Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (SM-R530) / Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

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.

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.

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.

With no certification against sweat or rain, care is needed when it gets wet during exercise.

Some features are not available on non-Samsung devices.

The ear pads fully surround the ear; Sennheiser cites a lightweight design, padded headband and deep cushioned earpads for long-wear comfort.

The frequency range describes measurement limits; the sound you hear is also shaped by the in-app equaliser and sound personalisation.

Hybrid ANC uses both outer and inner microphones; adaptive mode changes the level of cancellation to match ambient noise.

aptX Adaptive works only with Android phones that support it; iPhones use AAC. Multipoint connections are managed in the app.

Sennheiser says the 60 hours was measured with an iPhone at medium volume; higher volume and aptX Adaptive can shorten it.

When listening over USB-C, the headphones decode digital audio internally; the analogue cable works even with a flat battery.

Smart Pause stops playback when the headphones are taken off and resumes when they are put back on; Auto On/Off shuts them down to save power when not in use.