Along with its new folding smartphones, Samsung also presented two new smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 5 is the direct successor to the Watch 4. At the same time, there is also a Pro model with even higher performance and a more robust housing.
In addition to the normal Galaxy Watch, the previous models were also available as a classic version. With the Galaxy Watch 5, Samsung is taking a different approach and has also presented a Pro model. But what is the difference between the two versions and what is actually new with the Galaxy Watch 5?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers extensive health and fitness functions
The Galaxy Watch 5 has hardly changed visually compared to its predecessor. However, Samsung is now offering the smartwatch in new colors. The small 40mm version comes in graphite, pink, gold and silver, while the larger 44mm version comes in graphite, sapphire and silver. Both versions feature the BioActive sensor, first introduced in the Galaxy Watch 4, which enables optical heart rate, electrical heart signal and bioelectrical impedance analysis to be measured via one sensor. However, Samsung has increased the contact surface on the skin of the Galaxy Watch 5. Wearers should be able to measure their heart rate, blood oxygen content and even their stress level even more precisely than before.
In addition, the new smartwatch also provides a snapshot of the general condition. Based on this data, the watch makes suggestions for effective training sessions via the connected app, but also reminds the wearer to drink after the workout and displays the liquid intake based on the body’s own liquid loss.
The smartwatch can also be worn during the night and then provides analyzes of your own sleeping behavior. This includes displaying the different sleep phases, measuring snoring behavior and the oxygen content in the blood during the night. One criticism of the Galaxy Watch is its runtime. The manufacturer has improved this and installed a 13 percent larger battery in the current model. According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 5 allows eight hours of sleep monitoring with just eight minutes of charging.
Also read: How do smartwatches measure movements and bodily functions?
Pro model with even better runtime and more robust housing
However, the Pro model of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 deserves special attention. It was specially developed for active people who are often outdoors. The watch is protected from scratches and breakage by an even stronger sapphire crystal and features a new D-buckle sport strap, which the manufacturer says combines robust durability with a good fit.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has the most powerful battery of any Galaxy Watch. It is 60 percent more powerful than the battery in the Galaxy Watch 4. At the same time, the watch also supports GPS features for the first time, which are aimed in particular at outdoor athletes. These include, for example, the “Route Workout” function, with which users can record hiking routes and share them with friends via the Health app. It is also possible to download walking and cycling routes.
Also read: Smartwatch, fitness tracker, running watch – what is suitable for whom
Prices and Availability
Both the base and Pro models of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will be available in stores starting August 26th. However, orders can be placed from today. Depending on the size and equipment, the prices vary. The Galaxy Watch 5 40 mm costs 299 euros as a Bluetooth version and 349 euros with LTE. Samsung charges 329 euros or 379 euros for the larger 44 millimeter model.
The Pro model is available from 469 euros and in the colors Black Titanium and Gray Titanium. In return, buyers get the watch in 45 millimeter format and with Bluetooth. If you also want LTE, you pay 519 euros.