Smart Watch Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review

The sharp design, intelligent software, and standout health sensor of the Smart watch Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 combine to create a promising upgrade that is somehow less expensive than last year’s model.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has a familiar feel to it while also being distinctive, and I mean that in the best possible way. Although it has the same appearance as the Galaxy Watch, this version is sharper and more sophisticated. Although the software functions similarly to Tizen, the new Google Wear OS platform is more pragmatic and precise.

In its latest lineup, Samsung has ditched the ‘Active’ branding in favor of pitching a sporty-looking Galaxy Watch 4 as the company’s flagship, along with another model called the Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic, which retains the luxurious characteristics of last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.

The Galaxy Watch 4 comes with a 3-in-1 health sensor that measures heart rate, takes ECGs, and measures body composition — it’s the first major smartwatch to include bioelectrical impedance analysis, which is a method of determining body composition (BIA). Is it just me, or does the Apple Watch 7 seem a little nervous?

With no doubt, the Galaxy Watch 4 is indeed the best smartwatch available for people who own Samsung smartphones, and it is the best Samsung watch in history. Why is this so? Find out in this Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review.

SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4: SPECS

• Processor: Exynos W920
• Software: Wear OS + One UI Wach
• Sensors: Samsung BioActive Sensor (PPG+ECG+BIA)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE (optional), NFC
• Memory: 1.5GB RAM + 16GB
• Durability: 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G
• Smartphone compatibility: Android 6.0 or higher
• Battery life: 40 hours

Samsung Smart Watch Galaxy Watch 4 price and availability

As of August 27, 2021, both the standard Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will be available for purchase on the Samsung website.

Starting at $249.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model, and $299.99 for the 40mm LTE model, the Galaxy Watch 4 is a great value. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic starts at $349.99 for the 42mm Bluetooth model and $399.99 for the 42mm LTE model, with the 42mm Bluetooth model being the least expensive.

Watch 4 vs. Watch 4 Classic: What’s different in both Smart Watch?

All of the differences (and similarities) between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are covered in detail in our dedicated guide.

Firstly, let me state unequivocally that on the inside, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are completely identical to one another. You’ll get the same software experience across the board, from the new Wear OS software and Samsung’s One UI skin to the 3-in-1 health sensor and extensive watch face collection.

With its stainless steel case, leather straps, and physical rotating bezel, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a step up from the standard Galaxy Watch 4. Consider it akin to the ‘Edition’ line of Apple Watches. In contrast to the Apple Watch Edition models, which are typically constructed of high-end materials such as ceramic and titanium, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is significantly more affordable. Despite the fact that it costs $100 more than the standard Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it is still less expensive than the entry-level Apple Watch 6 at the time of purchase.

Galaxy Smart Watch 4 Pros & Cons:

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s sleek appearance, intelligent software, and notable health sensor all add up to a promising improvement that costs less than the previous year’s model. Additionally, the Classic model retains the popular rotating bezel.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review:

Design:

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 includes a revised frame that facilitates a seamless transition from smartwatch to strap. The crown buttons are also oblong, rather than a prominent circular crown with a flush side button.

Despite these little tweaks, the Galaxy Watch 4 pays respect to previous Galaxy Watches. The revolving bezel on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a great navigation tool and a great fidget spinner. The bezel has become as iconic to the Samsung Galaxy Watch as the S Pen is — or was? — to the Galaxy Note smartphone.

Using the Galaxy Watch 3 more recently than the Galaxy Watch Active 2, adjusting to the capacitive bezel on the Galaxy Watch 4 takes some getting used to. The smartwatch is thinner without the mechanism, making it a more modern device than a traditional timepiece.
In Silver or Pink Gold, I’d wear it from the gym to dinner. That’s my style. I really like the green version that matches the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, but it is only available in 44mm. My wrist size is 40mm, however my male colleague tried on the 46mm Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and liked the wider display.

Wear OS Pros And Cons:

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s software is the nicest I’ve ever used on Wear OS. The Galaxy Watch 4 isn’t like previous Wear OS smartwatches that worked OK at initially but then developed issues. The software still feels Tizen-like, but that’s a good thing. My rhythm quickly allowed me to flip between apps, menus, and settings pages.

The revolving tiles are clearly Tizen, while Samsung Pay and Samsung Health still reign supreme. Google’s new app cloud (which looks a lot like watchOS, but who cares?) is also stocked with Google apps. However, the choices is currently limited. For example, no Google Assistant yet.

But you get Google Maps. It’s always on my wrist, whether I’m walking or driving in the suburbs. See more of my favourite Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Wear OS features. Compared to the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch 4’s software (WearOS) is superior.

