Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong reportedly ordered a management review after criticism that the Galaxy Buds3 resembled Apple’s AirPods and the Galaxy Watch Ultra echoed Apple’s rugged watch. The account, published in August 2024 and attributed to an anonymous insider, was not publicly confirmed by Samsung in the reporting reviewed. It does not establish that Lee personally rejected the products, that executives were fired over their designs, or that Samsung admitted copying Apple.
What the report said—and what it did not establish
The products were unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris on July 10, 2024, and Samsung announced global availability beginning July 24, with timing varying by market and product. The controversy over Lee’s reaction surfaced in early August. Samsung’s launch announcement confirms the event and official product names.
The report originated with South Korean outlet AjuNews, according to international coverage. It cited an anonymous Samsung insider who said Lee was upset by the design criticism and that Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division was told to reassess its management or plans. The account was repeated by outlets including SamMobile and Android Authority. Notebookcheck’s account likewise describes the claim as insider reporting, not an on-the-record confirmation from Samsung.
Some coverage mentioned personnel measures involving executives, and TM Roh, then head of MX, was named in discussion of the division. The available reports do not establish a verified list of people affected or show that anyone was dismissed specifically because of these products. A management review, reassignment, disciplinary action and firing are different outcomes; the reporting does not pin down which measures occurred.
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- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
- TALK TO GEMINI, HANDS-FREE: With hands-free access to Gemini⁴, smart assistance is always within earshot. No need to reach for your phone anymore as Galaxy Buds3 FE let you get help on the go, just by using your voice.⁵
Why the Galaxy Buds3 drew AirPods comparisons
The Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro marked a visible departure from the rounded shape of earlier Galaxy Buds. Both adopted a stem-style silhouette, with controls on or around the stem, and their case presents the earbuds in a vertical arrangement familiar from AirPods. Those shared visual cues made the comparison immediate, especially in launch coverage and media briefings where the products were discussed alongside Apple’s earbuds.
Samsung presented the redesign as a product-planning choice rather than an imitation. Its Buds3 design interview describes the new form in connection with ergonomics and audio, call, noise-cancellation and Galaxy AI features. A stem can also accommodate microphones and controls, but that functional possibility does not settle whether a particular product’s appearance feels distinctive. Colored left/right identifiers and Samsung’s own software and Galaxy-device integration are differences; they do not erase the resemblance in outline.
Rank #2
- Compatibility & Battery Life: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are compatible with Android devices running Android 8.0 or later with at least 1.5GB RAM. They provide 5-8 hours of playback depending on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) usage, and up to 18 hours with the charging case. The case supports wireless and wired charging, including Fast Charging technology for quick top-ups.
- Audio Features: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, the Buds 3 Pro support SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, delivering 24bit/96KHz audio for superior sound quality. They also include 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel for an immersive listening experience, especially when paired with Galaxy devices.
- ANC & AI Features: The Buds 3 Pro feature improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and advanced Galaxy AI, which enhances functionalities like real-time language translation, personalized sound profiles, and environment-based voice optimization. (Note: Galaxy AI features require a Samsung Galaxy device for full functionality).
- Call Features: With enhanced Super Wideband (SWB) microphones and AI-based noise reduction, the Buds 3 Pro improve call clarity by filtering out surrounding noise and reconstructing lost voice bits, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication even in noisy environments.Water & Sweat Resistance: These earbuds are IPX7-rated for water resistance, making them more suitable for workouts and outdoor use in varying weather conditions.
- International Model without Domestic Warranty. Optimized Features: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are optimized for Android, particularly Samsung Galaxy devices, for advanced features such as 360 Audio, UHQ audio codecs, and real-time AI-based functionalities. While they are compatible with iOS devices via Bluetooth, certain features are exclusive to Galaxy Android devices.
“Copying Apple” was a criticism, not a legal finding. Similarity in a product category is not by itself proof of infringement, and the available material does not establish a legal dispute or Samsung admission.
