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Today, Samsung held its summer Unpacked event, where they launched the latest foldable devices and wearables.
Plenty of people will be providing extensive coverage of the foldable phones, so there seems to be little point in me trying to compete with them.
The watches are interesting, though. I have been wanting WearOS to gain traction for years. I want a viable alternative to my Garmin, and I want WearOS to offer some competition to Apple Watches.
Samsung is the brand most likely to achieve this success. The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series is, without a doubt, the best WearOS watches.
Some may love the changes that the new Samsung Galaxy Watch5 but I think others may critisie the launch.
The standard Samsung Galaxy Watch5 isn’t much different from the Samsung Galaxy Watch4. There are no significant improvements in functionality, and the watch uses the same chipset. The two main changes in the hardware are the new, improved build quality, using a Sapphire Crystal display and the physically larger battery life.
Normally we see battery gains from improved chipsets, but Samsung has opted for a simpler solution by using a 284mAh battery in the 40mm model vs 247 mAh and 410mAh vs 261 mAh.
Samsung has decided to ditch the Classic model, or at least, it hasn’t been announced yet. There is no longer a variant with a bezel which I think will be a controversial decision.
On the flip side, they have launched the Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which basically takes the same idea of the Galaxy Watch5. It is even more durable, with a titanium case and the battery is absolutely massive for a watch. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a 590mAh battery which is 63% larger than the battery on the 44mm Galaxy Watch4 Classic.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 vs Watch5 Pro vs Galaxy Watch4 Classic Comparison Table
This table is a little rough as I only got the information 30 mins before the embargo. I will pad it out as soon as possible.
Galaxy Watch5 | Galaxy Watch5 Pro | Galaxy Watch4 Classic | |
---|---|---|---|
Material & Colour | Armor Aluminium case with Sport Band | Titanium case with D-Buckle Sport Band | Stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
- 44mm: Graphite, Sapphire, Silver | - Black Titanium, Grey Titanium | ||
- 40mm: Graphite, Pink Gold, Silver | |||
Dimensions | - 44mm: 43.3 x 44.4 x 9.8 mm, 33.5g | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm, 46.5g | 46mm (45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm ) |
& Weight | - 40mm: 39.3 x 40.4 x 9.8 mm, 28.7g | 42mm ( 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm) | |
Display | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX) |
- 44mm: 1.4" (34.6mm) 450x450 Super AMOLED, Full Colour Always On Display | - 1.4" (34.6mm) 450x450 Super AMOLED, Full Colour Always On Display | 42mm - 1.2 inches (396 x 396 pixels (~330 ppi density)) | |
- 40mm: 1.2" (30.4mm) 396x396 Super AMOLED, Full Colour Always On Display | 46mm - 1.4 inches 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) | ||
Processor | Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHz | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | |
Memory | 1.5GB RAM + 16GB internal storage | 1.5GB RAM + 16GB internal storage | |
Battery | Galaxy Watch5 Pro | 590mAh (typical) | 46mm - 361 mAh |
- 40mm: 284mAh (typical) | 42 - 247 mAh battery | ||
Charging | Faster Charging (WPC-based wireless charging) | Qi wireless charging | |
OS | Wear OS Powered by Samsung (Wear OS 3.5)[3] | ||
UI | One UI Watch4.5 | ||
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) Temperature Sensor Accelerometer Barometer Gyro Sensor Geomagnetic Sensor Light Sensor | ||
Connectivity | LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo | LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo | |
Durability | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810H | MIL-STD-810G / IP68 | |
Compatibility | Android 8.0 or higher and with more than 1.5GB of RAM |
Price and Availability
Galaxy Watch5 RRP:
- 40mm, £269 (Bluetooth)
- 40mm, £319 (LTE)
- 44mm, £289 (Bluetooth)
- 44mm, £339 (LTE)
For adventure seekers looking for durability, performance and style, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is for you. It will be available in Black Titanium and Grey Titanium, with a 45mm display.
Galaxy Watch5 Pro RRP:
- £429 (Bluetooth)
- £479 (LTE)
Full Press Release
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro – shaping health and wellness habits with intuitive insights, advanced features, and even more powerful capabilities. The Galaxy Watch5 enhances the features that consumers rely on every day, while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro – the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch lineup – is Samsung’s most durable and feature-packed watch yet. These new devices are a commitment to users that their goals and milestones can be met, and Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro are there to help.
“As a result of new habits, routines and interests formed over the last few years, we’ve seen a growing desire in people to better understand their physical and mental wellbeing,” said Conor Pierce, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland. “The Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro devices are not only our most durable and feature-packed watches yet; they are designed to take our customers’ wellness journeys to new heights”.
