Galaxy Watch 4 Vs 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Technology, Watch

Galaxy Watch 4 & 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features & design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Galaxy Watch 5 rather than the Galaxy Watch 4.

Why Do I Recommend The Galaxy Watch 5

  • The Galaxy Watch 5 has a new temperature sensor, providing a more holistic view of your body’s metrics, particularly when workout or detecting signs of illness. This feature is absent in the Galaxy Watch 4.
  • Its Sapphire Crystal Glass makes it more scratch-resistant and durable compared to the Watch 4, which uses Gorilla Glass DX+. 
  • The Galaxy Watch 5 has a larger 410mAh battery that offers improved battery performance like GPS, health monitoring, and fitness tracking for extended periods than the Watch 4’s lower 361 mAh.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 charges faster than the Watch 4, allowing you to recharge quickly between workouts or during travel (up to 45% in just 30 minutes).
  • It offers enhanced GPS tracking, which is especially useful for fitness enthusiasts for accurate route tracking during outdoor activities like running or hiking. The Galaxy Watch 4’s GPS is solid but not as advanced in accuracy.
  • The Galaxy Watch 5 has enhanced sleep tracking capabilities, providing more in-depth data about your sleep quality and insights into recovery, whereas the Watch 4 offers basic sleep tracking without the advanced recovery features.
  • The One UI Watch 4.5 on the Galaxy Watch 5 offers a smoother user interface with more customization options, better accessibility, and optimized app performance compared to the Galaxy Watch 4’s Wear OS.
  • Additionally, The Watch 5 also includes MIL-STD-810H certification, a military-grade standard for durability, resistance to dust, extreme temperatures, and physical stress. The Galaxy Watch 4 doesn’t include this level of ruggedness.

Maybe the Galaxy Watch 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Galaxy Watch 5. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Galaxy Watch 5 Galaxy Watch 4
Release Date August 2022 August 2021
Battery Life Up to 50 hours Up to 40 hours
Battery Capacity 410 mAh (44mm)
361 mAh (44mm)
Display Protection Sapphire Crystal Glass (60% harder)
Gorilla Glass DX
Temperature Sensor Available Not available
Charging Speed 10W Wireless Fast Charging
5W Wireless Charging
Operating System Wear OS, One UI Watch 4.5
Wear OS, One UI Watch 3
RAM & Storage 1.5GB RAM, 16GB internal storage
1.5GB RAM, 16GB internal storage
Software Features Advanced Sleep Analysis
No Sleep Analysis
Sleep Tracking Advanced Sleep Tracking
Standard Sleep Tracking
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.2 Bluetooth 5.0
Battery Efficiency Features Enhanced power-saving modes
Standard battery-saving mode
Price Check Watch 5 Price Check Watch 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System & Software Integration: Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 are powered by Wear OS combined with Samsung’s One UI Watch interface. While the Watch 5 has a slightly updated version, the core experience remains similar in terms of app availability, user interface, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem. This shared system allows for smooth transitions between apps, and both models support popular apps like Google Assistant, Bixby, Google Maps, and Samsung Health.
  • Processor & Performance: Both models use the Exynos W920 dual-core 1.18 GHz processor, which ensures fast performance for multitasking, fitness tracking, and smartwatch functions. This processor is optimized for wearable devices, ensuring smooth navigation through apps and responsive touch performance across both models.
  • RAM & Storage: Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 come with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. This is ample memory for storing music, apps, and photos while allowing smooth app performance. This also means users can store media offline, such as playlists for workouts, which can be accessed without a phone.
  • Display Quality: Both smartwatches use Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and Full Color Always-On Display capability. The display sizes and resolutions are identical: 1.2-inch (40mm) and 1.4-inch (44mm), with resolutions of 396 x 396 for the 40mm model and 450 x 450 for the 44mm model. This makes for a sharp and clear display experience on both watches, ensuring visibility even in bright sunlight.
  • Health Tracking Features: Both watches feature Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, which includes heart rate monitoring, ECG (electrocardiogram), SpO2 (blood oxygen levels), and BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) for body composition measurement. These health and fitness features are designed to provide users with comprehensive data on their wellness, including real-time heart rate monitoring, fat percentage, and muscle mass calculations.
  • Fitness Tracking & Workout Modes: The Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 both offer a wide range of fitness tracking modes that can track activities like running, cycling, swimming, and more. They also have automatic workout detection, which kicks in when you start a physical activity. This feature ensures that users don’t have to manually start a workout session, making both watches highly convenient for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Water Resistance & Durability: Both watches have IP68 and 5ATM ratings, meaning they are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. They also meet MIL-STD-810G/H military standards, offering rugged protection against shocks, extreme temperatures, and drops, ensuring durability for outdoor and physical use.
  • Connectivity & Communication: Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, making it easy to pair with Android smartphones, access wireless internet, and make mobile payments via Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Additionally, optional LTE models are available, allowing both watches to be used independently from a phone for calls and messaging.
  • Voice Assistant Support: Both watches support Google Assistant and Bixby, giving users flexibility in choosing their preferred virtual assistant for hands-free commands, answering questions, sending texts, and controlling smart home devices.
  • Sleep Tracking: Both watches offer sleep tracking that monitors sleep stages, duration, and quality. They also measure blood oxygen levels during sleep and provide insights into sleep patterns. The Watch 5 has some additional enhancements with temperature tracking, but the core sleep tracking functionality remains similar.
  • Interchangeable Bands & Customization: Both models support 20mm quick-release interchangeable bands, allowing users to customize the look of their watch. Whether you prefer sporty or formal looks, you can easily switch the bands. Additionally, both watches offer extensive watch face customization, allowing users to personalize their displays to match their preferences or needs.
  • Audio Features: Both smartwatches come with a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling users to make and receive calls directly from the watch without needing to pull out their phone. This makes it easier to take quick calls or use voice commands through the virtual assistants.
  • NFC & Mobile Payments: Both models have NFC for mobile payments, supporting platforms like Samsung Pay and Google Pay. This feature enables easy, contactless payments from your wrist, eliminating the need to carry a phone or wallet for small purchases.
  • Android Compatibility: Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 are designed for Android users, integrating deeply with Samsung and Google services. Unfortunately, neither model is compatible with iOS, so iPhone users are excluded from using these devices.

