Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Overview: Is It The Finest Android Smartwatch?
Apple Watch has lengthy been a golden commonplace for smartwatches, reeling customers with its health-tracking options and strong app library. The Android smartwatch ecosystem, then again, has been dwindling with lackluster choices and no consumers. Effectively, Samsung has lastly stepped as much as the duty by becoming a member of arms with Google and marked the start of a brand new period with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4.
The Galaxy Watch 4 packs a ton of latest options, constructing upon its legacy, however it leaves behind its proprietary Tizen OS in favor of Google Put on OS 3. Now, that’s a daring transfer and one that would doubtlessly pit the Galaxy Watch 4 towards the newly unveiled Apple Watch 7. So let’s learn the way does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 really fare in actual life? Is Google’s Put on OS 3 higher than Samsung’s Tizen OS? And may this smartwatch outperform the Apple Watch 7? Effectively, I’ve been utilizing the Galaxy Watch 4 for nearly three weeks now, and listed below are my ideas on Samsung’s newest smartwatch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Overview (2021)
Over the previous few weeks, I’ve had ample alternative to check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s capabilities in varied situations. My private utilization of this smartwatch was a mixture of common step monitoring paired with fixed notifications and well being information evaluation. I’ve been testing the Bluetooth-only 44mm variant of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, loaned by Samsung to Beebom, for the aim of this overview. And right here’s what I take into consideration this smartwatch:
Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Traditional: Specs
Earlier than we dive into the overview, I wish to level out that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Traditional are equivalent relating to the software program and {hardware} inside. From the Put on OS 3 expertise and Samsung UI to the processor, all the things is identical. Then, how do they differ?
The Galaxy Watch 4 Traditional options some {hardware} additions akin to a stainless-steel case, which is a little more sturdy, and a bodily rotating bezel to modify between display screen and app tiles. It has been included to offer customers a extra premium expertise (with a satisfying click on each time you rotate the bezel). Nevertheless, for the reason that insides are the identical, this overview applies to each variants. To get a greater thought, remember to take a look at the specs beneath.
| Variant Title | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | 40mm/44mm | 42mm/46mm |
| Show | 40mm – 1.2-inch, 396 x 396 decision 44mm – 1.4-inch, 450 x 450 decision |
42mm – 1.19-inch, 396 x 396 decision 46mm – 1.4-inch, 450 x 450 decision |
| 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 Capability | 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) |
| Colour Choices | Black, Silver, Pink Gold, Inexperienced | Black, Silver |
| Worth | begins at ₹23,999 | begins at ₹31,999 |
Design and Construct High quality
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has been designed to be viable in many alternative situations. Each the fashions include their very own little intricacies.
The Galaxy Watch 4 incorporates a uniform display screen design coupled with a glossy body. It contains two buttons on the fitting aspect that operate because the Dwelling and Again. The buttons are tactile, and the Dwelling button has a crimson define to make it distinguishable. The body of the watch has a black bezel made out of aluminum, which makes it look uber-premium.
On the underside of the watch is Samsung’s all-in-one sensor, which now helps an thrilling new characteristic that we’ll focus on beneath. The strap accompanying the Galaxy Watch 4 is made out of silicone and has ample room on the highest and backside. I like how the additional strap tucks properly contained in the watch clasp, thereby making issues look neat. It permits for a extra snug match and simple motion whereas working.
Total, the Galaxy Watch 4 boasts a extra sporty appear and feel, making it higher suited to health fans or informal customers.
The Galaxy Watch 4 Traditional, then again, is barely bulkier with a bodily rotating bezel for app switching. The watch is made out of stainless-steel and tailor-made to be extra conventional whereas providing the identical options. That’s additional mirrored by its bodily properties and extra conventional straps. Each the watches have 5ATM water resistance together with an IP68 ranking and MIL-STD-810G sturdiness.
Whereas the Galaxy Watch 4 itself is gorgeous to put on and have a look at, there are occasions when it appears to be like an excessive amount of like a easy smartwatch. In case you are a consumer wanting precisely for that, the Galaxy Watch 4 is greatest suited on your wants. Nevertheless, for watch fans who need that further present of workmanship, the Galaxy Watch 4 Traditional is unquestionably the best way to go.
