Samsung Galaxy Buds4

Samsung has launched the new Buds4. And, on the face of it, they look like a triumph of sleek, South Tech design. But there’s a problem... They don’t have silicone tips unless you buy the Pro model. This means that instead of sitting snugly in your ear canal, they simply perch on the edge of your head like a nervous pigeon on a skyscraper. If you so much as blink, or think about a ham sandwich, they fall out. I’ve seen more grip from a bald tyre on a frozen lake. They are, to use the technical term, about as useful as a chocolate fireplace.

Don't be tempted to just "give it a try" because Samsung won't entertain a change of mind or god-forbid an upgrade. I called their support. I told them, "I would like to give you more of my money to upgrade to the Pro model." Now, in a sane world, you would think Samsung would say, "Yes, please! Give us your money!" - but no.

They told me I could return them under the "Change of Mind" policy... but only if the box was still sealed. How, in the name of all that is holy, am I supposed to know they don't fit my ears if I don't open the box? It’s like being told you can return a car if it’s uncomfortable, but only if you never sit in the driver's seat.

And then—the crowning achievement of idiocy. They also asked for video recordings of the "fault." What do they want? A slow-motion, 4K cinematic shot of an earbud hitting the floor? A montage of me looking disappointed while my left ear rejects their hardware like a bad kidney transplant?

So, if you're considering whether to buy the Buds4, or Buds4 Pro - just go straight for the pro model and be done with it - or better still buy something entirely different from a manufacturer who has some sense of customer service.

The verdict is - don't buy (especially not for the $299 RRP). Yes they may work for some, but don't risk them since it is seemingly impossible to resolve fitment issues once you've made your choice.