Samsung's Galaxy Watch line has consistently delivered top-tier smartwatches. But with newer models like the Galaxy Watch5, it's natural to wonder if the upgrade is worth it. We're pitting the latest Galaxy Watch5 against the original Galaxy Watch to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 offers a significant upgrade in performance, battery efficiency, and features thanks to its newer chipset and improved design. While the original Galaxy Watch remains a capable device, the Watch5 is the clear winner for those seeking a modern, faster, and more feature-rich 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 10 | 2018, August. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), stainless steel frame 316L |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 49 x 46 x 13 mm (1.93 x 1.81 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) | 63 g (2.22 oz) |
| | 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 | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps
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) | 360 x 360 pixels (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display
Rotating bezel |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 410 mAh | Li-Ion 472 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire | Silver 46mm, Midnight Black 42mm, Rose Gold 42mm |
| Models | SM-R915F, SM-R905F | SM-805U, SM-805W, SM-815U, SM-815W, SM-R805F, SM-R805N, SM-R815F, SM-R815N, SM-R8050, SM-R800 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Faster Performance
- Improved Battery Life
- Brighter Display
- More Durable
- Modern Design
- Advanced Health Tracking (BIA Sensor)
- Higher Price
- Smaller Battery Capacity (compared to some older models)
Samsung Galaxy Watch
- Larger Display Size (for some)
- More Affordable
- Classic Watch Design
- Slower Performance
- Shorter Battery Life
- Less Durable Display
- Outdated Chipset
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch5 boasts a brighter and more vibrant Super AMOLED display with improved durability thanks to its sapphire crystal glass. The original Galaxy Watch has a good display, but it's noticeably less bright and lacks the same level of scratch resistance. The Watch5's screen also offers slightly better resolution.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Exynos W920 chipset in the Galaxy Watch5 provides a substantial performance boost over the Exynos 9110 in the original Galaxy Watch. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is significantly improved. The 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
While both offer wireless charging, the Galaxy Watch5's more efficient chipset and optimized software lead to better battery life. Expect a full day of use with the Watch5, and potentially longer with moderate usage. The original Galaxy Watch's battery life is decent but falls short of the Watch5.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, users prioritizing performance and battery life, and those wanting the latest Wear OS features. The original Galaxy Watch is a good option for budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer a larger, more classic watch design and don't need the absolute latest tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 worth the upgrade from the original Galaxy Watch?
Yes, if you value performance, battery life, and a more modern design. The improvements are significant.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch5 have a camera?
No, neither the Galaxy Watch5 nor the original Galaxy Watch have a built-in camera.
❓ What is BIA sensor and does the Galaxy Watch5 have it?
BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) measures body composition, including body fat percentage. The Galaxy Watch5 includes this feature, while the original Galaxy Watch does not.
