Samsung's smartwatch lineup has evolved significantly. The original Galaxy Watch set a high bar, but the Galaxy Watch4 Classic brought Wear OS and a refreshed design. Which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic is the clear winner thanks to its faster processor, Wear OS, improved health tracking, and modern design. While the original Galaxy Watch remains a capable device, the Watch4 Classic offers a more future-proof and feature-rich experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 11 | 2018, August. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), stainless steel frame 316L |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) | 49 x 46 x 13 mm (1.93 x 1.81 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 oz) | 63 g (2.22 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Rotating bezel
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps
Rotating bezel
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display
Rotating bezel |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 361 mAh | Li-Ion 472 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition | Silver 46mm, Midnight Black 42mm, Rose Gold 42mm |
| Models | SM-R880, SM-R890 | SM-805U, SM-805W, SM-815U, SM-815W, SM-R805F, SM-R805N, SM-R815F, SM-R815N, SM-R8050, SM-R800 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Faster Processor (Exynos W920)
- Wear OS with Google Play Store
- Advanced Health Tracking (Body Composition)
- Modern Design with Rotating Bezel
- Improved Display
- Higher Price
- Slightly bulkier than original
Samsung Galaxy Watch
- More Affordable
- Classic Design
- Rotating Bezel (familiar feel)
- Good Battery Life
- Slower Processor (Exynos 9110)
- Tizen OS (less app support than Wear OS)
- Older Technology
- Less Accurate Health Tracking
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic boasts a Super AMOLED display with higher resolution and improved brightness compared to the original Galaxy Watch. Colors are more vibrant, and the screen is easier to read in direct sunlight. Both offer excellent visibility, but the Watch4 Classic's display is noticeably sharper.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and users typically rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
The Exynos W920 chipset in the Watch4 Classic is significantly faster than the Exynos 9110 in the original Galaxy Watch. Apps launch quicker, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is vastly improved. The 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, with both devices typically lasting around 1-2 days with moderate usage. However, the Watch4 Classic's more efficient chipset *may* offer slightly better longevity in some scenarios, but it depends heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic? Users seeking the latest Wear OS features, advanced health tracking (especially body composition analysis), and a premium, classic smartwatch design. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch? Budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer the original Galaxy Watch's rotating bezel design and don't need the newest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch4 Classic worth the upgrade from the original Galaxy Watch?
Yes, especially if you value performance, Wear OS, and advanced health tracking features like body composition analysis. The upgrade provides a significantly improved user experience.
❓ Which operating system is better: Tizen (original Galaxy Watch) or Wear OS (Galaxy Watch4 Classic)?
Wear OS is generally considered better due to its wider app selection, Google Assistant integration, and seamless compatibility with Android devices.
