The Samsung Galaxy Watch series has consistently delivered top-tier smartwatches, but the Watch5 Pro and Watch4 offer distinct experiences. Choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features, performance, and value to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner for outdoor enthusiasts and those prioritizing durability and extended battery life. However, the Watch4 remains a compelling option for everyday users seeking a feature-rich smartwatch at a more accessible price point.
| 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, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 10 | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 26 | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 oz) |
| | 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 | 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 |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | 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 | 5.2, 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, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 590 mAh | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium | Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition |
| Models | SM-R925F | SM-R860, SM-R870 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged titanium case and sapphire crystal display
- Enhanced durability
- Improved outdoor tracking features (route tracking)
- Higher price point
- Larger and heavier design
- Limited appeal for casual users
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- More affordable
- Sleek and stylish design
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Rotating bezel option (on some models)
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable materials
- Fewer advanced outdoor features
Display Comparison
The Watch5 Pro boasts a larger, more durable titanium case and sapphire crystal display, offering enhanced scratch resistance compared to the Watch4's aluminum case and standard glass. Both feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Pro's size and durability give it an edge for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Watch5 Pro nor the Watch4 have a built-in camera. This is a common limitation for smartwatches.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and dual-core CPU, so performance is largely comparable. Expect smooth navigation and app loading times on both devices. However, the Watch5 Pro's optimized software and potentially more efficient power management could lead to slightly better sustained performance.
Battery Life
This is where the Watch5 Pro truly shines. Its larger battery capacity provides significantly longer battery life – often lasting several days on a single charge – compared to the Watch4, which typically requires daily charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is ideal for hikers, runners, and anyone who spends significant time outdoors and needs a rugged, long-lasting smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch4 is perfect for everyday users who want a stylish, feature-packed smartwatch for fitness tracking, notifications, and more, without the premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or prioritize long battery life and durability, the Watch5 Pro is a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, the Watch4 offers excellent value for everyday use.
❓ What are the key differences between Wear OS 3 and Wear OS 4?
While both run Wear OS, Wear OS 4 on the Watch5 Pro includes performance improvements and new features like enhanced gesture controls and improved battery optimization.