Lovely Round Show
Regardless of which variant of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 you go for, you’re going to get a pointy Tremendous AMOLED show that appears wonderful. As talked about above, the smaller variant has a 1.2-inch show with 396 x 396 decision, whereas the larger mannequin has a 1.36-inch show with 450 x 450 decision. Nevertheless, each shows include Corning Gorilla Glass DX safety for enhanced sturdiness and scratch resistance.
The contact responsiveness of Galaxy Watch 4’s show is on the spot and fluid, which is wonderful. The display screen right here will get loads vivid on the most setting whereas utilizing it open air, however it might have been a tad brighter. Alternatively, the Galaxy Watch 4’s show goes fairly low too, however a software program glitch seemingly amped up the brightness randomly whereas lifting my wrist to examine the time at night time time. Nevertheless, regardless of which brightness setting you select, the textual content legibility is nice, and the colours are sharp and crisp.
The smartwatch additionally has an At all times-on Show that serves properly in making it a timepiece. Like some watches and health bands out there, Galaxy Watch 4 didn’t have any delay in exhibiting the time when elevating my wrist. It was nearly instantaneous and one thing I anticipate from a high-end watch like this. Furthermore, for those who ever end up in a darkish room, you should utilize your display screen as a flashlight, turning the display screen all white.
The Galaxy Watch 4 I’ve been testing has a digital rotating bezel that you should utilize by operating your finger across the black bezel of the display screen. Whereas it principally works with out hitches, there are occasions it may possibly get annoying (as a result of lack of any bodily suggestions) and makes me want for a bodily counterpart. Customers who need to have a better resolution and that satisfying click on can buy the Galaxy Watch 4 Traditional. So yeah, total, Samsung does have some stuff it must work out, however the show on the Galaxy Watch 4 does job.
Software program and Efficiency
Ditching Tizen OS, Samsung has partnered with Google to combine Put on OS 3 in its newest smartwatch lineup. Put on OS 3 on the Galaxy Watch 4 brings a boatload of enhancements and new options. Nevertheless, it’s value declaring that the Galaxy Watch 4 comes with the One UI Watch expertise, which makes the software program expertise appear and feel very like its predecessors.
The Galaxy Watch 4 is powered by Samsung’s 5nm Exynos W920 chipset that’s designed for higher efficiency and energy effectivity. And I’m completely satisfied to report that it’s precisely what it does.
The efficiency of the Galaxy Watch 4 felt like a breeze, with each faucet, contact, and course of being quick and fluid throughout the board. From navigating the UI and swiping via menus to seamlessly utilizing a wide range of apps, I didn’t discover any lag whereas utilizing the smartwatch. A draw back, for those who take into account it, is that the Galaxy Watch 4 takes a very long time as well up when restarted or turned off. Whereas I do notice that you simply gained’t actually restart your watch fairly often, it’s one thing that caught my consideration throughout my use.
App Expertise
With Samsung transferring away from Tizen to Put on OS 3, customers can now simply search and set up many apps via the Google Play Retailer. I might simply search for apps on the watch itself and obtain them with out hitches. The carry-over from Tizen OS to Put on OS 3 has caused new functions and integrations. As an example – Google Maps on the Galaxy Watch 4 gives turn-by-turn navigation proper in your wrist, and also you even have a full-fledged YouTube Music app on the watch now.
The third-party tiles help has lent additional alternatives to the Galaxy Watch 4 with many new apps deploying their Tiles expertise for simpler entry. As an example – The Galaxy Watch 4 has integration from apps like Calm that present fast meditation via tiles. Google Match additionally has its personal additions, together with exercises, coronary heart charges, and extra.
Google additionally has a curated part that lists many apps to be used. Whereas the choice is first rate at greatest proper now, it’s going to solely develop as app builders begin constructing for Put on OS 3 and perceive its intricacies. You even have 16GB of storage and 1.5 GB RAM contained in the Galaxy Watch 4. Whereas a number of the storage is taken up by Put on OS itself, there may be sufficient room to put in apps and obtain music for offline playback. Music streaming apps like Spotify allow you to retailer songs and take heed to Spotify offline on Put on OS 3 watches with out your cellphone.
