Samsung finally hit its groove in the wristwatch market with the Galaxy Watch 5. Not much has changed from last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, but the few improvements make it a worthy upgrade.
The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is up to 10 hours longer, and the display is more scratch-resistant than ever thanks to the use of sapphire crystal. Sensor readings are more reliable because more flesh is in contact with the device and because the bottom curve is redesigned to suit wrists more naturally.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 includes a new health sensor, a temperature reader for the skin. It is not yet functional, but when it is, it will contribute to sleep monitoring and be made available to app creators in the health industry.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Series 5 vs. Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
One of this year’s choices in smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Series 5 or Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, may be preferable to you due to important distinctions between the two. With an 80-hour battery life, ultra-durable build, and outdoor sports-specific features, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a brand-new model aiming to compete with Garmin.
The Samsung Watch 5 Pro, which includes several of these features, can cost as much as $449. Although I have yet to complete my assessment of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, I have made some educated guesses about the target audience.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series 5 Review: Design
The basic Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 released last year, and you may remember that it had a new design compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. It was still sporty, calling to mind the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, but the case was more streamlined, and the transition between the watch and the strap was smooth.
Although the Galaxy Watch 5 has a sporty aesthetic, I was able to dress mine up or down with the help of the many watch faces available. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the Galaxy Watch 5 series does not offer a rotating bezel as an accessory option.
Throughout the years, the rotating bezel has gained supporters, including some of our very own writers. Though I have no problem with its eventual elimination, I anticipate strong opposition from many people, including my fellow Galaxy Watch 5 reviewers. It helps to keep the watch thin, and if you really want a bezel, you can always acquire the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series 5 Review: Skin Temperature Sensor
The temperature analysis sensor, which appears to be independent from Samsung’s 3-in-1 BioActive sensor, is the most significant new internal component of the Galaxy Watch 5.
The skin-temperature reader on the Galaxy Watch is somewhat off-center on the bottom of the case, while the BioActive sensor, which debuted last year, detects heart rate, SpO2, and body composition using BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis).
The skin-temperature reader will, alas, be operational at the time of launch. But, Samsung has now elaborated on exactly how the skin temperature sensor in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will work. I wish I could test it out right now, but I know it will be worthwhile when it goes online.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series 5 Review: Fitness Tracking
When I put the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 through its paces during a workout, I discovered that it was a helpful training partner. You may have seen my day-to-day fitness experiences with Samsung’s newest wristwatch already on my Twitter, but I’m happy to say that it’s still a terrific activity tracker for more than just counting steps (though, it can do that, too.)
Not only does it keep tabs on common exercises like jogging and cycling, but also more specialized ones like pushups and bicep curls, with accompanying form tips. The gadget continuously records data such as your heart rate, energy expenditure, and time spent exercising.
Hardware Samsung Galaxy Watch Series
This year’s Galaxy Watches don’t provide a rotating bezel, but the Watch 5 Pro’s new sapphire glass screen gives it a distinctive look. A concave transition from the glass to the edge of the case simulates the illusion of turning the bezel by allowing you to swipe your finger up and down.
Although the entire mechanism is now software-enabled, I prefer the Galaxy Watch models with the finger guide design since it provides some closure to those who like using the traditional revolving bezel.
Due to its one-size-fits-all design, the Watch 5 Pro may not be suitable for those with smaller wrists. It’s bulkier than last year’s Galaxy Watch 4 Classic due to the larger battery, but it’s easier to wear thanks to its reduced weight.
But, as a person who prefers bulky watches, I can assure you that the Watch 5 Pro is not quite as bulky as the Garmin and Coros watches that I use on a regular basis. Samsung also claims that the wider and more protruding base of the watch makes it possible for the wrist sensors to more accurately read and track your health thanks to the increased size.
Conclusion
In contrast to prior years, when Samsung offered two Galaxy Watch models—one with a conventional dial and one with a physical rotating bezel—in 2018, the company only offered one model, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, and eliminated the dial altogether.
It seems like Samsung is going a little overboard with its claims that the Watch 5 Pro is superior to the regular Watch 5 for use in extreme environments. It includes a sapphire glass screen, a titanium case, and a bigger battery, all of which should make it more robust.
