Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Review

The Samsung Galaxy Watch4, in short, was a game-changer for the Android smartwatch market, effectively revitalizing Wear OS with its intuitive software experience and robust health tracking. It wasn’t just another iteration. it was a significant stride forward, delivering a sleek design, impressive performance, and a comprehensive suite of features that made it a compelling choice for Android users looking for a truly integrated wearable. This watch effectively bridged the gap between a stylish accessory and a powerful fitness and health companion, offering a seamless user experience that had been sorely missing in the Wear OS ecosystem. Its integration of Google services and Samsung’s hardware expertise created a formidable package that set a new standard for smartwatches.

It aimed to offer a complete package, from tracking your daily steps to monitoring your sleep patterns, and even providing insights into your body composition.

The synergy between its hardware capabilities and the refined Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform meant users finally got a smartwatch that felt genuinely smart and incredibly capable.

It wasn’t perfect, no tech ever is, but its blend of affordability, feature set, and performance made it a benchmark against which other Android smartwatches were and still are measured.

If you’re an Android user and want a daily driver that can keep up, the Watch4 carved out a solid niche.

Here’s a quick rundown of some key players in the wearable space, so you can see where the Galaxy Watch4 stacks up:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro

  

  • Key Features: Larger battery, more durable design with sapphire crystal and titanium casing, advanced GPS features for outdoor enthusiasts, body composition analysis, skin temperature sensor.
  • Average Price: Around $450-$500.
  • Pros: Exceptional battery life up to 80 hours on a single charge with typical use, built for ruggedness, precise GPS tracking, comprehensive health suite.
  • Cons: Higher price point, larger and bulkier design may not appeal to everyone, still uses a proprietary charger.

• Apple Watch Series 8

  • Key Features: Always-On Retina display, temperature sensing for cycle tracking, crash detection, advanced workout metrics, ECG app, blood oxygen sensor, fall detection.
  • Average Price: Around $399-$429.
  • Pros: Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, robust health and safety features, wide range of apps, excellent build quality.
  • Cons: Only compatible with iPhones, battery life is typically 18 hours less than some Android alternatives, relatively high price.

• Garmin Forerunner 955

  • Key Features: Multi-band GPS, training readiness, HRV status, built-in maps, solar charging option, long battery life, comprehensive running dynamics.
  • Average Price: Around $500-$600.
  • Pros: Unmatched battery life for serious athletes up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 42 hours with GPS, extremely accurate GPS, in-depth training metrics and recovery insights.
  • Cons: More of a dedicated sports watch, less emphasis on “smartwatch” features compared to Apple/Samsung, design is more utilitarian, higher price.

• Fitbit Sense 2

  • Key Features: Continuous EDA electrodermal activity sensor for stress management, skin temperature sensor, heart rate tracking, built-in GPS, sleep tracking, smart notifications.
  • Average Price: Around $250-$300.
  • Pros: Excellent stress and sleep tracking capabilities, lightweight and comfortable design, good battery life up to 6 days, focus on holistic health.
  • Cons: Lacks third-party app support found on Wear OS or watchOS, no Google Assistant/Maps integration unlike its predecessor, limited smart features.

• Amazfit GTR 4

  • Key Features: Dual-band GPS tracking, large AMOLED display, 150+ sports modes, ultra-long battery life, built-in speaker and mic for calls, Zepp OS.
  • Average Price: Around $200-$230.
  • Pros: Outstanding battery life up to 14 days, excellent value for money, comprehensive fitness tracking, attractive design.
  • Cons: Software isn’t as polished as Wear OS or watchOS, limited app ecosystem, health tracking can sometimes be less precise than premium options.

• Google Pixel Watch

  • Key Features: Integrated Fitbit health tracking, circular domed design, Wear OS, Google Assistant, Maps, Wallet, ECG app, fall detection.
  • Average Price: Around $350-$400.
  • Pros: Pure Google software experience, beautiful minimalist design, deep Fitbit integration for health insights, good haptics.
  • Cons: Only 24-hour battery life, thicker bezel than some competitors, proprietary band connection, limited size options.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

  • Key Features: Hi-Fi 24bit audio, Intelligent ANC Active Noise Cancellation, comfortable ergonomic design, 360 Audio, enhanced ambient sound, IPX7 water resistance.
  • Pros: Excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, comfortable fit, seamless pairing with Samsung devices, good call quality.
  • Cons: Battery life is average compared to some competitors, features are best utilized within the Samsung ecosystem, no multi-point connectivity. While not a smartwatch, these often pair with and enhance the Galaxy Watch experience, especially for fitness or calls on the go.

The Dawn of a New Wear OS Era: A Deep Dive into the Galaxy Watch4’s Software and Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 was a pivotal device not just for Samsung, but for the entire Android smartwatch ecosystem. It marked the debut of the Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform, a collaborative effort between Google and Samsung that fundamentally reshaped the user experience. Before this, Wear OS had been limping along, often criticized for sluggish performance and poor battery life. The Watch4 changed the narrative entirely.

Wear OS Powered by Samsung: A Synergy of Strengths

This new platform wasn’t just a rebrand. it was a re-engineering.

Google contributed its core Wear OS framework, including deeper integration with services like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Pay, alongside a revamped notification system and app drawer.

