The Samsung Galaxy Watch series continues to dominate the smartwatch market, offering a blend of style and functionality. But with incremental updates, choosing between the Watch4 Classic and the Watch5 can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 offers a slight edge with faster charging and improved battery optimization. However, the Watch4 Classic retains its appeal with its rotating bezel and classic design. For most users, the Watch5 is the better choice, but the Watch4 Classic remains a strong contender, especially at a potentially 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, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 11 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), 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) | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 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-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX | Sapphire crystal |
| 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 | 5.2, 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, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 361 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | SM-R880, SM-R890 | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Classic design with rotating bezel
- Excellent build quality
- Wear OS powered
- Wide range of apps
- Battery life could be better
- Slower charging
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Improved battery optimization
- Faster 10W wireless charging
- More durable sapphire crystal display
- Slightly brighter screen
- Incremental upgrade over Watch4 Classic
- Price may be higher
- Design is less distinctive than the Classic
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, but the Watch5 boasts a slightly brighter screen and improved durability with a more robust sapphire crystal glass. The Watch4 Classic's display is excellent, but the Watch5's is incrementally better.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across the Galaxy Watch line.
Performance
Performance is largely identical. Both devices utilize the Exynos W920 chipset, ensuring smooth navigation and app performance. Real-world usage will feel very similar on both devices.
Battery Life
The Watch5 offers a modest improvement in battery life, thanks to optimizations and a slightly larger battery capacity. While both offer around 40 hours of typical use, the Watch5 consistently lasts longer, especially with always-on display enabled. The Watch5 also features significantly faster 10W wireless charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic? Those who prefer a traditional watch aesthetic and appreciate the tactile feedback of a rotating bezel. It's a great value option if you can find it at a discounted price. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch5? Users seeking the latest features, slightly improved battery life, and faster charging. It's the more modern and refined choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 a significant upgrade over the Watch4 Classic?
It's an incremental upgrade. The improvements are noticeable, particularly in battery life and charging speed, but the core experience remains similar.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer comprehensive fitness tracking features. The Watch5 has slightly more advanced sensors and algorithms, but the difference is minimal for most users.