How the Galaxy Watch Ultra compares with Apple Watch Ultra
Both watches occupy a rugged, premium “Ultra” position and emphasize outdoor use, durability and titanium construction. Samsung’s model has an enlarged, squarish cushion-style outer case around a circular display; Apple Watch Ultra has a rectangular display. The shared rugged styling and “Ultra” name invited comparisons, but the screen shapes and broader software ecosystems remain substantial differences.
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Rank #3
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3-FE (2025) True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, Long Lasting Battery, Hands Free AI, Latin American Stock
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
Samsung’s Watch Ultra design story frames the circular screen as part of Galaxy Watch heritage and the cushion frame as a design choice with functional and aesthetic aims. Samsung also promoted the watch for outdoor performance, highlighting its titanium frame, durability, health sensors and 3nm processor in its product overview. This is Samsung’s stated rationale, not independent proof that every element is novel or that the Apple comparison is unreasonable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The separate Buds3 Pro quality-control problem
Design criticism became entangled with early reports of product-quality problems, particularly for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Customers and media reported ear tips that tore during removal and inconsistencies in finish or assembly. Samsung delayed wider Buds3 Pro availability while it carried out additional quality checks, according to Macworld’s coverage.
Rank #4
- Compatibility & Battery Life: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 are compatible with Android devices running Android 8.0 or later with at least 1.5GB RAM. They provide 6-8 hours of playback depending on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) use, and up to 12 hours with the charging case. Case can charged wireless or wired.
- Audio Features: The Buds3, with the power of Bluetooth 5.4, features SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs, offering 24bit/96KHz audio for high-quality sound.
- ANC & AI Features: They include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), along with Galaxy AI for enhanced features like real-time language translation and voice optimization in noisy environments. (**Galaxy AI Features Require Samsung Galaxy Device).
- Call Features: The Super Wideband (SWB) microphones, combined with Galaxy AI, enhance call quality by capturing a wider bandwidth and reconstructing lost voice bits, ensuring clear communication even in challenging conditions.
- International Model without Domestic Warranty. Optimized for Android devices, especially Samsung Galaxy phones, but they can also work with iOS devices through Bluetooth connectivity. Advanced features such as Galaxy AI, SSC HiFi/UHQ audio codecs, and real-time language translation are Only supported for Galaxy Android Devices.
That evidence concerns reported early issues, with many complaints focused on the Pro model; it does not show that every Buds3 or Buds3 Pro unit was defective. The reports support a release delay or availability pause for checks, not a claim that the entire Buds3 range was formally recalled. Isolated user complaints about Watch Ultra fit and finish were also reported, but they are less extensive than the Buds3 Pro launch reports. A defective early unit or online photo is not a representative defect rate.
The design controversy and quality complaints may have compounded the launch’s reputational problems, but the available reporting does not establish that one caused the other.
What is confirmed and what remains reported
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Samsung announced the Galaxy Buds3 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra on July 10, 2024. | Confirmed in Samsung’s launch announcement. |
| The Buds3 and Watch Ultra were compared with Apple products. | Widely reported public and media reaction; comparison is not proof of copying. |
| Lee Jae-yong was angry and ordered an MX management review. | Reported through an anonymous insider account; not publicly confirmed by Samsung in the cited coverage. |
| Executives were fired specifically over the designs. | Not established by the available reporting. |
| Early Buds3 Pro quality problems were reported and wider availability was delayed for checks. | Reported; does not establish a defect in every unit or a formal recall of the whole lineup. |
Why the distinction matters
The strongest supported reading is that Samsung faced two overlapping launch concerns: a perception that its new products looked too much like Apple’s, and early quality complaints focused especially on Buds3 Pro. The first is a question of design perception and brand strategy; the second concerns reported manufacturing and inspection problems. Neither turns the anonymous account of Lee’s reaction into a confirmed statement, nor does either establish plagiarism or a confirmed executive purge.
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