The Smartwatch for Everyday Wellness Goals.
THE BOTTOM LINE
In 2021, the Galaxy Watch 4 stood out as our favorite Android-compatible smartwatch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, priced at $279.99, takes that excellence to the next level, boasting a larger battery, a more robust display, and an infrared sensor that measures body temperature.
Aesthetically, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 retains the appealing design of its predecessor, featuring a stunning display and a practical digital bezel for swift navigation. It continues to run Wear OS, providing access to various standard Google apps.
As of now, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 holds the title as the ultimate Apple Watch alternative for most Android users, earning our esteemed Editor’s Choice award.
Starts at $279.99
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Pros:
- Improved Sleep Tracking: The Galaxy Watch 5’s enhanced sleep tracking technology, featuring 8 animal sleep symbols representing different sleep stages, provides valuable insights into sleep quality, making it an excellent tool for improving overall well-being.
- Advanced Health Monitoring: With the powerful 3-in-1 BioActive sensor, the Watch 5 allows users to monitor various health metrics, including body fat percentage, skeletal muscle weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. This comprehensive health monitoring capability makes it a reliable companion for health-conscious individuals.
- Cycle Tracking for Reproductive Health: The Cycle Tracking feature offers valuable insights into reproductive health, predicting periods, ovulation, and fertility based on infrared temperature sensor data. It is a valuable addition for users looking to manage their menstrual cycle more effectively.
- Impressive Display: The Galaxy Watch 5 boasts an exceptionally bright and beautiful AMOLED display, offering an always-on option. The screen delivers vibrant colors, making even the smallest text easy to read.
- Long-lasting Battery: The Watch 5’s battery life has been significantly improved, lasting up to 50 hours on a single charge. This is a welcome upgrade over its predecessor and a competitive offering compared to the Apple Watch Series 7.
- Competitive price
- Digital bezel for quick scrolling
Cons:
- Lack of Physical Rotating Bezels: Fans of Samsung’s older smartwatches may miss the physical rotating bezel for quick scrolling. The Watch 5 relies on a functional digital bezel, which, while effective, might not suit everyone’s preference.
- Limited Stress and Respiration Tracking: The Watch 5 monitors stress levels but lacks actual heart rate variability (HRV) reporting and respiration rate tracking. This puts it behind competitors like the Apple Watch Series 7 in terms of comprehensive stress and breathing monitoring.
- Temperature data unavailable at launch
- Lacks outdoor-specific features of Galaxy Watch5 Pro model
Tech specs Galaxy Watch 5
Below is a table showcasing the technical specifications of the Galaxy Watch 5:
| Specification | Details |
| Model | Galaxy Watch 5 |
| Display | AMOLED, always-on option |
| Size | 40mm (small) or 44mm (large) |
| Resolution | 1.2 inches (40mm) – 396 x 396 pixels |
| 1.4 inches (44mm) – 450 x 450 pixels | |
| Case Material | Aluminum |
| Colors | Graphite (Black), Silver |
| Additional Colors | Sapphire (Blue) – 40mm, Pink-Gold – 44mm |
| Operating System | One UI Watch 4.5 (based on Google’s Wear OS 3.5) |
| Compatible Devices | Android phones with Android 8.0 or newer, 1.5GB RAM |
| Processor | Exynos W920 |
| RAM | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Battery | 40mm – 284mAh / 44mm – 410mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours (depending on usage) |
| Charging | Puck-style USB-C charger (power adapter not incl.) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE (cellular version) |
| Sensors | BioActive Sensor, Heart Rate Monitor, GPS, ECG, |
| Blood Oxygen (SpO2), Accelerometer, Gyroscope, | |
| Barometer, Ambient Light Sensor | |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (up to 50 meters) |
| Compatibility | Android smartphones only |
| Apps & Features | Galaxy Wearable App, SmartThings App, Samsung Hand |
| Wash App, Google Play Store, Customizable Watch | |
| Faces, Stress Monitoring, Fitness Tracking, Sleep | |
| Tracking, Music and Gallery Management, | |
| Notification Management, Call Management, Smart | |
| Home Device Control |
Please note that the specifications may vary slightly based on the specific model and region.
In today’s tech-savvy world, smartwatches have become essential companions for a healthier lifestyle. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 stands out as a versatile and feature-rich smartwatch designed to enhance everyday wellness goals. Let’s dive into its health monitoring capabilities, performance, and how it compares to competitors like the Apple Watch Series 8.
