The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has a familiar feel while being uniquely different. Despite resembling a Galaxy Watch, this version is more refined and elegant. The software functions similar to Tizen, but Google Wear OS is more exact and pragmatic.
The company ditched the ‘Active’ moniker for the Galaxy Watch 4 as its flagship model, opting instead for a ‘Classic’ model with the same features as its Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.
In addition to its three-in-one health sensor, the Galaxy Watch 4 supports Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for the first time in any smartwatch. Is this enough to knock the (yet to be announced) Apple Watch 7 off the top spot?
With no shadow of a doubt, the Galaxy Watch 4 is the best smartwatch available for Samsung smartphone users. Discover why in our Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | Amazon | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | eBay | Check Price |
| Watch 4 Classic | eBay | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Target | Check Price |
Release date and price
In the United States and the United Kingdom, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 launched on August 26, 2021. On September 10, it will be available in Australia.
It comes in two sizes, the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Sport. This model comes in two versions: a Bluetooth-enabled 40mm and an LTE-enabled 40mm, costing $250.
With 4G, the watch is just under $330 and around $280 with just Bluetooth. Since it replaces the Galaxy Watch Active 2, this is significantly less expensive than the Galaxy Watch 3.
It’s the perfect choice for those who want a bigger smartwatch with a rotating bezel. Even though many of the specifications are the same across both devices, this is a distinct product line this year.
Currently, the Bluetooth model costs just shy of $350, and the LTE model is .just under $400. The 46mm model is available with Bluetooth is closer to $380.
Design
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 models have a redesigned frame which eliminates gaps between the smartwatch chassis and the bands. Furthermore, the button pair on the crown is oblong, rather than a spherical crown on the side accompanied by a flush button.
Although there are a few slight changes, the Galaxy Watch 4 remains true to its predecessors. As well as being a navigation tool, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a spinning bezel that makes it an excellent fidget spinner as well. As with the S Pen, the bezel on the Samsung Galaxy Watch has been synonymous with the device since its introduction – or was it? — with the Galaxy Note smartphone.
For anyone who’s worn the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 more recently than the Galaxy Watch 3, adapting to the basic Galaxy Watch 4’s bezel takes some time. However, the smartwatch is much thinner without the mechanism, resulting in a contemporary device that cannot be mistaken for a conventional wristwatch.
Build
Its rotating bezel, called a ‘virtual’ bezel, sets it apart from other smartwatches. This Watch does not have a rotating bezel – if that’s what you want, go for the Watch 4 Classic – but you can alternate between menus by sliding your finger around the black bezel of the screen.
The models are also IP68-water and dustproof, meaning they can be submerged up to five meters in water without damage. I want to caution you about the watch band included with the watch, as it is made from a novel material that may not be suitable for hard exercise since it can cause a rash. It may be wise to invest in a new band for your watch if you frequently wear it to the gym.
Display
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 comes in two versions with brilliant displays. It displays 396 x 396 pixels on the 40mm model and 450 x 450 pixels on the 44mm variant. Both versions have a pixel density of 330 pixels per inch.
Inside
Samsung’s Exynos W920 processor powers the Watch 4, which comes with 1.5GB of RAM. According to testing, this was sufficient power to run a range of applications smoothly. A responsive smartwatch like this is rare nowadays.
Although this speed isn’t as apparent as on a smartphone or laptop, it’s noticeable compared to other smartwatches. It allows you to use a variety of applications while the GPS functions are operating.
With the Galaxy Watch 4, you have the option of 16GB or 32GB of storage. The operating system and preloaded applications ate up about 8GB of this space, leaving you with the same amount for your own apps and music.
The Galaxy Watch 4’s software is its defining feature. Samsung isn’t using its own Tizen wearables software in this instance but instead revives Google’s Wear OS, although with a twist. In recent years, Samsung has been concentrating its software efforts on Tizen, which seems to be the case in the Galaxy Watch 4.
Rather, this is Wear OS 3 with Samsung’s own skin on top, dubbed One UI Watch 3. It contains some Samsung apps you’re familiar with if you had a Galaxy Watch before, but it’s mostly Wear OS.
Therefore, you’ll have access to the Google Play Store, and although Wear OS isn’t the most app-friendly platform, you’ll have more/much more/whatever options than with Tizen. Nonetheless, the design retains a distinctive Samsung flair.
In addition to the pre-installed applications from the Google Play Store, the Galaxy Watch 4’s software is responsive and attractive. Despite retaining many of the characteristics that make Tizen such great software, this is a better alternative.
