Samsung appears poised to shake up the budget wireless earbud market with a new, highly affordable model: the Galaxy Buds Core. Leaked information suggests these earbuds, known internally by the model number SM-R410, could be Samsung’s most inexpensive truly wireless offering yet, potentially priced even below the current Galaxy Buds FE. But despite the lower expected cost, the Galaxy Buds Core are rumored to retain critical features and even boast one standout specification unmatched by any previous Galaxy Buds model.
The unusual “Core” moniker, first leaked a couple of months ago, points towards a focus on essential, high-value features. Recent listings, including a temporary appearance on Samsung UAE’s website, have seemingly confirmed this strategy.
Premium Features at a Core Price?
One of the most significant leaks is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This feature, previously a hallmark of Samsung’s mid-range and premium earbuds like the Galaxy Buds FE and Buds 3 Pro, is expected to make an appearance on the budget Core model. While the ANC performance might not rival the top-tier models, its presence at a potentially significantly lower price point is a major value proposition.
The leaked listings also indicate the Galaxy Buds Core will look similar to the existing Galaxy Buds FE, featuring a minimalist in-ear design without a stem. They are expected to be available in classic black and white color options. Tipping the scales at around 5.3g per earbud, they might even be slightly lighter than the Buds FE (5.6g), potentially enhancing comfort for extended listening sessions.
Durability also gets a boost, with an expected IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. This is an upgrade over the Buds FE’s IPX2 rating, making the Buds Core more suitable for workouts or commuting in various conditions.
Connectivity includes modern Bluetooth 5.4, and audio codec support covers SBC, AAC, and Samsung’s proprietary SSC (Samsung Scalable Codec). While SBC is standard, the inclusion of AAC and SSC allows for higher quality audio transmission, especially when paired with Samsung Galaxy devices, aiming to provide better sound fidelity than basic codecs allow.
Record-Breaking Battery Life Leaked
Perhaps the most striking detail revealed is the battery performance. According to the leaked webpage, the Galaxy Buds Core are rated for an incredible 35 hours of total playback with Active Noise Cancellation turned off (including charges from the case). This figure stands out as the longest battery life ever quoted by Samsung for any of its Galaxy Buds models to date, suggesting impressive real-world longevity compared to their siblings like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Even with ANC engaged, the claimed battery life is a respectable 20 hours total.
While there’s some conflicting information regarding the exact battery capacity of the earbuds themselves (some leaks suggest 65mAh per bud, others point to 100mAh), the consistency in the quoted playback time figure across reports highlights this as a key feature Samsung plans to promote. The charging case is expected to house a 500mAh battery.
Detailed specifications also reportedly include:
Earbud Dimensions: 19.2×17.1×22.2mm
Earbud Weight: 5.3g each
Charging Case Dimensions: 50x50x27.7mm
Charging Case Weight: 31.2g
Entering a Competitive Budget Arena
Samsung’s push into the truly budget earbud space with features like ANC and long battery life comes as the sub-$100 market becomes increasingly competitive. Many brands are now offering previously premium features at lower price points, focusing on balancing cost with performance for budget-conscious consumers seeking capable daily drivers.
For users embedded in the Galaxy ecosystem, the potential integration of Galaxy AI features (though currently a rumor) could further enhance the value proposition of the Buds Core. Features like Live Translate and Interpreter Mode, deeply integrated with Samsung Galaxy smartphones, would be a significant differentiator in the budget segment. This aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy of bringing AI capabilities to more of its devices.
Pricing and Availability Speculation
Initial leaks suggest the Galaxy Buds Core could be priced around $60 USD, though regional pricing will vary due to taxes and fees. Confirmation for a launch date includes June 27th in India. Whether they will be announced at Samsung’s July 9th Unpacked event or have their US launch delayed to prioritize higher-end models like the Buds 3 remains to be seen.
Based on the leaks, the Galaxy Buds Core appear set to offer a compelling blend of essential features, including ANC and potentially class-leading battery life within the Samsung lineup, all packaged at a highly accessible price point. This could make premium earbud features available to a much wider audience within the Galaxy family.
