Samsung Galaxy Buds4 (Black) review

Research-based assessment: Samsung's black Galaxy Buds4 has an unusual combination on paper: an open-ear design and active noise cancellation. Those features describe different parts of the decision. The open shape does not seal the ear canal, while ANC is a documented electronic mode; a buyer should not assume the open fit behaves like sealed ANC earbuds. This assessment uses Samsung's US product, exact-SKU and comparison pages and its R540 operating manual. No hands-on listening, wear test or battery measurement was performed.

Open fit and ANC are not contradictory—but they are not interchangeable

Samsung explicitly calls the Buds4 an open-type design and says it does not use silicone canal tips. That makes it a different wearing choice from the sealed Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds3 FE. Samsung also lists ANC, Adaptive ANC and Adaptive Noise Control. The presence of ANC does not turn the open fit into a tip-sealed design, and this source review cannot predict cancellation effectiveness for a particular ear or environment. Someone who wants a sealed tip, passive isolation from a seal, or a set of replaceable tip sizes should compare the Pro or FE instead; someone who wants an open wearing style should evaluate the Buds4's shape on that basis.

Samsung describes the standard model as a one-way 11 mm driver with a single amplifier. The manufacturer positions the Buds4 Pro as the two-way, dual-amplifier model and adds more advanced adaptive functions there. That is a useful documented comparison, not proof that one tuning will sound better to every listener. This review therefore treats the Pro's two-way hardware as a product difference and leaves subjective sound quality ungraded.

Galaxy audio features have host and software boundaries

Samsung lists AAC, SBC, its Seamless Codec, SSC-UHQ and LC3 for the Buds4 family. The advertised UHQ route—up to 24-bit/96 kHz—is limited to selected Galaxy phones and tablets with supported One UI; Samsung says UHQ is off by default. Other hosts connect over Bluetooth, but they should not be assumed to expose Samsung's Galaxy-specific controls or high-resolution route. Samsung notes that iOS connections are Bluetooth-only and that the Galaxy Wearable app is not supported on iOS. Check the actual host, software and playback app if a codec or app setting is a deal-breaker.

The product also has touch-and-swipe controls, a six-microphone configuration and 360 Audio with head tracking, with some features restricted to Galaxy devices. Auto Switch can move audio among compatible Samsung products, but Samsung requires setup and a shared Samsung account. That helps a Galaxy phone-and-tablet household, yet it is not evidence for conventional two-device Bluetooth multipoint across a phone and laptop. If simultaneous pairing is essential, do not treat Auto Switch as a substitute.

Battery and charging depend on how the set is configured

Samsung's US table lists up to five hours of music per charge with ANC on and 24 hours including the case; with ANC off it lists six hours per charge and 30 total. These are manufacturer's maximums, not results measured in this assessment. Samsung cautions that settings, signal, files and use change actual playback time. Its runtime figure is not broken out by codec, so this assessment does not claim that the same maximum is guaranteed for each codec or Galaxy feature combination.

The charging case supports wireless charging, while the charging pad is sold separately. Samsung's user guide describes a wireless coil and notes that a cover or accessory can interfere. The R540 manual also identifies the Buds4 charging case as a different shape from Buds4 Pro's; do not assume that another case or fitted cover will work. Samsung's box contents list the earbuds, case and Quick Start Guide, not a charger or USB Type-C cable.

The IP54 rating is not a case rating

Samsung specifies IP54 protection for the Buds4 earbuds only and says the charging case is not IP54 rated. The manufacturer limits the splash test to fresh water and warns against beach or pool use; it also says to dry wet hands and earbuds before handling. The rating is not a promise that the case can be exposed to rain, sweat or water. The case still needs ordinary dry storage and dry charging contacts.

Black and White are finish variants, not different feature sets

Samsung's US buy pages identify the Black version as SM-R540NZKAXAR and the White version as SM-R540NZWAXAR. These images are exact-finish product illustrations from Samsung and show the earbuds rather than the full package.

Who might shortlist the Buds4?

Consider it when an open fit is important and you still want manufacturer-documented ANC, touch controls and the option to charge the case wirelessly. The same combination is not a promise of a sealed fit or universal cancellation. Skip or compare it closely if you require a silicone tip seal, want a water-rated case, need an included charging cable, or depend on full app control from iOS. If Samsung's account-based device switching is central to your routine, verify the exact Galaxy devices and setup rather than relying on the feature name alone.

• Match the US Black SKU SM-R540NZKAXAR; avoid confusing it with Buds4 Pro SM-R640 or the separately listed Buds3 FE.
• Check whether the open fit itself is acceptable; ANC is a separate capability and does not add a seal.
• Verify your host before relying on UHQ, 360 Audio, head gestures, Galaxy AI or Auto Switch.
• Confirm a wireless pad is available and the specific Buds4 case shape fits any cover you plan to use.
• Keep the case dry; Samsung's IP54 statement applies to the earbuds only.

Bottom line: Buds4 is best understood as an open-ear product with ANC, not a conventional sealed ANC bud. Its wireless-charging case, compatible-Galaxy features and published battery range may be useful, but the open fit, host restrictions, absent charging accessories and unrated case are meaningful tradeoffs to check before choosing it.

Primary evidence: Samsung US Buds4 product details, Samsung US model comparison, Black US SKU page, and the SM-R540/R640 operating manual. The manual is the Canadian English download for the shared model family and is used only for operating and care steps, not US package details.