Apple AirPods 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4
5 questions both answer, side by side. Every answer is backed by the dated sources at the bottom.
Side by side
Can earbuds translate a conversation live?
Apple lists AirPods 5 among the AirPods that support Live Translation of face-to-face conversations with a compatible iPhone.
Good to know: Labeled beta; needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence.
With a Galaxy AI phone, Samsung's Interpreter translates face-to-face conversations through Galaxy Buds4: you hear it in the earbuds and read it on the phone.
Good to know: Needs a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone on One UI 6.1.1 or later.
Can earbuds translate a phone call?
Apple says Live Translation with supported AirPods, including AirPods 5, also works on Phone and FaceTime calls.
Good to know: Beta; needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later with Apple Intelligence.
Using the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, Galaxy Buds4 deliver real-time call translation in 22 languages.
Good to know: Galaxy S26 series only, per Samsung's page.
Can you talk to an AI assistant through your earbuds?
AirPods 5 give hands-free access to Siri AI: say "Siri" or "Hey Siri", and nod or shake your head to answer Siri's questions.
Good to know: Siri AI runs on the paired iPhone.
Samsung lists Gemini and Bixby as the AI assistants on Galaxy Buds4.
Good to know: Gemini requires a Google Gemini account.
How long do AI earbuds last on a charge?
Apple rates AirPods 5 at up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on a charge and up to 20 hours with the case (5 and 22 hours with the Wireless Charging Case).
Good to know: Maker's figures.
Samsung rates Galaxy Buds4 at 5 hours with ANC on (6 off) and 24 hours with the case.
Good to know: Maker's figures.
Which phone do translation earbuds need?
Live Translation with AirPods 5 needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence turned on.
Good to know: Apple's support article; AirPods 5 work with other iPhones for listening.
Samsung says Galaxy Buds4 support Galaxy AI features such as Interpreter and Live Translate when paired with compatible Samsung Galaxy devices.
Good to know: On other phones these AI features aren't available.
How we know (3 sources)
Apple support article on Live Translation with AirPods: works with AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max 2 and an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence on. After both languages are downloaded, all processing happens on the iPhone. Start it in the Translate app, by holding both stems, or by saying "Siri, start Live Translation"; it also works on Phone and FaceTime calls. Labeled beta; Apple warns outputs may be inaccurate and features vary by region and language.
Read the sourceAirPods 5 tech specs (the airpods-4 address now shows AirPods 5; read Oct 24, 2026): up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge (6 with noise control off) and up to 20 hours with the case; the Wireless Charging Case version is rated 5 and 22 hours. Hands-free access to Siri AI with "Hey Siri" or "Siri", and Siri Interactions by nodding or shaking your head. Works with iPhone models on the latest iOS.
Read the sourceUS Galaxy Buds4 page and Samsung's comparison table (read Oct 24, 2026): from $179.99. Play time 5 hours in the earbuds with ANC on (6 off), 24 hours with the case. AI assistant: Gemini and Bixby. Live Translate in 22 languages on calls through the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, and Interpreter for face-to-face conversations with a Galaxy AI phone on One UI 6.1.1 or later. Galaxy AI features such as Interpreter and Live Translate need a compatible Samsung Galaxy device.
Read the source