Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, analysis

We’ve tested the simplest version of Samsung’s new smartwatch family: an in-depth review of the Galaxy Watch5.

We’ve put the “Pro” model of the family, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, to the test, and now it’s time to analyze the version that’s likely to end up on more people’s wrists.

He is Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 It’s the renewal of one of the most important smartwatches Samsung has launched in recent years, the Galaxy Watch 4. The second generation of the watch family is based on Wear OS and aims to be the one Standard in the wearables segment with the Google operating systemsince the latter apparently has no intention of extending the availability of its Pixel Watch to a larger number of regions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

This version accepts it clear iterative recoverynot revolutionary. Few features have changed compared to the last edition, and the improvements can be counted on one hand, despite the significant price difference between the two models, which is at least possible. make a difference between buying one model and another.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, review and score

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 price and where to buy

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5a official price in Spain of 299 euros in the 40 mm diameter version with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The version with 4G LTE increases the price up to 349 euros.

There is also the possibility that Model diameter 44 mm whose price starts from 329 euros in the bluetooth version and from 379 euros in the model with 4G connectivity.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

You can buy it via the company’s official shopas well as other authorized resellers, including Amazon.

Technical data sheet

Where is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5?

He is Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 It is the base model of Samsung’s new smartwatch family, positioned in the market as a product for the general public and not as specific as that Galaxy watch 5 provery oriented towards the public looking for the most advanced in terms of health and sports monitoring.

This model comes out to compete with watches like that Apple Watch Series 8 or recently Google pixel clock.

That’s his main problem The differences to the previous Galaxy Watch 4 are small. Aside from a slightly larger battery (which hardly affects the day-to-day experience), a temperature sensor (which isn’t used much these days) and the odd software change, they are two essentially identical products. With the difference that today the Galaxy Watch 4 can be bought for about 130 euros less. Too big a difference considering the benefits of the new model.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

design

The Galaxy Watch 5’s screen is completely flat / Image: Christian Collado

It is not easy to distinguish the Galaxy Watch 5 from the Galaxy Watch 4 with the naked eye. Although that’s not all bad.

The previous generation introduced a much more refined design than in previous editions, with a straight metal frame with a matte finish and a completely flat screen that adds a touch of elegance to the body of the watch sober and minimalist aesthetics.

In this case, the principles of this visual language are maintained, although we get new elements such as the use of sapphire crystal which covers the screen to protect it from scratches and damage. In these weeks of usage I have to say that The screen glass is absolutely flawlesswithout any signs of use.

U.S. again two physical buttons on the right side of the aluminum watch case. Both are configurable, and the top one has one red borderwhat identifies them Version with support for 4G LTE. The “normal” model does not have this function.

There are two physical buttons on the right side of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5’s body / Image: Christian Collado

Samsung continues to use a silicone strap 20 millimeters wide with a standard clasp for your simplest watches. It’s a leash comfortable and softEasy assembly and easy replacement thanks to the pins on the back.

A more or less important change can be found in the design of this new generation the back of the watch. And it’s the glass that now covers the back of the watch steeper curveaccording to Samsung, e.g fit better on the wrist and improve the accuracy of the sensors.

As usual, Samsung offers its base watch i two case sizes: 40 and 44 millimeters. Unfortunately, I only had a chance to test the 40mm model, which I think is more suited to smaller wrists.

The strap has a classic buckle setting / Image: Christian Collado

In general, it is one comfortable watch and pleasant to use, with a sober aesthetic but with a wide range of colors that will allow you to play with the different boxing and running combinations. Additionally that the use of sapphire crystal adds points to the resistance part and it must be remembered that the watch will last Protection from water and dust under IP68 certification. On the other hand, since it is not the mythical rotating bezel It is possible that the company used up to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic It is controlled via the touch bezel around the screen.

Screen

The screen achieves a brightness that is sufficient for easy viewing outdoors / Image: Christian Collado

Galaxy Watch series panels have never been a problem, and the Galaxy Watch 5 proves it again. He is 1.2 inch Super AMOLED screen diagonal to the resolution 396×396 pixels there is a great result. There’s essentially no difference from the panel on last year’s model, which is certainly good news.

An improvement we would like to see in future generations of this series Reduce the size of the frame around the panel. Apple has succeeded in doing this in the latest iterations of the SE Watch, and Samsung should take some notes when designing its future smartwatches.

Although Samsung has not shared any data related to that maximum brightness level that can reach the screen, I have to say The results were very positive In any case, and even in sunlight, the content on the screen can be seen without any problems.

