Samsung Galaxy Buds Vs Apple Airpods Which Has Better Call Quality

When choosing between Samsung Galaxy Buds and Apple AirPods, audio enthusiasts often focus on sound quality or battery life. But for many users—especially those who take calls on the go, work remotely, or commute daily—call clarity is the deciding factor. A pair of earbuds might deliver rich music playback, but if your voice doesn’t come through clearly during a video conference or phone call, its value diminishes significantly.

This article dives deep into the microphone technology, noise handling, software enhancements, and real-world performance of both Samsung’s flagship earbuds (Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Buds FE) and Apple’s leading models (AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3). We’ll examine how each brand approaches call quality, where they excel, and where compromises exist.

Microphone Technology and Design Philosophy

The foundation of call quality lies in microphone hardware and placement. Both Samsung and Apple equip their premium earbuds with multiple microphones per earbud, typically combining beamforming mics with voice pickup sensors. However, their design philosophies differ subtly.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 feature three microphones: two external mics for capturing voice and environmental input, and one internal mic that monitors what you hear inside the ear canal. This setup allows the H2 chip to apply computational audio algorithms in real time, isolating speech from background noise using machine learning models trained on thousands of voice samples.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro also use a triple-mic system: two outer mics and one inner vocal mic. The company emphasizes “Voice Pickup Unit” (VPU) technology—a small sensor that detects jaw vibrations—to enhance voice clarity when ambient noise is extreme. This approach aims to capture speech even when traditional mics struggle, such as near construction sites or windy streets.

“Modern earbuds no longer rely solely on hardware. It’s the synergy between microphones, chips, and AI-driven software that defines call performance.” — Dr. Lena Park, Audio Systems Engineer at MIT Media Lab

Noise Suppression in Real-World Environments

Call quality isn’t just about how well the other person hears you—it’s about consistency across environments. Wind, traffic, office chatter, and street noise can all degrade voice transmission. Here's how each platform performs under pressure:

AirPods: Computational Audio Dominance

Apple’s H2 chip enables advanced noise suppression powered by neural networks. In tests conducted by Wirecutter and TechRadar, AirPods Pro 2 consistently filtered out keyboard clicks, subway rumble, and café conversations without making voices sound robotic or distant. The system dynamically adjusts gain and directionality based on detected noise levels, focusing the mic array toward the user’s mouth.

A key advantage is integration with iOS. When an iPhone detects a FaceTime or phone call, it coordinates with the AirPods to optimize signal processing. This ecosystem lock-in delivers smoother transitions and fewer dropouts than cross-platform alternatives.

Galaxy Buds: Adaptive Noise Cancellation + VPU Edge

Samsung’s latest firmware updates have significantly improved call quality on Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The Voice Pickup Unit gives them an edge in high-wind scenarios. In side-by-side tests on Seoul’s subway platforms and New York City sidewalks, testers reported that Samsung’s jaw-vibration detection helped preserve voice integrity when gusts overwhelmed standard microphones.

However, Android fragmentation limits consistency. While Galaxy phones fine-tune mic sensitivity and ANC settings automatically, non-Samsung devices may not unlock full potential. Users on Pixel or OnePlus phones often report less effective noise filtering compared to iPhone-AirPods pairings.

Tip: For best call results with Galaxy Buds, keep your device software updated—Samsung frequently rolls out mic calibration improvements via the Galaxy Wearable app.

Comparative Performance Table

Feature	AirPods Pro 2	Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Number of Mics	3 per earbud	3 per earbud (includes VPU)
Noise Suppression Tech	H2 chip + machine learning	Adaptive ANC + VPU
Wind Noise Reduction	Excellent (mesh-covered ports)	Very Good (VPU compensates)
Cross-Platform Support	Limited outside iOS	Strong on Android, variable elsewhere
Transparency Mode Clarity	Best-in-class	Good, slight echo in loud areas
Battery Impact During Calls	Low drain (~4 hrs talk time)	Moderate drain (~3.5 hrs talk time)

Real-World Case Study: Remote Worker in Urban Environment

Jessica, a freelance project manager based in Chicago, uses her earbuds for 4–6 hours of client calls daily. She alternates between working from home, coffee shops, and public transit. Over three months, she tested both AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro across various conditions.

At home, both performed similarly—clear voice, minimal background HVAC noise. But differences emerged outdoors. On the L train, clients reported hearing muffled speech with the AirPods briefly cutting out during tunnel transitions, while the Galaxy Buds maintained more consistent delivery thanks to VPU support. However, during a Zoom meeting in a busy Starbucks, colleagues said Jessica sounded “tinny” on the Buds, whereas the AirPods delivered warmer, more natural tonality.

