second generation of AirPods. The catalog slug apple-airpods-2 is that model. Original AirPods were discontinued when it launched.
Not available
Launch price (US)
Launch price (EU)
Not available
Colours
Design
0 of 4 differ
Form factor
Bud shape
Use one bud alone
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Drivers and sound
8 of 17 differ
Drivers per bud
AApple AirPods 1
Not availableBSamsung Galaxy Buds4
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Count per earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | 11 | 1 |
Driver type
Driver size
Not available
11mm
Drivers per bud
Not available
1
Diaphragm material
Not available
Not available
Frequency response
Not available
Not available
Impedance
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
Not available
Max sample rate
Not available
Max bit depth
Not available
Adaptive EQ
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Custom EQ bands
Not available
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available
Spatial audio
2 of 2 differ
Spatial audio
Not available
Head tracking
Noise cancelling
6 of 11 differ
Active noise cancelling
ANC type
Not available
Not available
ANC microphones in both earbuds
Not available
Not available
Adaptive ANC
Not available
Yes1Maker product pagesamsung.com/de/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-black-sm-r540nzkadbtRead 5 October 2026Sound control section says cancellation strength adjusts in real time to surrounding noise and accounts for ear shape and wearing habits.10Maker product pagesamsung.com/ie/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-white-sm-r540nzwaeubRead 5 October 2026Previous paragraph explicitly states ANC algorithm processes and adapts to ear shape/fit in real time.
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Not available
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Automatic ANC and transparency blend
Not available
Yes1Maker product pagesamsung.com/de/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-black-sm-r540nzkadbtRead 5 October 2026Exact model technical table lists Adaptive noise control. Manual and linked compatibility table cover the adaptive noise-control mode for both models.10Maker product pagesamsung.com/ie/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-white-sm-r540nzwaeubRead 5 October 2026Listen to music while staying connected paragraph explicitly says Galaxy Buds4 adjusts levels of ANC and ambient sound in real time according to environment, with blending. Exact standard model, not Pro.
Conversation detection
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Not available
Measured
3 of 23 differ
Frequency response notes (measured)
Not available
Not available
Bass amount (measured)
Not available
Not available
Treble amount (measured)
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target (measured)
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings (measured)
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion (measured)
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage (measured)
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation, best (measured)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Call quality notes (measured)
Not available
The reviewed unit records intelligible speech in quiet settings, but background noise introduces distortion and makes calls harder to understand.9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/samsung/galaxy-buds4Read 5 October 2026Public microphone verdict for White review unit. Numeric lab results are membership-only and were not accessed. Firmware is not stated in public verdict.
Mic low-frequency extension (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)
Not available
Not available
Latency (measured)
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)
Not available
Not available
Latency in game mode (measured)
Not available
Not available
Battery life (measured)
BSamsung Galaxy Buds4
| Hours (h) |
|---|
| 4.93 |
Longest tested use per charge
3.5h
4.93h
Battery life with case (measured)
Not available
Not available
Full charge time (measured)
Not available
Not available
Weight per bud (measured)
Not available
Not available
Microphones and calls
4 of 7 differ
Voice microphones in both earbuds
All microphones in both earbuds
Bone conduction voice sensor
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
Call audio bandwidth
Not available
Mic mute control
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Not available
Connectivity
9 of 18 differ
Connections
Bluetooth
Bluetooth codecs
AAC, SBC, Samsung Seamless, SSC UHQ, LC31Maker product pagesamsung.com/de/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-black-sm-r540nzkadbtRead 5 October 2026
Bluetooth profiles
Not available
LE Audio
Not available
Multipoint
Multipoint devices
Not available
Not available
Multipoint with LDAC
Not available
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Not available
Automatic switching between own devices
Fast pairing
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Wireless receiver
Not available
Not available
Receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Latency
