Facepalm: Samsung and Apple are direct competitors, particularly in the phone market, but Samsung may have taken this competition a bit too far with some recent product designs. Namely, its Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Galaxy Watch Ultra have drawn criticism for closely resembling Apple's AirPods and Watch Ultra, leading to internal tensions within the company. It makes one wonder how successful Samsung will be with the new design philosophy it recently unveiled that aims for a more innovative and user-focused approach in the future.
Samsung's recent product designs, particularly for the Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Galaxy Watch Ultra, have sparked controversy due to their striking resemblance to Apple's AirPods and Watch Ultra. This has reportedly infuriated Samsung's leadership, especially Lee Jae-yong, chairman of the MX Division, creating a tense atmosphere within the company.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, with their new stem design, represent a significant departure from Samsung's previous earbud aesthetics. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are available in both white and gray, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 are limited to white, and the white version of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is almost indistinguishable from their Apple counterparts at first glance. Even the charging case, despite some unique features like a flat bottom and pulsing LED strips, shares similarities with Apple's design.
Both the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $250, positioning them as direct competitors in the premium earbud market.
That said, it should be noted that there are sound quality differences between the two products, with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro featuring a dual-driver system for improved clarity, while the AirPods Pro 2 rely on a single dynamic driver.
Similarly, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has been criticized for its apparent inspiration from Apple's Watch Ultra, offering little differentiation in overall look and feel.
These design choices have led to accusations of plagiarism and sparked both internal and external criticism, with negative feedback from consumers and media alike.
Compounding these issues are significant quality problems with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, including inconsistent bud heights, LED malfunctions, and tearing of the in-ear silicone. These issues have forced Samsung to halt shipments, offer exchanges or refunds, and conduct a comprehensive quality review.
Despite the setbacks, Samsung is not without a plan for the future. The company has recently redefined its design philosophy, dubbed "Samsung Design Identity 5.0: Essential.Innovative.Harmonious." This new approach aims to provide an optimized user experience by focusing on valuable changes rather than mere novelty.
It's also worth noting that Samsung has demonstrated innovation in other areas, such as their ongoing evolution of foldable smartphone designs. Recent improvements in hinge technology have resulted in lighter, more compact, and more durable models, showcasing the company's capacity for original thinking and design.