The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro are both excellent smartwatches, but cater to different users. The Watch5 offers a refined experience for everyday wear, while the Watch5 Pro is built for adventurers and serious fitness enthusiasts. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner for outdoor adventurers and those prioritizing battery life and durability. However, the standard Watch5 offers a more stylish design, slightly better value, and is perfectly suitable for most users who want a premium smartwatch experience.
| 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, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 10 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 26 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), 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) | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 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-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 | Sapphire crystal | 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 | 5.2, 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, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 590 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | SM-R925F | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged titanium case and sapphire crystal display
- Built-in route tracking and turn-by-turn navigation
- Larger, more durable display
- Higher price
- Bulkier design
- Limited appeal for casual users
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- More stylish and compact design
- Slightly better value
- Excellent health and fitness tracking features
- BioActive Sensor for comprehensive health data
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable display
- Lacks route tracking features of the Pro
Display Comparison
The Watch5 Pro boasts a larger 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a sapphire crystal glass, offering enhanced scratch resistance. The Watch5 has a 1.2-inch display, also Super AMOLED, but with Gorilla Glass+. Both displays are vibrant and sharp, but the Pro's larger size and tougher glass give it a slight edge for outdoor visibility and durability.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Watch5 nor the Watch5 Pro have a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and users rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and dual-core processor, so performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation, responsive apps, and generally snappy operation. Neither watch is a powerhouse, but they handle everyday smartwatch tasks with ease.
Battery Life
This is where the Watch5 Pro truly shines. It packs a significantly larger 590mAh battery compared to the Watch5's 280mAh. This translates to significantly longer battery life – potentially lasting several days with moderate use, while the Watch5 typically needs charging every 18-24 hours.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is ideal for hikers, trail runners, and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. It's also a good choice for those who want extended battery life and a rugged design. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is a great option for everyday users who want a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 Pro worth the extra money?
If you're a serious outdoor enthusiast or need extended battery life, the Pro is worth the investment. Otherwise, the standard Watch5 offers excellent value for most users.
❓ What is the difference between the Watch5 and Watch5 Pro's durability?
The Watch5 Pro uses a titanium case and sapphire crystal display, making it significantly more scratch-resistant and durable than the Watch5, which has a stainless steel case and Gorilla Glass+.