Details about Samsung's next generation of wireless earbuds are beginning to crystallize ahead of their expected launch. The latest information, sourced from code within Samsung's own software, provides a clear look at the battery capacities for the upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. This data reveals a curious split in strategy, with the Pro model receiving a modest upgrade while the standard version appears to take a step back on paper. This news offers the first concrete specifications for the earbuds' power cells, setting the stage for discussions about real-world battery life and Samsung's engineering priorities for 2025.
Leaked Battery Capacities Reveal Diverging Paths
The core of the leak, discovered in code strings within Samsung's upcoming One UI 8.5 software, points to specific battery capacities for each model. According to the findings, the standard Galaxy Buds 4 will be equipped with a 42 mAh battery per earbud. In a contrasting move, the higher-end Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is slated to feature a larger 57 mAh battery. This information, while not officially confirmed by Samsung, originates from a credible internal source and provides the first hard numbers for comparing these new models to their predecessors.
Leaked Battery Capacities:
- Galaxy Buds 4: 42 mAh
- Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: 57 mAh
A Comparative Look at Samsung's Recent Buds History
To understand the significance of these numbers, it's essential to view them in the context of Samsung's recent product lineup. The leak indicates a clear shift from the previous generation. The Galaxy Buds 3 featured a 48 mAh battery, meaning the new Buds 4 represents a decrease of 12.5% in capacity. Conversely, the Buds 4 Pro's 57 mAh cell is an increase from the 53 mAh battery found in the Buds 3 Pro. This creates a notable gap between the standard and Pro models that did not exist in the Buds 3 series, where the difference was only 5 mAh.
Comparison to Previous Generations:
| Model | Battery Capacity (mAh) | Change from Predecessor |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Buds 2 | 61 | N/A |
| Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | 61 | N/A |
| Galaxy Buds 3 | 48 | N/A |
| Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | 53 | N/A |
| Galaxy Buds 4 | 42 (leaked) | -12.5% (from Buds 3) |
| Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | 57 (leaked) | +7.5% (from Buds 3 Pro) |
Why Raw Capacity Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
While the numbers suggest a downgrade for the standard model, tech enthusiasts know that rated battery capacity is only one part of the endurance equation. Samsung has a history of maintaining consistent battery life despite changing cell sizes through software optimization and more power-efficient components. A prime example is the Galaxy Buds 3, which delivered roughly five hours of playback—matching the older Buds 2—despite having a significantly smaller 48 mAh battery compared to the Buds 2's 61 mAh cell. This demonstrates that efficiency gains can offset a reduction in physical capacity.
The Charging Case and Overall Ecosystem
The leak specifically addresses the earbuds' internal batteries, but the charging case's capacity remains a mystery. Earlier reports from October suggested only a minimal, approximately 3 percent increase in the case's battery capacity, which would not constitute a major upgrade. The overall user experience hinges on the combined endurance of the earbuds and their case. If the case capacity remains largely unchanged, the total number of recharges on the go for the Buds 4 series will likely be very similar to that of the current Buds 3 lineup.
Design and Feature Expectations for the Pro Model
Beyond battery specs, previous leaks have painted a picture of the Buds 4 Pro's potential design and features. Renders suggest the Pro model may sport a new, more premium design incorporating a metal grille, which could improve durability and acoustics. There have also been hints about a new "Find My Phone" feature accessible directly from the charging case, adding a layer of convenience to Samsung's device ecosystem. These potential upgrades, combined with the larger battery, aim to justify the "Pro" moniker and differentiate it more clearly from the standard offering.
The Bottom Line for Potential Upgraders
For consumers considering an upgrade, the initial reaction to a smaller battery might be concern. However, the historical precedent set by Samsung suggests that real-world listening time may not suffer. The key factors will be the efficiency of the new Bluetooth audio chipset, the power management of active noise cancellation (ANC) modes, and general software tuning. The Buds 4 Pro, with its capacity bump, is positioned for a straightforward improvement. The narrative for the standard Buds 4 will be whether Samsung's engineers have once again worked their efficiency magic to deliver parity with the outgoing model, making the spec sheet less critical to the actual user experience.