If you’ve been holding out for Samsung’s next affordable earbuds, the wait just got a lot more interesting — and a little less secretive. Thanks to a premature product listing, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE have just spilled the beans on pricing, colors, and design. Yep, Samsung’s “Fan Edition” wireless earbuds are officially in the spotlight before Samsung could even roll out the red carpet.
So, what’s new? Quite a lot, actually. Let’s break it all down — the design refresh, the color palette, the feature set, and how these stack up against the competition.
First Things First: The Big Leak
Samsung’s Fan Edition products are all about delivering flagship vibes at a friendlier price, and the Galaxy Buds 3 FE seem to fit the bill perfectly. This time, the leak wasn’t just a tiny spec sheet or blurry press image — we’re talking full-blown product page info.
The headline?
- Price: Around $99 (global equivalent varies)
- Colors: Graphite, White, and a subtle Lavender option
- Launch Window: Expected to land alongside the Galaxy S25 series
For context, that price tag plants the Galaxy Buds 3 FE firmly in the mid-range category, right where Samsung’s trying to lure both casual listeners and budding audiophiles who don’t want to overspend.
A Design Glow-Up
If you thought the Galaxy Buds 3 FE were sleek, wait till you see these. Samsung seems to be borrowing design cues from its pricier Buds 3 Pro series, with a slightly more angular, stem-like shape that makes them look modern and more “AirPods rival” than ever.
What’s Different:
- Stem-Style Look: Not quite a clone of Apple’s design, but definitely slimmer and more defined than past FE models.
- Matte Finish Case: The charging case now sports a refined matte texture — less fingerprint magnet, more premium feel.
- New Colorways: Graphite feels business-class, White keeps it classic, and Lavender adds that pop for the style-conscious.
The shift in design isn’t just cosmetic. A stem design can potentially allow for better mic placement, which should mean improved call clarity — something that’s been a weak point in some past Samsung earbuds.
Under the Hood: Features That Matter
Alright, enough about the outside — what’s powering these buds?
1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Yep, even at this “Fan Edition” price, ANC is here. It’s not going to beat the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 for noise-killing power, but Samsung’s mid-range ANC is usually strong enough to handle commute noise and office chatter.
2. Transparency Mode
For those moments you need to hear your surroundings, a quick toggle lets ambient sound in without pulling an earbud out. Handy for crossing streets or talking to your barista.
3. Upgraded Drivers
While Samsung hasn’t officially bragged about the driver size yet, leaks suggest a slightly larger unit than the Buds 2 FE, promising fuller bass and clearer mids.
4. Battery Life
Expect around 6 hours with ANC on (8 without) and a total of up to 30 hours with the case. Wireless charging remains part of the package.
5. Galaxy Ecosystem Perks
Quick Pair, Auto Switch between Galaxy devices, and Samsung’s 360 Audio support — all present and accounted for.
How They Stack Up: Competitor Showdown
Let’s put the Galaxy Buds 3 FE FE in the ring with a few rivals.
| Model | Price | ANC | Battery (with case) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE | ~$99 | Yes | 30 hrs | Galaxy ecosystem perks |
| Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) | $129 | No | 24 hrs | Seamless iOS pairing |
| Sony WF-C700N | $119 | Yes | 25 hrs | Excellent ANC for price |
| Nothing Ear (a) | $99 | Yes | 36 hrs | Transparent design |
What’s clear? At $99, Samsung’s hitting a sweet spot — ANC, wireless charging, and ecosystem features at a lower price than some rivals who cut corners on one or more of these.
Buying Considerations: Is the Buds 3 FE for You?
Here’s the thing — the Galaxy Buds 3 FE aren’t meant to dethrone the Buds 3 Pro or ultra-premium ANC beasts. They’re built for a different crowd.
Get Them If:
- You’re in the Galaxy ecosystem and want smooth pairing & device switching.
- You need good ANC but don’t want to overspend.
- You value style as much as performance — that Lavender color is a head-turner.
- Wireless charging is a must for your lifestyle.
Maybe Skip If:
- You’re chasing audiophile-level sound — Sony and Sennheiser still lead there.
- You want multipoint pairing across Android and iOS — Samsung’s version is Galaxy-first.
- You prefer a non-stem design — this is a shift you might not love.
The Mid-Range Audio War Is Heating Up
Samsung isn’t just refreshing a product; they’re positioning the Galaxy Buds 3 FE as a “gateway drug” into their audio ecosystem. Apple still dominates with AirPods in the iOS world, but in Android land, competition is fierce — and Samsung’s latest move is clearly a shot at brands like Nothing, Sony, and JBL.
The choice of adding premium design elements to a budget-friendly product shows Samsung’s strategy: make affordable feel aspirational.
Final Thoughts
Leaks are usually fun for tech fans, but this one? It’s downright useful if you were considering a new pair of earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE seem to blend modern design, practical features, and fair pricing in a way that could make them one of Samsung’s best-selling accessories in 2025.
With ANC, wireless charging, fresh colors, and ecosystem perks, these buds are shaping up to be the mid-range earbuds to beat — especially for Galaxy phone owners.
Until Samsung makes it official, all we can do is wait for the launch event… and maybe start planning which color to grab first.
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