Samsung now sells Galaxy Buds FE; these buds don't cost much but pack a punch with active noise cancellation and refined sound. While they ditch the need for cords to charge, you must use a USB-C cable for power.

Google throws in the Pixel Buds A-Series as another choice - not as pricey, yet lacking active noise cancellation and top-tier connect tech. Still, their audio hits hard, and they're light on your ears; all this for cash that won't make you wince.

They've got vents, too: these keep ear pressure even and let in some outside noise so you stay alert.

With both brands fighting to rule the budget bud scene, users win with quality sound gear at kind costs. Each pair has its charm: Samsung gives us the quiet we crave with ANC, and Google keeps it simple but does enough right to earn a nod.

(Photo : Unsplash/Daniel Romero)

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and Pixel Buds A-Series Design and Price

Samsung's Galaxy Buds FE hit the market last October; their price was $100. You can buy them in graphite or white at Samsung and other stores. Though fresh on the scene, deals for these may pop up occasionally, but steady price cuts? Not yet.

Meanwhile, Google's Pixel Buds A-Series-on the market for two years-stick to their $99 cost at Google Store and often sell for less. These come in different colors like Charcoal, Clearly White, Dark Olive, and Sea.

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Specs Comparison of the Two

Let's size them up: Six hours of juice flow from the Galaxy Buds FE (21 with case; ANC active). The Pixel Buds A-Series trail slightly with five hours (24 with case). The critical point is that the Galaxy Buds FE boasts ANC, a perk not found in the Pixel Buds A-Series.

For durability against sweat or light rain drops, Galaxy gets an IPX2 rate; Pixels secure IPX4.

Both play nice with AAC and SBC codecs, but only Galaxy tacks on Samsung Scaleable tech. Heft-wise? The Galaxies tip scales at 5.8g; dimensions set at 17.5 x 19.3 x 22.2mm-compared to the lighter Pixels weighing in at 5.1g and measuring larger at 20.x7 x 29.x3 x .17x5mm-and both types recharge via USB-C ports meant for wires.

Sound Call and Sound Quality

In each ear of the Galaxy Buds FE, Samsung has gone for a solo-driver design; this choice saves money yet retains high sound prowess. These thrifty buds impress with an audio range that stands out: deep tones come through clear and strong but never drown out other sounds.

Samsung holds on to its fame for top-notch audio in these essential Buds FE-proof of their know-how in sound.

On the other hand, Google's Pixel Buds A-Series stand proud with decent sonic output at their cost tier. They miss some fine points present in Samsung's counterpart, though. Google's earbuds have aged two years, yet they've gained from firmware updates post-launch.

Reviews from the early days may not justify what they can now achieve. These favor clear vocal sounds out of the box but flick on bass boost and get a full-bodied low-end while keeping mids and highs intact. The Galaxy Buds FE might edge them out here, but the Pixel Buds A-Series still offer enjoyable tunes for what you pay.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds FE stand out when you pit them against Google's Pixel Buds A-Series, chiefly in how they deal with the noise all around us. Packed with active noise cancellation (ANC), the Galaxy Buds FE cut out sound distractions, a key element the Pixel Buds lack.

Instead, Google's earbuds use "Adaptive Sound," which tweaks volume based on surrounding clamor-still, which is not as sharp a solution as ANC.

The vents in A-Series? They do little to block outside hubbub.

Samsung's buds shine, boasting ANC prowess but not quite hitting the mark set by top-tier pairs like Sony's WF-1000XM5. Thanks to a trio of mics-two facing outward and one inward-they squash familiar din effectively.

Moreover, users can fiddle with an adjustable Ambient Sound mode (much like transparency mode), yet it falls short of perfection. By contrast, The Pixel Buds let sounds slip through more freely because of their airy build.

In call quality, Google's Adaptive Sound can adjust volume dynamically to aid in hearing the caller amidst background noise. Yet, Samsung's Buds FE accomplishes a similar feat through smart filtering in their ambient sound mode, which is controllable via the wearable app.

Both earbuds deliver clear sound from the wearer, but the Pixel Buds A-Series slightly outperform in noise reduction during calls.

Which one of these budget friendly buds will you choose?

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