Samsung has found the only way to beat AirPods — with an incredible Pokemon collaboration

Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus Pokemon
(Image credit: Samsung)

AirPods are many things – but you could never call them fun. That smooth, round case and clinical color choice makes for a subdued look and experience, one that screams 'MINIMALISM ABOVE ALL ELSE', and you know what? Sometimes its fun when companies make things that embrace something with a little more substance.

Case in point – the Samsung Galaxy Buds X Pokemon collaboration that slips some of Samsungs best earbuds in a Pokemon-themed case to make your day at least a little more fun.

Gotta Catch em' All

You can get the cases in the form of three different Pokemon – the sleepy Snorlax, the shape-shifting Ditto, and the rotund Jigglypuff. Each is like a very large, slightly unwieldy case for the buds, and it appears as though the buds themselves remain untouched by the Pokemon theming – they are just the black version of the buds.

You can get them in the form of a package that comes with a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 for 129,000 Korean Won ($100), or Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for 199,000 Korean Won ($150). Both are available from the Samsung store in Gangnam and the online store in Korea. You can also get the buds cases itself on their own – although both 'packages' come with a cute sticker, according to Samsung's press release.

The Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are some of the best in-ear buds that you can buy, making a more difficult decision for even the most stalwart AirPods Pro 2 user. They cost less than Apple's option but bring great sound quality and solid noise canceling to the table to tempt users their way. These Pokemon cases, alas, don't seem to be coming to the US any time soon – although a Pokemon fan can always hope, and dream.

I want the Ditto one. He's fun.

Tammy Rogers
Senior Staff Writer

As iMore's Senior Staff writer, Tammy uses her background in audio and Masters in screenwriting to pen engaging product reviews and informative buying guides. The resident audiophile (or audio weirdo), she's got an eye for detail and a love of top-quality sound. Apple is her bread and butter, with attention on HomeKit and Apple iPhone and Mac hardware. You won't find her far away from a keyboard even outside of working at iMore – in her spare time, she spends her free time writing feature-length and TV screenplays. Also known to enjoy driving digital cars around virtual circuits, to varying degrees of success. Just don't ask her about AirPods Max - you probably won't like her answer.

  • FFR
    Obviously apple doesn’t need to
    Reply
  • Just_Me_D
    Pokémon earbuds? Wow! Just….wow! I highly doubt Apple is concerned.
    Reply
  • FFR
    Just_Me_D said:
    Pokémon earbuds? Wow! Just….wow! I highly doubt Apple is concerned.

    It looks likes Samsung is having a hard time giving away their wireless earbuds, don’t think this will make it any easier.
    Reply
  • Just_Me_D
    Killeen92 said:
    Depends on what your priorities are. If you care about audio quality, stay away from both Samsung and Airpods.

    Audio quality depends on the user, in my opinion, and I doubt an “audiophile” will select either for his or her music enjoyment. With that being said, earbuds from numerous brands around the world are in use by millions of people and the sound they enjoy is sufficient for them.

    I could be wrong, but I’d expect to see Pokémon earbuds in the ears of elementary school aged kids who will more than likely be glad just to hear the music they enjoy.

    Apple is not concerned over this.
    Reply
  • FFR
    AirPods marketshare for q1 2023.
    Reply
  • Just_Me_D
    Killeen92 said:
    I only wear my Airpods for my long runs because I love the convenience of Siri for track skips etc. Sound quality i not a concern because they're mainly for background noise and are left in transparency mode so I can hear traffic. Outside of long runs, I usually avoid them at all costs. "Millions of people" love mediocrity,fortunately I am not one of them. I have a device for every situation. Comparing Airpods and Samsung earbuds is like bragging being the tallest midget. They both come up short

    I wouldn’t say millions of people love mediocrity. They are simply content with either what they have or, in this instance, pleased with the sound they are hearing. In addition, we can’t rule out the people in whom audio quality is not high on their list of priorities.

    As for comparing, you and I both know that as long as there’s Apple and Google, Apple and Samsung, etcetera, there will always be comparisons and there will always be people/members of online communities like this one who will favor one over the other and end up getting heated over it at some point. Know what I mean?

    People are different and, therefore, will comment in various ways on articles like this.
    Reply
  • FFR
    No idea why some dislike empirical data such as marketshare.
    Reply
  • grover5
    Killeen92 said:
    I own both so what's your point? Both don't sound that great. So what if the 29% crap outsells the 8% crap. Sennheiser Noble, sound better than both.

    That’s certainly your opinion. We all recognize you find both products to be awful. Was there anything more to it than that? Would you like to be recognized in some manner for your own perception of your audio quality detection abilities? I have no issue with the Pokémon ear buds. More options for people who get into that stuff.
    Reply
  • Just_Me_D
    Killeen92 said:
    Meanwhile, water is wet.

    Indeed, and it can be also lukewarm, cold or hot, and even frozen.
    Reply
  • Lee_Bo
    Just_Me_D said:
    Indeed, and it can be also lukewarm, cold or hot, and even frozen.

    You realize all you're doing is banging your head against a wall, right?
    Reply