Samsung’s One UI Watch pores and skin makes for base for the Galaxy Watch 4 and is straightforward to understand and navigate. Whereas it nonetheless looks like Samsung’s older model, customers have the twin benefit of getting a well-recognized UI however improved options with Google’s smarts. All through my testing interval, I had no issues whereas utilizing the smartwatch. The software program integration allowed simple and well timed notification arrival from my cellphone to the watch. I’m not the most important fan of Samsung’s keyboard on the Watch 4, however there are many different enter choices. And that features voice typing, textual content drawing, and pre-set replies that you simply customise and use primarily based in your choice.
There are an honest variety of watch faces accessible on the Galaxy Watch 4 proper now, with choices being divided within the Samsung Wearable app and Google Play Retailer. I solely anticipate the variety of accessible ones to extend as time passes. Furthermore, Samsung has made altering watch faces extremely simple, therefore, I had no hassle doing so. You possibly can take a look at this in-depth information on the way to change and customise the watch face on Galaxy Watch 4.
No Google Assistant Help But
A significant draw back of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s software program is the dearth of a correct voice assistant. Whereas Samsung has switched to Put on OS 3 with this wearable, Bixby continues to be current as a default assistant. And I’m not a fan of the Bixby expertise on this smartwatch. As somebody who’s deeply built-in into the Google ecosystem, I’m eagerly ready for Google Assistant help, which is additional down the road. Attributable to this very motive, the assistant automation is uneven for now.
Furthermore, a factor you need to be conscious of is that you will have Samsung’s personal Well being software program to completely make the most of its well being and health monitoring capabilities regardless of Put on OS 3. So, a full ecosystem swap gained’t be attainable for Android customers.
A Lot Is determined by the Future
Whereas I like Google’s Put on OS 3 with Samsung One UI Watch, there’s one thing to be mentioned concerning the future right here. Whereas this integration between the tech giants lastly opens up a marketplace for app builders, it’s going to take time earlier than we find out how diversified the expertise can be. Pure efficiency apart, the range and performance of apps depend upon not solely Put on OS 3 and however Samsung’s personal UI.
For the reason that Galaxy Watch 4 is the latest smartwatch on the block, will probably be fascinating to see simply what number of apps and help it receives over time and whether or not this joint partnership will stand in the best way. Additionally, as soon as the fruits of this notable partnership are made accessible to different Android smartwatch makers, we will see the ecosystem swell and tackle the Apple Watch.
Well being and Health Monitoring
Samsung has a well known historical past of together with a plethora of well being options in its wearables. Nevertheless, the South Korean large has gone a step additional and included a BioActive sensor aboard the Galaxy Watch 4. With out complicating it, the BioActive sensor is a mixture of assorted sensors primed to cowl nearly each side of the physique.
Moreover registering your coronary heart charge, the Galaxy Watch 4’s BioActive sensor can file your blood stress, blood oxygen ranges, and even carry out an ECG to examine your coronary heart’s well being. The watch even has a stress testing characteristic that screens and presents stress ranges in real-time, one thing that may be immensely useful throughout robust instances just like the pandemic.
My testing of the watch’s well being sensors bears constructive outcomes. To get a correct metric for the watch, I cross-compared it with a medical-grade blood oxygen monitor and my Mi Band 4 for distinction. Every little thing from my heartbeat to the blood oxygen share recorded by the Galaxy Watch 4 was fairly correct, with outcomes being displayed on the watch in real-time. Customers who need fixed monitoring may select to measure coronary heart charge and acquire stress information repeatedly.
A revamped Samsung Well being app now pairs properly with the Galaxy Watch 4 and acts as an entire management heart. In case you are within the behavior of checking your cellphone for well being information, you can find all of it there, together with full graphs and historical past. Customers may even observe their well being information as much as the final 12 months.
Worth of the Samsung Ecosystem
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 gives an entire arsenal of well being options with fairly correct rankings. Nevertheless, there’s a caveat which you need to be conscious of. Whereas the watch will work with any Android smartphone, remember that Samsung has determined to limit some well being options on non-Samsung telephones.
Options just like the ECG check, blood stress monitoring, and the digicam controller is not going to work with no Samsung gadget. It’s one thing it’s best to take into account as a serious draw back. My OnePlus 8T couldn’t benefit from the aforementioned options, thereby limiting the Galaxy Watch 4’s functionality. Whereas Samsung might need plans to unlock them in a while, Android customers ought to be conscious that being outdoors the Samsung ecosystem will price them.
