Google Pixel Buds 2a / Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (SM-R530)

Pressure relief adjusts pressure in the ear canal to reduce the blocked feeling of a sealed in-ear design.

ANC measures outside sound with microphones and produces an opposite wave to reduce steady hum; in an open design the effect is more limited than in sealed earbuds.

Full features need an Android 6.0+ phone and a Google account; on iPhone basic listening works but app settings are unavailable.

Super wideband carries a wider audio range on calls with compatible Pixel phones.

IP54 protects against dust and splashing water; the earbuds are not designed to be submerged.

The open design does not seal the ear canal, so it avoids a pressure feeling over long use but isolates less than tipped models. Fit varies with ear shape.

The VPU picks up the wearer’s voice through bone vibration to help separate speech in noisy calls.

UHQ (24-bit/96 kHz) only works on certain Galaxy phones and tablets with One UI 6.1.1 or later (S24, S23, Z Fold6/Flip6, Z Fold5/Flip5, Tab S9 series); 24-bit Hi-Fi needs One UI 4.0 or later. Other devices use AAC or SBC.

Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) is Samsung’s own codec for higher-resolution wireless audio with Samsung devices. Auto Switch moves the connection between signed-in Galaxy devices automatically.

The SWIR infrared sensor detects whether an earbud is worn; the Hall sensor detects the case opening and closing.

These are Samsung’s internal tests with default settings paired to a Galaxy phone. Capacity is 48 mAh per earbud and 515 mAh in the case (typical).

IP57 means dust-protected and resistant to brief immersion; the charging case is not covered.

Some features are not available on non-Samsung devices.