Ultimately, Jessica preferred the AirPods for indoor meetings and professional calls due to superior voice rendering and iOS integration with her MacBook. But for walking interviews or fieldwork, she kept the Galaxy Buds as a backup for their resilience in wind-heavy situations.

Software Updates and Long-Term Optimization

Unlike wired headsets, modern earbuds improve over time through firmware. Apple releases periodic updates that refine audio processing—for example, a 2023 update introduced \"Conversation Boost\" in Transparency mode, enhancing nearby speech during face-to-face interactions. These tweaks indirectly benefit call quality by improving overall audio intelligence.

Samsung has been aggressive with post-launch improvements. In late 2023, a firmware patch reduced echo in Galaxy Buds2 Pro during Teams and Google Meet calls. The company also rolled out \"Auto Switch\" enhancements, allowing faster handoff between Samsung devices during ongoing calls—critical for multitaskers.

Still, Apple maintains tighter control over its ecosystem. Firmware updates are mandatory, timely, and universally deployed. Samsung relies on carrier approvals and device-specific compatibility, leading to delays—some Galaxy Buds owners waited weeks for critical mic fixes after launch.

Checklist: How to Maximize Call Quality on Either Platform

• Keep firmware up to date – Enable auto-updates in Galaxy Wearable or macOS/iOS Bluetooth settings.
• Clean microphone meshes regularly – Use a dry brush to remove wax or debris blocking mic ports.
• Use the correct fit – Poor seal affects both ANC and voice isolation; test different ear tip sizes.
• Minimize movement during calls – Jaw motion can interfere with VPU accuracy on Galaxy Buds.
• Stay within close range of your device – Bluetooth interference weakens mic data transmission.
• Test in actual environments – Don’t judge call quality solely at home; try noisy streets or offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirPods work well with Android phones for calls?

Yes, but with limitations. While basic calling functions work, features like spatial audio, automatic switching, and advanced noise suppression require iOS. Mic performance is acceptable but not optimized—many Android users report flatter voice tones and higher latency.

Why do my Galaxy Buds pick up too much wind noise?

The outer microphones are exposed to airflow. Samsung includes a wind shield algorithm, but it’s less effective than Apple’s mesh-protected ports. To reduce this, enable “Wind Shield” in the Galaxy Wearable app under Sound settings, and consider using smaller ear tips for a deeper fit that blocks lateral wind.

Can third-party apps improve call quality?

Limited options exist. Apps like Krisp or Acapela Voice Cleaner can enhance outgoing audio on desktop calls, but they don’t affect the raw mic feed from earbuds. Native OS-level processing (iOS or Samsung Knox) remains more effective.

Final Verdict: Which Has Better Call Quality?

The answer depends on your ecosystem and use case.

If you're deeply embedded in Apple’s world—using an iPhone, iPad, and Mac—the **AirPods Pro 2** deliver the most reliable, polished calling experience. Their combination of hardware precision, machine learning optimization, and seamless integration sets the industry benchmark. Voice sounds natural, background noise is aggressively suppressed without artifacts, and call stability is excellent.

For Android users—especially Samsung Galaxy owners—the **Galaxy Buds2 Pro** offer compelling advantages. The Voice Pickup Unit provides unique resilience in extreme conditions, and recent software updates have closed much of the gap in everyday scenarios. While call warmth and tonal balance still trail slightly behind AirPods, the difference is marginal for most users.

Budget-conscious buyers should note that neither AirPods 3 nor Galaxy Buds FE match the call performance of their Pro counterparts. The AirPods 3 lack active noise cancellation and have fewer noise-reduction smarts, while the Buds FE omit the VPU entirely—making them less ideal for frequent callers in dynamic environments.

“The best earbuds for calls aren’t always the ones with the most mics—they’re the ones that process sound intelligently in context.” — Mark Tran, Senior Reviewer at Head-Fi.org

Conclusion: Choose Based on Ecosystem and Needs

Call quality is no longer just about decibels and microphone count. It’s shaped by silicon, software, and ecosystem cohesion. Apple leads in refinement and consistency, especially for iPhone users who demand flawless performance in professional settings. Samsung counters with innovative hardware like the VPU and strong value for Android power users.

Neither brand dominates universally. If you prioritize crystal-clear voice reproduction in quiet to moderate environments and use Apple devices, go with AirPods Pro 2. If you need rugged performance in wind or travel frequently with a Galaxy phone, the Buds2 Pro deserve serious consideration.

Regardless of your choice, remember that maintenance and settings matter. A clean, well-fitted bud with updated firmware will outperform even premium hardware in poor condition.

💬 Have you switched between Galaxy Buds and AirPods for calling? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear what works best in your daily routine.