HERE’S OUR SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 5 REVIEW, FOCUSING ON ITS SMART AND POWERFUL MONITORING
Just after a year the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, we’re braced with a new spec – the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. As to what we should expect, predictably, it’s rather more refinement than revolution. That’s unconditionally surprising given the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 practically stood out as one the best smartwatches around.
The subject smartwatch being an Android-only device it’s a clear indication that iPhone users will rather have to stick with an Apple Watch or something that’s iOS friendly. In the meantime, it should be borne in mind that there is no better smartwatch for Android fans than this flagship. The new flagship is parked with few extra features, however, whatever your choice of device, you’ll be happy with what’s here.
It’s worth noting that the new wearable offers as feature-rich an experience as the Apple Watch 7. Additionally, the new smartwatch really looks good and is parked with fantastic health-focused features you can’t get elsewhere.
Samsung G. Watch 5: Features And Design
At first glance, the new wearable (SGW 5) seems to be like its predecessor. And this is based on the fact that it offers the same 1.19-inch or 1.36-inch circular AMOLED display with a resolution of 396 x 396 or 450 x 450. On the angle of dimension, it’s identical too at 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 or 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8. Should you desire to get the two, you could mix the two up!
The wearable comes with an Exynos W920 processor and 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage. While the screen stretches across the watch face as before and appears suitably vibrant in all situations. In fact, on the cloudiest days and the brightest ones we could witness during a dreary Autumn, it looks good on your wrist and to glance at. Noting that it’s also more robust than it was thanks to using Sapphire Crystal Glass which should help its chances in the case of a fall or knock, the company reckoned its glass feature to be about 1.6 times stronger than before.
Additionally, which enables it to handle underwater for up to 30 minutes at a distance of up to 50 meters, it also comes with an IP68 water-resistance rating.
Further on its feature is the two small buttons that tread the line carefully between being easy to tap while not feeling obtrusive lies on the right-hand side of the watch. With this, it’s evident, this is a watch that feels really comfortable throughout the day including the night. On the other hand, it will be fair to go with your own watch straps that suit your occasions rather than delve into the vast world of buying, owing to the fact that the sweat-proof silicone strap that comes with it is known to be prone to picking up dust as before.
Sensors-wise, it’s practically on a similar trend of offering an optical heart rate sensor, and ECG supports coupled with Samsung’s body composition analysis tool. The Watch 5 adds a continuous SpO2 monitor and skin temperature sensor, offering a well-rounded way to keep an eye on how you’re doing throughout the day.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 weighs a fraction more than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 at 29g or 32.8g compared to 25.9g or 30.3g, but that’s thanks to its bigger battery, paving way for increased capacity that makes the difference.
Samsung G. Watch 5 Review: Price and Availability
As with pretty much all smartwatches including these ones, you have a variety of colors to choose from that include Graphite, Pink, Sapphire Silver, Boa Purple, and Gold, with a good number of watch straps to add on. However, the subject wearable costs slightly more than when the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 launched in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Watch 5 which became available on August 26 comes in two sizes – 40mm or 44mm – that are available in either Bluetooth-only or Bluetooth + LTE cellular configurations.
The 40mm Watch 5 starts at $279 / AU$499 with the cellular version costing $329.99 / AU$599. The large 44mm Watch 5 costs $299 / AU$549 and $349 / AU$649 for the LTE/ cellular edition.
Samsung G. Watch 5 Review: Software
The fact that the Watch 5 is understood to be highly intuitive to use could be traced to the wearable OS. The subject wearable uses Wear OS with Samsung’s Watch UI, thereby making it more distinctive than an average smartwatch.
Upon booting it up for the very first time, you’ll be guided through the basics which come down to swiping in different directions in order to open additional sections of the watch. However, the app icons will be familiar if you’ve previously used a Samsung Galaxy phone, thus, sections will include notifications, checking your fitness performance for the day, and so forth. While the new Samsung Galaxy Watch works with all Android phones running Android 8 or above, Samsung Galaxy owners have extra features such as contacts, alarms, and Do Not Disturb hours.
For a Galaxy Wearable app, one can effortlessly change the watch face or add new tiles, noting that it’s an easy watch to customize. Equally, having access to the Google Play Store offer you plenty of options for adding third-party apps, however, should you stick out of the box, you’re good to go with what’s already there.
Samsung G. Watch 5 Review: Fitness Features
The Watch 5’s greatest strength lies in its health and fitness features. If you really desire what the Apple Watch series can offer and more, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is certainly that watch. Outside of GPS-related features, the subject wearable is seen as a high-end Garmin, thanks to Samsung’s body composition analysis tool. It practically takes a brief amount of prep.
Interestingly, you’ll want to figure out more about yourself. To go about this, you’ll have to move the watch further up your wrist, while ensuring you’re doing it on an empty stomach (ideally first thing in the morning), and you can soon see your body fat percentage, body water, skeletal muscle, and BMI. Although it doesn’t match the accuracy of calipers for measuring body fat, it’s far more convenient to do and more satisfying to see the results on the screen.
In terms of sleep tracking accuracy, the Samsung Wearable does not offer entirely on par with something like the Withings Sleep Analyzer that fits under your mattress. But it’s still more accurate than a good number of Apple Watches and Fitbits. It practically analyses your sleep stages, tracking when you’ve hit REM sleep, light, or deep sleep. Equally, it also offers data on your blood oxygen levels at the time and provides advice.
Galaxy Watch 5 is better at automatically detecting a workout, such as a walk and run than the Apple Series 7, and the GPS is highly accurate. However, in order to see more results, users will need more than the Galaxy Wearable app noting it’s not quite as ideal as simply using one app to check everything.
Samsung G. Watch 5 Review: Battery Life
The new Samsung Wearable undoubtedly lasts longer than its predecessor due to its higher battery capacity. While being used, it was figured out that the subject Wearable lasted 36 hours on regular working days that involved a short 30-minute walk, however, it should be borne in mind that this number will most likely change depending on how you use it, though.
Another improvement here is that its quick charging capabilities are far improved. As a result, it can hit 45% battery life in about 30 minutes, and this means charging before bed won’t take up too much time. Although, the battery dipped faster on more active days, precisely with longer GPS-enabled walks involved. This is also not ideal if you want to rely on its sleep-tracking facilities.
Our Verdict
If you’re a Samsung Galaxy phone owner, we advise that this is an essential smartwatch to buy. The wearable pairs up beautifully with the existing ecosystem while offering a fantastic experience with a great look.
For Android phone lovers, Samsung G. Watch 5 is strongly worth considering. In order not to miss out on a few features, you will’ve to download a couple of extra apps, however, here is our concession to make. Battery life could still be a little better but quick charging means you’ll be able to track your sleep without missing out on your goals throughout your day.
iPhone owners will need to steer clear, and that isn’t good. Owing to the fact that the body composition analysis tool continues to be a very attractive part of the new Samsung Wearable package, one that Apple will do well to learn from with future revisions.
- What’s your take on Galaxy Watch 5 Wearable?
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