Apart from its newest foldable smartphones, Samsung also announced the newest iterations of its smartwatch lineup on its recently-concluded Unpacked event – Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic.
Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic both sport a minimalist design, the latter retaining the rotating bezel. You get a 1.36″ and 1.19″ display for the 44mm and 40mm variants of the Galaxy Watch4, respectively, and 1.36″ and 1.19″ screens on the 46mm and 42mm models of the Galaxy Watch4 Classic, respectively.
Both run on the 5nm Exynos W920 that delivers 20% faster CPU performance and ten times more GPU performance. There’s also 1.5GB of RAM for smother scrolling and multitasking and 16GB of internal storage.
Underneath the shell, the new smart watches also pack Samsung’s BioActive Sensor. which functions as an Optical Heart Rate Sensor, an Electric Heart Rate Sensor, and a a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor.
Battery life is rated at up to 40 hours, with a 30 minute charge giving you 10 hours of use. A full charge will take less than two hours.
Health Monitoring
Now, there’s a Body Composition Analysis tool that paints a more holistic picture of your overall health. You get a info on the following:
- Skeletal Muscle
- Fat Mass
- Body Fat
- BMI
- Body Water
You’ll easily be able to check your body composition using two fingers. In about 15 seconds, the watch’s sensors can capture a staggering 2,400 data points with up to 98% accuracy.
Track a wide range of fitness activities and create fun group challenges with friends. Now, it’s also easier for you to work out at home using a Samsung Smart TV as your calorie count and heart rate will now appear on screen throughout your exercise activity for easier tracking.
Enhanced Sleep Management
Galaxy Watch4 Series feature Snoring Detection and Continuous Blood Oxygen tracking when you sleep, along with improved sleep scores and insight messages.
Day-to-Day User Experience
Take advantage of the new platform which is built in collaboration with Google, letting you tap an expansive ecosystem right on your wrist. Access apps like Samsung Pay, SmartThings, and Bixby, as well as popular Google Services and third party apps.
For example, the built-in compass now works seamlessly with Google Maps to make it easier to navigate a new area, and you will also be able to enjoy your favorite tracks offline with Spotify.
One UI Watch
One UI Watch facilitates a seamless experience across multiple devices and also allows your watch to look and work more like your Galaxy Smartphone.
For example, important settings on your phone like do not disturb hours, blocked callers, and world clocks are automatically synchronized with your watch. Installing watch compatible apps on your phone also installs them on your watch. You’ll also be able to control your mobile experience with Bixby voice or the Galaxy Watch4 Classic’s Rotating Bezel.
Refined gesture controls also enable you to do more using simple hand movements:
- Move your forearm up and down to receive calls
- Rotate your wrist twice to reject calls and dismiss notifications and alarms
- Knock Knock motion can execute a function of your choosing
Cross Device Features
Samsung has updated the Auto Switch feature on the Galaxy Watch4, so your buds will automatically detect unintended use and effortlessly toggle between your phone and watch. The Buds Controller also lets you check how much battery your buds have, manage touch controls, or even change the noise cancelling settings, all on your wrist.
Lastly, Galaxy Watch4 Series is equipped with the Samsung Knox Security Platform for ensuring that personal information is secure and protected every step of the way.
Specifications
Galaxy Watch4 | Galaxy Watch4 Classic | |
Color | 44mm: Black, Green, Silver | 46mm: Black, Silver |
40mm: Black, Pink Gold, Silver | 42mm: Black, Silver | |
Dimensions and Weight | Aluminum Case | Stainless Steel Case |
44mm: 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm, 30.3g | 46mm: 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.0 mm, 52g | |
40mm: 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm, 25.9g | 42mm: 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm, 46.5g | |
Display | 44mm: 1.4″ (34.6mm) 450×450 Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On Display, Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+ | 46mm: 1.4″ (34.6mm) 450×450 Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On Display, Corning Gorilla with Glass DX |
40mm: 1.2″ (30.4mm) 396×396 Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On Display, Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+ | 42mm: 1.2″ (30.4mm) 396×396 Super AMOLED, Full Color Always On Display, Corning Gorilla with Glass DX | |
Processor | Exynos W920 Dual Core 1.18GHz (5nm Processor) | Exynos W920 Dual Core 1.18GHz (5nm Processor) |
RAM and Storage | 1.5GB RAM + 16GB internal storage | 1.5GB RAM + 16GB internal storage |
Battery | 44mm/46mm: 361mAh, 40mm/42mm: 247mAh (typical), WPC-based wireless charging | 44mm/46mm: 361mAh, 40mm/42mm: 247mAh (typical), WPC-based wireless charging |
OS | Wear OS Powered by Samsung | Wear OS Powered by Samsung |
UI | One UI Watch 3 | One UI Watch 3 |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo |
Durability | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G |
Compatibility | Android 6.0 or higher and with more than 1.5GB of RAM | Android 6.0 or higher and with more than 1.5GB of RAM |
Variants and pricing
Galaxy Watch4 will be priced starting at PhP12,990 for the Bluetooth version. At launch, the 40mm variant will be available in Black, Silver, and Pink Gold, while the 44mm variant will be offered in Black, Silver, and Green.
Galaxy Watch4 Classic will retail starting at Php17,990 for the Bluetooth version and will come in 42mm and 46mm models in Black and Silver.
Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic will be available for pre-order at select markets from August 19 to September 22. For more info, click here.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.