Nothing Ear (1) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers impressive value at $99 with solid fundamentals: 11.6mm dynamic drivers, dual ANC modes, and 24-hour total battery life with case. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($249.99) justifies its premium through superior dual-driver architecture (10.5mm woofer plus 6.1mm planar tweeter), Hi-Fi audio via Samsung Seamless Codec, and Galaxy AI features like real-time translation. Battery performance favors Samsung with 6 hours ANC-on versus Nothing's 4 hours. Connectivity also tips toward Samsung: Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint connection, and IP57 water resistance compared to Nothing's IPX4. Both feature wireless charging and gesture controls. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing essentials, Nothing Ear (1) punches above its weight. Those invested in Samsung ecosystem seeking premium audio quality and AI integration should choose Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Recommendation: Nothing Ear (1) for value; Galaxy Buds3 Pro for performance and features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro if…
- →Detailed dual-driver sound with 24-bit Hi-Fi via SSC codec
- →Strong active noise cancellation rivaling AirPods Pro 2
- →Galaxy AI features like real-time Live Translate via the buds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Pros
- Detailed dual-driver sound with 24-bit Hi-Fi via SSC codec
- Strong active noise cancellation rivaling AirPods Pro 2
- Galaxy AI features like real-time Live Translate via the buds
- Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint and IP57 water resistance
- Comfortable open-style fit with pressure-relief vent
Cons
- Best features (Hi-Fi codec, 360 Audio, AI) are locked to Galaxy phones
- Touch and pinch controls can be finicky
- Stem design with LED accents looks similar to AirPods
- Battery life is only average compared to rivals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 5.4 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 6 hrs buds (ANC on) / 7 hrs (ANC off), up to 26 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 10.5 mm dynamic woofer + 6.1 mm planar tweeter (dual-way) |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems | 24-bit Hi-Fi audio over Samsung Seamless Codec, 360 Audio with head tracking, Real-time Interpreter and Live Translate (Galaxy AI), Adaptive ANC and Adaptive EQ, Voice Detect and Siren Detect, Blade-style stem with LED accent |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SSC Hi-Fi, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP57 (buds) |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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