'Galaxy Buds 2' to be Released at a Lower Price than Its Predecessor

Expected European launch price at 230,000 KRW... Enhanced performance and lower price
To be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked on the 11th

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The launch price of Samsung Electronics' new wireless earphones, the 'Galaxy Buds2,' scheduled to be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event on the 11th, is expected to be set lower than its predecessor. Following LG Electronics' recent release of new products and Apple's upcoming launch, Samsung aims to expand its market share by enhancing performance while lowering prices.

According to IT media GSM Arena and other foreign outlets on the 1st (local time), the European market launch price of the Galaxy Buds2 is expected to be around 170 euros (approximately 230,000 KRW) including VAT. This price does not represent an increase compared to Samsung's previous premium 'Galaxy Buds Pro,' which launched at 230 euros (about 310,000 KRW), or the 'Galaxy Buds Plus,' which was released at 170 euros (about 230,000 KRW). It is also lower than the competing Apple model, the 'AirPods Pro.'

Samsung Electronics has expressed its intention to lead the market by emphasizing price competitiveness from foldable smartphones to wireless earphones. According to industry sources, the 'Galaxy Z Fold3' is expected to be priced at 1,999,800 KRW, and the 'Galaxy Z Flip3' at 1,254,000 KRW, which are about 400,000 KRW lower than their predecessors respectively.

Price competition in the wireless earphone market is also expected to intensify. Competitor LG Electronics released three new wireless earphone Tone Free models last month, and Apple is also expected to launch the 3rd generation 'AirPods (AirPods3)' as early as next month. Samsung plans to release the Galaxy Buds2 at a price range of 170,000 to 190,000 KRW, lower than the previous model, while featuring improved Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) functionality. The previous Galaxy Buds Pro had a retail price of 239,800 KRW, and the 'Galaxy Buds Live' was priced at 198,000 KRW. Kim Sung-koo, Executive Director of Samsung Electronics' Wireless Business Division, said on the 29th of last month, "We plan to expand sales by enhancing product competitiveness, such as providing a convenient connection experience through the expanded Galaxy ecosystem including wearables."

The Galaxy Buds2 is expected to be Samsung Electronics' third wireless earbud equipped with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) functionality, following the premium Galaxy Buds Pro and 'Galaxy Buds Live.' Notably, a new feature reportedly allows ANC to activate even when the earphone is worn in only one ear. The Galaxy Buds2 can be used for up to 20 hours with ANC activated on a single charge, and up to 29 hours when ANC is deactivated.

However, with an IPX2 rating, it does not provide dust protection. The water resistance rating is also level 2, which protects the device from light droplets for up to about 10 minutes. The waterproof and dustproof 'IP rating' is distinguished by two following numbers: the first digit indicates dust protection, and the second digit indicates water resistance. Dust protection ranges from level 0 to 6, with level 0 sometimes marked as 'X,' while water resistance ranges from level 0 to 8.

Additionally, the Galaxy Buds2 is expected to be released in four colors: White, Black, Purple, and Green. The battery capacity is 60 milliampere-hours (mAh) for each earbud, and the portable charging case has a capacity of 472 mAh with 2.5 watts (W) wireless charging capability.

According to global market research firm Counterpoint Research, global wireless earphone shipments are expected to reach 310 million units this year, a 33% increase compared to last year. In the first quarter, Apple ranked first with a 26% market share, followed by Xiaomi (9%) and Samsung Electronics (8%).

Samsung Electronics will unveil the Galaxy Buds2, along with the next-generation foldable smartphones 'Galaxy Z Fold3' and 'Galaxy Z Flip3,' and the smartwatch 'Galaxy Watch4' series at the Galaxy Unpacked event held online on the 11th.