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AKG K702 vs AKG Samsung Galaxy In-Ear Headphones Comparison

Comparison

AKG K702 vs AKG Samsung Galaxy In-Ear Headphones Comparison

The AKG K702 and the AKG Samsung Galaxy in-ear headphones with microphone target very different buyers: the K702 is an open-back, over-ear reference headphone for precision listening, while the in-ear model is a lightweight wired earbud aimed at everyday phone use. If your priority is soundstage, detail, and long-session comfort at a desk, the K702 is the stronger pick. If you need a simple, portable earbud with an in-line mic for calls, the in-ear model is the more practical choice.

Expert tested Data driven Unbiased reviews Updated 10 June 2026
AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black

#1 Overall Winner

AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black

79/100
  • Reference-style tuning for critical listening with very strong audio quality scoring.
View review
AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone

Contender

AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone

57/100
  • Lightweight, in-ear portability (very low item weight) suited to carrying daily.
View review

Quick verdict

Choose the AKG K702 if you want open-back, over-ear reference headphones for mixing/mastering, critical listening, or positional gaming audio in a quiet space.

Choose the AKG Samsung Galaxy in-ear model if you need a low-cost, lightweight wired earbud with a microphone for calls and everyday mobile listening—while accepting more reported fragility and early failures.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

At-a-glance comparison

Feature AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone Winner
Overall score 79 57 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Audio quality 91 62 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Performance score 83 61 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Feature set 67 54 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Usability 78 73 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Setup / ease of start 82 92 AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone
Comfort for long sessions Over-ear pads + padded leather headband (review praise) In-ear fit (mixed, ear-dependent) Depends
Portability 38 86 AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone
Noise isolation / leakage Open-back; no noise control; leaks sound In-ear; ANC listed (review results mixed) AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone
Microphone for calls Not listed Microphone included AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone
Build quality 60 36 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Reliability 56 34 AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Compatibility focus Laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, tablets, cellphones (listed) Samsung Galaxy S/Note series phones (listed) Depends
Best use environment Quiet rooms / studio-style listening Mobile use / commuting / bedtime listening Depends

Detailed comparison

Performance

For real-world listening performance, the AKG K702 leads clearly. It’s specifically positioned for precision listening and studio work, and it earns a much higher audio quality and performance score. Reviews repeatedly emphasize its wide soundstage and clear presentation, which are important for tasks like mixing decisions and picking out details.

The AKG in-ear Samsung model is more performance-variable. Some reviews say it sounds great or comparable to the original Samsung-bundled earbuds, but others describe poor sound, reversed audio, or early issues like static. For consistent, detail-focused listening, the K702 is the safer choice based on the provided data.

Reliability

Reliability is a weak point for both, but it is a bigger red flag for the in-ear Samsung model. The review summary mentions failures like one side stopping after a few days and products lasting only 1–3 months, plus static and control issues. Its reliability score is low.

The K702 also has mixed reliability feedback (including channel failure reports), reflected in its reliability and durability scores. If you’re trying to minimize the odds of very early failure based on the provided data, the K702 has the edge—though it’s not a guarantee.

AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black

Pros

  • Reference-style tuning for critical listening with very strong audio quality scoring.
  • Wide, spacious soundstage supported by open-back design and repeated review praise.
  • Comfort-focused over-ear fit (3D-foam pads, padded leather headband) for long sessions.
  • Detachable cable with mini XLR connector for easier cable replacement.
  • Wide stated frequency response (10–39,800 Hz) for studio-oriented use.
  • Strong customer satisfaction relative to the comparison, with many reviews highlighting clarity and suitability for mixing.

Cons

  • Open-back design leaks sound and does not provide isolation (Noise Control: None).
  • No wireless features and no active noise cancelling.
  • Mixed durability and reliability feedback , including reports of channel failures and plastic breakage.
  • May need more volume/headphone amp depending on source (reviews mention being quiet from some devices).
  • Not portable-friendly compared with in-ear options (low portability score; larger over-ear form).
AKG Pro Audio 2458X00190 (K702) Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black

AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone

Pros

  • Lightweight, in-ear portability (very low item weight) suited to carrying daily.
  • In-line controls and built-in microphone for calls and basic media control.
  • Simple wired plug-and-play setup with very high setup score.
  • Designed around Samsung Galaxy S/Note compatibility for phone use.
  • Good perceived value in reviews, with some buyers saying it’s comparable to the original Samsung-bundled earbuds.

