The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the follow-up to one of our all-time favourite smartwatches, and it marks the return of Wear OS software from Samsung. In this case, though, Google and Samsung have worked to produce an operating system that differs from the standard Wear OS seen on most watches.
It’s important to note that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, both of which were introduced in August 2022, have surpassed this model as the most up-to-date version of Samsung’s wearable smartwatches. While these changes don’t appear to be particularly significant enhancements when seen in isolation, the improvement in battery life may be worth overlooking.
To return to the Watch 4, it would appear that the overall upgrade here from the previous model is also limited in software and hardware. However, as this Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review explains, the Watch 4 is ideal for anyone looking for a high-end smartwatch that can track workouts and provide a wide variety of other smart features that many alternative wrist companions don’t.
However, the Galaxy Watch 4’s compatibility is much weaker than that of previous Samsung watches for some reason. You’ll need a Samsung smartphone in order to take advantage of some of the functions, like taking blood pressure or electrocardiogram reading, but it’s compatible with any newer Android phones.
This is very surprising given that Samsung’s previous smartwatches have been among the most compatible on the market. Even if you have a different brand of Android phone than Samsung, we still think the Watch 4 is worth it.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Price and Availability
Beginning in the United States and the United Kingdom on August 26, 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 can be purchased. Australia received it on September 10, 2021, making it the second country to release it.
The Galaxy Watch 4 comes in two sizes, small and large. The Bluetooth version of the smaller 40mm model costs $249.99 / £249 / AU$399, while the LTE version costs $299.99 / £289 / AU$499.
The 44mm version of the watch costs $279.99 / £269 (about AU$500) in Bluetooth form and $329.99 / £309 (approximately AU$580) in 4G form. The main reason it’s so much less expensive than the Galaxy Watch 3 is that it’s meant to replace the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Given that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is no longer particularly cutting-edge, you may be able to find one for less money if you look at it. Waiting for a sale event like Amazon Prime Day, which will take place on July 12 and 13 of 2022, is another option to explore.
Choose the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic if you’re looking for a larger smartwatch with a real spinning bezel. This is a different product line, although the two devices have many desirable characteristics.
The Bluetooth version of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 42mm is priced at $349/£349/AU$549, while the LTE version is priced at $399/£389/AU$649. The 46mm model is offered at two distinct price points: $379 (£369) (AU$599) for the Bluetooth version, and $429 (£409 / AU$699) for the LTE version.
However, the Watch 4 Classic, like the regular Galaxy Watch 4, is frequently available at a discount.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Design and Display
If you’re looking for a sleek and comfortable smartwatch, go no further than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a good choice if you want a slightly larger watch or value features like a rotating bezel.
There is little on the Galaxy Watch 4 to detract from its small profile, making it an attractive option for people who value a minimalist design. There are two sizes available: one with a 40mm face and one with a 44mm body.
The aluminium frames of both versions. The 40mm version measures 40.4 by 39.3 by 9.8mm and weighs 25.9g, whereas the 44mm version has these measurements and more: 44.4 by 43.3 by 30.3 grammes.
We tried both types and found them to be lightweight and comfortable on the wrist.
The 44mm version has served us well for a longer time period than the smaller version (note that this writer is an adult man). It’s a good choice for daytime use, but it might not be the most comfortable at night if you’re hoping to use it for sleep monitoring.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Performance and Software
Samsung’s Exynos W920 CPU powers the Watch 4, and it comes with 1.5GB of RAM. Our extensive testing has shown that this amount of power is sufficient to run a wide range of applications without any noticeable lag. When compared to other smartwatches, this one is lightning fast.
This speed isn’t as evident as it could be on a smartphone or a laptop, but it is noticeable when compared to other smartwatches, and it allows you to utilise a range of apps while the GPS functionalities are running, for example.
There’s 16GB of storage on both models of the Galaxy Watch 4. We discovered that the operating system and the factory-installed software ate up roughly 8 GB of this space, leaving you with about the same for your own apps and music.
Its software is where the Galaxy Watch 4 shines. Samsung isn’t using its own Tizen wearables software here and is instead re-embracing Google’s Wear OS, although with its own spin.
To be honest, you can’t be blamed for being perplexed right now. The Tizen operating system, which has been at the centre of Samsung’s software development efforts for the past few years, appears to power the Galaxy Watch 4.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Fitness
The optical heart rate sensor, ECG support, and GPS for monitoring runs are just a few of the health and fitness features included with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
All of these fitness metrics can now be tracked in real-time thanks to the watch’s innovative new 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor. The last item on that list may be the only novel feature, but this is the first time those sensors have been used together.
According to Samsung, its body composition measurement capabilities allow you to view important fitness indicators like skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage. These scans are simple to execute, but they need you to remain motionless throughout the process.
You will learn your proportion of body fat, muscle mass, fat mass, water percentage, and body mass index. You can use it to estimate where you fall on the spectrum of what’s considered healthy for your gender, size, and stature.
We found it helpful to have at least a general notion of these different measures, and you’ll be able to follow them over time to see if you can enhance the outcomes by making adjustments.
Our results from utilising the heart rate monitor were consistent with those obtained from other instruments, demonstrating the monitor’s reliability. Although the heart rate monitor functioned most reliably within Samsung’s own apps, it was also compatible with other Wear OS applications, such as Strava and Nike Running Club.
Furthermore, when we took the watch out for a run, we discovered that the GPS functions provided accurate placement in comparison to other gadgets.
Be aware that not all fitness features are cross-compatible, though. Connecting the Galaxy Watch 4 to a Samsung smartphone is required in order to use the ECG and blood pressure monitoring features.
This is a major drawback, and if you don’t have a Samsung phone, you might want to look elsewhere for a smartwatch. Comparable functions are available on devices from other manufacturers, like Garmin, which are compatible with any mobile platform.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Battery Life
The 44mm Galaxy Watch 4 we tested was powered by a 361mAh battery, and it performed admirably throughout our time with it; we found the smartwatch would last at least two days from a single charge even with intensive use, and you can expect the watch to last a full three days if you don’t regularly use fitness features.
We haven’t had a chance to see how well the 40mm model functions because of its smaller 247mAh battery. We have witnessed a tiny difference in battery life between the smaller and larger model of Samsung smartwatches in the past, but the 40mm variant shouldn’t be expected to be drastically different.
Considering that Samsung has stopped bundling charging pads with its smartphones, the inclusion of one in this package comes as something of a surprise. The only thing you’ll get is the cord, so you’ll need to find a charging block or use a USB port on your device to power it.