Samsung, on the other hand, brought its considerable expertise in hardware optimization, user interface design from its Tizen OS watches, and a wealth of proprietary health tracking features.

The result was a harmonious blend that offered the best of both worlds.

• Performance Boost: The most immediate and noticeable improvement was performance. The Watch4 was powered by Samsung’s new Exynos W920 dual-core processor, built on a 5nm process. This was a significant leap from the older, less efficient chipsets found in previous Wear OS watches.
  • Faster App Launches: Apps opened almost instantaneously, a stark contrast to the often frustrating loading times on older Wear OS devices.
  • Smooth Navigation: Scrolling through menus, tiles, and notifications was fluid and responsive, making daily interactions a pleasure rather than a chore.
  • Efficient Multitasking: The Watch4 could handle multiple tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat, whether you were tracking a run while streaming podcast or checking notifications.
• Intuitive User Interface: Samsung’s influence brought a level of polish and intuitiveness that was sorely needed. The UI felt familiar to anyone who had used a Tizen-based Galaxy Watch, with its circular menus and logical organization.
  • Customizable Watch Faces: A vast array of dynamic and informative watch faces, many of which were highly customizable, allowed users to personalize their device.
  • Tiles Widgets: The redesigned “Tiles” provided quick access to essential information and functions like activity tracking, heart rate, weather, and calendar events, allowing users to swipe quickly to relevant data.
  • App Drawer: The app drawer was cleanly organized, making it easy to find and launch installed applications.
• Enhanced Google Services: For the first time, Google’s services felt truly at home on a smartwatch.
  • Google Maps: Turn-by-turn navigation directly on your wrist, complete with haptic feedback, was incredibly useful for walking or cycling.
  • Google Assistant: A more responsive and capable Google Assistant allowed for voice commands to set timers, send messages, or get quick information without pulling out your phone.
  • Google Pay: Contactless payments via NFC worked flawlessly, making it convenient to leave your wallet behind for quick errands.
• Samsung Health Integration: Samsung’s robust health platform seamlessly integrated with Wear OS. This meant users could leverage all the advanced tracking features they expected from a Samsung wearable.
  • Activity Tracking: Comprehensive tracking of steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.
  • Sleep Tracking: Detailed insights into sleep stages REM, Light, Deep, sleep scores, and snore detection via paired phone.
  • Stress Management: Continuous monitoring to identify stress patterns and guided breathing exercises.
  • Body Composition Analysis BIA: This was a breakthrough feature, allowing users to measure body fat percentage, skeletal muscle, body water, and BMI directly from their wrist in under 15 seconds. This was a direct differentiator from competitors at the time.

In essence, the Galaxy Watch4 didn’t just offer Wear OS. it showcased what Wear OS could be when paired with top-tier hardware and thoughtful software design. It was a wake-up call for the Android smartwatch market, proving that a smooth, feature-rich experience was not only possible but also essential.

Design and Display: A Blend of Classic Aesthetics and Modern Functionality

Samsung has consistently delivered visually appealing smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch4 was no exception.

It struck a fine balance between a traditional watch aesthetic and the demands of a modern smartwatch, offering a design that felt both premium and practical.

A Familiar Yet Refined Form Factor

The Watch4 came in two main variants: the standard Galaxy Watch4 and the Galaxy Watch4 Classic.

While sharing the same internal hardware, they catered to slightly different aesthetic preferences. Terramaster F4 421 4 Bay Nas Review

• Galaxy Watch4: This version embraced a more minimalist, sporty design. It featured an aluminum casing and a flat, touch-sensitive bezel that allowed for navigation by tracing your finger around the display’s edge. It was lighter and more subtle, making it ideal for fitness activities and daily wear.
  • Weight: Lighter than the Classic model, enhancing comfort during workouts.
  • Bezel: Digital, touch-sensitive bezel, which required a bit of getting used to but was functional.
  • Color Options: Available in a wider array of vibrant colors like Green, Pink Gold, Silver, and Black.
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic: This model harked back to the traditional watch design, featuring a beloved physical rotating bezel and a more robust stainless steel chassis. The rotating bezel provided an incredibly tactile and intuitive way to navigate menus, scroll through notifications, and adjust settings, a feature many users found indispensable.
  • Weight: Heavier due to the stainless steel build, giving it a more substantial feel.
  • Bezel: The iconic physical rotating bezel was a major highlight, offering satisfying clicks and precise control. This was a major selling point for many users.
  • Color Options: Primarily available in more classic Black and Silver.
• Size Options: Both models were available in two sizes to accommodate different wrist sizes:
  • Watch4: 40mm and 44mm
  • Watch4 Classic: 42mm and 46mm

The Brilliant Super AMOLED Display

Samsung’s prowess in display technology shone brightly in the Galaxy Watch4 series. Both models featured Super AMOLED displays, renowned for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.

• Sharpness and Clarity: The displays boasted high resolutions, ensuring crisp text and detailed graphics.
  • 40mm/42mm models: 396 x 396 pixels
  • 44mm/46mm models: 450 x 450 pixels
• Brightness: With a peak brightness that made them easily visible even under direct sunlight, reading notifications or checking stats during an outdoor run was never an issue.
• Always-On Display AOD: The AOD feature allowed the watch face to remain visible at a low brightness, mimicking a traditional watch, without significantly impacting battery life thanks to AMOLED’s efficiency.
• Durability: The displays were protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ Watch4 or Sapphire Crystal Watch4 Classic, offering decent scratch resistance for everyday bumps and scrapes. While Sapphire Crystal is generally considered superior for scratch resistance, both offered good protection.