1 of 3 differ
Low latency mode
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available
Lowest claimed latency
Not available
Not available
Compatibility
3 of 4 differ
Platforms
iOS, macOS, Android8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108786Read 5 October 2026
Connection per platform
AApple AirPods 1
| Platform | Connection | Microphone works |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | Bluetooth | Not available |
| macOS | Bluetooth | Not available |
| Android | Bluetooth | Yes |
BSamsung Galaxy Buds4
Not availableFeatures that need a specific device
AApple AirPods 1
| Feature | Needs |
|---|---|
| Apple account setup | Same Apple Account and compatible iOS, watchOS or macOS host. One-tap setup does not provide AirPods 2 automatic audio routing. |
| Audio Sharing | Compatible iPhone or iPad and a second supported Apple or Beats pair. Current software feature, separate from the 2016 launch guide. |
| Double-tap remapping | Compatible Apple host settings. Independent left/right next-track and previous-track options were added with iOS 11. |
BSamsung Galaxy Buds4
| Feature | Needs |
|---|---|
| Head gestures | Compatible Galaxy device with One UI 8.5 or later. Feature off by default. |
| Advanced settings | Android 12 or later with at least 1.5 GB RAM according to exact current model footnotes. Galaxy Wearable on Android or compatible Galaxy device settings. Some features require Samsung Account. |
| SSC-UHQ and super wideband calls | Compatible listed Galaxy phones/tablets and required software. UHQ 24-bit/96 kHz and SWB 16 kHz are Galaxy-only. Mobile network can restrict SWB. |
| Auto Switch | Supported Galaxy devices signed into same Samsung Account after initial setup. Internet and Bluetooth required. Not general Bluetooth multipoint. |
| Live Translate and Interpreter | Compatible Galaxy AI phone. Interpreter requires One UI 6.1.1+. Supported languages and account/software requirements vary. Translation runs on phone. |
| Gaming Mode | Compatible Samsung mobile device. |
Official licence
Not available
Not available
Battery and charging
11 of 13 differ
Battery per bud
Not available
User-replaceable earbud battery
Not available
Claimed battery life
AApple AirPods 1
| Mode | Includes case recharges | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| ANC off | No | 5 |
| ANC off | Yes | 24 |
BSamsung Galaxy Buds4
| Mode | Includes case recharges | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| ANC on | No | 5 |
| ANC off | No | 6 |
| ANC on | Yes | 24 |
| ANC off | Yes | 30 |
| Call | No | 4 |
| Call | Yes | 20 |
Longest claimed use per charge
5h
6h
Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)
Not available
5h
Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)
5h
6h
Total with case (claimed)
24h
30h
Total with case and ANC (claimed)
Not available
24h
Talk time (claimed)
Not available
4h
Full charge time, buds
Not available
Not available
Charging guidance
Not available
Not available
Quick charge time
Not available
Earbud playback after quick charge
Not available
Charging case
5 of 10 differ
Case battery
User-replaceable case battery
Not available
Case charging port
Case full charge time
Not available
Not available
Wireless charging
No2Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026Reference A1602 case is wired only. Maker identifies the later A1938 as the Wireless Charging Case. Exact original review separately describes the wireless case as a later accessory.15Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026Original case charges through Lightning. September 2017 update describes the Qi case as an announced future accessory. That later case is excluded from this reference.
Wireless standards
Not available
Not available
Wireless charging power
Not available
Not available
Speaker in case
Not available
Screen on case
Not available
Not available
Case works as audio transmitter
Not available
Not available
Controls
4 of 5 differ
Controls
Earbud volume control
Voice1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpodsRead 5 October 2026Siri adjusts volume after a double tap. Hands-free Hey Siri, physical volume buttons and stem swipes are not supported by this original hardware.
Gestures
Single pinch, Double pinch, Triple pinch, Pinch and hold, Swipe up or down, Nod or shake head3Owner's manualdownloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202603/20260311043809413/WEA_R540_R640_EN_UG_YLA_022626_FINAL.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 17/25. Head gestures require current compatible Galaxy software. Maker current compatibility PDF and US footnote 8 require One UI 8.5+, rather than older manual One UI 8.0.
Remappable controls
Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Current guide explicitly includes AirPods 1 double-tap remapping. Settings require a compatible Apple host. No later stem press, mute or camera gesture inherited.15Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026September 22, 2017 update reports independent left/right Siri, play/pause, next, previous and disabled actions added with iOS 11. Original launch controls were more limited.