Cutting-edge Sensor Technology to Better Understand You
With a growing desire to better understand and act on individual health goals, Samsung has set out to provide in-depth monitoring and practical data offering users the information they need to help them along their health and wellness journey. Galaxy Watch5 is equipped with Samsung’s unique BioActive Sensor that drives the next era of digital health monitoring.
First introduced on the Galaxy Watch4 series, the BioActive Sensor uses a single unique chip that combines three powerful health sensors – Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Signal and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis – to deliver extensive readings that include heart rates, blood oxygen levels, and even stress levels. In addition, users can get a deeper understanding of their heart health by monitoring blood pressure and ECG, anytime, from anywhere.
With an increased surface area and more direct contact with your wrist, Galaxy Watch5 tracks health metrics now with even greater accuracy. Plus, its powerful 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor works in combination with the other sensors of Galaxy Watch5 series to provide users with an in-depth understanding of their wellness. The temperature sensor uses infrared technology for more accurate readings, even if the temperature of your surroundings changes. This opens new possibilities for developers to expand their health and wellness options and for users to take advantage of all-new experiences.
Holistic Health Insights to Enhance Everyone’s Wellness Journey
Designed for everyday wins, Galaxy Watch5 offers a comprehensive end-to-end experience that goes beyond fitness activities and into the post-workout, rest, and recovery process. The Body Composition measurement tool provides a complete snapshot of the user’s overall health, providing them with a tailored approach to set goals, guide them through personalised workouts, and track progress. And when it’s time to rest, the Galaxy Watch5 series empowers users with recovery data, including post-cardio heart rate after an intense workout.
Understand sleep patterns through Sleep Scores that monitor stages of sleep, along with snore detection and blood oxygen levels. Achieve improved sleep habits with Sleep Coaching that gives a tailored month-long guided programme.
An extra layer of durability protects the Galaxy Watch5. This year, we’ve included our first smartwatch display featuring a Sapphire Crystal display, which offers a 60% harder outer layer, so your watch remains reliable in day-to-day use. Cue up your favorite song on Spotify with just your voice using Google Assistant. Music and audio lovers will appreciate updates that include new apps like SoundCloud and Deezer. Additionally, One UI Watch4.5 offers a fuller typing experience, an easier way to make calls, and a host of new accessibility features that make the Galaxy Watch more intuitive.
Galaxy Watch5 Pro, More Features and Greater Durability for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Created for those that love the great outdoors, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch portfolio. From hiking to cycling and beyond, Watch5 Pro is ready for the challenge thanks to its premium materials. It features enhanced Sapphire Crystal that’s even harder and a titanium casing that’s five times more durable and protects the display with a protruded bezel design. Galaxy Watch5 Pro also comes with an all-new D-Buckle Sport Band that offers rugged durability with a sleek and clean fit.
Built strong, and built to last, Galaxy Watch5 Pro has the largest battery in a Galaxy Watch. It’s 60% larger than Galaxy Watch4, which is key to lasting longer while conquering a new route. Take advantage of GPX, that’s available for the first time on a Galaxy Watch. Head out on a hike and record and share it with fellow trail-lovers on the Samsung Health app with Route Workout. You can also download hiking and cycling routes as you practice for your next race or look to mix up your routine. As you hike or cycle, keep your eyes on the path and away from the map with intuitive Turn-by-turn directions When you’re ready to head home, Galaxy Watch5 Pro will get you there easily with the Track back feature that takes you back the way you came.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro are available for pre-order from 10th August and will be on-sale from 26th August. All products will be available to purchase via www.samsung.com/uk, and select partners.
The Galaxy Watch5 offers a modern and minimalist design, and features that help you achieve more every day. It comes with all-new neutral colour options that will turn heads, with the Large 44mm option available in Graphite, Sapphire, and Silver and the Small 40mm option available in Graphite, Pink Gold, and Silver which features a Bora Purple strap that pairs perfectly with the Galaxy Z Flip4.
Galaxy Watch5 RRP:
- 40mm, £269 (Bluetooth)
- 40mm, £319 (LTE)
- 44mm, £289 (Bluetooth)
- 44mm, £339 (LTE)
For adventure seekers looking for durability, performance and style, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is for you. It will be available in Black Titanium and Grey Titanium, with a 45mm display.
Galaxy Watch5 Pro RRP:
- £429 (Bluetooth)
- £479 (LTE)
Design your own watch by selecting the model, size, case colour and strap for up to 1,032 unique combinations in the Galaxy Watch5 Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com. Now, users can build a watch that’s unique to them. With a greater selection of straps and faces, they can mix and match to express their personal style with the new Sport Band or the Global Goals Band.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.