The combination of thoughtful design choices, premium materials, and Samsung’s best-in-class AMOLED display made the Galaxy Watch4 a visually appealing and highly functional piece of wristwear.

It was a device that not only performed exceptionally but also looked the part, whether you were in the gym or a boardroom.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Going Beyond the Basics with Advanced Sensors

The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 wasn’t just a notification machine.

It was a comprehensive health and fitness companion designed to provide actionable insights into your well-being.

Samsung integrated a suite of advanced sensors and software features that went beyond the typical step and heart rate tracking.

The BioActive Sensor: A Multi-Talented Powerhouse

At the heart of the Watch4’s health capabilities was Samsung’s BioActive Sensor. This single chip housed three powerful health sensors:

• Optical Heart Rate Sensor PPG: For continuous heart rate monitoring, detecting abnormally high or low heart rates, and tracking heart rate during workouts. This data is crucial for understanding your exertion levels and recovery.
• Electrical Heart Sensor ECG: Capable of taking an electrocardiogram ECG reading to detect signs of atrial fibrillation AFib, a common type of irregular heart rhythm. This feature, while not a medical diagnostic tool, provided valuable data that could be shared with a physician.
  • How it Works: Users place a finger on the top button for 30 seconds while the watch measures electrical activity in the heart.
  • FDA Cleared: In many regions, this feature received regulatory clearance, adding to its credibility.
• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis BIA Sensor: This was arguably the most innovative and talked-about health feature on the Watch4. The BIA sensor allowed users to measure body composition directly from their wrist.
  • What it Measures: Body Fat Percentage, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Body Water, Basal Metabolic Rate BMR, and Body Mass Index BMI.
  • How it Works: The watch sends micro-currents through the body and measures the impedance resistance they encounter, which varies depending on the type of tissue. It’s a quick, non-invasive process.
  • Practical Use: This feature offered a convenient way to track progress in fitness journeys, showing changes in body composition that might not be evident from weight alone. For instance, you could be losing fat and gaining muscle, leading to little change on the scale but significant positive changes in body composition.

Comprehensive Fitness Tracking and Coaching

Beyond the BioActive Sensor, the Watch4 offered a robust suite of fitness tracking capabilities:

• Automatic Workout Detection: The watch could automatically detect and start tracking common activities like walking, running, elliptical, and rowing after a few minutes of continuous movement. This was incredibly convenient for spontaneous workouts.
• Manual Workout Tracking: Over 100 different workout modes were available for manual tracking, covering everything from strength training to swimming the watch is 5ATM water-resistant.
• Advanced Running Metrics: For runners, it provided detailed metrics including pace, distance, cadence, and even real-time coaching based on heart rate zones.
• VO2 Max Estimation: The watch could estimate your VO2 Max, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness, helping users understand and improve their endurance.
• Challenge Friends: Integration with Samsung Health allowed users to challenge friends and family to competitions, adding a social and motivational aspect to fitness.

Holistic Health Monitoring

The Watch4’s health features extended beyond just fitness:

• Sleep Tracking with Snore Detection: Detailed sleep analysis including sleep stages awake, REM, light, deep, sleep scores, and blood oxygen levels during sleep. The snore detection feature, while requiring your phone to be nearby and charging to record audio, offered insights into potential sleep disturbances.
• Blood Oxygen SpO2 Monitoring: The watch continuously or on-demand measured blood oxygen saturation, providing an indicator of respiratory and circulatory health. Low SpO2 levels during sleep could indicate conditions like sleep apnea.
• Stress Management: The Watch4 could monitor your stress levels throughout the day and offer guided breathing exercises to help you relax and de-stress.
• Fall Detection: This safety feature could detect a hard fall and, if the user didn’t respond, automatically alert pre-selected emergency contacts with the user’s location. This provided peace of mind, especially for older users or those living alone.

The Galaxy Watch4 truly pushed the boundaries of what a consumer smartwatch could do in terms of health monitoring. Google Pixel 5A With 5G Review

The inclusion of BIA, combined with reliable ECG and comprehensive fitness tracking, made it a powerful tool for anyone serious about understanding and improving their health, bridging the gap between everyday wearables and more specialized health devices.

Battery Life and Charging: Practicality vs. Performance Demands

Battery life has long been a sticking point for smartwatches, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch4, while offering impressive performance and features, navigated this challenge with varying degrees of success depending on the model and usage.

Understanding the Battery Life of the Galaxy Watch4

The battery capacity differed between the various Watch4 models:

• Galaxy Watch4 40mm: 247 mAh
• Galaxy Watch4 44mm: 361 mAh
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic 42mm: 247 mAh
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic 46mm: 361 mAh

On paper, Samsung typically claimed up to 40 hours of battery life for the larger models and slightly less for the smaller ones. However, real-world usage often told a different story, especially with power-intensive features enabled.

