Hello!
Recently, I was sorting through the rubble of various old equipment at home and came across several headsets from different generations of Samsung Galaxy S. I listened to a couple of them. The impressions were unusual. I thought about the role of this or that manufacturer of the headset from the kit.
Until recently, most mobile phone companies perceived the headset not as a competitive advantage, but only as a necessary evil. The only exceptions to the rule were telephones, which were initially positioned as musical ones. And then, even in this case, solutions from third-party manufacturers were most often used, which were completed either with pilot batches of phones, or kits sold as part of promotions. Just remember the HTC Sensation XL that came with the Beats headphones.
Unfortunately, the majority of potential buyers were not aware of such generosity of the manufacturer, which was actively used by sellers in stores, quietly seizing or replacing headphones with others.
But, back from Galaxy. It is on the example of this line of Samsung that you can easily trace the evolution of the quality of complete headsets.
The complete set of the first device in the line included a wired headset with the uncomplicated name EHS48ES0MECSTD. It's very easy to remember. ?
The headset was distinguished by its simplicity of design and calm appearance. One of the features was that instead of ear filters, the sound guide was crowned with a figure in the form of a three-rayed star.
Because of this, earwax and dirt very quickly got inside the earphone, which negatively affected the quality of the already not the best sound. It was meant for conversation rather than music.
At the same time, the headset was actively sold separately as an additional accessory.
This headset model, with minor cosmetic changes, lasted until the third generation of the Galaxy series – S3.
The next step was the emergence of the most massive complete headset from Samsung – EHS64AVFWE. The most massive, both thanks to the sales of the Galaxy S3 itself, and its modifications, and the fact that Samsung put this headset in a set with many other models of their smartphones.
The plastic became white, the shape and materials changed. The wire has become more velvety, a full-fledged remote control with the ability to control music has appeared. By the way, this remote control, because of its shape, was a real headache for many – it constantly clung to the collar, trying to pull the right earpiece out of the ear.
However, to give credit, the sound has become much better. There is a bass, and a good middle.
And also, the earbuds got a normal sulfur filter that prevents dirt from getting inside the earphone.
The remote control was surprised by the non-standard arrangement of the buttons. It was not clear what caused this particular arrangement. Most likely, this is due to the desire to be different from Apple, which in the EarPods remote used a more logical construction (+ play -).
This arrangement of the buttons has survived to this day, its own, both for Samsung and Apple. Each manufacturer remains true to himself.
From the fact that the manufacturer paid attention to the quality of the complete headset, it could be concluded that something new and better should await us in the next generation of devices. But alas, along with the Galaxy S4, the EO-HS3303WE headset saw the light.
Outwardly, the main differences were the use of a flat cable, which is now not so easily entangled in a pocket or bag, finally, rounded corners at the remote control, a narrower sound guide, and … And that's all. In terms of sound, the new headset variant is not far from its predecessor. However, those who used the previous generation before realized that the bundled headset can produce quite decent sounds, compared to the rest of the 'kits' from other manufacturers Android – smartphones, and were in no hurry to get rid of the headset.
Yes, it had a little less bass compared to its predecessor, the sound became only slightly clearer, but it did not cling to the collar and easily untangled. What else does a zealous owner need for happiness?
The Galaxy S5 has the exact same headset. In general, the S5 has become one of the most unfortunate representatives of the line for the company.
In the Galaxy S6, which introduced the new design of Samsung smartphones, according to all marketing laws, and from the point of view of common sense, it was impossible to use the same headset as in previous generations of devices.
It was in the Galaxy s6 kit that users first saw a headset with a new design.
At first glance, the EO-EG920BB seems completely different from previous generations of Samsung headsets. However, if you look closely, it becomes clear that only the shape of the headphones has undergone a radical change. The cable, remote control, wire, practically did not change. These are all the same good old Samsungs.
To its credit, the sound quality has become quite decent, and the shape is more comfortable. Now these are not earplugs, but earbuds that sit very comfortably in the ears and practically do not fall out. There are many favorite deep bass, and the rest of the frequencies are in place. A big step up in sound quality. As for the bundled headphones, it's generally excellent.
Traditionally, the next generation of the Galaxy (S7) series did not change anything.
However, the surrounding reality is changing, as are the needs of consumers. Doing well is not enough now. You need to surprise, and do it as often as possible.
Not so long ago, Samsung acquired the electronics and audio equipment manufacturer Harman. This could mean only one thing – a good sound awaits us.
Perhaps that is why the set with the eighth version of the Galaxy was not put just anyhow, but Samsung Earphones tuned by AKG.
Note that the headset is dark again. Like the good old days.
It remains to find out how they sound. Judging by the feedback from Galaxy S8 owners, it is quite worthy. I look forward to when my S8 arrives to see this for myself.
And what about the main competitor?
Still EarPods, only now with a Lightning connector. Yes, sparsely. But what about buying Beats? Was it really just to put Beats headphones on store shelves?
But what about the sound from the kit?
But I think it's too early to be upset. Knowing the Cupertinos, the answer is not far off. It remains to wait for the announcement iPhone 8 to see if the companies will now compete as accessories for their kit, or is it just a temporary surge of interest in portable audio.
Which bundled headphones do you like best? Out of the box with a smartphone from which manufacturer?