Physique Composition Evaluation
Out of all of the well being options included within the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, maybe essentially the most spectacular is the brand new BIA sensor that’s constructed for measuring physique composition. Passing a weak electrical present throughout two of your fingers, the Watch 4 can measure and analyze your physique fats share, muscle mass, bone mass, physique water share, and even your Basal Metabolic Charge (BMR). All it required from me is to put my ring and center finger on the 2 buttons and stand nonetheless for round 15 seconds.
The BIA sensor is an unimaginable addition to the Watch 4 and exhibits that Samsung is making significant additions to its wearables lineup. The physique composition characteristic will slowly come in useful for folks making an attempt to collect factual details about their our bodies with out lots of problem. Nevertheless, I ought to level out that in my testing, the Galaxy Watch 4’s BIA sensor confirmed a 5% physique fats discrepancy when in comparison with a BMI scale. There may be additionally the matter that individuals with a pacemaker inside them and pregnant ladies mustn’t use the Watch 4 to measure their physique composition.
Whereas a consumer can and may go about utilizing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s physique composition characteristic, it ought to solely function a reference information and never as ironclad proof. We nonetheless counsel you seek the advice of a health care provider if one thing feels off. Furthermore, it’s value mentioning that Galaxy Watch 4 is model new and may deliver many enhancements with upcoming software program updates.
Wellness Suite
In my transient expertise, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 proves to be a one-stop portal to get well being info for Android customers. As somebody who periodically screens his well being information, the smartwatch was helpful in giving me perception into my physique in real-time. It made me need to take motion and enhance the numbers. Customers seeking to hold tabs on their well being will love the brand new BioActive sensor. Furthermore, in case you are a health fanatic making an attempt to reduce weight, the BIA evaluation will come in useful.
Whereas the Galaxy Watch 4 will get nearly the whole lot of well being options right, enhancements are wanted in physique composition. Furthermore, the dearth of some options on non-Samsung smartphones is a draw back and one which places customers at an obstacle. Whilst you can nonetheless go forward and purchase the Galaxy Watch 4 to trace your well being, there are some issues you’ll miss out on.
Exercise Monitoring
Step monitoring is paramount to me. Having picked up the behavior of normal strolling in 2020, I stroll a mean of round 14,000 steps a day. I primarily use Google Match to maintain a tab on my strolling, amongst different issues like calorie expenditure. Over the course of two weeks, I used the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 to trace my each day strolling routine, together with some heart-intensive actions. Galaxy Watch 4 comes with loads of exercise choices that vary from easy strolling to area of interest ones like arm curls, bench press, lateral raises, and lots of extra. You possibly can even add extra exercises if you want.
Throughout my testing, Watch 4 precisely recorded my exercises. As somebody who loses some steps due to Google Match hibernating within the background, step monitoring was particularly useful on the smartwatch. Moreover my step rely, I might see energy burned, distance traveled, and my real-time coronary heart charge. The outcomes display screen even displayed varied fat-burning zones, and recognize the extra info. This was made attainable by the BioActive sensor that proved helpful right here.
Nevertheless, a factor concerning the exercise monitoring I liked was the watch’s auto-recording characteristic. As a result of there have been instances I forgot to decide on a exercise, the watch detected my motion and gave me a small buzz to indicate that it’s monitoring my exercise. Very similar to earlier than, I might see real-time information, which made issues all of the extra handy.
All of the exercise information was synced to the Samsung Well being app, which allows you to observe each day targets with ease. Whereas the Galaxy Watch 4 has Google Match integration, if I’m being sincere, I would very effectively swap to Samsung’s app due to the easy cross sync capabilities.
Sleep Monitoring
Out of the various enhancements Samsung debuted on the Galaxy Watch 4, one in all them is sleep monitoring. As a stressed sleeper, I used to be excited to see if the smartwatch might precisely observe my sleep. After carrying the Galaxy Watch 4 for every week, I’m in awe of how scarily correct the watch’s sleep monitoring was.
Not solely did the smartwatch handle to file my sleep session precisely however it additionally stored a observe of how typically I awakened in the course of the night time and the precise time I went again to sleep. The Galaxy Watch 4 additionally recorded my blood oxygen ranges as soon as each minute and will additionally hold observe of my loud night breathing habits if the setting was turned on.