Cons

  • Mixed sound quality feedback , including complaints of poor sound and occasional reversed audio.
  • Fragile build and early failures reported (one side stopping, lasting 1–3 months, static).
  • Control inconsistencies reported (e.g., flipped volume buttons in reviews).
  • Noise cancellation claims are inconsistent in reviews (some say it’s non-existent).
  • Limited to basic wired earbud experience versus studio headphones built for mixing/mastering.
AKG Stereo Headphones for Samsung Galaxy S8 / S9 / S8 Plus / S9 Plus / S10 / Note 8/9, with Microphone

Final verdict

The AKG K702 is the better overall option in this matchup based on the provided scores and the review themes: it’s consistently praised for wide soundstage, clear audio, and comfort for long sessions, and it’s explicitly built for precision listening and studio-style work.

The AKG Samsung Galaxy in-ear headphones with microphone remain a reasonable pick when portability and calls matter more than reference sound. They are easy to use, lightweight, and often viewed as good value, but the higher frequency of complaints about fragility, static, and early failure makes them a more risk-prone purchase. Pick the K702 for serious listening at home; pick the in-ear model for simple mobile convenience.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

Frequently asked questions

<p>Which is better overall: AKG K702 or the AKG Samsung Galaxy in-ear headphones?</p>

Based on the provided scores, the AKG K702 is the stronger overall headphone for audio-focused use (higher overall and much higher audio/performance scoring). The AKG in-ear Samsung model is more about convenience: it’s lightweight, has an in-line mic, and is easy to use with compatible Galaxy phones. The right choice depends on whether you want studio-style listening or simple mobile earbuds.

<p>Which one sounds better for critical listening and mixing?</p>

The AKG K702 is the clear fit for critical listening and mixing. It’s described as a reference, open-back headphone for precision listening, mixing, and mastering, and it also has a much higher audio quality score. Reviews repeatedly mention a wide soundstage and clear, detailed presentation. The in-ear Samsung model has mixed sound feedback, including some reports of poor sound or channel issues.

<p>Which is better for commuting or portable everyday use?</p>

The AKG in-ear Samsung model is better suited to commuting and daily carry because it’s an in-ear design with a very high portability score and a built-in microphone for calls. The K702 is an open-back over-ear headphone that leaks sound and is less practical in public spaces where you need isolation or privacy. For travel, the K702 is typically best reserved for quiet environments.

<p>Do either of these headphones have noise cancelling?</p>

The AKG K702 lists Noise Control: None, and as an open-back design it won’t isolate outside noise. The AKG in-ear Samsung model lists active noise cancellation, but the aggregated review summary says the noise cancellation experience is mixed, including reports that it’s “non-existent.” If noise reduction is a must-have, rely on verified user feedback and your return window.

<p>Which one is more comfortable for long sessions?</p>

For long sessions at a desk, the AKG K702 is more consistently positioned for comfort, with over-ear pads and a padded leather headband designed for extended wear. Many reviews mention comfort over hours of use. The in-ear Samsung model is often described as comfortable for its category, including for lying on a pillow, but in-ear comfort is more dependent on ear shape and fit.

<p>Which is more reliable and durable?</p>

Neither model is described as flawless for durability. The K702 has mixed feedback, including reports of channel failure and plastic breaking, reflected in lower reliability/durability scores. The in-ear Samsung model has even more frequent reports of fragility and very early failures (days to months) in the aggregated review summary, and its build/reliability scores are also low. Handling carefully and buying from reputable sellers matters for both.

<p>Will these work with a laptop or desktop computer?</p>

The AKG K702 explicitly lists compatibility with laptops and desktops and uses a 3.5 mm jack. The in-ear Samsung model is described as compatible with Samsung Galaxy S and Note phones and also uses a 3.5 mm jack. If your computer has a combined headset port, the in-ear model’s microphone may work; if it has separate mic/headphone ports, you may need an adapter (not provided in the data).

<p>Which is better value for money?</p>

Value depends on what you need. The AKG K702 offers higher audio performance and is frequently praised for soundstage and critical listening, which can make it strong value for home/studio use. The in-ear Samsung model is inexpensive and often described as good value for a simple replacement-style earbud with mic, but its durability and reliability complaints can reduce its long-term value.

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