Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 beat the AirPods at high quality audio, but it is quite exclusive
Summary
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 offer impressive 24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio quality, surpassing AirPods. However, this feature is exclusive to select Galaxy devices operating on One UI 6.1.1 or later, highlighting its premium nature.
Key Insights
What is 24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio and how does it surpass AirPods?
24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio, enabled via Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC UHQ), delivers Hi-Res Audio with greater detail, wider dynamic range, and higher fidelity than standard Bluetooth audio, preserving more of the original recording compared to AirPods which typically support lower resolutions like AAC at 16-bit/44.1kHz.
Which devices are required to access the 24-bit/96kHz UHQ audio on Galaxy Buds 4?
This feature requires pairing with compatible Galaxy devices such as S23 or newer, Z Fold5 or newer, Z Flip5 or newer, and Tab S9 or newer, running One UI 6.1.1 or later; it does not work with non-Samsung devices or older models.