• Typical Usage What You Can Expect:
  • Average User: For users who enabled the Always-On Display, tracked 1-2 workouts daily, received a moderate amount of notifications, and used features like continuous heart rate monitoring, the larger 44mm/46mm models generally provided just over a full day of use, typically around 24-30 hours. This meant charging nightly was usually necessary.
  • Heavy User: With frequent GPS tracking, heavy app usage, constant SpO2 monitoring, and extensive use of the BIA sensor, battery life could drop to 15-20 hours, making it a challenge to get through a full day without a top-up.
  • Light User/Power Saving Mode: By disabling Always-On Display, limiting continuous health monitoring, and reducing notification frequency, some users could stretch the battery to closer to 40 hours on the larger models, possibly two days if used very sparingly.
• Impact of Specific Features:
  • Always-On Display AOD: This feature, while convenient, was a significant battery drain, often reducing overall endurance by several hours.
  • GPS Tracking: Engaging the built-in GPS for runs or cycles was a major battery consumer. An hour of GPS tracking could reduce battery life by 10-15%.
  • LTE Connectivity on LTE models: Using the watch independently for calls, streaming podcast, or data over LTE without a connected phone dramatically increased power consumption, often limiting battery life to half a day or less.
  • Continuous Health Monitoring: Features like continuous heart rate, stress tracking, and background blood oxygen monitoring, while useful, consistently drew power.

Charging Experience

The Galaxy Watch4 utilized wireless charging via a proprietary puck that connected magnetically to the back of the watch.

• Charging Speed: Charging was relatively quick, typically taking:
  • 0% to 50%: Around 30 minutes.
  • 0% to 100%: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge.
• Convenience: The magnetic puck was convenient for placement, and it could be charged from any standard USB-A wall adapter.
• Proprietary Charger: A minor inconvenience was the reliance on Samsung’s proprietary charger. Unlike some smartwatches that support Qi wireless charging, the Watch4 required its specific puck, meaning you couldn’t use a standard wireless charging mat to top it up. This made it less convenient for travel if you forgot the dedicated charger.

In conclusion, while the Galaxy Watch4 delivered a significantly smoother and more capable experience than previous Wear OS watches, its battery life remained its most significant compromise.

For most users, it was a “charge every night” device, which for many, was a perfectly acceptable trade-off for its extensive feature set and fluid performance.

However, for those seeking multi-day battery life without sacrificing core smartwatch functionality, competitors like certain Garmin or Amazfit models offered a distinct advantage.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Seamless Integration into the Android Ecosystem

The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 was engineered to be a cornerstone of the Android ecosystem, particularly for Samsung smartphone users, offering robust connectivity options and broad, albeit not universal, compatibility.

Essential Connectivity Features

The Watch4 came packed with the standard suite of connectivity options that are crucial for a modern smartwatch: Msi Spatium M470 Review

• Bluetooth 5.0: This provided the primary connection to your smartphone, ensuring stable and energy-efficient communication for notifications, data syncing, and call relay.
• Wi-Fi 2.4GHz & 5GHz: While Bluetooth handles most daily operations, Wi-Fi allowed the watch to connect directly to your home or office network. This was particularly useful for:
  • Software Updates: Downloading updates directly to the watch without needing the phone.
  • Standalone App Usage: Allowing some apps to function even if your phone was out of Bluetooth range or turned off, provided both devices were on the same Wi-Fi network and the app supported standalone mode.
• NFC Near Field Communication: This enabled contactless payments via Google Pay and Samsung Pay directly from your wrist. It was incredibly convenient for quick purchases without needing your phone or wallet.
• GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo: The multi-constellation GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System support ensured accurate and reliable location tracking for outdoor activities like running, cycling, or hiking, even without your phone nearby. This was a significant advantage for athletes.
• Optional LTE Connectivity: Many models of the Galaxy Watch4 offered LTE cellular connectivity. This was a must for true smartphone independence:
  • Calls and Texts: Make and receive calls and texts directly from your watch, even when your phone is at home.
  • Streaming Podcast: Stream podcast from services like Spotify directly to Bluetooth headphones.
  • Standalone App Usage: Access cloud-based apps and services without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
  • Emergency Calls: In some regions, enabled emergency calls without a paired phone.
  • Requires eSIM: LTE models require an eSIM embedded SIM and a compatible plan from your mobile carrier, which typically comes with an additional monthly fee.

Compatibility: A Strong Android Bias

While the Watch4 ran Wear OS, its compatibility was primarily focused on Android devices, with some specific limitations:

• Android Smartphones: The Galaxy Watch4 was designed to pair seamlessly with most Android smartphones running Android 6.0 or higher with at least 1.5GB of RAM. The experience was particularly optimized for Samsung Galaxy phones, offering additional features and deeper integration through the Samsung Wearable app.
• No iOS Compatibility: This was a critical point. Unlike some multi-platform smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 was not compatible with iPhones. If you owned an iPhone, the Apple Watch was the clear choice, or you’d need to look at other non-Wear OS smartwatches. This was a deliberate choice by Samsung and Google to solidify the Wear OS ecosystem.
• Samsung-Specific Features: While the core Wear OS features worked on non-Samsung Android phones, some Samsung-specific health tracking features, such as the ECG and BIA measurements, initially required a Samsung phone to activate through the Samsung Health Monitor app. This requirement was eventually relaxed or bypassed in some regions, but it was a point of contention for non-Samsung Android users at launch.
• Google Mobile Services GMS Requirement: As a Wear OS device, it relied on Google Mobile Services. This meant that certain Android phones, particularly those from China without GMS pre-installed, would not be fully compatible or would have limited functionality.

