The Samsung Galaxy Watch series has consistently delivered top-tier smartwatches. But with the Watch4 and Watch5, what are the key differences? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which wearable best suits your lifestyle and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 offers incremental but worthwhile improvements over the Watch4, primarily in battery life and charging speed. While the Watch4 remains a solid choice, the Watch5's enhanced durability and slightly improved features make it the better overall pick for most users.
| 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+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 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
*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, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | SM-R860, SM-R870 | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Excellent value for money
- Feature-rich Wear OS experience
- Good health and fitness tracking
- Sleek design
- Battery life could be better
- Standard glass prone to scratches
- Charging speed is slower
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Improved battery life
- Faster 10W wireless charging
- More durable Sapphire Crystal display
- Enhanced sleep tracking
- Slightly higher price
- Performance improvements are minimal
- Design is very similar to Watch4
Display Comparison
Both watches feature a vibrant Super AMOLED display with excellent clarity and brightness. The Watch5 has a slightly tougher Sapphire Crystal display, offering improved scratch resistance compared to the Watch4's standard glass.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent design choice for Samsung's Galaxy Watch line.
Performance
Performance is largely identical. Both devices utilize the Exynos W920 chipset, providing smooth navigation and app performance. Day-to-day usage feels responsive on both.
Battery Life
This is where the Watch5 shines. It boasts a larger battery capacity (280mAh vs 247mAh in the Watch4) resulting in noticeably longer battery life – typically lasting 2-3 days compared to the Watch4's 1.5-2 days.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Watch4 is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who want a feature-rich Wear OS experience. The Galaxy Watch5 is ideal for those prioritizing longer battery life, faster charging, and a more durable design, especially if you're an active user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 worth the upgrade from the Watch4?
If battery life and durability are important to you, then yes. The Watch5 offers noticeable improvements in these areas. However, if you're happy with your Watch4's performance and battery, the upgrade might not be essential.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch5 have a camera?
No, neither the Galaxy Watch4 nor the Galaxy Watch5 have a built-in camera.
