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Samsung has made the Galaxy Watch 4 official. The Galaxy Watch 4 is the latest and greatest from Samsung, and this time around there’s more changes than you’ll probably be used to.
And there’s one very big reason for that. In fact there’s actually a lot to know about this new smartwatch from Samsung and Google. So we’re breaking it all down here in this handy guide. That way, you’ll know everything you need to know about the Galaxy Watch 4 before it arrives at your doorstep. Or before you pick one up at the store locally.
Even if you’re not planning on grabbing one asap, you might still want to learn about the device. And that’s where this guide comes in. From release date to price to features. It’s all here. But before we get into all that, let’s just recap on what the watch is.
What is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is Samsung’s latest smartwatch. It’s packed full of features just like every year. It’s also the very first smartwatch on the market that runs on Google and Samsung’s unified platform. Which blends Wear OS 3 with One UI Watch for a more smooth and feature-rich user experience.
How many models of the Galaxy Watch 4 are there?
There are two models of this new smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Each one has a different price point and will cater to a specific type of user. Though anyone can buy either one of course. In fact, you could buy both if you really wanted to have one for different occasions.
When I can buy the Galaxy Watch 4?
Right now, actually. The watch officially launched at the end of last month. So you can now pick it up directly from Samsung, or from Amazon and other retail partners. It’s also available via some carriers. So if you’d rather pick it up from the same place that you buy your phones and pay your bills, you can do that too.
Though you may end up finding better deals outside of your carrier. So it’s worth at least shopping around.
How much does the watch cost?
As noted above Samsung has two different models of this watch. And each one comes in at a different price point. The Galaxy Watch 4 retails for a starting price of $249. Meanwhile the Classic model retails for a starting price of $349. These are for the Bluetooth models, though you can bump up to the LTE models for an additional $50 on each one.
And, if you pre-ordered from Samsung you would have gotten a $50 Samsung credit. Meanwhile if you order from Amazon you can still get a free wireless charger.
What are the main differences between the two models?
There are a few main differences between the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. A lot of the stuff will be the same, but you still want to know what the main differences are so you can pick the watch model that’s best for you. We’ll break down the few main differences below.
Size
Each watch will come in two different sizes. But they will also be different for each model. The Galaxy Watch 4 will come in 40mm and 44mm options. Meanwhile the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will come in 42mm and 46mm options. This way there’s a small and a large option for buyers of both versions.
Design
There is a distinct design difference for both watches. And that’s made pretty evident in the name that Samsung has given to both models. The standard Galaxy Watch 4 is actually Samsung’s replacement for an ‘Active’ model this year. That’s right. Samsung won’t be releasing a Galaxy Watch Active 3 or anything like that. Instead, it’s choosing to launch that as the Galaxy Watch 4.
The Classic version will be more of your classic-looking timepiece with smartwatch features. So this is the one that looks more like the Galaxy Watch 3 from last year. Where as the non-Classic model will have more of a sporty style. If you prefer the sporty look, then don’t for the Classic.
Though admittedly, either one lends itself well to just about any outfit you might throw on. In fact, a simple change of the strap could make it really easy to swap between dressing it down for a run and then dressing it up for a night out.
Build materials
Another big difference is the materials that Samsung is using for both versions of the watch. While both will probably feel premium, to a degree, Samsung has stated that the Galaxy Watch 4 will use more high-end materials for its build.
The hardware has been reinforced to give the watches more durability too. You’ll also get different straps based on which model you pick. For instance, going with the Galaxy Watch 4 will net you the more sporty look, so it comes with a silicone strap initially. Though both watches will support interchangeable straps.
How many colors of the watch are there?
There are currently four different colors of the watch. This includes black, sophisticated green, silver, and pink gold. This of course is only referring to the color of the watch case itself. As Samsung will have many more options for colors when it comes to the straps. There will be bands that match or closely match the colors of the cases, but also a wider variety of color options that you can pick up in addition to the ones that come with the watch.
Such as blue, yellow, a sort of sage green color, white, red and more. Basically, you’ll have a lot of freedom when it comes to customizing the look of your Galaxy Watch 4. And those are just the straps that come from Samsung. As always, you can opt to pick something up from a different brand as long as the strap is compatible. So your options really are nearly endless.
The colors are also limited based on which model of the watch you choose. The Galaxy Watch 4 in the 40mm will come in black, silver, and pink gold, while the 44mm will come in black, silver and sophisticated green. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will come in just the black and silver colors in both the 42mm and 46mm sizes.
What are the specs?
The specs are mostly the same on both watches, but there are a few differences. So we’ll split things up and list the specs for each mode below.
Galaxy Watch 4
- Display: 44mm – 1.36-inch AMOLED – Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+(450 x 450 resolution) 330 PPI / 40mm – 1.19-inch AMOLED with Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+(396 x 396 resolution) 330 PPI.