The Watch4’s connectivity suite made it a powerful and versatile companion for Android users, offering various levels of independence from the smartphone.

Its strong integration with Google and Samsung services, combined with the comprehensive sensor package, cemented its place as a top-tier Android smartwatch, provided you were firmly rooted in the Android camp.

Ecosystem Integration and Third-Party Apps: A Flourishing App Landscape

One of the significant advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 being the first watch to run the unified Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform was the richness of its app ecosystem. This wasn’t just about having Google apps. it was about opening the door to a vast array of third-party applications, making the Watch4 a truly versatile and customizable device.

The Power of the Google Play Store on Your Wrist

With the new Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch4 gained full access to the Google Play Store, directly accessible from the watch itself. This was a must compared to Samsung’s previous Tizen-based watches, which had a more limited app selection.

• Google’s Core Apps: Essential Google services were deeply integrated and optimized for the watch interface:
  • Google Maps: Provides turn-by-turn navigation directly on your wrist, with haptic alerts for turns. Excellent for walking or cycling.
  • Google Assistant: A highly responsive voice assistant for quick queries, setting timers, sending messages, controlling smart home devices, and more.
  • Google Pay: Enables contactless payments via NFC, allowing you to leave your wallet and phone behind for quick purchases.
  • Google Calendar: View your schedule and upcoming appointments at a glance.
  • YouTube Podcast: Stream podcast directly to Bluetooth headphones requires LTE or Wi-Fi.
• Robust Third-Party App Support: The Play Store offered a growing catalog of applications across various categories, significantly enhancing the watch’s utility:
  • Fitness & Health: While Samsung Health is robust, many users prefer third-party apps for specific fitness routines or data analysis. Popular choices included:
    • Strava: For cyclists and runners to track and share activities.
    • MyFitnessPal: For calorie and macro tracking.
    • Nike Run Club: For guided runs and training plans.
    • Sleep Cycle: For advanced sleep analysis and smart alarms.
  • Productivity: Apps designed to keep you organized and efficient:
    • Todoist/TickTick: For managing tasks and to-do lists.
    • Evernote: For quick notes and reminders.
    • Microsoft Outlook: For checking emails and calendar events.
  • Communication: Extend your phone’s communication capabilities:
    • WhatsApp: View and reply to messages.
    • Telegram: Similar to WhatsApp, for messaging on the go.
  • Entertainment: Beyond podcast streaming, some apps offered unique experiences:
    • Spotify: Control playback, download playlists for offline listening requires LTE or Wi-Fi.
    • Shazam: Identify songs playing nearby.
  • Utilities: Practical tools for everyday life:
    • Keep Notes: For quick voice or text notes.
    • Authenticator Apps: For two-factor authentication codes.
    • Find My Device: Locate your paired phone or other smart devices.

Samsung’s Contribution to the Ecosystem

While embracing Google’s Play Store, Samsung also maintained its own suite of integrated services and features that complemented the Wear OS experience:

• Samsung Health: This remained the primary hub for all health and fitness data collected by the watch, offering detailed analytics, goal setting, and insights. Its clean interface and comprehensive data visualization were a strong point.
• Samsung Pay: While Google Pay became the default for tap-to-pay, Samsung Pay was still an option, especially if you had a Samsung phone and preferred its interface.
• SmartThings: Integration with Samsung’s smart home platform allowed users to control compatible smart devices directly from their wrist, such as lights, thermostats, and cameras. This added a layer of convenience for smart home enthusiasts.
• Bixby: Samsung’s own voice assistant was also available, offering an alternative to Google Assistant for specific tasks or if users preferred its interaction style.

The robust app ecosystem on the Galaxy Watch4 was a significant differentiator and a key reason for its success.

It meant users weren’t limited to just pre-installed features but could truly customize their watch to fit their specific needs, whether for advanced fitness tracking, productivity, communication, or even smart home control.

This broad compatibility with popular apps truly unlocked the potential of the Wear OS platform.

Pricing and Value Proposition: Is the Galaxy Watch4 Still a Smart Buy?

When the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 launched, it hit a sweet spot in the market: delivering a premium smartwatch experience with cutting-edge health features at a competitive price. History Review

Now, a few years down the line, its value proposition has evolved, making it an even more compelling option for many users.

Launch Pricing circa 2021

At launch, the pricing was structured to offer various options based on size, model Watch4 vs. Watch4 Classic, and connectivity Bluetooth vs. LTE:

• Galaxy Watch4 Bluetooth Only:
  • 40mm: Around $249.99
  • 44mm: Around $279.99
• Galaxy Watch4 LTE:
  • 40mm: Around $299.99
  • 44mm: Around $329.99
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic Bluetooth Only:
  • 42mm: Around $349.99
  • 46mm: Around $379.99
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic LTE:
  • 42mm: Around $399.99
  • 46mm: Around $429.99

These prices were significantly competitive, especially considering the advanced features like body composition analysis, ECG, and the new Wear OS platform, often undercutting Apple Watch models and offering more features than many similarly priced Android smartwatches at the time.

