Apple AirPods 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
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.
Galaxy Buds4 Pro with Interpreter translate face-to-face conversations in 22 languages: you hear the other person, and your words appear on your phone.
Good to know: Needs a Galaxy phone with Galaxy AI.
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.
With the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, Galaxy Buds4 Pro deliver real-time translation of calls into your ear.
Good to know: Galaxy S26 series named for calls; 22 languages.
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 says Galaxy Buds4 Pro work with Google Gemini and Bixby for hands-free help, and lists voice commands on the Pro model.
Good to know: Samsung's description; its comparison page doesn't list which phones are needed.
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.
Galaxy Buds4 Pro play 6 hours with noise cancellation (7 without), and 26 hours in total with the case (30 without).
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.
Interpreter on Galaxy Buds4 Pro needs a Galaxy phone with Galaxy AI on One UI 6.1.1 or later; call translation uses a Galaxy S26.
Good to know: Other Android phones can use the earbuds, but not Galaxy AI translation.
How we know (5 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 sourceSamsung UK support page comparing Galaxy Buds4 Pro, Buds4, Buds3 Pro and Buds3 (updated Apr 3, 2026; read Oct 24, 2026). It describes Gemini and Bixby integration for hands-free help; the spec table lists AI access (Bixby/Gemini) on all four, voice commands on Buds4 Pro but not Buds4, and head gestures on both Buds4 models. No phone requirements on the page.
Read the sourceSamsung's Galaxy Buds comparison table (read Oct 23, 2026): Galaxy Buds4 Pro play time 6 hours in the earbuds with ANC on (7 off) and 26 hours in total with the case (30 with ANC off); talk time 4.5 hours (20 with the case).
Read the sourceUS Galaxy Buds4 Pro page (read Oct 22, 2026): from $249.99. Interpreter and Live Translate in 22 languages: real-time translation in your ear on calls through the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, or face-to-face with your words shown on the phone for the other person. Interpreter needs a Galaxy AI phone on One UI 6.1.1 or later; basic Galaxy AI features are free.
Read the source