The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the latest addition to Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, offering better battery life, advanced health tracking, and a sleek design. But is it worth upgrading from the Galaxy Watch 4, or should you consider alternatives like the Apple Watch Ultra?
In this detailed review, we’ll break down its spec sheet, fitness features, battery life, and how it compares to rivals.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Key Specifications
(Source: TechSpot)
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm/44mm) | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.2″ / 1.4″ AMOLED, Sapphire Glass | 1.4″ AMOLED, Titanium Frame |
| Processor | Exynos W920 (Dual-core 1.18GHz) | Same |
| Battery | 284mAh (40mm) / 410mAh (44mm) | 590mAh (Pro) |
| Health Sensors | Bioelectrical Impedance, Temp Sensor | Same + Route Tracking |
| Durability | 5ATM + IP68 | MIL-STD-810H (Rugged) |
| Price (US) | Starts at $279.99 | $449.99 |
💡 Note: The Watch 5 Pro is designed for outdoor adventurers, while the standard Watch 5 suits everyday fitness tracking.
Design & Display: A Familiar Yet Refined Look
The Galaxy Watch 5 retains the rotating bezel-free design but improves durability with:
✔ Sapphire Crystal Glass (more scratch-resistant)
✔ Lightweight aluminum case (comfortable for all-day wear)
✔ 20mm interchangeable bands (compatible with Watch 4 straps)
📱 Display: The Super AMOLED screen is bright (up to 1000 nits) and responsive, making it easy to read outdoors.
(For a deeper dive, check out Ultimate Pocket’s first look.
Health & Fitness Tracking: What’s New?
1. Body Temperature Sensor
- Measures skin temperature during sleep (potential fever detection).
- Still not FDA-approved for medical use.
2. Advanced Sleep Coaching
- Tracks sleep stages, snoring, and blood oxygen (SpO2).
- (Learn how to use sleep tracking here.)
3. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
- Measures body fat, muscle mass, and water percentage.
🏃 Best for: Runners, gym-goers, and sleep trackers.
Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?
| Model | Battery Size | Estimated Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Watch 5 (40mm) | 284mAh | 1-1.5 days |
| Watch 5 (44mm) | 410mAh | 1.5-2 days |
| Watch 5 Pro | 590mAh | Up to 3 days |
🔋 Charging: Supports 10W fast charging (0-45% in 30 mins).
⚖️ Compared to Apple Watch Ultra (Mobilesyrup):
- Apple Watch Ultra: ~542mAh (~2 days)
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: ~590mAh (~3 days)
Watch 5 vs. Watch 5 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
(Source: Ultimate Pocket)
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 5 | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1.5-2 days | Up to 3 days |
| Durability | 5ATM + IP68 | MIL-STD-810H (Shockproof) |
| GPS | Basic | Route Tracking (For hikers) |
| Weight | 28.7g (40mm) | 46.5g (Heavier) |
| Price | $279.99+ | $449.99 |
💡 Pick Watch 5 Pro if: You need long battery life & outdoor features.
💡 Pick Watch 5 if: You want a lightweight, everyday smartwatch.
Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch Ultra
(Reference: The Verge)
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 3 days | 2 days |
| Display | 1.4″ AMOLED | 1.92″ LTPO OLED |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H | Titanium Case |
| OS | Wear OS (Google) | watchOS (Apple) |
| Price | $449.99 | $799+ |
📌 Best for Android users? Galaxy Watch 5.
📌 Best for iPhone users? Apple Watch Ultra.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
✅ Pros:
- Great fitness tracking (BIA, temp sensor, sleep coaching)
- Improved battery life (vs. Watch 4)
- Sleek, durable design
❌ Cons:
- No physical rotating bezel (unlike Watch 4 Classic)
- Temperature sensor still limited
🔹 Rating: 8/10 – A solid upgrade for Samsung users, but not revolutionary.
Where to Buy?
🛒 Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung Store (Prices start at $279.99).
🔍 Search for: “Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 deals” for discounts.
FAQ
Q: Does it work with iPhones?
✅ Yes, but with limited features (no ECG, BP monitoring).
Q: Is the Watch 5 Pro worth the extra cost?
✔ Only if you need longer battery & outdoor tracking.
Q: How accurate is the temperature sensor?
📊 Decent for trends, but not medical-grade.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a refined version of the Watch 4, with better battery life and health tracking. If you own a Galaxy Watch 4, the upgrade isn’t essential—but for new buyers, it’s a great choice.
For hardcore adventurers, the Watch 5 Pro is a better pick than the Apple Watch Ultra (unless you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem).
Need a vs. Pixel Watch comparison? Let me know! 🚀