With One UI Watch, the Galaxy Watch 4 becomes a more active member of the Samsung ecosystem. The software skin instantly transfers settings and tools from Galaxy smartphone to Galaxy smartwatch. One UI Watch also has a large watch face library and a developer editing suite. My favourite faces are those with bubbly numbers, animal movements, and color-coordinated complexity.

Body Composition Analysis:

This sensor is exclusive to the Galaxy Watch 4. Three sensors in one, closer to the skin than the previous Galaxy Watch’s health sensors (PPG, ECG, and BIA).

BIA is the big news. BIA uses a small electric current to examine your body fat percentage, BMI, muscle, bone, and water percentages. Taking a BIA reading is quick, however you must hold your fingertips against the crown buttons for 15 seconds without touching the skin. Our instruction on how to utilise Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 to measure body composition is a bit tricky.

Using body composition analysis effectively can help you understand how changes in diet or activity affect your internal makeup, not just weight. Cautionary notes: For starters, persons with pacemakers or pregnant women should avoid BIA. Many smart scales offer a deactivate BIA mode. Samsung just says don’t use it.

Then there’s the issue of BIA measures perhaps fostering body dysmorphia. Samsung says the measurements may not be accurate for individuals under 20, but does not appear to limit the feature’s age.

I don’t feel comfortable sharing my personal makeup with the internet, but I will notice the differences in measurements. In my Wyze Scale, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 reads higher. Body fat measurements were up to 5% off. Without consulting a doctor, I can’t say which device is more accurate, but I wouldn’t use either as my wellness compass. Please consult your doctor if you’re pregnant, have a pacemaker, or suffer from body dysmorphia before purchasing this smartwatch.

Activity Tracking:

I used the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for a week to track various workouts both indoors and outdoors. When it came to my Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 workout, I went with the all-purpose circuit training option, even though the watch can track particular movements (e.g. arm curls, bench press, lateral raises, pull-ups). The Apple Watch has more sports tracking choices, but the Galaxy Watch 4 has more specialty alternatives. The preset list isn’t broad, so you’ll need to add workout types via your smartphone’s Samsung Health app.

During yoga, I noticed my calorie count was high, but my heart rate was updating faster than on the Galaxy Watch 3. The frequent refresh is good for an activity where your heart rate stays lower than cardio, like yoga.

Cycling required more wrist attention than downward dog. Every 30 minutes, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers an audio and vibration update on mileage. Its calorie count is liberal again, but the GPS traced my trusty 10-mile route perfectly.

Automatic workout monitoring on the Galaxy Watch 4 also works. With my 90-pound dog, phone, keys, and coffee in hand, I regularly forget to go for a stroll The Galaxy Watch 4 detected my walk and began following me when I left my residence. It also has an auto-pause feature, so my dog’s need to greet everyone doesn’t result in a 35-minute mile.

Sleep And Stress Tracking:

Its latest smartwatch improved sleep tracking metrics. Overnight, the Galaxy Watch 4 measures blood oxygen every minute, versus every 30 minutes on the Galaxy Watch 3. More SpO2 readings could mean better sleep quality, especially for people with sleep apnea. Your snores are tracked when you sleep next to a compatible smartphone.

I’m a light sleeper who occasionally wakes up for an hour. If I slept twice, the Galaxy Watch 4 would record both sleeps but only show me the total time asleep.

The Galaxy Watch 4’s stress app also shows your stress levels. The smartwatch let me start a breathing session even though I was in the green zone (not stressed). The Fitbit Sense is better at stress monitoring and management, but Samsung’s watch is catching up.

Its latest smartwatch improved sleep tracking metrics. Overnight, the Galaxy Watch 4 measures blood oxygen every minute, versus every 30 minutes on the Galaxy Watch 3. More SpO2 readings could mean better sleep quality, especially for people with sleep apnea. Your snores are tracked when you sleep next to a compatible smartphone.

I’m a light sleeper who occasionally wakes up for an hour. If I slept twice, the Galaxy Watch 4 would record both sleeps but only show me the total time asleep.

The Galaxy Watch 4’s stress app also shows your stress levels. The smartwatch let me start a breathing session even though I was in the green zone (not stressed). The Fitbit Sense is better at stress monitoring and management, but Samsung’s watch is catching up.

Battery Life:

Even if the battery life is disappointing (some rumours suggested a week-long battery life), it is not a dealbreaker. Samsung claims the Galaxy Watch 4 has a 40-hour battery life. Last year, it said the same thing, but with GPS, activity tracking, and the always-on display enabled, I needed to charge every 24 hours.

Most of our mobile devices require daily charging. Sure, many of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers can go for days without charging. But as long as you aren’t going to be in the woods for a week, I wouldn’t sweat the difference between 40 and 24.

But I wish the Galaxy Watch 4’s battery life was more stable. Some days the watch needed more than 24 hour charging.