Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review

In Q3, Samsung presented the 4th generation Galaxy Watch , which included regular models and with the Classic prefix . This time, the Korean company not only implemented fresh hardware, but also took care of expanding functionality by replacing the Tizen OS with Wear – a time-tested product from Google.

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Key features of Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Regular and classic models have the following characteristics in common:

The differences are as follows:

In terms of size, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 line is indistinguishable from the Watch 3. Buyers have the opportunity to choose a model depending on the width of the wrist. Both versions – regular and classic – are officially positioned as unisex, but a more massive case with a bezel (a rotating ring on the dial) is perhaps still more relevant for a man’s hand. It is not surprising that the classics have the maximum diameter of the dial and are missing cheerful colors – pink and olive.

The filling of the Watch 4 varieties is almost the same. The manufacturer added power to the components: it introduced a new processor, the memory became 1.5-2 times more. The cherry on top is the new Wear OS. Its implementation is the result of cooperation of the Korean giant with Google. Classic watches are sold with eSim support . Both models can be used to pay for purchases; Samsung Pay technology is implemented. Versions of the 4th generation differ in price by about 1.5 times, which causes some bewilderment.

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Galaxy Watch 4 appearance and equipment

The manufacturer packs both varieties of Watch 4 in the same long boxes of a very presentable look. It looks nice, it’s not a shame to give it. On the box, in addition to the name, indicate the size of the product and the availability of LTE, if the communication standard is supported by the model. The package bundle is laconic: smart watches , wireless charger, documentation.

On the exterior, the watch is noticeably different:

• The design of the regular version is more sporty, youthful. The lack of a bezel can be considered a disadvantage in terms of functionality, but such a watch looks more modern.
• The brutal look of the classic model hints at premium quality. The bezel has 2 main functions: it helps to control the watch and protects the glass of the screen from scratches. Smart watches look gorgeous not only with a sports suit, but also with a business suit. The display is slightly recessed into the case, and if you put the watch face down, the screen will not touch the table. The strength of the case is beyond doubt, both models are protected reliably, according to the army standard.

To control the Watch 4, there are two buttons, in this line they have become rectangular, slightly increased in size. Various commands can be assigned to the top button. On the back there is an optical sensor made of glass and plastic. The watch is equipped with a removable silicone strap 20 mm thick.

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Samsung smart watch display

The difference of 4 mm between the diameters of the cases led to the installation of two different displays on the watch. The younger model of the classic smart watch has a 1.2 ” screen with a resolution of 396×396, the older one has a 1.4 ” panel with a resolution of 450×450. Regardless of the buyer’s choice, a sufficient pixel density is ensured.

Samsung’s regular Galaxy Watch 4 has the same displays. The high contrast and vibrant colors make the screen a pleasure to use. It is also worth noting the wide viewing angles and energy efficiency of the displays, they do not waste battery charging. To protect against scratches, the manufacturer used Gorilla Glass.

The impressive technical features of the screen are complemented by advanced settings. Implemented manual and advanced automatic brightness control, you can adjust the panel sensitivity, wake up the display and turn it off. More than 20 dials were initially loaded into the watch memory. Wear OS makes it possible to diversify their collection using the Google Play store. There is a flashlight function .

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Galaxy Watch 4 software

To fully reveal the functionality of a smart watch, you need to make friends with the phone. The best option is when both devices are from Samsung. For iPhones connect your watch will not work with the Android-smartphone from another manufacturer sopryach gadget possible, but will be limited in functionality related to ECG and blood pressure be checked after calibration.

The first step is to connect your watch to Galaxy Wearable, an application designed to pair headsets, fitness bracelets, smart watches and other devices with a Samsung phone . With its help, software is updated, calls are received, dials are installed, functionality is configured, etc.

The next hot program is Samsung Health. The application is preinstalled on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. With it, you can track physical activity, weight, sleep, consumed and burned calories, and more. There is a special program Samsung Health Monitor for measuring pressure and ECG.

The software provides information about the pulse rate, SpO2, stress level. Nowadays, it is especially important to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood. In the smart watch, the detailing of sports loads works. Advanced options include bioimpedance analysis, which shows the percentage of fat in the body and other data that is useful for people who are watching their weight.

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Samsung Galaxy autonomy

In models with large bodies – 44 and 46 mm – batteries with a capacity of 361 mAh are installed, in more compact watches this figure is 247 mAh. In terms of autonomy, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 did not break through. As a result of installing new hardware, expanding functionality and introducing a new operating system, the operating time without recharging even decreased somewhat. Now we are talking about 40 hours, that is, the frequency of recharging is once every 1-2 days, depending on the functionality involved. If you turn off Auto Brightness, GPS and Body Monitoring, this result can be improved. On the other hand, 40 hours of battery life is an indicator for a regular model without LTE. Classic watches use up battery resources even faster.

The charging speed is also not impressive: in 30 minutes, you can provide 10 hours of battery life. It will take up to 2 hours to fully restore the battery. Weak autonomy is a payment for extensive functionality, high processor performance and speed. If you do not monitor sleep, there are no problems with recharging the battery: you can connect the device to power at night next to your smartphone . Office workers have nothing to worry about at all: there is always an opportunity to recharge the battery during the working day.

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Features and functionality of smart watches

In addition to monitoring health, the watch can do a lot:

1. The manufacturer has not forgotten about the microphone and speaker. You can receive calls, communicate with your interlocutor. The sound quality is comparable to that provided by a smartphone with the speakerphone turned on. There are voice memos.
2. Sending SMS, creating text messages in instant messengers. The screen of a smart watch is much smaller than that of a smartphone, so voice input is preferable among the input methods. Alternative options: keyboard and handwriting.
3. Pay for purchases using NFC technology.
4. View the weather forecast.
5. Setting an alarm clock, timer.
6. Controlling the Galaxy Buds headset .
7. Changing the volume of music, flipping through tracks.
8. Viewing Google maps. A handy feature for those who like to ride a bike or scooter.
9. The watch is equipped with a compass, altimeter, minibarometer, GPS.

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Advantages and disadvantages of smart watches Watch 4

In the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review, it’s a sin not to describe the pros and cons of the watch. Main advantages:

1. Modern hardware provides uninterrupted configuration, fast application launch.
2. The new Wear operating system makes it possible to run Google programs on smartwatches.
3. The case and strap are made of solid materials.
4. Available in two design options. There are two case sizes for each model.
5. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a new function that allows you to determine the composition of the body. You can find out the proportion of fat, muscle, metabolic rate.

Minuses:

1. For such a compact gadget, I would still like more battery life.
2. Watch 4 cannot be friends with an iPhone.

Pricing for the Watch 4 looks reasonable overall. Classic models are expensive, but ordinary ones are 100% competitive in the niche of premium gadgets. Is it worth switching from the 3rd generation of watches to the 4th? The question is debatable. If you are tired of the old smart watch, you want to practice with the new software, experiment with innovations, then the transition makes sense.