All this information was compiled and proven to me within the Samsung Well being app, as you’ll be able to see within the screenshots above. The report works on the metric of a sleep rating and never solely exhibits the timeline however completely different sleep phases and SpO2 ranking as effectively. The info that Galaxy Watch 4’s sleep monitoring gathers is fairly complete.
Nevertheless, a giant draw back right here is the dearth of path. Moreover the report that gave me a rating out of 100, I didn’t see any ideas and tips to assist enhance my sleeping habits. Whereas I did get to be taught extra about how typically I get up and even dreamt, the dearth of any pop-ups or movies to advise me on what to do was disheartening. I perceive that Samsung is not going to administer any medical recommendation however just a few easy ideas and tips ought to have been included within the app.
You do have some brief meditation movies from apps like Calm accessible within the Samsung Well being app however that’s about it. The sleep monitoring characteristic on the Galaxy Watch 4 is correct however tends to fall a step brief, leaving the onus to enhance their habits on the consumer.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one thing subjective relating to smartwatches. Whereas there are customers who don’t thoughts charging their watch each night time, others desire a low-maintenance product that may final just a few days. The battery lifetime of the Galaxy Watch 4’s 44mm Bluetooth mannequin that I’ve been testing has been first rate at greatest. Whereas larger fashions just like the 44mm have extra battery capability, Samsung guarantees as much as 40 hours of smartwatch life on a single cost for all variants. That’s kind of the case.
Throughout my testing, I had the always-on show on, auto-brightness on, tilt, and contact to wake on, together with all the brand new sensors working usually to trace my well being information on the Galaxy Watch 4. After my main use, the Galaxy Watch 4 managed to final round 25 hours earlier than turning on the power-saving mode. Whereas the watch dictated that might make the battery final one other 8 hours, I received round 29-30 hours in complete earlier than it died.
Relying on what sort of consumer you’re, the outcomes above can both be spectacular or disappointing. My private opinion is that the Galaxy Watch 4 manages to final fairly some time, particularly contemplating the hoops I made it leap via. Nevertheless, do bear in mind that this spells hassle for the smaller fashions as they’ll want a cost a lot faster. In case you are a consumer who likes their smartwatch to final extra, positively go for the larger variants.
Nevertheless, what breaks the deal altogether for me is the sluggish charging time. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 takes round 2 hours to cost to full capability. Since I’m the type of consumer who prefers to have a 100% cost earlier than I go away the home, it was particularly painful to take a seat and look ahead to hours to observe the battery cost.
If the Galaxy Watch 4’s battery managed to final just a few days, this might be excused. However seeing because the watch requires charging each 1.5 days, the sluggish charging is unquestionably bothersome. Maybe Put on OS optimization might make the battery last more, however as issues stand now, the battery is a no-go for me. The apparent workaround to this nuisance is charging the watch at night time, however that additionally means you gained’t have the ability to observe your sleep, which is a bummer.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Execs and Cons
PROS:
- Lovely and slim design
- Snug and safe match
- Put on OS 3 is a breath of contemporary air
- New physique composition evaluation sensor
- Correct exercise monitoring
- Bigger fashions have good battery life
CONS:
- Some well being options restricted to Samsung telephones
- No Google Assistant but
- Painfully sluggish charging
- Sleep monitoring lacks steerage
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Nonetheless the Finest Smartwatch for Android Customers!
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the primary smartwatch to return out with Google’s new Put on OS 3 replace and packs many new options beneath the hood. From the model new BIA sensor to much-improved coronary heart and sleep monitoring, there’s rather a lot to love right here. Galaxy Watch 4 additionally comes with some wanted enhancements like a fluid consumer expertise, extra suggestible sleep monitoring, and future dedication from Google. However, for those who have a look at it objectively, Samsung must additional polish the software program expertise and open up all of the well being options to draw much more Android customers.
Nevertheless, with that mentioned, the Galaxy Watch 4 can also be extra inexpensive than the earlier iteration with the 40mm Bluetooth model beginning at Rs. 23,999. You possibly can shell out extra and go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Traditional that packs a bodily rotating bezel and begins at Rs. 31999. In case you are a Samsung purist and need to be a part of the primary wave of Put on OS 3 smartwatches, decide up the Galaxy Watch 4 proper now. Nevertheless, non-Samsung Android customers can go for rivals just like the Fossil Gen 6 (begins at Rs. 23,995) and different upcoming Put on OS 3 smartwatches for extra selection.
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