- Processor: Exynos W920 (5nm processor)
- Memory: 1.5GB of RAM plus 16GB of internal storage
- Battery: 44mm – 361mAh / 40mm – 247mAh (fast charge for both)
- Dimensions & Weight: 44mm (Aluminum case) – 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8mm at 30.3g / 40mm (Aluminum case) – 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8mm at 25.9g
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, , Samsung Bioactive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate Sensor (PPG) plus Electrical Heart Rate Sensor (ECG) plus Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor (BIA)
- OS: Wear OS powered by Samsung (Wear OS 3)
- UI: One UI Watch 3
- Durability: 5ATM + IP68/MIL-STD-810G
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
- Display: 46mm – 1.36-inch AMOLED with Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+(450 x 450 resolution) 330 PPI / 42mm – 1.19-inch AMOLED with Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+(396 x 396 resolution) 330 PPI.
- Processor: Exynos W920 (5nm processor)
- Memory: 1.5GB of RAM plus 16GB of internal storage
- Battery: 46mm – 361mAh / 42mm – 247mAh (fast charge for both)
- Dimensions & Weight: 46mm (Stainless Steel case) 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.11mm at 57g / 42mm (Stainless Steel case) 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2mm at 44.5g
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, , Samsung Bioactive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate Sensor (PPG) plus Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG) plus Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor (BIA)
- OS: Wear OS Powered by Samsung (Wear OS 3)
- UI: One UI Watch 3
- Durability: 5ATM + IP68/MIL-STD-810G
What are the major health features of the Galaxy Watch 4?
As with the Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch Active 2, the Galaxy Watch 4 series is big on health. And bring some new features into the mix that amplify the health and wellness capabilities of the device.
Samsung is taking even more of an approach to holistic health this time around. Adding features like smart tracking with fitness routines and challenges, a new body composition analysis tool and more.
Samsung has also added the BioActive Sensor, which combines the PPG, ECG, and EIA. The watches are also capable of breaking down data about your body, body fat, skeletal and muscular systems, water, and more. In just 15 seconds, the watch can deliver information based 2,400 captured data points.
Those who have used some of Samsung’s older watches will notice that the Vo2 Max feature has made a return too. And if you have a Samsung smart TV you can still link the watch to it to do some home training.
Of course you also have access to third-party wellness apps because this is running on Wear OS 3. Which means the Play Store will be available to get those apps. One of the highlight wellness features of the watch this time around is the new advanced sleep system.
What features does it have?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has many features you’ll find on other Wear OS smartwatches, including Google Pay, Google Maps, the Play Store, and loads of activity tracking capabilities. It also tracks sleep, water intake, and comes with useful touches like the reduced sensitivity for when the screen gets wet. Google and Samsung are also expected to launch Google Assistant on the watch at some point. Though many thought it would be available at the time of launch.
Update: May 13, 2022
Google Assistant is now set to be released for the Galaxy Watch 4 sometime this Summer.
Manage your sleep better
It’ll be hard to say how well this all works without putting it into practice, but on paper the Galaxy Watch 4’s new advanced sleep management tools will aim to help you get a better night’s rest. Which in turn can help you have a better day when you wake up the next morning. Which can help you perform at your best for exercise and anything else you might need to do that day.
Then you can feel better at the end of the day and rest well again. The cycle repeats. With the new sleep management features, the Galaxy Watch 4 will not only give you a sleep score based on various factors, but it can also detect snoring, and track your blood oxygen as part of your sleep.
When you wake up and take a look at the sleep data, if you notice any excess snoring, or just snoring at all, you can then use that to try and adjust things to prevent snoring going forward.
How well does the Galaxy Watch 4 sync with phones?
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 4 provides a better synced experience with Galaxy smartphones. All thanks to the One UI Watch experience. This includes a more seamless experience between the watch and the phone.
It also allows for syncing a lot of important settings between the two devices so you never miss anything that you might use on a daily basis. The apps will install automatically as well. Saving you a step in getting the watch prepped for daily wear.
But it doesn’t end there. The One UI Watch experience also has refined gesture controls that are now more easy to use. And, Samsung made the color and layout of the home screen more pleasing to the eye. That’s important since you might spend a fair amount of time staring at the watch screen for various reasons.
There’s even some improved capabilities for controlling your Galaxy Buds 2. Though this may apply to other Bluetooth earbuds as well. The watch also syncs fairly well with non-Galaxy smartphones running on Android.
Is the Galaxy Watch 4 available globally?
Yes. Samsung hasn’t listed all of the countries where the watch will be available yet. But Samsung won’t be leaving out any regions where it already sells its products. If you can buy a Galaxy Watch 3, you’ll be able to buy a Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
Major regions include the US, UK, South Korea, most countries in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and many others. Though the exact retailers will probably vary depending on the region, as not all retailers are in each region.