Current Market Value Post-Successor Launches

With the release of the Galaxy Watch5, Watch5 Pro, and Watch6 series, the Galaxy Watch4 models have seen considerable price drops, making them a fantastic value for budget-conscious buyers.

• Typical Current Pricing often on sale:
  • Galaxy Watch4 Bluetooth: Often available for under $150, sometimes even around $100-$120 during sales events.
  • Galaxy Watch4 Classic Bluetooth: Can be found for under $200, sometimes as low as $150-$180.
  • LTE variants will be slightly higher but still significantly discounted from launch.
• Refurbished/Used Market: The used and refurbished market offers even lower prices, making the Watch4 an incredibly attractive option for those looking to save money.

The Value Proposition Today

The Galaxy Watch4’s value proposition is incredibly strong, especially at its current street prices.

• Affordable Entry to Wear OS: For anyone wanting to experience the modern Wear OS Powered by Samsung without breaking the bank, the Watch4 is the most accessible entry point. You get the same core software experience as the newer models minus a few minor hardware upgrades like temperature sensors or slightly larger batteries.
• Comprehensive Health Tracking: All the groundbreaking health features – BIA, ECG, SpO2, advanced sleep tracking, and continuous heart rate – are present and fully functional. These are features that are still considered “premium” on newer devices.
• Solid Performance: The Exynos W920 processor, while not the absolute latest, still delivers a very smooth and responsive user experience. Apps open quickly, and navigation is fluid.
• Durable Design especially Classic: Both the aluminum Watch4 and the stainless steel Watch4 Classic are well-built and designed to withstand daily wear. The Classic’s physical rotating bezel remains a beloved feature, unparalleled on newer Samsung watches.
• Software Support: Samsung has a good track record of supporting its smartwatches with software updates, meaning the Watch4 will continue to receive security patches and potentially new features though major OS upgrades might eventually slow down.

Who is the Galaxy Watch4 Still For?

• First-Time Smartwatch Buyers: If you’re an Android user new to smartwatches and want a feature-rich, reliable device without spending $300-$500+, the Watch4 is an excellent choice.
• Budget-Conscious Users: For those who want premium features but are on a tight budget, the Watch4 offers incredible bang for your buck.
• Users Upgrading from Older Android Smartwatches: If you’re coming from a pre-Wear OS 3 watch, the Watch4 will feel like a massive upgrade in terms of performance and software experience.
• Anyone Who Prefers the Physical Rotating Bezel: The Watch4 Classic remains the only modern Samsung smartwatch with this highly tactile and intuitive navigation method, making it a compelling choice for those who value it.

In summary, while newer models exist, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 continues to deliver a highly capable and enjoyable smartwatch experience.

Its current market pricing, combined with its robust feature set and solid performance, positions it as one of the best value smartwatches available for Android users today.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations: What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 was a landmark device for the Wear OS ecosystem and offers compelling value, it’s not without its limitations.

Understanding these potential drawbacks is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision.

Battery Life: The Ever-Present Compromise

As discussed, battery life remains the most frequently cited concern for the Galaxy Watch4, particularly the smaller models. Pantum P3012Dw Review

• Daily Charging: For most users, especially those leveraging health tracking, Always-On Display, and occasional GPS use, the Watch4 is a daily charger. Expect 24-30 hours on the larger models, and sometimes less than 24 hours on the smaller 40mm/42mm variants with moderate to heavy use.
• Impact on Sleep Tracking: While it does track sleep, the need for daily charging means you often have to choose between charging it overnight or wearing it to bed for sleep tracking. Many users adapt by charging it in the morning while getting ready or for an hour before bed.
• LTE Battery Drain: Activating LTE significantly reduces battery life, often to half a day or less, making extended phone-free usage challenging.

Samsung Ecosystem Lock-in for some features

While the Watch4 runs Wear OS, Samsung maintained some level of control over specific health features, particularly at launch.

• Samsung Health Monitor App: To utilize the ECG and BIA body composition analysis features, users initially needed a Samsung smartphone to install and activate the Samsung Health Monitor app. While workarounds and broader compatibility have emerged over time, this was a point of frustration for non-Samsung Android users. This integration was less seamless than, say, a Google Pixel Watch integrating with Fitbit.
• Best Experience with Samsung Phones: While compatible with most Android phones, the Watch4’s experience is undoubtedly most optimized and seamless with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Features like seamless connection, SmartThings integration, and potentially faster updates felt more integrated.

Durability and Repairability

The Watch4’s construction, while generally good, isn’t indestructible.

• Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel: The standard Galaxy Watch4 aluminum is lighter but also more susceptible to scratches and dings compared to the Watch4 Classic stainless steel.
• Display Protection: While Gorilla Glass DX+ Watch4 and Sapphire Crystal Watch4 Classic offer good scratch resistance, they are not impervious to hard impacts. Dropping the watch onto a hard surface can still result in a cracked screen.
• Repairability: Like most smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch4 is not designed for easy user repair. Battery replacement or screen repair typically requires professional service and can be costly, often approaching the current market value of the device itself.

Lack of Temperature Sensor Compared to Successors

Unlike the newer Galaxy Watch5 and Watch6 series, the Watch4 does not include a skin temperature sensor. While this might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it means it can’t offer the advanced insights into fertility tracking for women’s health or early detection of illness via temperature fluctuations that newer models can.

