Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (SM-R530) / Sony WH-CH720N

The open design does not seal the ear canal, so it avoids a pressure feeling over long use but isolates less than tipped models. Fit varies with ear shape.

The VPU picks up the wearer’s voice through bone vibration to help separate speech in noisy calls.

ANC measures outside sound with microphones and produces an opposite wave to reduce steady hum; in an open design the effect is more limited than in sealed earbuds.

Microphones inside and outside each cup sample noise to generate an inverse signal; Ambient Sound mode lets you hear surroundings without removing the headphones.

UHQ (24-bit/96 kHz) only works on certain Galaxy phones and tablets with One UI 6.1.1 or later (S24, S23, Z Fold6/Flip6, Z Fold5/Flip5, Tab S9 series); 24-bit Hi-Fi needs One UI 4.0 or later. Other devices use AAC or SBC.

Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) is Samsung’s own codec for higher-resolution wireless audio with Samsung devices. Auto Switch moves the connection between signed-in Galaxy devices automatically.

The SWIR infrared sensor detects whether an earbud is worn; the Hall sensor detects the case opening and closing.

These are Samsung’s internal tests with default settings paired to a Galaxy phone. Capacity is 48 mAh per earbud and 515 mAh in the case (typical).

IP57 means dust-protected and resistant to brief immersion; the charging case is not covered.

Some features are not available on non-Samsung devices.

AAC works well as the default codec on iPhones; no high-bitrate codec is listed.

For example, you can switch between a phone and a laptop without re-pairing.

When the battery runs out you can keep listening passively over the cable.

DSEE tries to restore high frequencies lost in compressed music files.