The Samsung Galaxy Watch series continues to dominate the smartwatch market, offering a blend of style and functionality. But with multiple generations, choosing the right model can be tricky. We're pitting the classic Watch4 Classic against the rugged Watch5 Pro to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Watch5 Pro is the clear winner for outdoor enthusiasts and those prioritizing battery life and durability. However, the Watch4 Classic remains a compelling option for those seeking a more traditional watch design and a slightly lower price point, offering excellent value for its features.
| 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), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 oz) | 46.5 g (1.66 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
*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 (body 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 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | SM-R880, SM-R890 | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Classic watch design with rotating bezel
- Wide app selection via Wear OS
- Excellent value for the price
- Good health and fitness tracking
- Shorter battery life compared to Watch5 Pro
- Less rugged than Watch5 Pro
- No camera
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Durable titanium case and sapphire crystal display
- Advanced GPS tracking
- Improved thermal management
- Higher price point
- Lacks rotating bezel
- Larger and heavier design
Display Comparison
The Watch4 Classic features a vibrant 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a rotating bezel, providing a tactile and intuitive navigation experience. The Watch5 Pro boasts a larger 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display, but lacks the rotating bezel, relying on touch controls and the crown. While both are sharp and bright, the bezel offers a distinct advantage in usability for some.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Watch4 Classic nor the Watch5 Pro have a built-in camera. This is a common limitation in smartwatches, and users will need to rely on their smartphones for capturing photos and videos.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and dual-core CPU, resulting in similar performance for everyday tasks and app usage. Expect smooth navigation and responsive interactions on both devices. However, the Watch5 Pro's optimized software and potentially slightly improved thermal management might offer a marginal edge in sustained performance.
Battery Life
This is where the Watch5 Pro truly shines. It packs a significantly larger battery (590mAh) compared to the Watch4 Classic (360mAh), offering substantially longer battery life – often lasting several days on a single charge, especially with typical usage. The Watch4 Classic typically lasts around 40 hours.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic is ideal for users who appreciate a classic watch aesthetic, enjoy a wide range of apps, and don't require extreme battery life or ruggedness. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is perfect for adventurers, athletes, and anyone needing extended battery life, enhanced durability, and advanced GPS tracking capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the rotating bezel on the Watch4 Classic worth it?
For many, yes! The rotating bezel provides a unique and intuitive way to navigate the watch's interface, making it faster and more enjoyable to use than relying solely on touch controls.
❓ How much longer does the Watch5 Pro's battery last?
The Watch5 Pro typically offers 2-3 times the battery life of the Watch4 Classic, potentially lasting several days with moderate use, compared to the Watch4 Classic's 1-2 days.