Behind the screen hides well haptic system used to generate different vibration effects when you interact with the watch, e.g. B. scroll through menus, use touch bezel or perform other actions. It’s one of those details that shows that great quality of this productand that it stands above other companies’ smartwatches.

performance and experience

One Watch UI 4.5 moves smoothly on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 / Image: Christian Collado

Another part where there are not many differences from the previous generation. The same Exynos W920 processor we saw last year, coupled with the same 1.5GB of RAM, is repeated in the Galaxy Watch 5. this is not a problem.

The results are even. This chip moves its software very smoothly, and it’s fun to run applications, switch between menus, or perform any type of activity with the smartwatch.

Wear OS 3.5 is the version of the operating system that runs in the Galaxy Watch 5. It’s a new edition of the software developed in collaboration with Google and Samsung and inherits some of the features of TizenOS.

Samsung has adapted the software via the so-called layer View UI only in version 4.5 with a multitude of brand-specific additions, ranging from the menu interface to the various settings and the various applications pre-installed on the watch.

The experience is positive in (almost) every respect: the software moves quickly and smoothly, there are apps of all kinds and many more can be installed thanks to access to the Google Play Store and access to SmartThings allows the watch to be used as a hub Controlling the connected home through the Samsung ecosystem.

However, there are some disadvantages, such as B. the fact that The Google Assistant is not yet available in Spanish or whatever is needed Download at least three different applications to the mobile phone be able to assign and use the watch.

The watch is also comfortable and light for sports / Photo: Christian Collado

Also, as with anything, you have to remember that expendable by samsung, Only Galaxy smartphone owners get a full experience with the watch, including features like advanced notification management.

In other words, the Galaxy Watch 5 can’t offer the “clean” experience with Wear OS that the new Google Pixel Watch. However, with Google’s watch not being sold in the vast majority of markets around the world, Samsung has a choice the best you can get today in the segment of Android-based watches.

The big advantage of Wear OS as a “base” operating system is the possibility manually “clean” the experience, and somehow forget about Samsung services. In my case, a few days after testing began, I decided that Google Home would replace SmartThings, Samsung Health and Samsung Pay (thanks to its new watch app), Google Fit, and Google Wallet My experience has improved significantly because I don’t usually use a Samsung smartphone and haven’t immersed myself in the Korean company’s service ecosystem.

On the other hand, in favor of the Galaxy Watch 5, it must be said that one of the best support policy the entire industry outfit, as it promises to update its watches to the latest version of the system for at least four years, just like it does with its smartphones. Meanwhile, Google is only getting three major updates to its Pixel Watch.

battery and charging

Despite the enlarged battery, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 watch is light and thin / Photo: Christian Collado

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 battery increases slightly over Galaxy Watch 4 battery based on 247 to 284mAh Resource.

The truth is that Performance is essentially identical. In general it is very difficult more than on the day of use with battery remaining, and in most cases it will be necessary charge the watch at least once a day, or charge overnight for use the next day.

Fortunately, this new installment includes fast charging support, allowing the full battery to be recharged in an hour and a half with a suitable charger. After 30 minutes of charging, the battery level has reached 45%.

Thanks for that the broader lack of autonomy is no longer so severeWhile those looking for a watch that can offer more than a day of battery life, or don’t want to worry about taking it to bed to monitor their sleep cycles without going through the charger first, Maybe they should look for another option.

health and sports functions

The side buttons of the Galaxy Watch 5 serve as electrodes when using the BioActive sensor / Image: Christian Collado

In the health and sports monitoring section The Galaxy Watch 5 is characterized by its variety of optionsbut not that far from its accuracy.

basic functions like Heart rate or step count measurement They work quite well and offer data comparable to models that have proven to be very accurate, such as the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, which I’ve been able to compare against. In that respect, I also like the way they Samsung walking detection systemAutomatically pause or stop the count for an accurate report at the end of the walk.

Other details, however, not so reliable. He is sleep detection it’s far from perfect, and sometimes it generates false alarm by detecting sleep sessions when the watch is not being used to sleep. Otherwise additional claims from Samsung Health up to seven nights of sleep data to create detailed reports.

Also the blood oxygen measurement Works flawlesslyalthough sometimes it wears Values ​​much lower than normal, probably due to bad measurement. The “BioActive 3 in 1” sensor has also been slightly improved, but still offers the same functions as the previous generation. ex.

Interestingly, this model includes a temperature sensor on his back to the Improve accuracy of sleep cycle detection. Today, however, the sensor isn’t very useful, but rather a commitment to Samsung’s future as the company wants developers to take advantage of this capability and features to add into their application.

In general, the experiences are positive and it’s definitely a suitable watch for those who are They want some control over their health and physical activitybut in this respect it is far from the best watch on the market.

This device has been thoroughly tested Independently thanks to a move of the brand. The article contains purchase links for which Andro4all may receive a commission. take part to the market channel Andro4all to find out about the best deals before anyone else.