Activity tracking
You’ll be able to track your fitness progress with a dedicated activity Tile that shows your step count, active minutes, and calories burned.
You’ll receive an inactivity notification with instructions on how to break out of your idle rut. Exercises such as walking are automatically noted by automatic exercise identification. If you wish to collect additional data during your stroll, you will be required to switch to manual monitoring.
The inactivity warnings are more helpful than those seen on most fitness trackers and smartwatches. It does an admirable job of encouraging you to be active in tiny but meaningful ways.
Blood oxygen
Through the Samsung Health app, blood oxygen levels can be continuously monitored.
Samsung does not attempt to contextualize these readings beyond what they may tell you about your overall health. It’s similar to stress monitoring, which collects data on your stress levels and integrates guided breathing to help you relax.
You can choose from various modes when you switch to sports tracking and concentrate on Samsung’s own exercise program, such as running, cycling, swimming in the pool, and indoor activities like rowing. Through your phone, you will still be able to access a running coach mode and other training modes.
With Watch Active 2 and Watch 3, the tracking experience is quite similar.
GPS
The GPS tracking during runs is instant, and you can view your data in various ways. During and after a run, there is a wealth of data to be viewed.
Sleep and stress tracking
Sleep monitoring stats have been upgraded for Samsung’s new smartwatch. Unlike the Galaxy Watch 3, the Galaxy Watch 4 measures blood oxygen levels once every minute overnight. Sleep apnea sufferers may benefit from improved SpO2 measurements, which may provide a deeper understanding of sleep quality. In addition, your snores are recorded if you sleep near your smartphone.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4’s stress app allows you to monitor your current stress level and recover from it. If you hit a certain stress level, the watch will encourage you to perform a breathing exercise. Samsung’s watch has started to catch up with the Fitbit Sense regarding stress monitoring and management, even though the Fitbit is more popular.
Body composition analysis
Samsung developed a new health sensor for the Galaxy Watch 4. A pulse oximeter (PPG), a heart rate monitor (ECG), and a bioelectric impedance analyzer (BIA) form a three-in-one sensor that is closer to the skin than the previous Galaxy Watch’s separate health sensors.
BIA is the most significant. A quick BIA reading can be accomplished by pressing your fingers on the crown buttons for roughly 15 seconds without letting your fingers rest on the skin adjacent to your watch.
The results of a body composition analysis, when conducted correctly, will provide you with insight into how dietary and exercise modifications affect your internal makeup instead of just your weight. Several caveats must be considered, however. For one thing, it is not advised that individuals with pacemakers or pregnant women utilize BIA. While a large number of smart scales have a setting that suppresses BIA. Samsung merely states that people who should not use it should refrain from doing so.
Then there are worries that the BIA measurements may perpetuate body dysmorphia. Samsung merely states that the measures may not be accurate for individuals under the age of 20. However, the function does not seem to have a real age limit.
Battery life
The 44mm Galaxy Watch 4 we reviewed is powered by a 361mAh battery, and we found it to have excellent battery life during our testing process – while intensive use will result in the watch lasting up to two days on a single charge, regular use can last as long as three days.
As of yet, we haven’t evaluated the smaller 247mAh battery in the 40mm model. From our experience with Samsung smartwatches, we’ve seen a little variation in battery life between the smaller and bigger models. Still, we don’t anticipate the 40mm version to be much different.
A charging pad is included in the box; surprising considering Samsung recently discontinued charging pads for its devices. As a result, you’ll only get the cable here, so you’ll either need to find a charging block or connect it directly to a USB device.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 FAQ
Want to learn more about this popular smartwatch? Here are the top frequently asked questions about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
Make sure you ask any additional questions in the comments!
Can you use a Samsung Galaxy watch without a phone? (LTE Models)
Did you know there are ways to use your smartwatch without having it connected to your smartphone?
When you’re purchasing a smartwatch, make sure you check out “LTE” versions of it, as these allow your watch to receive messages and calls without a phone connection. This is a perfect setup for those that don’t want to be weighed down by a smartphone device. It’s also a good choice for those who enjoy outdoor sports, as it allows you to get out and active without a phone.
Just remember to activate your watch service with the same network carrier as your smartphone. Popular brands T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, offer LTE Galaxy Smartwatch plans for the 3, 4, and Galaxy Watch Active models.
If you don’t opt for an LTE smartwatch plan, remember to keep your watch connected to a Wi-Fi network or a Bluetooth connection when possible.
Are you interested in learning more about LTE smartwatches? Please read our guide here.
