Apple Watch has long been a gold standard for smartwatches, captivating users with its health-tracking features and powerful app library. On the other hand, the Android smartwatch ecosystem is declining due to inadequate offers and a lack of buyers. Well, Samsung has finally joined hands with Google and started a new era with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4.
The Galaxy Watch 4 packs a ton of new features based on the legacy, but it surpasses its proprietary Tizen OS for Google Wear OS 3. Now, this is a bold move and it could probably stand in stark contrast to the Galaxy Watch 4. So let’s find out what the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 looks like in real life. Is Google’s Wear OS 3 better than Samsung’s Tizen OS? And could this smartwatch surpass the Apple Watch 7? Okay, I’ve been using the Galaxy Watch 4 for about three weeks now, and here are my thoughts on Samsung’s latest smartwatch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review:-
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had ample opportunity to test the capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 in a variety of situations. My personal use of this smartwatch was a combination of regular step tracking that is associated with uninterrupted notification and health data analysis. I’m testing the Bluetooth-only 44mm variant of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. And here’s what I think about this smartwatch.
Galaxy Watch 4 VS Watch 4 Classic: Specifications:-
Before we dive into the review, I would like to point out that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 are identical in terms of classic software and hardware. Wear OS 3 experience and processor from Samsung UI, everything is the same. Then, how are they different?
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has some hardware additions, such as a stainless steel case, which is a little more durable, and a physical rotating bezel for switching between screen and app tiles. It is included to provide a more premium experience to the users. However, since the inner parts are the same, this review applies to both types. To get a better idea, see the specification below.
| Variant Name | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
| Size | 40mm/44mm | 42mm/46mm |
| Display | 40mm – 1.2-inch, 396 x 396 resolution 44mm – 1.4-inch, 450 x 450 resolution |
42mm – 1.19-inch, 396 x 396 resolution 46mm – 1.4-inch, 450 x 450 resolution |
| Dimensions | 40mm:40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm 44mm: 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm |
42mm: 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm 46mm: 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.0 mm |
| Weight | 40mm: 25.8 grams 44mm: 30 grams |
42mm: 46.5 grams 46mm: 51.9 grams |
| Battery Capacity | 40mm: 247mAh 44mm: 361mAh |
42mm: 247mAh 46mm: 361mAh |
| Processor | Exynos W920 | Exynos W920 |
| RAM + Storage | 1.5GB + 16GB | 1.5GB + 16GB |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) |
| Color Options | Black, Silver, Pink Gold, Green | Black, Silver |
| Price | starts at ₹23,999 | starts at ₹31,999 |
Design and Build Quality:-
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is designed to be effective in a variety of situations. Both models come with their own little complexity.
The Galaxy Watch 4 has a sleek frame with a uniform screen design. To its right are two buttons that work at home and back. The buttons are sensitive, and the home button has a red outline to distinguish it. The watch has a black bezel made of aluminum on the frame, which makes it look Uber-premium.
At the bottom of the watch is Samsung’s all-in-one sensor, which now supports an exciting new feature that we’ll discuss below. The strap attached to the Galaxy Watch 4 is made of silicone and has ample room at the top and bottom. I like how the extra straps are nicely bald inside the watch strap, making things look neat. This allows for a more comfortable fit and easier movement while working.
Overall, the Galaxy Watch 4 boasts a more sporty look and feel, making it more suitable for fitness enthusiasts or casual users.
Beautiful Circular Display:-
No matter which variant of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 you go for, you will get a sharp Super AMOLED display which is amazing to look at. As mentioned above, the smaller variant has a 1.2-inch display with 396 x 396 resolution, while the larger model has a 1.36-inch display with 450 x 450 resolution. However, both displays have Corning Gorilla Glass DX protection for durability and scratch resistance.
The Touch Responsiveness of the Galaxy Watch 4’s display is instantaneous and fluid, which is amazing. The screen is much brighter here in most settings when used outdoors, but it can be a bit brighter. On the other hand, the display of the Galaxy Watch 4 is also quite low, but a software bug visually enhances the brightness when I lift my wrist to check at night. However, no matter which brightness setting you choose, the clarity of the text is good and the colors are sharp and crisp.
The smartwatch has an always-on display that works well to make it a timepiece. Like some watches on the market and fitness bands, the Galaxy Watch 4 didn’t take long to show when I raised my wrist. It was almost instantaneous and something I would expect from a high-end watch like this. Moreover, if you ever find yourself in a dark room, you can use your screen as a flashlight, whitening the screen.
Software and Performance:-
Tizen OS Ditching, Samsung has partnered with Google to integrate Wear OS 3 into its latest smartwatch lineup. Wear OS 3 has brought many improvements and new features to the Galaxy Watch 4. However, it is worth noting that the Galaxy Watch 4 comes with the One UI Watch experience, which makes the software experience look like its predecessors.
The Galaxy Watch 4 is powered by Samsung’s 5nm Exynos W920 chipset which is designed for better performance and power efficiency. And I’m happy to report exactly what it is.
The Galaxy Watch 4’s performance feels like a breeze, with every tap, touch, and process across the board fast and fluid. From navigating the UI and swiping menus to constantly using different apps, I didn’t notice any gaps when using the smartwatch. One downside, if you consider it, is that the Galaxy Watch 4 takes a long time to boot up when restarted or shut down. Although I understand that you don’t have to restart your watch often, it’s something that caught my attention when I was using it.
App Experience:-
With the move from Samsung Tizen to Wear OS 3, users can now easily search and install many apps through the Google Play Store. I can easily find apps on the watch and download them without any hindrance. Carry-over from Tizen OS to Wear OS 3 brings new applications and integration. For example – Google Maps on the Galaxy Watch 4 provides navigation to the right of your wrist and you now have a full YouTube music app on the watch.
No Google Assistant Support Yet:-
A major downside of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 software is the lack of proper voice assistants. Although Samsung has switched to Wear OS 3 with this wearable, Bixby is still present as a default assistant. And I’m not a fan of this smartwatch’s Bixby experience. As a person deeply involved with the Google ecosystem, I’m looking forward to the support of Google Assistant, which is further down. For this reason, assistant automation is currently stagnant.