Digital Bezel on Standard Watch4

For the standard Galaxy Watch4 non-Classic, the touch-sensitive digital bezel, while functional, lacked the tactile satisfaction and precision of the physical rotating bezel found on the Watch4 Classic and previous Samsung watches. Some users found it less intuitive or prone to accidental touches compared to the physical alternative.

Long-Term Software Support

While the Watch4 still receives updates, as it ages, the pace of major Wear OS version updates may slow down compared to newer models.

This is typical for any consumer electronics device, but something to consider if you plan to keep the watch for many years and want the absolute latest software features.

In conclusion, while the Galaxy Watch4 excels in many areas, particularly at its current price point, potential buyers should be aware of its battery life limitations, specific compatibility nuances for certain health features, and the fact that it lacks some of the very latest sensor tech found in its successors.

For most Android users, these drawbacks are often outweighed by its strong performance, comprehensive features, and excellent value.

The Verdict: Who Should Still Consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 in Today’s Market?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch4, first launched in 2021, isn’t the newest kid on the block, but it absolutely holds its own in 2024. It was the device that genuinely kickstarted the modern Wear OS era, proving that Android smartwatches could be fast, fluid, and feature-rich. Facebook Ray Ban Stories Review

So, for whom is this watch still a smart investment, and who might want to look elsewhere?

A Resounding “Yes” If You Are:

• An Android Smartphone User Especially Samsung Galaxy: This is the non-negotiable prerequisite. If you have an iPhone, stop reading now. this watch isn’t for you. But if you’re rocking an Android, especially a Samsung Galaxy phone, the integration is seamless, intuitive, and highly optimized.
• Budget-Conscious but Feature-Hungry: This is arguably the Watch4’s strongest selling point today. With the release of its successors, the Watch4’s price has dropped significantly. You can often find it for under $150 standard or under $200 Classic, especially during sales. At these prices, you’re getting flagship-level performance, a brilliant AMOLED display, and a full suite of advanced health sensors ECG, BIA, SpO2 that are still considered premium features on much more expensive devices. It’s a tremendous value for money.
• Seeking a Solid Health and Fitness Companion: The health tracking capabilities are comprehensive and largely on par with newer models. From detailed body composition analysis BIA to ECG readings and robust sleep tracking, the Watch4 provides excellent insights into your well-being. If your primary goal is to monitor your health and fitness seriously, without needing the absolute latest nuances like skin temperature sensing, the Watch4 delivers.
• Prioritizing the Physical Rotating Bezel Classic Model: If you’re a fan of the tactile, intuitive physical rotating bezel for navigation, the Galaxy Watch4 Classic is your best bet. It’s the last Samsung smartwatch to feature this beloved design element, and many users find it superior to digital or touch-based navigation.
• New to Smartwatches: If you’re dipping your toes into the smartwatch world for the first time and want a representative, high-quality Android experience without overcommitting financially, the Watch4 is an excellent entry point. It will give you a full taste of what modern smartwatches can do.

You Might Want to Consider Alternatives If:

• You Demand Multi-Day Battery Life: This is the Watch4’s primary Achilles’ heel. Expect to charge it every night, especially if you enable the Always-On Display or use GPS frequently. If you absolutely need 2+ days of battery life, look towards specialized fitness watches like Garmin, or the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro though at a higher price.
• You Own an iPhone: As mentioned, zero compatibility. Apple Watch is your ecosystem.
• You Need the Absolute Latest Sensors e.g., Skin Temperature: While the Watch4’s sensor suite is excellent, it lacks the skin temperature sensor found in the Watch5 and Watch6 series, which provides additional data for sleep analysis and advanced cycle tracking.
• You’re a True Android Purist Who Dislikes Samsung’s Overlays: While it’s Wear OS, it’s “Wear OS Powered by Samsung.” This means Samsung’s One UI Watch layer is on top, and some health features initially required Samsung-specific apps. If you want a purely “Google” Wear OS experience, the Pixel Watch might be more appealing though it comes with its own battery limitations.
• You’re Only Interested in the Very Newest Tech: If you always have to have the latest and greatest, the Watch5 Pro or Watch6 series offer marginal improvements in battery life, durability, and a few minor sensor additions. However, be prepared to pay a premium for these incremental upgrades.

The Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 was, and largely still is, a triumph for Android smartwatches. Its performance, display, and comprehensive health tracking capabilities remain highly relevant. At its current price, it offers unbeatable value, making it a highly recommended purchase for the vast majority of Android users looking for a capable and stylish wearable. Don’t let its age fool you. this watch still packs a serious punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic?

The main difference is in design: the Galaxy Watch4 has a sportier aluminum build with a digital, touch-sensitive bezel, while the Galaxy Watch4 Classic features a more traditional, premium stainless steel build with a beloved physical rotating bezel for navigation.

They both share the same internal hardware and software.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 work with iPhones?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 is not compatible with iPhones. It requires an Android smartphone running Android 6.0 or higher with at least 1.5GB of RAM.

What operating system does the Galaxy Watch4 run?

The Galaxy Watch4 runs Wear OS Powered by Samsung, which is a collaborative operating system developed by Google and Samsung, combining Google’s Wear OS features with Samsung’s Tizen OS interface elements and optimizations.

