Galaxy Buds FE Graphite (SM-R400N) Review: A Deep Dive
Table of Contents
Introduction
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE Graphite arrived on my desk promising intuitive control, ergonomic comfort, and impressive battery life. After several weeks of rigorous testing – from intense workout sessions to long commutes – I’m ready to share my comprehensive review of these budget-friendly earbuds, focusing on their real-world performance and value proposition.
Features & Design
The Galaxy Buds FE Graphite immediately impressed with its sleek, understated design. The graphite finish is subtle yet elegant. The claim of intuitive touch controls is largely accurate. The separation between the touch area and the gripping area is noticeable, preventing accidental inputs. I found the ear tips and wing tips to offer a comfortable and secure fit, though I did prefer the medium-sized ear tips for my ears. The different sizes provided are definitely a plus.
Pairing was seamless via Bluetooth, connecting instantly to my various devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop). The compact charging case is easily pocketable and feels durable. The Type-C charging port is a modern and convenient touch.
| Colour Name | Graphite |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Audio Jack | Type-C |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Model Number | SM-R400NZAAMEA, SM-R400NZAATGY, SM-R400NZAACIS, SM-R400NZAAXME, SM-400N, SM-R400NZAAASA, SM-R400N, SM-R400NZAAINS |
Performance & Sound Quality
The Galaxy Buds FE Graphite delivered a surprisingly rich and balanced audio experience. The bass is present without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are clear and well-defined. I enjoyed listening to a wide variety of genres, from upbeat pop to complex classical pieces. Call quality was also very good, with minimal background noise interference, even in moderately noisy environments. The advertised 30-hour battery life proved accurate under normal usage; I consistently achieved over 28 hours on a single charge. This is a huge plus for long commutes or travel.
However, at maximum volume, there was a slight distortion noticeable on some tracks with heavy bass. This was only apparent at higher volumes and wasn’t a significant issue for most listening scenarios. The touch controls, while largely responsive, occasionally misregistered a tap or swipe, particularly during workouts.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent battery life, comfortable and secure fit, good sound quality, intuitive controls (mostly), affordable price point, sleek design.
- Cons: Minor touch control inconsistencies, slight distortion at maximum volume with bass-heavy tracks.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Buds FE Graphite offers fantastic value for its price. The impressive battery life, comfortable design, and mostly reliable performance make these earbuds a strong contender in the budget wireless headphone market. While not perfect, the minor flaws are easily overshadowed by the positives. If you’re looking for a pair of affordable, reliable, and comfortable wireless earbuds with excellent battery life, the Galaxy Buds FE Graphite is a highly recommended choice.
