The Samsung Galaxy Watch series has consistently delivered top-tier smartwatches, but with new models arriving, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comparison dives deep into the Galaxy Watch4 and Watch3, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 offers a significant performance boost thanks to its newer chipset and Wear OS integration, plus a sleeker design. However, the Watch3 retains a classic aesthetic and rotating bezel that many users prefer. For those prioritizing speed and modern features, the Watch4 wins; for traditionalists, the Watch3 remains a strong contender.
| 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+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 46.2 x 45 x 11.1 mm (1.82 x 1.77 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 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
*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, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition | Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Mystic White |
| Models | SM-R860, SM-R870 | SM-R850, SM-R840, SM-R855F, SM-R845F, SM-R855U, SM-R845U |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Faster Performance (Exynos W920)
- Wear OS Integration & App Ecosystem
- Brighter & More Vibrant Display
- Sleeker, Modern Design
- Improved Power Efficiency
- Rotating bezel absent
- Some may prefer the classic Watch3 design
Samsung Galaxy Watch3
- Classic, Premium Design
- Rotating Bezel for Intuitive Navigation
- Refined User Experience
- Mature Software
- Slower Performance (Exynos 9110)
- Older Chipset
- Less Vibrant Display
Display Comparison
The Watch4 boasts a brighter and more vibrant Super AMOLED display with a slightly larger screen size. The Watch3's display is still excellent, but the Watch4's improved brightness and resolution offer a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature omission across the Galaxy Watch line.
Performance
The Exynos W920 in the Watch4 provides a noticeable performance upgrade over the Watch3's Exynos 9110. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is significantly improved. The Watch4's 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two, typically lasting around 1-2 days with moderate use. The Watch4's more efficient chipset *may* offer slightly better longevity, but real-world usage varies.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Watch4 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those wanting the latest Wear OS experience with access to a wider app ecosystem. The Galaxy Watch3 is a great choice for users who appreciate a premium, classic design, a rotating bezel for navigation, and a more mature, refined feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch4 support older Wear OS apps?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 runs Wear OS 3, which supports a vast library of apps available on the Google Play Store.
❓ Is the rotating bezel on the Watch3 worth it?
For many users, the rotating bezel provides a convenient and intuitive way to navigate the watch's interface. It's a matter of personal preference.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer comprehensive fitness tracking, but the Watch4's newer sensors and improved processing power may provide slightly more accurate data.
❓ Can I use the Galaxy Watch4 with an iPhone?
While the Galaxy Watch4 is primarily designed for Android devices, limited functionality is available with iPhones. Full functionality requires an Android phone.
