When it comes to choosing wireless earbuds, compatibility and feature support are crucial considerations. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, known for their high-quality sound and active noise cancellation (ANC), are designed primarily for Samsung and Android devices. But what if you’re an iPhone user? Can you still get the best out of these earbuds? Let’s explore what you need to know.
Basic Compatibility: Will They Pair?
The short answer is: yes, you can pair Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with an iPhone. Like most Bluetooth devices, they can connect to an iPhone via the standard Bluetooth pairing process. Once connected, you can use them to listen to music, make calls, and enjoy podcasts without issue. However, there are some nuances to be aware of.
What Works and What Doesn’t?
Features That Work:
-
Audio Playback and Calls: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will work seamlessly for audio playback and phone calls when paired with an iPhone.
-
Basic Controls: You’ll be able to use touch controls for pausing music, adjusting volume, and answering calls, though some customization might be limited.
Features That May Be Limited or Unavailable
-
Customizable Controls and EQ: One of the biggest drawbacks when using Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with an iPhone is the limited access to the Galaxy Wearable app. This app is essential for adjusting advanced settings like the equalizer (EQ), touch control customizations, and ambient sound levels. Without this app, you won’t have access to these custom settings.
-
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Ambient Mode: While these features will work to a degree, full control over ANC levels and ambient mode customization is limited. You’ll need a compatible Android device or the Galaxy Wearable app to fine-tune them fully.
-
360 Audio: This immersive sound feature, which provides a spatial audio experience similar to that found in AirPods, is not available when using the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with an iPhone.
Setting Up Your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with an iPhone
-
Turn on Bluetooth on Your iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure it is toggled on.
-
Pair the Buds: Put your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in pairing mode and select them from the list of available devices on your iPhone.
-
Basic Functionality: Once paired, you can start using the buds for basic audio playback and calls.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro as an iPhone User
For iPhone users looking to maximize the potential of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, there are some strategies to consider:
-
Initial Setup with an Android Device: If you have access to an Android device, use it to set up the earbuds, customize touch controls, and adjust the EQ settings. This setup will save your preferences and enable you to use them with the iPhone.
-
Windows App for Updates: Some users have successfully used the Galaxy Buds app on Windows to manage firmware updates and settings, which can be a workaround if you want to adjust the buds' features before pairing them with your iPhone.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
While the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can be used with an iPhone, they're not the most ideal option if you’re looking for full functionality. If you want a seamless experience with comprehensive control over all features, it’s best to stick with Apple’s AirPods or AirPods Pro, which are fully optimized for iOS devices.
That said, if you're willing to compromise on advanced customization and just want good-quality audio and reliable call performance, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can be a viable choice. However, keep in mind that some of the premium features, like 360 Audio and advanced ANC settings, may be out of reach without access to Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app.
Conclusion
Using Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with an iPhone is possible and works for basic functions like listening to music and making calls. However, for the full experience that Samsung designed, including customizable controls and advanced sound settings, you’ll need to pair them with a Samsung or Android device. If you value full-featured integration and ease of use, AirPods might still be your best bet for an iPhone.