Common Features

Feature Galaxy Watch 5 Galaxy Watch 5
Operating System Wear OS powered by Samsung Wear OS powered by Samsung 
Processor Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18 GHz Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18 GHz
RAM & Storage 1.5GB RAM, 16GB internal storage 1.5GB RAM, 16GB internal storage
Display Type Super AMOLED  Super AMOLED 
Display Size 1.2-inch (40mm), 1.4-inch (44mm) 1.2-inch (40mm), 1.4-inch (44mm)
Screen Resolution 396 x 396 (40mm), 450 x 450 (44mm) 396 x 396 (40mm), 450 x 450 (44mm)
Connectivity  Wi-Fi, NFC, Optional LTE  Wi-Fi, NFC, Optional LTE
Sensors BioActive Sensor  BioActive Sensor
Body Composition Measurement Yes  Yes
GPS GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
Water Resistance Rating IP68, 5ATM  IP68, 5ATM
Heart Rate Monitoring Yes  Yes 
Blood Oxygen Monitoring (SpO2) Yes  Yes 
ECG Monitoring Yes  Yes 
Fall Detection Yes  Yes 
Fitness Tracking Yes  Yes 
Sleep Tracking Yes  Yes 
Voice Assistant Support Google Assistant, Bixby Google Assistant, Bixby
Wireless Charging Yes  Yes
Interchangeable Bands Yes  Yes
Audio Features Built-in microphone and speaker for calls Built-in microphone and speaker for calls
Compatibility Compatible with Android devices  Compatible with Android devices 
NFC Support Yes  Yes 
Price Check Watch 5 Price Check Watch 4 Price

FAQ

  1. Do both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 use the same operating system?
    Yes, both watches run on Wear OS powered by Samsung, although the Watch 5 uses an updated version, One UI Watch 4.5, whereas the Galaxy Watch 4 runs on One UI Watch 3. Both provide similar integration with Google services and Samsung’s ecosystem.
  2. Are the display quality and size the same on both models?
    Yes, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 feature Super AMOLED displays with Full Color Always-On Display capabilities. The display sizes are identical, with 1.2-inch (40mm) and 1.4-inch (44mm) options. The screen resolutions are also the same: 396 x 396 for the 40mm model and 450 x 450 for the 44mm model.
  3. Do both models have the same processor and performance?
    Yes, both watches are powered by the Exynos W920 dual-core 1.18 GHz processor, ensuring fast performance for multitasking, fitness tracking, and general smartwatch functions. They also have the same 1.5GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, allowing similar levels of responsiveness and app performance.
  4. Do both watches offer the same health and fitness tracking features?
    Yes, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 come equipped with Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, which includes heart rate monitoring, ECG (electrocardiogram), SpO2 (blood oxygen levels), and BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) for body composition measurements. These features allow comprehensive health tracking on both models.
  5. Are the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 both waterproof?
    Yes, both watches have IP68 and 5ATM water resistance ratings, meaning they can be submerged in water up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and water-based activities. Additionally, both models meet MIL-STD-810G (Galaxy Watch 4) and MIL-STD-810H (Galaxy Watch 5) military standards, making them durable and shock-resistant.
  6. Do both models support GPS and navigation features?
    Yes, both watches feature built-in GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo for precise navigation and location tracking. This allows both watches to be used for activities like running, cycling, and outdoor sports without the need for a smartphone.
  7. Can I use the same interchangeable bands on both watches?
    Yes, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 use 20mm quick-release interchangeable bands, making it easy to switch between different styles and materials based on your preference or activity.
  8. Do both watches support mobile payments?
    Yes, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 support NFC for mobile payments through platforms like Google Pay and Samsung Pay. This allows you to make contactless payments directly from your watch, without needing your phone or wallet.
  9. Can I make phone calls and use voice assistants on both watches?
    Yes, both models have built-in microphones and speakers, allowing you to make and receive phone calls directly from the watch. They also support Google Assistant and Bixby, enabling voice commands, answering questions, and controlling smart devices.
  10. Are both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 compatible with Android phones?
    Yes, both watches are designed to work with Android devices. They are deeply integrated with the Android operating system, providing smooth functionality with Google apps and Samsung’s ecosystem. However, neither watch is compatible with iOS devices.

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