The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro represent the pinnacle of Samsung's smartwatch technology. Both offer Wear OS powered experiences, but cater to different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which model best aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner for outdoor enthusiasts and those prioritizing battery life and durability. However, the standard Watch5 offers a more refined design and a slightly better value proposition for everyday users who don't need the Pro's rugged features.
| 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), aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) | 46.5 g (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-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 |
| 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 (skin temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 410 mAh | Li-Ion 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | SM-R915F, SM-R905F | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Sleek and stylish design
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Excellent fitness tracking features
- More affordable
- Shorter battery life compared to Pro
- Less durable than Pro
- No built-in camera
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (80+ hours)
- Rugged titanium case and sapphire crystal display
- Built-in GPS and offline maps
- Enhanced durability
- Bulkier and heavier design
- Higher price point
- Less refined design compared to Watch5
Display Comparison
The Watch5 boasts a vibrant Super AMOLED display, offering excellent clarity and color accuracy. The Watch5 Pro features a similar display but with a slightly more rugged sapphire crystal glass for enhanced scratch resistance. Both are bright and easily viewable in sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Watch5 nor the Watch5 Pro have a built-in camera. This is a consistent design choice for Samsung smartwatches.
Performance
Both watches share the same Exynos W920 chipset and 1.18 GHz dual-core CPU, resulting in comparable performance. App loading times and overall responsiveness are smooth on both devices. However, the Pro's larger chassis might allow for slightly better thermal management during prolonged intensive tasks.
Battery Life
This is where the Pro truly shines. The Watch5 offers around 40 hours of battery life with typical use, while the Watch5 Pro delivers a remarkable 80+ hours, even with GPS and workout tracking enabled. The Pro's larger battery is a significant advantage for multi-day adventures.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is ideal for users seeking a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch for everyday use, fitness tracking, and notifications. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is best suited for adventurers, athletes, and those who demand exceptional battery life, durability, and advanced navigation features like offline maps.
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's durability and features justify the higher price. Otherwise, the standard Watch5 offers excellent value.
❓ What is the difference between the Watch5 and Watch5 Pro bands?
The Watch5 uses standard 20mm bands, offering a wider range of compatibility. The Watch5 Pro uses a proprietary band design, though Samsung offers a selection of durable options.