Can the Galaxy Watch4 take an ECG electrocardiogram?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 is equipped with an electrical heart sensor ECG capable of taking an electrocardiogram to detect signs of atrial fibrillation AFib.

Does the Galaxy Watch4 have body composition analysis BIA?

Yes, a standout feature of the Galaxy Watch4 is its Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis BIA sensor, which allows users to measure body fat percentage, skeletal muscle, body water, and BMI directly from their wrist.

What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch4?

In real-world usage, the Galaxy Watch4 typically provides around 24-30 hours of battery life for the larger models 44mm/46mm with moderate use, meaning most users will need to charge it daily. Smaller models have slightly less endurance.

Is the Galaxy Watch4 waterproof?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 is 5ATM water-resistant, meaning it can withstand depths of up to 50 meters for 10 minutes, making it suitable for swimming and showering. It’s also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance. Gigabtye Aorus Fi32Q Review

Can I make and receive calls on the Galaxy Watch4?

Yes, if you have the LTE version of the Galaxy Watch4 and a compatible cellular plan eSIM from your carrier, you can make and receive calls directly from the watch without your phone nearby. The Bluetooth-only version can also make/receive calls, but only if it’s connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Does the Galaxy Watch4 have Google Pay?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 supports Google Pay and Samsung Pay via its built-in NFC, allowing for contactless payments directly from your wrist.

Does the Galaxy Watch4 have GPS?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 has built-in GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo, allowing for accurate location tracking for outdoor workouts even without your phone.

Can I download third-party apps on the Galaxy Watch4?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 has full access to the Google Play Store directly from the watch, allowing you to download a wide variety of third-party apps for fitness, productivity, communication, and more.

How long does it take to charge the Galaxy Watch4?

It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge the Galaxy Watch4 from 0% to 100%.

Is the Galaxy Watch4 still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, for Android users, the Galaxy Watch4 offers excellent value in 2024 due to significant price drops while retaining premium features like ECG, BIA, a vibrant AMOLED display, and smooth performance powered by the Exynos W920 chip.

Does the Galaxy Watch4 support Always-On Display?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 features an Always-On Display AOD mode, which keeps the watch face visible at all times, though it does consume more battery.

Can the Galaxy Watch4 track sleep?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 provides detailed sleep tracking, including sleep stages REM, Light, Deep, sleep scores, and blood oxygen levels during sleep.

It also has a snore detection feature when paired with a phone.

What sensors does the Galaxy Watch4 have?

The Galaxy Watch4 features Samsung’s BioActive Sensor Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, and light sensor. Oneplus 9 Pro Review

Is the rotating bezel on the Watch4 Classic mechanical or digital?

The rotating bezel on the Galaxy Watch4 Classic is a physical, mechanical bezel that clicks as you rotate it, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for navigation.

Does the standard Galaxy Watch4 have a rotating bezel?

The standard Galaxy Watch4 does not have a physical rotating bezel. It uses a touch-sensitive digital bezel for navigation around the display’s edge.

Can I control podcast from my Galaxy Watch4?

Yes, you can control podcast playback from your paired smartphone on the Watch4, or stream podcast directly to Bluetooth headphones from the watch itself if you have the LTE model or are connected to Wi-Fi.

Is the Galaxy Watch4 compatible with all Android phones?

The Galaxy Watch4 is compatible with most Android smartphones running Android 6.0 or higher with 1.5GB of RAM.

However, some Samsung-specific health features like ECG/BIA activation might have required a Samsung phone initially, though this has generally been relaxed.

What is the difference in display protection between Watch4 and Watch4 Classic?

The standard Galaxy Watch4 uses Corning Gorilla Glass DX+, while the Galaxy Watch4 Classic uses Sapphire Crystal, which is generally considered more scratch-resistant.

Can the Galaxy Watch4 detect falls?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 includes a fall detection feature that can sense a hard fall and, if the user doesn’t respond, automatically alert pre-selected emergency contacts.

Does the Galaxy Watch4 have a temperature sensor?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 does not have a skin temperature sensor. This feature was introduced in later models like the Galaxy Watch5.

What is the maximum storage on the Galaxy Watch4?

The Galaxy Watch4 comes with 16GB of internal storage, which is ample for apps, podcast, and health data.

Can I reply to messages from the Galaxy Watch4?

Yes, you can reply to messages on the Galaxy Watch4 using voice dictation, a tiny on-screen keyboard, or by selecting pre-set quick replies. Deathloop For Playstation 5 Review

Does the Galaxy Watch4 support wireless charging?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 supports wireless charging via its included proprietary magnetic charging puck.

Can I customize watch faces on the Galaxy Watch4?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch4 offers extensive watch face customization options, including a wide variety of pre-installed faces, many of which are highly customizable, and access to more via the Google Play Store.

What processor does the Galaxy Watch4 use?

The Galaxy Watch4 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos W920 dual-core processor, built on a 5nm process, which contributes to its smooth and responsive performance.

Is the Samsung Health app required to use the Watch4’s health features?

Yes, the Samsung Health app on your paired smartphone is the primary hub for viewing, analyzing, and managing all the health and fitness data collected by your Galaxy Watch4.

What is the 5ATM water resistance rating mean for a smartwatch?

5ATM means the watch can withstand water pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters.

This makes it suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean, but not for or high-pressure water sports.