Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 4 are the two best smartwatches for Android users. But, what’s the difference between the latest-gen and last-gen wearables? We’ll explain that here. Here’s a brief Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 4 comparison.
Galaxy Watch 4 was a remarkable upgrade in the Samsung watch series. It was the first device to launch with the unified version of Wear OS (replacing Tizen). It also offered numerous health upgrades, superior design options, and sturdiness.
The Galaxy Watch 5, which Samsung unveiled at the recent Unpacked event, takes things to the next level. It introduces a digital bezel-based design alongside new health features. It also boasts longer battery life and a more premium feel.
Hence, it’s essential to compare the two watches before you pick the right one for yourself.
Galaxy Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 4: Design & Color Options
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 was pretty similar to the previous smartwatches by the company. However, there were notable differences between the Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic. The Classic variant seemed more like a traditional wearable.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 upgrades the design while retaining the base build structure. There is a more scratch-resistant sapphire crystal display and redesigned bottom curvature. And, there is no physical bezel as it features a digital bezel with two buttons on the side for navigation.
Notably, the design differences between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro are more clear. The Pro model comes in a titanium casing that features an elevated edge over the display to protect it at all times.
What Color Options are Available for Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 5?
The Galaxy Watch 4 is available in Black, Pink Gold, and Silver colors in the 40mm variant while there is also a Green color option in the 44mm one.
On the other side, Galaxy Watch 5 comes in Silver, Graphite, Purple, and Pink Gold colors in the 40mm variant.
Whereas, the Galaxy Watch 5 44mm is available in Graphite, Sapphire, and Silver colors. There is also a Golf Edition which looks very sleek with a white strap having black edges.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is available in Graphite, Titanium, and Golf Edition. The differences in color options are minimal and not worth considering when you are choosing the right watch. There is always an option to customize the watch later.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Watch 4 Features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 introduced some groundbreaking features to the wearable devices industry while Galaxy Watch 5 builds on that platform. Both the smartwatches are powered by the intelligent Wear OS along with Google Assistant support.
Most of the features on both the watches are from health- and fitness-tracking technologies. Galaxy Watch 5 has brought a new skin-temperature reader. However, it isn’t functional just yet. It’ll be pretty useful to keep a check on your wellness later though.
Samsung has also upgraded the very useful body composition feature which debuted last year with Watch 4 and updated the activity interface for the workout test. Watch 5 also has an upgraded sleep coach which provides actionable advice and sleep plans to improvise your rest and make it more efficient.
The latest smartwatch also has an enlarged surface area to enhance the accuracy of reasons from the BIA sensor, ECG, and PPG heart rate sensor. Apart from that, both Watch 5 and Watch 4 are capable of tracking more than 100 different workouts.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Watch 4 Full Specs Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4:
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | |
| Display: | 1.19″ Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED 396x396px (40mm) or 1.36″ Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED 450x450px (44mm) | 1.2″ Super AMOLED 396×396 (40mm) or 1.4″ 450×450 (44mm) |
| CPU: | Exynos W920 | Exynos W920 |
| RAM: | 1.5GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage: | 16GB | 16GB |
| Battery: | 284mAh (40mm) or 410 mAh (44mm) | 247mAh (40mm) or 361mAh (44mm) |
| Connectivity: | NFC, GPS, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi (2.4Gz & 5Ghz), LTE (optional) | NFC, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, LTE (optional) |
| Durability: | IP68, Waterproof to 50m (5ATM), MIL-STD-810H | IP68, Waterproof up to 50 meters (5ATM) |
| Software: | One UI Watch (Wear OS 3 powered by Samsung) | Wear OS 3 Powered by Samsung |
| Health sensors: | Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG), Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA), Continuous SpO, Skin Temperature Sensor | Heart rate, EKG, bioelectrical impedance, built-in GPS |
| Price: | From $279.99 | From $249.99 |
| Strap: | 20mm | 20mm |
| Dimensions: | 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm (40mm) or 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (44mm) | 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8mm (40mm) or 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8mm (44mm) |
| Weight: | 29 (40mm) or 32.8g (44mm) | 25.9g (40mm), 30.3g (42mm) |
| Watch Material: | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Mobile payments: | Samsung Pay, Google Wallet | Samsung Pay, Google Wallet |
| Workout detection: | Yes | Yes |
| Exercise modes: | 90+ | 90 |
| Color options: | Silver, Graphite, Pink Gold (40mm only), Sapphire (44mm only) | Black, Green (44mm only), Silver, Pink Gold (40mm only) |
This will help you understand the key differentiating factors better at a single glance.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Watch 4: Price & Availability
The Galaxy Watch 4 starts at $249.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth while the Watch 4 Classic starts at $349.99 for the 42mm Bluetooth model. However, only the latter will remain on sale for folks who are fans of rotating physical bezels.
Samsung has slightly raised the price of the Galaxy Watch 5 which starts at $279.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model while the price goes up to $349.99 for higher configurations. All color options are available in stock and the $30 price raise can be justified to an extent.
The watch is still less expensive than Apple Watch Series 8 which is expected to have the same starting price as Apple Watch Series 7, i.e. $399.99. Samsung’s most expensive variant is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro which starts at $449.99 and goes up to $499.99 for LTE.
Which one should you buy: Watch 5 or Watch 4?
You’d have already realized that both Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 are awesome. They are among the best smartwatches in the market and probably the best smartwatches for Android users. There isn’t much difference among them design-wise.
However, the Galaxy Watch 5 beats last year’s model in terms of upgrades (barely but yes) and the introduction of the latest body temperature sensor. Samsung will continue to update more of its features and functionalities with the coming patches.
Although Galaxy Watch 4 isn’t obsolete yet, it’s bound to be as Samsung has decided to delist it from retail markets, and only Watch 4 Classic will be on sale. Thus, we’d recommend spending $30 more and buying Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.
You won’t be saving a lot of money by opting for last year’s watch. However, you’ll be missing out on some new key features. So, we’d advise you to choose the latest one.
What are your thoughts?