Can you answer phone calls on Samsung active watch?
Galaxy Watches with built-in microphones and speakers can answer calls. These features are included in the Galaxy Watch4 and the Galaxy Watch active 2.
If you have a first-generation watch or a Galaxy Watch Active, you won’t be able to take a call through the watch – but you can accept calls. When you accept a call on a Samsung Galaxy Active watch, it will be transferred back to your smartphone.
If you’re unable to answer calls (and you’re unsure why), it might be due to these issues:
- Your watch is on a silent setting
- Your notifications might be turned off
- If you’re using your watch without a phone, you need an LTE enabled device
- There might be Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity issues
Can you text from a Samsung watch?
Did you know you can send messages via the Samsung Galaxy Watch? The Bluetooth and LTE options allow you to text while you’re out and about. Whether you receive or create messages, the watch has a user-friendly interface that enables you to access the Messages app without your Galaxy phone.
This watch also allows users to send fast replies using the “Quick messages” tool. Note that third-party messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Hangout can’t be downloaded on the Galaxy Watch Series.
If you want to send and receive texts without your phone, make sure you opt for the LTE model that can connect to networks without a phone pairing. If you have the standard watch model, keep it paired with your smartphone when messaging.
What cool things can I do with my Galaxy Watch?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Series is one of the most popular smartwatch options on the market. With a sleek design and premium smartwatch features, this device has many unique options.
Here are some of the top activities you can do with your Galaxy Watch:
- Customize Your Watch Face. While the Galaxy Store offers an extensive range of watch faces, you may want to change elements of the designs. Luckily, you can modify many preloaded faces, allowing you to design your watch how you want it. Find the “Customize: button at the top of the watch Faces tab.
- Take Screenshots. Like a smartphone, Galaxy also allows you to take screenshots of the watch screen. Hold down the home button and swipe from left to right to capture your screen. The screenshot will be stored in the watch’s local storage area when taken.
- Download Offline Content. Galaxy Watch users can listen to music offline. The watch was developed with a little local storage, perfect for anyone who wants to go for a run with music.
- SOS Emergency Set Up. Want to keep yourself safe in all situations? Your Galaxy Watch can send SOS messages in emergency scenarios. Just make sure you configure the “Send SOS request” feature as soon as possible. Press the home button three times with speed to send an SOS signal. Interested in emergency responses? Find out more about the Galaxy Watch incident detection here.
- Explore different modes. The Galaxy Watch offers three unique modes – including “Watch-Only,” “Theater,” and “Goodnight.” These are similar to traditional silent modes, but there are a few differences, and they often save battery life.
Is the Galaxy smartwatch waterproof?
The Galaxy Watch Series 4 comes with two different water immersion ratings. This sounds confusing, but don’t worry! We’ll explain the two key differences.
One rating is an “IP68” score for Ingress Protection, and this shows that the watch can be water-resistance for approximately 30 minutes. The other rating is “5ATM”, meaning the watch can be immersed up to 50 meters of depth.
When put together, these two ratings mean that the watch can go as deep as 50 meters for up to 30 minutes without any worries. Of course, no electronic watch will ever be 100% waterproof, but this rating allows users to be flexible when they’re around water.
The Galaxy Watch 4 also has IL-STD-810G ratings, proving it can withstand extreme temperatures, high altitudes/low pressure, shocks/vibrations, and drops too. This also leaves it sand, dirt, and dust resistant.
Want to know more about waterproof watches? Explore our article here.
Want to know more about waterproof watches? Explore our article here.
Can I take my Galaxy Watch swimming?
It is safe to take your Galaxy Watch 4 swimming, but make sure you don’t swim for too long. The watch is only water-resistant for up to 30 minutes to survive a quick dip but not a lengthy training session.
If you have been swimming with your watch, remember to rinse the watch when you get out. Swimming pool chemicals or salt from the sea might damage your watch over time. You can also invest in a rubber or silicone watch band for water activities if you usually use a leather strap.
Did you know some watches are made for swimming? Find out about their sports features here.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4?
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 stands out for its software redesign, which blends the look and feel of its current Tizen platform with Wear OS capabilities. It has excellent fitness features, a long battery life, and a stylish appearance. Despite some compatibility issues, the Galaxy Watch 4 is an intriguing version of Samsung’s top smartwatch concept.
While you’re here, why not check out another great new device; the Fitbit Charge 5
Last Updated on April 21, 2023
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No less than a day out of the battery, have turned off every app, so the actual watch is only a watch, disgusting value sorry