The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series brought a significant upgrade to Samsung's smartwatch lineup with Wear OS. But with two distinct models – the standard Watch4 and the Classic – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which smartwatch best suits your needs and style.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 offers a sleek, modern design and excellent fitness tracking, while the Classic boasts a rotating bezel and more premium aesthetic. For fitness enthusiasts prioritizing a streamlined look, the Watch4 is great. For those wanting a traditional watch feel and more premium features, the Classic is the winner.
| 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+), 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) | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 oz) | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 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)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
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) | 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, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition |
| Models | SM-R860, SM-R870 | SM-R880, SM-R890 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Sleek, modern design
- Excellent fitness tracking
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- More affordable price
- Lacks rotating bezel
- Shorter battery life compared to Classic
- Plastic build can feel less premium
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Classic watch design with rotating bezel
- Premium stainless steel build
- Longer battery life
- Intuitive navigation with bezel
- Higher price point
- Slightly smaller display area
- Can be bulkier than the Watch4
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch4 features a Super AMOLED display with a flat screen, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. The Watch4 Classic retains a Super AMOLED display but incorporates a more traditional watch face with a slightly smaller screen size due to the bezel. The Classic's bezel provides a unique and intuitive navigation experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Galaxy Watch4 nor the Watch4 Classic have a built-in camera. This is a common feature omission in smartwatches.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and 1.18 GHz dual-core CPU, resulting in similar performance. App loading times and overall responsiveness are generally smooth on both devices. However, the Classic's slightly larger chassis might allow for marginally better thermal management during intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key differentiator. The Watch4 generally offers around 40 hours of battery life with moderate usage, while the Watch4 Classic, due to its larger battery, can often achieve closer to 45-50 hours. Heavy usage, especially with GPS and always-on display, will reduce battery life on both.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4? Individuals seeking a modern, fitness-focused smartwatch with a vibrant display and a more affordable price point. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic? Users who appreciate a classic watch design, the tactile feedback of a rotating bezel, and a more premium build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the rotating bezel and touch screen navigation?
The rotating bezel on the Classic offers a tactile and intuitive way to navigate menus and scroll through lists. The Watch4 relies solely on the touchscreen, which some users may find less convenient.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity recognition. The Watch4 has slightly more advanced body composition analysis features. Ultimately, both are excellent for fitness.
