Galaxy Buds 2 White (SM-R177-White) Review: A Deep Dive
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 White (SM-R177-White) have generated considerable buzz, promising a compelling combination of comfort, sound quality, and active noise cancellation (ANC). After spending several weeks thoroughly testing these earbuds in various scenarios – from noisy commutes to quiet home listening sessions – I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
Features
The Galaxy Buds 2 boast a sleek, minimalist design. The white color is particularly appealing, and the earbuds themselves are surprisingly lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear. Key features include:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Charging Type | Type-C |
| Battery Size | 472 mAh |
| Colour Name | White |
| Connection Type | True Wireless |
| Average Battery Life | Less than 8 hrs |
| What’s In The Box | Earbuds, Case, Cable |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Charging Case Type | Wired |
| Earplug Type | Earbuds |
| Features | Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation, Water Resistant |
| Model Number | SM-R177-White |
| Model Name | Galaxy Buds 2 White |
The advertised 20-hour battery life (with ANC on) is impressive, but real-world usage tends to fall a little short of this. More on that in the Performance section.
Performance
Sound quality is generally good, with a balanced profile that doesn’t overly emphasize bass or treble. The ANC works effectively in moderately noisy environments, significantly reducing the hum of a bus or the chatter of a coffee shop. However, it struggles a bit with higher-frequency sounds like sirens. Call quality is excellent thanks to the multiple microphones; my voice was consistently clear and easily understood, even in windy conditions. The advertised seamless pairing is true; connection is almost instantaneous. However, the claimed “all-day comfort” is somewhat subjective. While lightweight, after about 6 hours of continuous use, I did experience some slight discomfort.
Battery life is a bit of a mixed bag. I managed approximately 6-7 hours of playback with ANC enabled, which is less than advertised, but still reasonable. The charging case provides ample additional charge, easily extending the usage well beyond a full workday. The Type-C charging is convenient.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent sound quality, effective ANC (for moderate noise), great call quality, comfortable for most of the day, easy pairing, sleek design.
- Cons: Battery life slightly below advertised, ANC struggles with high-frequency sounds, slight discomfort after prolonged use.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Buds 2 White (SM-R177-White) offer a solid overall listening experience. While the battery life and ANC performance aren’t perfect, the strong sound quality, comfortable fit (for most users), and excellent call quality make them a compelling choice. I would recommend these earbuds to anyone looking for a versatile pair of true wireless earbuds for daily use, especially if they value clear calls and a balanced sound profile. Just be aware that prolonged use might lead to some minor discomfort and that the battery life might not quite reach the advertised 20 hours.