Health Monitoring Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Sleep-tracking technology
The Galaxy Watch 5 takes your health seriously, offering comprehensive monitoring around the clock. Its improved sleep-tracking technology helps you understand your sleep stages, detect snoring, and plan your bedtime. Through eight animal sleep symbols, representing different sleep types, you gain insights for better nights and better days.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Introduces Advanced Sleep Coaching, providing guidance and recommendations to enhance your sleep quality. It commences by examining your sleep patterns and devises a 5-week program to assist you.
Requires an Android smartphone with version 8.0 or later, a minimum of 1.5GB RAM, and a Samsung Health app (free) version 6.22 or higher.
To obtain sleep pattern insights, users need to wear the watch during sleep for at least 7 nights and complete a corresponding survey.
The powerful 3-in-1 Samsung BioActive
The powerful 3-in-1 Samsung BioActive sensor includes Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), Electrical Heart (ECG), and Optical Heart Rate sensors. Track everything from body fat percentage to skeletal muscle weight, and receive real-time ECG tracking for heart rate and rhythm.
3-in-1 Samsung BioActive sensor in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. The enhanced curved sensor design makes closer contact with your skin, resulting in more precise heart rate and wellness data. It necessitates a smartphone with Android 8.0 or newer, at least 1.5GB of RAM, and the Samsung Health app (free) version 6.22 or higher. Please note that the heart rate software features are not meant for diagnosing diseases or other medical conditions, nor for their treatment, mitigation, or prevention.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor (BIA) in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.
Access comprehensive data to help you achieve your best self. The BIA Sensor provides readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate, and more. The Samsung BIA serves as a body analyzer utilizing bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to monitor body composition, including weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle, body water, and basal metabolic rate (BMR). Please note that it’s not designed for the specific diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.
The Watch 5 keeps track of your stress level
The Watch 5 keeps track of your stress level, but it doesn’t display your specific heart rate variability (HRV). While it does come with a helpful guided breathing feature to alleviate stress, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 does not include respiration rate monitoring. These additional metrics, such as HRV and respiration rate, are available on devices like Apple’s Series 7, Oura Gen 3, and various other wearables.
Samsung has redesigned the curvature of the back glass in the Watch 5 series
As part of the improvements, Samsung has redesigned the curvature of the back glass in the Watch 5 series. With the expanded surface area of the BioActive Sensor, there is now more direct contact with your wrist. This enhancement leads to enhanced precision in measuring body composition, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and electrocardiogram readings, as highlighted by the company.
The Cycle Tracking feature Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Cycle Tracking feature, now with infrared temperature sensing during sleep, assists with reproductive health, forecasting periods, and ovulation. The infrared temperature sensor, used by Natural Cycles’ adapted fertility algorithm, makes managing your cycle easier than ever.
Fitness Tracking Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Every step counts, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is here to support your fitness journey. It counts your steps, and calories, and supports tracking over 90 exercises directly from your wrist.
The Watch 5 provides an extensive range of fitness tracking options with over 90 activities to choose from. It covers a wide spectrum, including cycling, rowing, running, swimming, and specific exercises like bench presses, deadlifts, lateral raises, and squats. Sports enthusiasts can track activities such as baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, and golf, while adventurous souls can monitor specialized activities like aqua aerobics, hang gliding, kayaking, snowshoeing, and water skiing.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5’s Auto Workout Tracking swiftly identifies a variety of popular activities, including running and swimming, within a few minutes. Additionally, it offers manual tracking for over 90 exercises, ranging from intense HIIT workouts to relaxing yoga sessions. The watch is designed with an IP68 rating, ensuring it remains water-resistant even when submerged in water up to 5 feet deep for as long as 30 minutes. After exposure to moisture, simply rinse off any residue and allow it to dry.
Although the list is quite comprehensive, I do wish the Watch 5 included some of the more general fitness-tracking options found on the Apple Watch, such as core training, high-intensity interval training, and traditional strength training. Nevertheless, if the Watch 5 doesn’t have a tracking mode for a particular activity you plan to do, you can always resort to the “other workout” option to keep tabs on your workout.
Performance Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
With a bigger battery and fast charging, the Galaxy Watch 5 ensures you’re back on your wrist in no time. In just 30 minutes, it charges up to 45%, keeping you powered throughout the day.
