Samsung Level Over Review

Introduction

Okay, so we’ve covered nearly the entire scope of Samsung’s high-end Level series of mobile audio accessories. The consensus thus far has been largely positive, as these products deliver outstanding audio quality – something that of course, is necessary in winning audiophiles. Saving its best offering for last, the Samsung Level Over is one of those over-the-ear sets that’s aiming to capitalize on the recent trend of serious, head pounding headphones that many people are seen using in this day and age. Blending style and deep functionality, can this compare to some of more prevalent over-the-ear styles out there?

The package contains:

User guide

• Carrying case
• Detachable audio cable with remote
• microUSB cable
• Airplane adapter

Design

Although the plastic construction doesn’t quite embody a premium finish, there’s a subtle stylish appeal to its design that we appreciate.

Since we’ve reviewed the Samsung Level On, there’s no shocking us that the Level Over employs the same exact design language of its sibling – though, it’s on a bigger scale, of course. There are several headphones that stand out for their stunning industrial designs, like the V-Moda XS for example, but the Samsung Level Over doesn’t have one that’s just as profound. In fact, its mostly plastic construction reminds us of the aesthetics we normally find with Beats Audio’s line of headphone. However, unlike them, there aren’t as many color options, seeing that the Level Over is offered in white and black – and that’s all.

Due to its choice of plastic, which has a matte finish, it makes the headphones feel lightweight – albeit, a bit hollow at the same time. As with the Level On, the Level Over’s design is broken up by the chrome accents and ultra-soft polyurethane cushioning around its frame, giving it a subtle fashion appeal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t collapse around the hinges to make it easier for travel, so it’s something that occupies more space. Despite that, we absolutely love the snug and comfortable feel of the Level Over! Even after using it for a long time, the padding around the ear cups and headband help to reduce fatigue and strain.

On the left ear cup, there’s a microUSB port used to charge its internal battery – while the right one has a physical power switch, LED notification light, 3.5mm jack, and a button to activate Bluetooth/active noise cancellation. It’s a bit tough to see, but there are a total of 4 microphones on the unit (one on the left ear cup, three with the right). Using the included audio cable with in-line controls, we’re not too thrilled to know that it’s wrapped in plastic – much more when it’s not the tangle-free variety.

Depending on the phone, the three buttons on the in-line control perform different functions. Connecting it to a Samsung Galaxy S5, we can raise/lower the volume using the top and bottom buttons – while the middle multi-function one is used to pause/play with a press, launch S-Voice with a long press, and forward a track with a double press. In contrast, using an HTC One M8 on the other hand, the top and bottom buttons perform forward/reverse function, as the middle one executes pause/play with a tap, or launch Google Now with a long press.

Interestingly enough, the side of the right ear cup features “Smart Control Technology”, allowing us to adjust volume, move between tracks, and pause/play – all done by various finger gestures and taps. However, it’s only enabled through its Bluetooth connection. Solidifying its high-end nature, the Samsung Level Over also has an NFC chip embedded into the side of the left ear cup, which streamlines the initial setup process.

Performance

Hitting it on the dot again, Sammy has somehow reached near perfection with its most premium pair of headphone. Add to that, its active noise cancellation feature seals the deal for us.

Going with the simple route, the plug-and-play option is there with the wired connection of the Samsung Level Over, which is still able to tap into the active noise cancellation feature. Needless to say, we’re presented with the best audio quality using the wired connection, as the Samsung Level Over, much like the other pair of headphones in the series, deliver crisp sound with an uncompromised level of dynamic range – thanks in part to its 50mm drivers with bio-cellulose diaphragm. Indeed, the quality is accompanied with ample bass tones, but the headphones work nicely to balance it out with the mids and highs. Essentially, it casts a very natural, pleasing quality to the audio experience.

Switching over to Bluetooth, the pairing process is simple and quick – while maintaining its connection for up to 30 feet before showings signs of cutting in and out. Making it even easier for some, NFC connectivity is also available. Now, as we’ve mentioned earlier, the advantage of the Bluetooth connection is the ability to utilize the touch sensitive surface of the right ear cup. Audio-wise, we’re pleasantly surprised to find that it closely matches its wired connection. Yet again, there’s no shortage of thumping audio with this one. Heck, cranking it up to its loudest, we never experience any crackling or strain – so it’s able to resonate with the same balanced quality.

In addition, the noise cancellation feature of the Samsung Level Over is able to do a decent job at reducing distracting background noise – giving us full attention to our music. However, it doesn’t mute it out entirely, but rather, suppresses it enough to keep our attention solely on the music. Finally, the Samsung Level app for Android provides us with certain audio enhancements, like Sound Alive, that adjusts the output of the headphones accordingly to cover a broad range of music genres.

Battery Life

Usage on the go is ample thanks to its over 15 hours of battery life.

Without blowing out our ears, the Samsung Level Over delivers nearly 16.5 hours of mixed usage in our experience, which is a smidgen more than the 15 hours it’s rated by Samsung. Well, that’s partly because we kept the volume between the middle setting the majority of time testing it out – with the noise cancellation feature off.

Conclusion

Frankly speaking, we’re really impressed with Samsung’s performance in the high-end mobile audio accessories arena. We all certainly know that they’re a top-tiered contender in the smartphone space, but they somehow came out of the gate with a bang with its Level series. Saving the best for last, the Samsung Level Over manages to astound us in many significant ways. Choked full of tech goodies such as touch controls, NFC connectivity, and active noise cancellation, it has a wide array of features to appease casual and hardcore audio buffs.

No doubt, its $350 sticker tag shouldn’t be much of a shocker, especially considering the caliber of this pair – and how it’s meant to compete against the premium offering from its rivals. Yeah, we agree that it’s a tough amount to shell out, but at the end of the day, it’s a quality pair that comes to the table packing serious heat. You won’t be disappointed!