Apple AirPods Pro 3 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?
With Live Translation, AirPods Pro 3 translate what the other person says into your language; your reply shows as text or audio on your iPhone.
Good to know: Labeled beta. Apple warns translations may be inaccurate; availability varies by region and language.
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?
Live Translation also works on calls in the Phone app and on FaceTime while you wear your AirPods.
Good to know: Same requirements as Live Translation: iPhone 15 Pro or later, iOS 26, Apple Intelligence. Beta.
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 take Siri voice commands; for example, "Siri, start Live Translation" starts a translation hands-free.
Good to know: Siri features depend on your iPhone and region.
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?
AirPods Pro 3 play up to 8 hours with noise cancellation on one charge, and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
Good to know: Maker's figures; 6.5 hours when heart rate sensing is on during workouts.
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 needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence turned on.
Good to know: Also works with AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5 and AirPods Max 2.
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 Pro 3 tech specs (read Oct 23, 2026): up to 8 hours of listening with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge (6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts) and up to 24 hours with the MagSafe charging case; 5 minutes in the case gives about an hour. IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance; heart rate sensor for workouts.
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