Samsung has brought the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core to the Philippines, adding a new option for users who want modern features without spending a premium. The earbuds are priced at PHP 2,690 and come in Black and White. After spending some time testing them, these are my early impressions.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core are lightweight and comfortable. Each earbud weighs only 5.3 grams, and the silicone tips and wingtips hold them securely in place without causing fatigue. The charging case is small, pocket-friendly, and has a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Opening and closing the lid feels sturdy, and the earbuds stay in place thanks to magnetic holders.
Pairing the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core is simple. On a Samsung phone, opening the case triggers a quick connection pop-up, while non-Samsung devices can connect via standard Bluetooth pairing. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4, providing a stable connection with low power consumption. One feature that stood out was Auto Switch, which allows seamless audio transition between devices. Watching a video on a tablet and receiving a call on a phone made the earbuds switch automatically, which is convenient for users in the Samsung ecosystem.
Sound quality is solid for the price. Each earbud uses a single dynamic driver, delivering a balanced sound with clear mids and decent bass punch. Vocals come through well, and acoustic tracks sound clean, though high frequencies sometimes lack the clarity found in higher-end models. Active noise cancellation is effective for daily scenarios, like filtering out low-frequency sounds from traffic or air conditioners. Transparency mode also works well when I needed to be aware of my surroundings.
The Buds Core have three microphones in each earbud, two outside and one inside, which improves call clarity. In quiet environments, calls are crisp. Even in moderately noisy places like cafés, my voice remained understandable. Samsung has also added Galaxy AI features, including real-time translation with Interpreter and Live Translate, which could be useful for travelers or multilingual conversations.
The earbuds are rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance, so they should handle light rain or workouts, though they are not suited for swimming or heavy water exposure. The Buds Core feel well-built for their price, and the matte finish adds a premium touch compared to glossy cases that easily show smudges.
Battery life seems promising. Samsung rates the earbuds at up to 35 hours with the case when ANC is off, and up to 20 hours with it on. In my early testing, I got around five hours of continuous listening with ANC active before needing a recharge. The 500 mAh case provides several additional charges and uses USB-C for fast charging. Wireless charging is not included, which is reasonable for an entry-level model.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core give a good first impression. They are comfortable, offer solid sound quality, and include features like ANC, Auto Switch, and Galaxy AI that are rarely seen in budget earbuds. They are not designed to replace premium options like the Buds 3 Pro, but for casual listening, calls, and Samsung ecosystem users, they provide a compelling combination of features and affordability.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Core Specs
- Drivers: Single dynamic driver
- Microphones: Triple-mic system (2 external, 1 internal)
- Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC, Samsung Scalable Codec
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Special Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Galaxy AI Interpreter & Live Translate, Auto Switch, Samsung Find
- Battery Life: Up to 35 hours (ANC off), up to 20 hours (ANC on)
- Battery Capacity: 65 mAh per earbud, 500 mAh charging case
- Durability: IP54 rating (dust and splash resistant)
- Weight: 5.3 g per earbud, 31.2 g charging case
- Colors: Black, White
The Galaxy Buds Core are now available in the Philippines for PHP 2,690 through Samsung stores and authorized retailers. Our early impressions suggest that they could be the go-to option for those seeking capable wireless earbuds without spending a lot. Will the Buds Core become the choice for budget-conscious Samsung users in 2025?
