Choosing the right smartwatch can be tough, especially with Samsung's impressive lineup. The Galaxy Watch5 and Watch4 Classic both offer Wear OS functionality and a premium experience, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 offers a slightly refined experience with improved battery and a flatter design. However, the Watch4 Classic retains its rotating bezel and more traditional watch aesthetic, making it a strong contender for those who prefer a classic look and feel. It's a close call, largely dependent on personal preference.
| 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), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 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
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 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 (skin 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 410 mAh | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition |
| Models | SM-R915F, SM-R905F | SM-R880, SM-R890 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Improved Battery Life
- Flatter, More Modern Design
- Enhanced Durability (Sapphire Crystal Glass)
- Slightly Better Performance
- Higher Price
- Less Traditional Watch Look
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Rotating Bezel for Easy Navigation
- Classic Watch Design
- More Affordable
- Excellent Build Quality
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life
- Curved Display Can Lead to Accidental Touches
Display Comparison
The Watch5 boasts a slightly brighter and more durable display with a flatter profile, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Watch4 Classic's display is still excellent, but the curved design can sometimes lead to accidental touches. Both utilize Super AMOLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across Samsung's smartwatch line.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset, so performance is largely comparable. Expect smooth navigation and app loading times. However, the Watch5's software optimizations might offer a marginal edge in responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Watch5 generally offers slightly better battery life than the Watch4 Classic, thanks to a larger battery capacity and software improvements. Expect around 40 hours of typical use on the Watch5 versus 35-40 hours on the Watch4 Classic.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize battery life and a modern, streamlined design. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic is perfect for those who appreciate a classic watch aesthetic, enjoy the tactile feedback of a rotating bezel, and want a premium smartwatch experience without the absolute latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the rotating bezel on the Watch4 Classic worth it?
For many, yes! The rotating bezel provides a tactile and intuitive way to navigate the interface, which some users find faster and more enjoyable than swiping.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer comprehensive fitness tracking features. The Watch5 has slightly more advanced sensors and software optimizations, but the Watch4 Classic is still a very capable fitness tracker.
❓ Can I use either watch with any smartphone?
Both watches are compatible with Android smartphones. iOS compatibility is limited to receiving notifications.
❓ What is the difference in size options?
The Watch5 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The Watch4 Classic is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes.
