The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series brought Wear OS to Samsung, offering a significant upgrade over previous Tizen-powered watches. But with two models – the Watch4 Classic and the Watch4 – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which smartwatch best suits your lifestyle and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic offers a premium, traditional watch design with a rotating bezel and stainless steel build, appealing to those who prefer a classic aesthetic. The Watch4 is sleeker, more affordable, and lighter, making it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts prioritizing a modern look and value. It's a draw – it depends on your preference!
| 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 | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 oz) | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 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 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*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) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 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 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | 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 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition | Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition |
| Models | SM-R880, SM-R890 | SM-R860, SM-R870 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Classic watch design with rotating bezel
- Premium stainless steel build
- Intuitive navigation with bezel
- Wear OS functionality
- Higher price point
- Slightly shorter battery life than Watch4
- Larger and heavier than Watch4
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Modern, sleek design
- More affordable
- Lighter and more comfortable for workouts
- Wear OS functionality
- Slightly better battery life
- No rotating bezel (relies on touch controls)
- Plastic build (less premium feel)
- Smaller screen than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Watch4 boasts a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a slightly larger screen size and a more modern, edge-to-edge design. The Watch4 Classic's display is smaller, but the rotating bezel adds a unique and intuitive navigation experience. The Watch4 wins on screen real estate, while the Classic wins on usability for some.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and users rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and 1.18 GHz dual-core CPU, so performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation, responsive apps, and generally snappy operation across both devices. No clear winner here.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key differentiator. The Watch4 generally offers slightly better battery life due to its smaller display and potentially more efficient power management. Expect around 40 hours on the Watch4 versus 35-40 hours on the Classic, depending on usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic? Those who appreciate a classic watch design, enjoy the tactile feedback of a rotating bezel, and are willing to spend a bit more for premium materials. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4? Fitness-focused individuals, those seeking a more modern and lightweight design, and budget-conscious buyers who still want a feature-rich Wear OS experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the rotating bezel on the Classic worth it?
For many, yes! It provides a tactile and intuitive way to navigate the watch's interface, especially compared to solely relying on touch controls. However, it adds to the cost and size.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer excellent fitness tracking capabilities with heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and various workout modes. The Watch4's lighter design might be preferable for intense workouts.
❓ Do both watches support Wear OS apps?
Yes, both the Galaxy Watch4 Classic and Watch4 run on Wear OS, giving you access to a vast library of apps from the Google Play Store.
