Table Of Contents
If you own an iPhone, then you’re wasting your time reading this review. On the other hand, if you use an Android phone and want an Apple-Watch-like experience from an Android-compatible wearable, then look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Series
Specs
- Battery Life: 40 hours
- Watch Size(s):
- Galaxy Watch 4 – 40mm (S) and 44mm (L)
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic – 42mm (S) and 46mm (L)
- Screen Type: Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen
- Screen Sizes:
- 1.19″ (40mm & 42mm; Small versions)
- 1.36″ (44mm & 46mm; Large versions)
- Color(s):
- Galaxy Watch 4 – Black, Green, Silver, and Pink Gold
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic – Black and Silver
- LTE: Yes (optional)
- Built-in GPS: Yes (A-GPS,GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo)
- Sensors: Heart rate (ECG and Optical (8PD)), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), accelerometer, barometer, ambient light, gyroscope, geomagnetic, and compass
- Music Storage: Yes
- Memory Capacity: 16GB
- Waterproof Rating: 5ATM + IP68
Pros
- Excellent heart rate tracking via upgraded optical (PPG and ECG) heart rate sensor
- NEW bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can read body water, fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and other body composition metrics
- Over 90 sport and activity tracking modes
- Unique physical rotating bezel for touchless navigation (Classic version only)
- Now runs on Wear OS, instead of Samsung’s less-compatible Tizen OS
- Classic circular watch style
- Very competitive starting price
- Almost 2-day battery life
- Compatible with most 20mm watch bands
Cons
- No longer compatible with iPhones (iOS)
- No compass sensor
Body Composition Reading
One of the biggest upgrades from the Galaxy Watch 3 to the Galaxy Watch 4 is the new health analysis system. Besides the PPG and ECG sensors, the Galaxy Watch 4 features their new bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) technology.
Using this exclusive BIA technology, you can measure BMI, body fat %, skeletal muscle, and other body composition metrics right from your wrist. This gives you a better window into your overall health and wellness than any other wearable to date. (Even compared to the Apple Watch 7)
No More Tizen
One of the smartest changes Samsung made was ditching Tizen and working with Google to develop a hybrid version of their Wear OS. The main benefit is that now you have access to the vast amount of apps, watch faces, and services available to every other Wear OS wearable.
I’ll give Samsung credit for trying to make Tizen work for so long, but the limited app compatibility, watch face selections, and other limitations were frustrating, to say the least.
Don’t worry though, the Galaxy Watch 4 still uses the Galaxy Wear app for connecting and the impressive Samsung Health app for its advanced health and fitness tracking.
But Which One Should I Choose?!
Instead of having two separate wearable series like years past, Samsung dropped the “Active” tag and made two styles in the same flagship series. That made the choice a lot easier.
The main reason is that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic have the exact same internal hardware and sensors. Also, the small versions both have the same size screen, as do the large versions.
On top of that, they ALL use industry-standard 20mm watch bands for unlimited customizing.
The two main differences are subtle yet substantial. They are:
- Bezel style
- Build materials
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 features a lightweight aluminum body that’s perfect for active users. It also features a digital-rotating bezel that’s used for navigation, volume, and other adjustments.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic features a super durable stainless steel body that gives it more of a premium look. The best part is the physical-rotating bezel that users of older Classic versions of the Galaxy Watch have come to love.
It gives you the touchless navigation experience, similar to the rotating crown on the Apple Watch. It also helps you avoid smudging the screen and is extremely convenient when you use it with sweaty hands or in other wet conditions.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best smartwatch to pair with your Samsung or Android phone, the Galaxy Watch 4 series is the obvious choice, especially if you’re looking for LTE connectivity.
Featuring their new BIA body composition analysis technology and solid LTE connectivity, you’re literally getting 3 devices in 1. A phone, a body composition scale, and obviously a smartwatch.
Even if you don’t get an LTE version, it’s still a great alternative to any other wearable and body composition scale combo. Plus, with over 90 sport and activity tracking modes it’s ready for any level of fitness you want to be at.
Starting at around $220, it’s also the best value for anyone who wants the perfect mix of smartwatch and health tracking features. To put it simply, the Galaxy Watch 4 is Android’s version of the Apple Watch 7.
