Before Samsung had even announced them, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were already in the hands of consumers — and on Reddit. On July 7, 2024, a Reddit user going by Plastic_Development1 posted the first real-world photos of the unreleased earbuds, claiming they’d stumbled upon them on a shelf at a Walmart store in the U.S., priced at $250. The images, showing the earbuds, their charging case with distinctive ‘blade lights,’ and even the retail box, were quickly verified by respected tech leaker Ice Universe, lending credibility to what should’ve been a tightly guarded secret. This wasn’t just a render or a 3D model. These were physical units, bought, worn, and photographed by an ordinary shopper — and they’re changing the game for Samsung’s most anticipated audio launch in years.
Design Shift: A Bold Move Toward Apple’s Territory
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro look nothing like their predecessors. Gone is the rounded, almost mushroom-like shape of the Buds 2 Pro. In its place: a sleek, stem-based design that’s unmistakably reminiscent of the Apple AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds come in silver-gray and white, with a longer stem that, according to the Reddit user, feels similar in fit — but potentially awkward for side-sleepers. That’s the kind of real-world detail no marketing team would reveal until after launch. And yet, here it was, volunteered by a user who clearly tested them in bed.
The charging case is equally striking. Instead of the smooth, minimalist shell of past models, it now features illuminated ‘blade lights’ along the sides — a subtle but bold design cue that suggests Samsung is trying to match Apple’s premium aesthetic while still carving out its own identity. The inclusion of an AKG logo on the earbuds themselves confirms what rumors had hinted at: Samsung’s long-standing audio partner is playing a bigger role than ever in tuning the sound signature. This isn’t just a hardware refresh. It’s an acoustic renaissance.
Technical Upgrades: Two Drivers, Smarter Features
Under the hood, the Pro version is getting a major boost. Unlike the standard Galaxy Buds 3, which reportedly has a single driver per ear, the Pro model packs two — a move that promises richer bass, clearer mids, and more detailed treble. Early testers, as noted by Phone Unboxed, are already praising the sound, particularly the ambient mode and noise isolation. That’s critical. In a market where Apple dominates the premium earbud segment, Samsung needs more than looks to compete. It needs performance.
And it’s not just about sound. Leaked images from the Samsung Members app, pulled by Android Authority and AssembleDebug, show pinch-gesture controls being implemented on both the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro. That means users will be able to tap, swipe, or pinch to control playback, switch modes, or activate voice assistants — a feature Apple introduced with the AirPods Pro 2 and one Samsung has been slow to adopt. Now, it’s arriving just in time.
Unprecedented Leak: Retailers Already Shipping
The most surprising part? This wasn’t a warehouse breach or a factory leak. These earbuds were sold — and bought — like any other consumer product. PhoneArena reported that retailers worldwide had already begun receiving inventory, which is wildly out of step with Samsung’s usual strategy. Typically, the company holds everything tight until the official Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event, which multiple sources now confirm will take place on July 10, 2024. But here we are: Walmart shelves stocked with product that wasn’t supposed to be there. That kind of pre-release availability is rare — and it suggests either a massive supply chain error, or a calculated gamble by Samsung to build hype before the big reveal.
Even more telling: the earbuds were shown connecting seamlessly to the Galaxy Wearable app. That’s not something you fake. The pairing sequence, the firmware version, the interface — all match Samsung’s current ecosystem. TechRadar called it ‘compelling evidence’ of authenticity. And with Ice Universe — the same leaker who correctly predicted the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera bumps — sharing the same images, skepticism is fading fast.
Why This Matters: The 0 War for Your Ears
Samsung isn’t just launching earbuds. It’s declaring war on Apple’s $249 AirPods Pro 2. For years, Samsung’s premium buds have been the ‘almost’ choice — great battery life, solid ANC, but never quite matching Apple’s seamless integration or sound refinement. The Buds 3 Pro changes that. Two drivers. AKG tuning. Gesture controls. A design that doesn’t apologize for looking like Apple’s. And now, a leak that’s turned a product launch into a cultural moment.
Adrian Diaconescu of PhoneArena, a tech journalist who’s been covering mobile audio since the Nokia 3310, put it best: “Samsung’s AirPods alternatives are sure to bid for the title of best wireless earbuds money can buy in 2024.” That’s not hype. That’s a challenge.
What’s Next: The Unpacked Countdown
With the official unveiling just three days away on July 10, the pressure is on Samsung to deliver. The leak has already set expectations sky-high. Consumers are comparing fit, testing ANC in real environments, and debating whether the stem is worth the trade-off. If Samsung can match the performance of the leaked units — and not just the aesthetics — the Buds 3 Pro could be its most successful audio product ever.
But here’s the twist: if the final version feels like a downgrade — if the battery life drops, if the ANC isn’t as strong, if the app glitches — then this leak could backfire. People don’t forgive unmet promises. Especially not at $250.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro differ from the standard Buds 3?
The Pro version features dual drivers per earbud for richer, more detailed sound, while the standard Buds 3 have only one. The Pro model also includes enhanced active noise cancellation, improved Bluetooth connectivity, and likely longer battery life. The charging case design also differs, with the Pro’s having the distinctive ‘blade lights’ absent on the standard model.
Why were these earbuds available at Walmart before the official launch?
Samsung’s supply chain appears to have shipped inventory early, possibly due to a logistics error or an intentional test of retail readiness. This is highly unusual — Samsung typically holds products until the official Galaxy Unpacked event. The early availability suggests the company may be preparing for a rapid global rollout, or that the leak was more widespread than initially thought.
Is the stem design a step backward for Samsung?
Not necessarily. While Samsung has historically favored compact, in-ear designs, the longer stem improves stability and makes gesture controls more reliable. It also aligns with Apple’s market-leading form factor, which consumers already trust. The trade-off is comfort during sleep — as noted by the Reddit user — but for most users, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Can the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro compete with Apple’s AirPods Pro 2?
Absolutely — if Samsung delivers on sound quality and app integration. The leaked units show two drivers, AKG tuning, and gesture controls, matching Apple’s key features. Where Samsung could win is in Android integration, battery life, and price flexibility. But if the ANC or mic quality falters, Apple’s ecosystem advantage may still tip the scales.
What’s the significance of the AKG logo on the earbuds?
AKG, a respected audio engineering brand acquired by Samsung in 2017, is now directly involved in tuning the sound signature. Its presence signals a serious commitment to high-fidelity audio — not just marketing. This isn’t a logo for show. It’s a promise of better clarity, deeper bass, and more natural sound reproduction than any previous Galaxy Buds model.
Will the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro be available in colors other than silver and white?
So far, only silver-gray and white have been confirmed in leaked images and retail packaging. Samsung typically releases additional colors like black or green in later waves, but for the initial launch, it’s sticking with a clean, premium palette to compete directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. Don’t expect bold colors like purple or blue until later this year.