Sensors and health
2 of 9 differ
In-ear detection
Sensors
Dual optical sensors, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026
Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall sensor, Pressure sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup Unit1Maker product pagesamsung.com/de/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-black-sm-r540nzkadbtRead 5 October 2026
Heart rate sensor
Not available
Not available
Skin temperature sensing
Not available
Not available
Hearing aid feature
Not available
Not available
Medical clearances
Not available
Not available
Hearing test
Not available
Not available
Hearing protection
Not available
Not available
Fit and durability
3 of 7 differ
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Ear tip materials
Not available
Not available
Stabilisers
Not available
Ear tip fit test
Not available
Dust and water rating, buds
Not available
Dust and water rating, case
Not available
Not available
Water resistance depth
Not available
Not available
Software
5 of 6 differ
Companion app
Not available
App platforms
Not available
User firmware updates
Finding network
Precision finding
Not available
Dimensions and weight
4 of 4 differ
Weight per bud
Bud dimensions
Width16.5Height40.5Depth18mm(0.6 × 1.6 × 0.7 in)21Spec databaseproductindetail.com/ps/apple-airpods-1st-generationRead 7 October 2026Design and dimensions table, exact first-generation earbuds: Height 4.05 cm, Width 1.65 cm, Depth 1.8 cm. Exact cm-to-mm conversion. Values match unlabelled maker 16.5 by 18.0 by 40.5 mm tuple. Named axes come from spec database, not visual guessing. Case tuple lacks axis labels and remains omitted.
Width18.3Height30.5Depth19.3mm(0.7 × 1.2 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pagesamsung.com/de/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-black-sm-r540nzkadbtRead 5 October 2026Exact technical HxWxD table 30.5 x 18.3 x 19.3 mm.
Case weight
Case dimensions
Not available
Width28.3Height51Depth51mm(1.1 × 2 × 2 in)1Maker product pagesamsung.com/de/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds4-black-sm-r540nzkadbtRead 5 October 2026Exact technical HxWxD table 51 x 28.3 x 51 mm.
Certifications
1 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC IDs
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Class 1 Laser, IEC 60825-1:2007 and IEC 60825-1:201418Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1770_airpods-info.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 2016 AM034-01450-A safety leaflet. English safety pages 1 and 2 and regulatory pages 9 to 12 read. Page 10 Class 1 Laser section explicitly gives IEC 60825-1:2007 and 2014. This does not establish clinical hearing-device clearance.
Not available
In the box
2 of 2 differ
In the box
AirPods 1, Charging Case, Lightning to USB cable, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Original wired case package only. Maker list names a Lightning to USB cable but gives no cable length. No power adapter appears in the complete list.
Galaxy Buds4 earbuds, Charging case, Quick Start Guide2Maker product pagesamsung.com/us/audio-sound/galaxy-buds4Read 5 October 2026Exact model FAQ lists earbuds, case and Quick Start Guide. USB-C cable and charger excluded.
Cables included
AApple AirPods 1
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Lightning to USB cable | 1 |
BSamsung Galaxy Buds4
Not availableLinks
Not compared
Product page
Spec sheet
support.apple.com/en-us/1118551Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Exact 2016 W1 generation with original wired A1602 case. Later A1938 wireless case purchases are excluded. No standalone maker PDF spec sheet found. Bud and case dimension tuples lack width, height and depth labels, so those fields are omitted.
Not available
Manual
cdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdf6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 2016 10-page multilingual Quick Start Guide. English instructions and model list read. Page 8 double-tap panel visually inspected. The original 12-page safety leaflet was read separately.
downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202603/20260311043809413/WEA_R540_R640_EN_UG_YLA_022626_FINAL.pdf3Owner's manualdownloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202603/20260311043809413/WEA_R540_R640_EN_UG_YLA_022626_FINAL.pdfRead 5 October 2026Cover identifies Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro, separate layouts pages 4/5.
EPREL registration number
Not available
Not available
Warranty
1 of 1 differ
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.

















