The Samsung Galaxy Watch series consistently sets the standard for Wear OS smartwatches. But with the Watch5 Pro and Watch4 Classic both vying for your wrist, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Watch5 Pro offers a rugged design, significantly improved battery life, and enhanced outdoor features. However, the Watch4 Classic remains a compelling option with a more refined design and a slightly lower price point. For serious adventurers, the Pro wins; for everyday users, the Classic is 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, 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), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 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
Rotating bezel
*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, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition |
| Models | SM-R925F | SM-R880, SM-R890 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged titanium case and sapphire crystal display
- Enhanced outdoor features (route tracking, turn-by-turn navigation)
- Larger display
- Improved durability
- Higher price
- Bulky design may not suit all wrists
- Less refined design compared to the Classic
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Classic design with rotating bezel
- More affordable price
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- Sleek and stylish
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable than the Pro
- Fewer outdoor-focused features
Display Comparison
The Watch4 Classic boasts a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a rotating bezel, offering a premium and intuitive user experience. The Watch5 Pro has a slightly larger Super AMOLED display, but the bezel-less design means less tactile feedback. Both offer excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across the Galaxy Watch line.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and dual-core processor, resulting in generally smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, the Watch5 Pro's optimized software and potentially more efficient power management might offer a marginally better experience over extended use.
Battery Life
This is where the Watch5 Pro truly shines. It offers significantly longer battery life (typically 80+ hours) compared to the Watch4 Classic (around 40 hours). The Pro's larger battery capacity and power-saving features make it a clear winner for those who don't want to charge their watch daily.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and those prioritizing long battery life and durability. The Watch4 Classic is perfect for users seeking a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch with a classic design and a more accessible price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Watch5 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious outdoor enthusiast or need extended battery life, the Watch5 Pro's durability and battery performance justify the higher price. Otherwise, the Watch4 Classic offers excellent value.
❓ Can I use both watches with any Android phone?
Yes, both watches are compatible with Android phones running Android 8.0 or higher with at least 1.5GB of RAM. However, some features may be limited on non-Samsung devices.
