In this article we will get a detailed review of Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro. Samsung has established itself as a manufacturer of some of the most capable and desirable smartwatches on the market, and this trend will continue with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro, which were announced alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at Samsung’s August 2022 Unpacked event.
While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features a completely new design that does away with the fan-favorite rotating bezel. A controversial choice? Maybe.
Here is all you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro, including their debut date, pricing, and everything you can anticipate from the wearables in 2022.
When were the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro released?
At their Unpacked presentation on August 10, 2022, Samsung unveiled both the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
The two smartwatches were made available for pre-order immediately after the presentation and started on sale on August 26, 2022.
How much do the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro cost?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is priced slightly higher than its predecessor, with a $/£20-£40 rise depending on the model you choose, but in general, it is comparable to its predecessor.
As with earlier incarnations, the exact pricing will depend on a number of variables, including case size, connection, and the case-and-strap combo you choose.
Launch pricing for the Galaxy Watch 5 is as follows:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm, Bluetooth): $279.99 / £269 / €299 / ₹28,000
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm, LTE): $329.99 / £319 / €349 / ₹33,000
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (44mm, Bluetooth): $309.99 / £289 / €299 / ₹31,000
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (44mm, LTE): $359.99 / £339 / €349 / ₹36,000
What’s new with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5?
On the surface, the Galaxy Watch 5 may not appear very different from its predecessor, and in many ways, this is accurate.
The Galaxy Watch 5 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with a choice of strap and case combinations, with updated options to better suit your own taste. It has the same modern appearance, complete with soft-touch silicone watch bands from Samsung and two side-mounted buttons to the right of the display.
Although it may not appear so, the display has been upgraded. It has the same size and resolution as its predecessor, but is now 60% more durable due to updated sapphire crystal glass. This should protect it not just from breaking but also from scratches, however the extent of the protection is unknown.
Samsung’s 3-in-1 bioactive sensor has returned, bundling an Optical Heart Rate Sensor, an Electrical Heart Sensor, and a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor into a single package on the back of the smartwatch, though it’s slightly larger this time to better monitor your vitals throughout the day.
There is also a new body temperature sensor that Samsung claims is accurate even when the surrounding environment is significantly hotter or colder than your body, but there are yet no applications – Samsung-developed or elsewhere – that make use of it.
Additionally, battery life has been increased. The Galaxy Watch 5 boasts a 13% larger battery than its predecessor, resulting in slightly increased battery life, as well as improved rapid charging speeds that offer 8 hours of use from 8 minutes on a charger and 45% charge in just 30 minutes. It’s not quite as advanced as the Watch 5 Pro, which we’ll discuss in a moment, but it should comfortably last two days under normal conditions.
As with last year’s model, the Galaxy Watch 5 is equipped with Google’s updated WearOS and legacy Tizen capabilities that previous Galaxy Watch owners will appreciate. Despite the fact that last year’s Watch 4 was the first to include the improved software, it is still one of a vanishingly small number of smartwatches to utilise Google’s refined watch OS.
You may look forward to Samsung’s advanced health, fitness, and activity tracking, including body composition analysis with the ability to set targets for muscle mass, skeletal muscle, and more – albeit all of this is accessible on the Galaxy Watch 4 from the previous year. It’s a similar story with sleep tracking; it’s still advanced compared to devices like the Apple Watch Series 7, with sleep status, blood oxygen monitoring, the ability to measure snoring, and insights/coaching to enhance the quality of your sleep, but it’s not exclusive to the Watch 5.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more power, the brand-new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro might be more to your liking.
What’s new with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic from last year has been replaced with the 45mm Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which lacks the iconic revolving bezel.
Yes, you read it correctly; it appears that Samsung is finally retiring the rotating bezel on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. In its place is a raised bezel with a sunken display, which may look unusual at first, but the design makes sense. Not only does it protect the display from impact when walking, but you can also conduct the same app-switching actions as the rotating bezel by running your finger around the bezel.
Therefore, while it may not be as enjoyable to use, the functionality is virtually the same.
The good news is that Samsung will continue to sell the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic for a while longer, allowing those who cannot live without the rotating bezel to purchase it.
Other than the absence of a bezel, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers numerous significant improvements over the already-capable Galaxy Watch 5. With an emphasis on outdoor sports and exercise, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is durable and resilient. It features an improved titanium body that is two times as durable as its aluminium cousin, and the new sapphire crystal display is ninety percent harder and more resistant to scratches than its predecessor.
Combined with the largest battery in a Samsung wearable to date at 590mAh, the company claims the Watch 5 Pro should last up to 80 hours (just under three days) with typical use, and 20 hours of GPS tracking – more than plenty for a marathon.
In addition to the comprehensive health, fitness, and sleep tracking featured on the original Galaxy Watch 5, the Pro model goes a step further – especially when it comes to outdoor sports such as running, trekking, and mountaineering.
Using the in-built GPS, the Watch 5 Pro can give turn-by-turn navigation via display, voice, and vibrations, as well as a return-to-home prompt that will lead you back to the starting point of your workout. For the most devoted runners and hikers, there is also the option to import bespoke running routes.
Technically referred to as the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, it is essentially a robust, outdoor-sports-oriented variant of the Galaxy Watch 5.