The Samsung Galaxy Watch series has consistently delivered premium smartwatches, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the newer Galaxy Watch4 Classic against the still-capable Galaxy Watch3 to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic offers a significant performance boost thanks to its newer chipset and Wear OS integration, providing a smoother experience and access to a wider app ecosystem. However, the Watch3 remains a solid choice, especially if you prioritize its classic design and slightly longer battery life, and can find it at a lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 11 | 2020, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) | 46.2 x 45 x 11.1 mm (1.82 x 1.77 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 oz) | 53.8 (45mm), 48.2 g (41mm), 43 g (45mm tt.) (1.90 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)
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
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 (~364 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| 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 1GB RAM, 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 340 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition | Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Mystic White |
| Models | SM-R880, SM-R890 | SM-R850, SM-R840, SM-R855F, SM-R845F, SM-R855U, SM-R845U |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Faster Performance (Exynos W920)
- Wear OS Integration
- Brighter & More Responsive Display
- Modern Design
- Improved Health Tracking (BioActive Sensor)
- Shorter Battery Life (compared to Watch3)
- Higher Price
Samsung Galaxy Watch3
- Classic Watch Design
- Slightly Longer Battery Life
- Rotating Bezel (Premium Feel)
- More Affordable (typically)
- Older Chipset (Exynos 9110)
- Tizen OS (less app support than Wear OS)
- Slower Performance
Display Comparison
The Watch4 Classic boasts a Super AMOLED display with improved brightness and resolution compared to the Watch3's Super AMOLED screen. While both offer vibrant colors and excellent visibility, the Watch4 Classic's display feels more modern and responsive.
Camera Comparison
Both watches lack a built-in camera, a design choice Samsung has maintained across their smartwatch lines. Users will need to rely on their smartphones for capturing photos and videos.
Performance
This is where the Watch4 Classic truly shines. The Exynos W920 chipset (5nm) is significantly faster and more efficient than the Exynos 9110 (10nm) in the Watch3. Expect smoother navigation, quicker app loading times, and overall better performance on the Watch4 Classic. The Wear OS integration also contributes to a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch3 generally offers slightly better battery life than the Watch4 Classic, potentially lasting up to two full days on a single charge, while the Watch4 Classic typically requires daily charging. However, usage patterns significantly impact battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic is ideal for tech enthusiasts and those wanting the latest Wear OS features, improved performance, and a modern design. The Galaxy Watch3 is a great option for users who appreciate a traditional watch aesthetic, value longer battery life, and are looking for a more budget-friendly premium smartwatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch4 Classic worth the upgrade from the Watch3?
If you prioritize performance, Wear OS features, and a modern design, then yes. However, if you're happy with the Watch3's classic look and longer battery life, the upgrade might not be essential.
❓ Which watch has better health tracking features?
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic has a BioActive Sensor which provides more advanced health tracking capabilities, including body composition analysis. Both offer standard features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and ECG.