Regarding the internal hardware, the Watch 5 shares the same processor, memory, and storage specifications as its predecessor, the Watch 4, equipped with an Exynos W920 chip, 1.5GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. However, the Watch 5 offers an improvement in battery life. The smaller model houses a 284mAh battery, while the larger variant boasts a 410mAh battery, both exceeding the capacities of the Watch 4 (247mAh and 361mAh, respectively). Samsung claims the Watch 5 can last up to 50 hours on a single charge, providing an additional 10 hours compared to its predecessor.
Galaxy Watch 5 Battery life
During my own testing, I found that the Watch 5 managed to last around 30 hours with the always-on display feature enabled, giving it a slight edge of just six hours more than the Watch 4. Similarly, the Apple Watch Series 7, featuring a 309mAh battery, also endured 29 hours in my testing with the always-on display activated.
Battery life is an aspect where the Watch 5 Pro model outshines its counterparts. Equipped with a notably larger 590mAh battery, Samsung claims it can provide up to 80 hours of usage on a single charge (or 20 hours with GPS enabled). Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to test the Pro model myself to verify this claim.
Durability Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Crafted with premium Sapphire crystal, the Galaxy Watch 5 is 1.6 times harder, making it durable and water-resistant (5ATM+IP68/MIL-STD-810H) to handle whatever your day brings.
Camera Controller Galaxy Watch 5
Snap the perfect group selfies or capture solo vlogs with ease using the Galaxy Watch 5’s camera controller feature. Simply prop up your smartphone, check the shot from your wrist, and tap to capture. You can even zoom in for a closer look with a pinch or twist of the bezel.
With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, you can effortlessly capture perfectly framed group selfies or videos. Step away from your Galaxy smartphone, preview the shot from your wrist, and either set a timer or tap to snap the picture. You can even zoom in with a simple screen pinch or by turning the bezel to achieve your desired shot. This feature is compatible with the Galaxy Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, and Watch4 Classic, as long as they are paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone running One UI 5.1 or higher and have the Camera Controller app support installed. Make sure to update to the latest software version through the Galaxy Wearable app, but please note that availability may vary based on your market, carrier, device model, and the paired smartphone’s Camera Controller compatibility. Initially, the update will be accessible for Bluetooth versions, with LTE versions receiving it at a later date.
Design Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
With a variety of watch faces, bands, and colors to choose from, the Galaxy Watch 5 lets you personalize your style to match any outfit or occasion.
The Galaxy Watch 5 maintains the elegant and minimalist design of its predecessor, the Watch 4. It comes in two sizes: 40mm (small) and 44mm (large), both featuring an aluminum case.
The 40mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model starts at $279.99, while the LTE version begins at $329.99. Both sizes are offered in classic graphite (black) or silver case options. Additionally, the larger 44mm model comes in a captivating sapphire (blue) color, while the smaller 40mm version is available in a charming pink-gold shade.
How to personalize the color and style of the strap for Galaxy Watch 5
While all case colors of the Galaxy Watch 5 come with a matching strap, you have the option to personalize your watch band color and style using the Bespoke Studio tool on Samsung’s website. It’s worth mentioning that the Watch 5 colors are designed to complement Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Flip 4, allowing fashion-forward users to coordinate their smartwatch and smartphone effortlessly.
Visit the Bespoke Studio to personalize your distinct style Galaxy Watch 5. Explore a variety of combinations to create a look that truly reflects your individuality.
Design Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
On the other hand, the Watch 5 Pro, designed for rugged use, features a sturdy 45mm watch face and a titanium case available in black or gray. The matching D-Buckle Sport band adds to its rugged look. Starting at $449.99 for the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model or $499.99 for the LTE version, the Watch 5 Pro, unfortunately, doesn’t offer a smaller size option.
Samsung’s smartwatch fans might feel disappointed as both the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro lack the physical rotating bezel, a beloved feature found on many older Samsung smartwatches, including last year’s Watch 4 Classic. However, I personally don’t find it bothersome. Similar to the standard Watch 4, both Watch 5 models come with a functional digital bezel integrated into the screen. While it doesn’t physically turn, it still allows easy navigation by gliding your finger along the outer edge of the display. During testing, I found the Watch 5’s digital bezel to work seamlessly, enabling me to swiftly scroll through menus on the watch.
Display Galaxy Watch 5
The Galaxy Watch 5 boasts an incredibly vibrant and stunning AMOLED display, complete with an always-on option. The version I had the opportunity to test had a 1.2-inch screen, featuring a resolution of 396 by 396 pixels, while the larger variant comes with a 1.4-inch panel offering a resolution of 450 by 450 pixels.
