Everything You Need to Know About Galaxy Buds 4 Ultra-High Quality Audio Support

Samsung has officially raised the bar for wireless audio with the introduction of the **Galaxy Buds 4 and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. These flagship earbuds are designed to cater to audiophiles by offering support for Ultra-High Quality (UHQ) audio and 24-bit Hi-Fi sound. However, these premium features are not universal; they require specific hardware and software ecosystems to function at their full potential. Understanding these requirements is essential for users who want to experience the absolute best audio performance Samsung has to offer.

The **Galaxy Buds 4 Pro** and its standard counterpart utilize the Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) to deliver 24bit/96kHz audio playback. This proprietary technology ensures that audio data is transmitted with minimal loss, providing a depth and clarity that standard Bluetooth codecs often struggle to achieve. To further enhance the immersive experience, Samsung has integrated 360-degree audio and direct multi-channel capabilities into the series.

Compatible Devices for UHQ Audio

Samsung has clarified that the UHQ audio feature is currently restricted to a specific list of high-end devices. To enjoy this ultra-high-quality sound, you must pair the earbuds with a compatible Galaxy device running One UI 6.1.1 or higher. The currently supported devices include:

• **Samsung Galaxy S26**, S25, S24, and S23 series.
• Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Fold 6, and Z Fold 7.
• Galaxy Z Flip 5, Z Flip 6, and Z Flip 7.
• The innovative Galaxy Z TriFold.
• Galaxy Tab S9 series tablets.

While the list is exclusive for now, Samsung has indicated that support for additional devices may be introduced through future software updates. This ensures that more users in the Galaxy ecosystem might eventually gain access to these high-fidelity features.

The Importance of the Audio Source

Even if you possess a compatible **Samsung Galaxy S25** and the latest Buds 4, the quality of your audio source remains a critical factor. Standard streaming platforms such as Spotify or YouTube typically use compressed audio formats that do not support the bitrates required for UHQ. To truly hear the difference, users must subscribe to high-resolution services like Tidal or Amazon Music Unlimited, which offer lossless or high-definition audio streams compatible with 24-bit hardware.

What is the Samsung SSC codec?

The Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) is a proprietary audio technology developed by Samsung to allow for high-bitrate audio transmission (up to 24bit/96kHz) between Galaxy devices and Galaxy Buds, ensuring a lossless-like listening experience.

Will UHQ audio work on non-Samsung devices?

No, the UHQ audio feature specifically requires the SSC codec, which is only available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. On other devices, the earbuds will fall back to standard Bluetooth codecs like AAC or SBC.

Which One UI version do I need for UHQ support?

You need a compatible device running One UI 6.1.1 or a more recent version to enable the ultra-high quality audio features on the Galaxy Buds 4 series.

Can I hear UHQ audio on Spotify?

Currently, Spotify does not offer high-resolution audio. To take advantage of the 24-bit Hi-Fi capabilities of the Buds 4, you should use platforms like Tidal, Deezer (HiFi tier), or Amazon Music Unlimited.

Is the Galaxy S22 series supported?

As of now, Samsung has confirmed support starting from the Galaxy S23 series and newer. Older flagships like the S22 are not currently on the official compatibility list for UHQ audio.

🔎 In conclusion, the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro represent a significant leap forward in mobile audio technology, but they are clearly designed to reward those deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem. By combining the latest Galaxy flagship hardware with high-resolution streaming services, users can unlock a studio-grade listening experience on the go. As Samsung continues to update its software, we hope to see this impressive audio standard expand to even more devices in the future.