AKG Headphones - EO-IG955 (Samsung Galaxy S8 Phone)

Gear Review

A Review of the AKG EO-IG955 Earbuds

Evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S8+ stock audio experience

$99

Retail Price

~$25

Real-world Value

3

Competitive Models Compared

Table of Contents

• ①Basic Features
• ②Sound Quality
• ③Noise Isolation
• ④Build Quality & Value
• ⑤Comparison Overview
• ⑥Closing Thoughts

Section I

Basic Features

These headphones are a nice pair to receive for free, and while it's challenging to find detailed specs online, here’s what I gathered regarding their functionality:

 

• →In-Line Microphone — Included for hands-free calling.
• →Volume Control — Features dedicated Up/Down buttons.
• →Pause/Resume Functionality — Integrated controls for media playback.
• →Cabling — Braided cloth until the earbud split, transitioning to rubber. The braided design helps reduce tangling, although a full braided cable would have been ideal.

Section II

Sound Quality

In terms of sound quality, they compare favorably to Apple Earbuds, with a slight advantage in the upper mids and bass. Here are some specifics:

• →Fit — The flex tips provide a secure fit without being overly intrusive, unlike my Klipsch R6i.
• →Bass — The R6i's offer a bass-heavy tuning that outperforms the AKG's, but the AKG's have a slightly wider soundstage, making certain tracks feel more open.

Section III

Noise Isolation

• →Performance — The AKG earbuds offer better noise isolation than Apple Earbuds but fall short compared to the R6i’s. None of these options are noise-canceling.
• →Use Cases — I prefer using Apple Earbuds or Klipsch R6i for plane trips, but the AKG’s are great for around town and in the office.

Section IV

Build Quality & Value

• →Overall Quality — The build quality is quite nice. While these are not $20 headphones, they retail for $99 on Samsung’s store.
• →Value Assessment — I’d rate them closer to a $20–$30 value based on the range of excellent earbuds available for $99. They serve as a solid introduction to decent headphones.

Tip: If you are hunting for these online, be aware that many listings on eBay for $3–$5 raise questions about their authenticity.

Section V

Comparison Overview

Feature	AKG EO-IG955	Apple Earbuds	Klipsch R6i
Bass	Moderate	Low	Heavy
Isolation	Good	Low	Excellent
Best Use	Office/Commute	Casual	Travel

Section VI

Closing Thoughts

These are the first AKG headphones I've tried, and they’ve sparked my interest in possibly getting the AKG K240 semi-open cans. However, I have quite a few headphones already and should limit myself to one more 'super' pair, such as Fostex, Ultrasone, Beyerdynamic, or Stax. In summary, the AKG EO-IG955 headphones are cool if you can get them for free. They’re decent for under $20, but that’s about their max value.

Update (8/9/20)

I'm still using the AKG earbuds, although the rubber housing has begun to disintegrate, they still work fine. I’ve noticed many of these are listed on eBay for $3–$5, raising questions about their authenticity. This may be due to the shift away from 3.5mm jacks in favor of USB-C or Lightning ports.

Stay tuned for my upcoming deep dive into high-end audiophile cans.