At around 75% of its maximum brightness, the screen truly comes alive with vibrant colors, and even the smallest text remains perfectly readable. Despite its ample screen real estate, the smaller model fits comfortably on my petite wrist without feeling excessively large.
Smart Switch
Transitioning from a previous Galaxy Watch is effortless with Smart Switch, allowing you to keep your data and continue where you left off.
Opening the box and Familiarizing Myself with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
During my testing, setting up the Galaxy Watch 5 using the Galaxy Wearable app on a SAMSUNG Galaxy S22 smartphone was a breeze. Included in the box with the Watch 5 are a quick start guide and a puck-style USB-C charger, but a power adapter is not provided, so you’ll need to use your own.
Thankfully, the watch arrived partially charged, so I was able to start using it right away. After a minute or so on the charger, it was already at 81%, and it only took four more minutes to reach a full 100% charge.
Setup process
To start the setup process, I downloaded the Galaxy Wearable app, which is available exclusively for Android devices. Once I launched the app on my SAMSUNG Galaxy S22, it automatically initiated a search for nearby devices to add and quickly detected the Watch 5. The app generated a number displayed on both the watch’s screen and the app interface, and after confirming the match, it proceeded to download the Galaxy Watch 5 Manager tool.
During the setup, the Galaxy Watch 5 Manager requested various permissions, including access to contacts, calendars, call logs, photos, and media. It also sought permission for managing phone calls and SMS messages. Additionally, I needed to agree to Google’s terms of service and sign in to my Google account. After this step, I selected the apps I wanted to install on the watch, including all the apps from my phone and some recommended third-party watch apps.
Like most feature-rich smartwatches, exploring and becoming familiar with the Galaxy Watch 5’s functionalities takes some time. However, for those who have used the Watch 4 previously, the new model follows a similar organization.
To navigate the watch:
To navigate the watch, swiping left allows access to app tiles, swiping right shows notifications, and swiping down opens the quick panel menu for options like enabling Bedtime mode and always-on display, as well as connecting Bluetooth headphones. Swiping up provides access to all installed apps, which can be reordered based on preference.
To go back:
To go back, a right swipe or the physical back key (lower button) can be used. For quick access to the most recently used app, a double-press of the home key (upper button) does the job. Additionally, users have the option to customize the functions of both the home and back keys within Settings.
APPs
The Galaxy Wearable app
The Galaxy Wearable app on your phone allows you to manage content in the Music and Gallery apps on the Watch 5, and if you prefer, it can automatically sync tracks and images. Moreover, the watch enables you to handle incoming and outgoing calls from your connected phone.
SmartThings watch app
With the SmartThings watch app, you can conveniently access and control compatible smart home devices and your favorite scenes directly from your phone.
The Samsung Hand Wash app
While the Watch 5 lacks a preinstalled handwashing countdown timer like the Apple Watch, you can easily download the Samsung Hand Wash app from the Google Play Store, which offers a similar and useful feature.
Google Apps
Furthermore, the Google Play Store on the Watch 5 offers an array of popular Google apps such as Gboard (Google Keyboard), Camera, Fit, Keep, and Wallet. You can also discover a wide selection of third-party apps, including Adidas Running, iHeart: Music, Lifesum, Map My Fitness, Ski Tracks, Swim.com, and Todoist. And if you wish to customize your watch face, numerous watch face apps are available beyond Samsung’s default options.
Comparison
The Galaxy Watch 5 improves on the Galaxy Watch 4 with a more comprehensive set of health monitoring features, enhanced sleep tracking, and a larger battery. However, it shares the lack of a physical rotating bezel with the Watch 4, which may be a drawback for some users. When compared to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the Watch 5 offers similar functionalities but lacks the classic’s distinctive rotating bezel design.
In comparison to the Apple Watch Series 7, the Galaxy Watch 5 provides excellent sleep tracking and health monitoring capabilities. However, it falls slightly behind in stress and respiration tracking, features that are available in Series 7. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 7 features a slightly smaller battery but remains competitive in terms of battery life.
Overall, the Galaxy Watch 5 is an excellent smartwatch, especially for Android users seeking a robust health and wellness companion. While it faces some competition from its predecessors and the Apple Watch Series 7, its impressive display, advanced health monitoring, and long battery life make it a worthy contender in the smartwatch market.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 impresses with its exceptional health monitoring capabilities, fitness tracking features, fast charging, and seamless integration with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem. Whether you’re tracking sleep, staying active, or managing your cycle, this smartwatch is a worthy companion for your wellness journey.