The Samsung Galaxy Watch series has consistently delivered top-tier smartwatches, but the Watch4 and Watch5 Pro represent distinct approaches. The Watch4 offered a compelling entry point, while the Watch5 Pro aims for rugged durability and extended battery life. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner for outdoor enthusiasts and those prioritizing battery life. It boasts a titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and significantly longer battery. However, the Watch4 remains a solid choice for everyday use and offers excellent value for its 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+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 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
*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, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | SM-R860, SM-R870 | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Stylish design
- Excellent value
- Comprehensive health tracking
- Wear OS powered
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable than Watch5 Pro
- Standard glass display
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged titanium case
- Sapphire crystal display
- Route tracking feature
- Higher price
- Larger and heavier design
- Limited appeal for casual users
Display Comparison
The Watch5 Pro features a slightly larger 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal glass, offering enhanced scratch resistance compared to the Watch4's standard glass. Both watches have vibrant and sharp displays, but the Pro's durability is a key advantage. The Watch4 has a 1.4-inch display.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Watch4 nor the Watch5 Pro have a built-in camera. This is a common limitation for smartwatches.
Performance
Both devices share the same Exynos W920 chipset and dual-core CPU, so performance is largely comparable. Expect smooth navigation and app loading times on both. However, the Watch5 Pro's optimized software and potentially better thermal management might offer a slightly more consistent experience during prolonged use.
Battery Life
This is where the Watch5 Pro truly shines. It boasts a significantly larger 590mAh battery compared to the Watch4's 360mAh. This translates to several days of battery life with the Watch5 Pro, while the Watch4 typically lasts around 40 hours.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 is ideal for users seeking a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch for everyday activities, fitness tracking, and notifications, without breaking the bank. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is perfect for adventurers, athletes, and anyone needing extended battery life and a more durable design for demanding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you're an outdoor enthusiast or need extended battery life, the Watch5 Pro's durability and battery performance justify the higher price. Otherwise, the Watch4 offers excellent value.
❓ What operating system do these watches use?
Both the Galaxy Watch4 and Watch5 Pro run on Wear OS powered by Samsung, providing access to a wide range of apps and features.
