As I always do when a new model of electronic gadget is released, I show you the comparison between the latest Samsung smartwatch and the previous one. That is to say, I analyse the differences and similarities between Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs 4. I’ve already told you that I expected there to be more differences between them, although it’s true that there are some that may be important for certain users. So, if you want to know to what extent it’s worth upgrading to the new model, read on!
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First of all, let me tell you that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has two versions, the standard and the Pro. On the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 there are also two versions, but they were the standard and the Classic.
In the meantime, we are going to show you what are the main new features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 compared to its previous model, the 4, taking the standard versions of both smartwatches as a reference. Let’s go there!
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs 4: Let’s start with their similarities
Now, let’s focus on the similarities they share. Being two models from the same series, it’s not surprising that there are so many of them:
Size and design
The first thing you’ll want to know is that both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 4 come in two sizes: 40mm or 44mm. So, depending on the diameter of your wrist, you can choose the one that best fits it. In this case, the dimensions are the same:
- The 40 mm model has dimensions of 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm.
- The 44 mm version measures 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm.
In terms of weight, the difference is just two grams, so we can say that, aesthetically, the two smartwatches do not differ much. In fact, they maintain a very similar design in both cases, making it clear that Samsung’s aesthetic is not one of the things that the brand is going to change in smartwatches.
If we continue to look at details where little change is noticeable, we have to say that the same is true of the screen. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a 1.19-inch Super AMOLED display (in the 40mm version), while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is 1.2 inches in size. The resolution is the same in both cases: 396 x 396 pixels. So there are no major differences in terms of aesthetics, screen and design.
Does the processor change?
The truth is that there are not many changes in this regard. Both the Samsung Galaxy watch 5 and 4 have the dual-core Exynos W920 processor with Mali-G68 graphics. In terms of storage capacity, they have 1.5 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. The operating system is also the same in both cases, Wear OS.
Degree of tolerance and resistance
Another important feature in sports smartwatches is their water resistance, and in this case, it is 5 ATM in both cases. This means that both models are designed for a resistance of approximately 50 metres. They also have a certified IP68 level of resistance, ensuring the highest possible tolerance to water and dust.
Sports activity
Many people who decide to buy a smartwatch do so with the aim of keeping track of their training and physical activity. In this sense, you can do it with either of them, as both have more than 90 sports modes and offer practically the same functionalities.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs 4: All the differences
Let’s start by looking at the most important differences between the two smartwatches, which are the ones that will help us decide which one to choose.
Same screen, different glass
As you’ll see below, there’s no change in terms of screen size and dimensions, but there is one difference that I think is important. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 had Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ protective glass, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has switched to sapphire glass. In theory, it’s more resistant to shocks and scratches, although I have to say that the glass on the model 4 was already tough enough.
Battery: battery life and fast charging
The battery changes between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 4, although these are changes that are more in theory than in practice. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a 410 mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has a 361 mAh battery. Theoretically, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a battery life of around 50 hours, compared to 40 hours for the Galaxy Watch 4.
However, in practice (or at least in my case), the battery life is quite similar, although it is true that the Galaxy Watch 5 lasts a few hours longer. Although we have to be fair and say that this will also depend on other external factors.
Where I do notice the difference is in the fast charging, as the Galaxy Watch 5 can complete charging almost halfway in just half an hour. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 does not have fast charging.
Compatibility with Bluetooth versions
Another difference between the two Samsung smartwatches has to do with Bluetooth connectivity. Specifically, with the version of this technology that both are compatible with. The Galaxy Watch 5 supports Bluetooth 5.2, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 supports Bluetooth 5.0.
New updated sensors
The set of sensors that the two smartwatches have is quite similar, although the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 adds a sensor that measures skin temperature, something that the Galaxy Watch 4 lacks. This sensor works really well thanks to the infrared that it has, which provides very good accuracy.
In addition, the BioActive 3 sensor, which is in the Galaxy Watch 4, has been improved in the 5 model thanks to a new version update, and it is also quite noticeable. This, coupled with the thermal sensor, makes the reports related to your performance more accurate.
Both smartwatches have a sensor to measure sleep quality, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers advanced sleep training. That is, it is capable of much more detailed planning to help you optimise your sleep, with a more accurate capability than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
Beyond that, both smartwatches feature a heart rate sensor for measuring heart rate, measuring stress levels and female menstruation cycles, and an optical heart rate sensor that also monitors blood pressure.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs 4: Which smartwatch should I choose?
Finally, all that’s left for me to decide, based on the review, is whether I think it’s worth going for the new Samsung Galaxy Watch model over the previous model. And, after all that I have told you, I would say that if you have just bought the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, you can wait before changing it, because there are few major innovations that justify this decision to change so quickly.
On the other hand, if you don’t have one, we’d advise you to go straight for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Not only because of the improved battery life and fast charging, but also because, if rumours are to be believed, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 could be discontinued in the future, making it more convenient to opt for the new model.
But, as we always say, the last word is up to you. Bear in mind that the price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is higher, not only because it has a few small new features, but also because it’s a newer release.
Maybe it’s worth waiting a little while for the price to come down? It could be, although by then, we’ll most likely be talking about new versions. Either way, the decision you make will be a good one in both cases, because both models are still Samsung Galaxy Watches.