Newly discovered setup animations in One UI 8.5 suggest a serious makeover for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The refreshed design features flatter stems, a simpler charging case, and a new hands-free control trick called Head Gestures.
The leak gives the clearest look yet at Samsung’s next flagship earbuds, expected to debut alongside the next Galaxy S-series phones.
A sleeker, simplified design
Early visuals show a pair of black earbuds resting in a redesigned charging case — an evolution that refines Samsung’s familiar Buds formula. The stem-based shape remains, but the sharper angles and glowing bars of the last generation are gone. In their place is a smoother, subtler profile aimed at comfort and everyday practicality.
This design direction suggests Samsung is staying consistent with its naming convention — if history is any guide, regular Buds 4 models may appear alongside the Pro variant.
Functional hardware refinements
The shift to a flat stem isn’t just about visuals. It should make controls easier to pinch and hold while reducing power draw and improving resistance to water and dust by eliminating the light bar. Microphone and vent placements appear fine-tuned, improving wind resistance and call clarity while keeping the same essential silhouette.
The charging case has undergone an even bigger transformation. The earbuds now lie flat instead of dropping vertically into the case — an approach seen in some premium competitors. This layout simplifies alignment, cuts wear on the pogo pins, and enables a slimmer, more pocketable profile. The result is a smoother docking experience that feels more dependable in daily use.
Hands-free control through Head Gestures
Software hints from the same One UI 8.5 build point to an added feature: Head Gestures. While motion-based controls aren’t new — Sony and Google have tried similar nod and shake gestures — Samsung appears to be exploring a wider range of functions beyond call management. Early indicators suggest that nodding or turning your head might trigger actions like media playback or volume control.
These controls likely rely on built-in motion sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Done well, the feature could prove genuinely useful for runners with sweaty hands, commuters wearing gloves, or anyone who prefers touch-free convenience. Custom calibration settings are expected to prevent misreads and tailor sensitivity to each user’s comfort.
Returning favorites and expected upgrades
The animations mostly highlight design and controls, but many hallmark features from the Buds 3 Pro are expected to carry over, including adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), multipoint Bluetooth, and seamless Galaxy ecosystem switching.
Software highlights likely include spatial audio with head tracking, SmartThings Find integration, and LE Audio with Auracast broadcasting — a growing trend in public audio sharing at venues such as airports and galleries. Samsung’s recent focus on AI-enhanced voice pickup and ambient sound should continue, helping refine clarity for calls and transparency mode quality.
A strategic evolution within Samsung’s ecosystem
Launching the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside new Galaxy flagships underscores Samsung’s continued ecosystem strategy — polished, interconnected devices that deliver more convenience without unnecessary complexity.
The refreshed look and smarter interactions position the Buds 4 Pro to compete directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro, Sony’s WF-1000XM5, and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. If Samsung can balance comfort, design refinement, and reliable Head Gestures, these earbuds could attract users who value control, clarity, and seamless integration as much as sound quality.
Bottom line: the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro appear more comfortable, pocket-friendly, and truly hands-free — a trio of improvements that might keep Samsung’s premium earbuds squarely in the spotlight.
