Samsung has been developing smartwatches since 2014, experimenting with multiple operating systems along the way. In August 2021, the technology giant unified its wearables under the new Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform.
The Galaxy Watch 4 series represented Samsung‘s first smartwatches to ship with this custom Google Wear OS 3. Software aside, Samsung offered consumers a choice between the regular Galaxy Watch 4 targeting fitness enthusiasts and outdoors types, or the classy Galaxy Watch 4 Classic catering more to business professionals and watch traditionalists.
I‘ve tested both models extensively, so let‘s compare them in-depth across all aspects to see which is better for different buyers.
Brief History of Samsung Galaxy Watches
As some historical context, Samsung‘s first Galaxy Gear smartwatch released in 2013 ran Tizen OS. This proprietary software platform continued all the way until the Galaxy Watch 3 in 2020. During this period, Samsung experimented with other operating systems like Android Wear on the Gear Live and Samsungs S2/S3 watches.
In mid 2021, Google and Samsung announced a unified Wear OS platform that would combine the best of Tizen and Wear OS features into a new experience designed specifically for Galaxy watches.
The result was Wear OS Powered by Samsung (also called Wear OS 3) debuted on the new Galaxy Watch 4 series. For me as an existing Galaxy Watch owner, this fusion brought welcome enhancements like:
- Faster performance with 30% lower battery drain
- Enhanced health sensors and fitness metrics
- More third party apps from Google Play store
- Modernized One UI Watch interface
But how did the new software translate into the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic hardware? Let‘s find out…
Dimensions and Size Comparison
As mentioned earlier, Samsung tailored the Galaxy Watch 4 designs for different types of users:
| Specification | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Case size options | 40mm, 44mm | 42mm, 46mm |
| Dimensions |
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| Weight |
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You‘ll notice a few key size differences:
- The Classic models are thicker at over 11mm depth versus 9.8mm for the Watch 4 – the result of stainless steel casing and a more rugged overall design.
- Despite larger displays on some variants, all models occupy a reasonably compact footprint on your wrist. The 40mm Watch 4 is especially petite in all dimensions.
- However, the weight is where the biggest contrast lies with the Classic weighing almost twice as much as the equivalent Watch 4! No surprise given its premium steel construction and sense of solidarity.
How does this compare to Samsung‘s previous smartwatches? Let‘s see:
| Model | Case Diameter | Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 4 40mm | 40.4mm | 9.8mm | 25.9g |
| Galaxy Watch 3 41mm | 41mm | 11.3mm | 48.8g |
The Watch 4 40mm occupies virtually the same footprint as the prior Watch 3, but shaves off 1.5mm thickness making it far more sleek and comfortable on petite wrists. The weight is also almost halved enhancing wearability.
On paper, the design changes make the latest generation Galaxy watches friendlier for everyday use. But fans of rugged, traditional wristwatch styling may still prefer the Watch 4 Classic.
Display Technology
Now to one of the most eye-catching parts of any smartwatch – the display. All Galaxy Watch 4 models incorporate stunning AMOLED technology:
| Specs | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Display size |
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| Screen type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 396 x 396 pixels | 396 x 396 pixels |
| Colors | 16 million | 16 million |
| Always-On | Yes | Yes |
| Gorilla Glass | Yes | Yes |
| Rotating Bezel | Touch-sensitive | Physical rotating |
Both watches offer vibrant color reproduction thanks to AMOLED, beautiful vibrancy with 16 million color depth, and crisp detail with a high 396×396 pixel density crammed into the compact display.
And the good news is battery life doesn‘t need to suffer with the screen technology used – all models last around 1.5-2 days while keeping essential Info visible in an Always-On low power state. This can extend to over 3 days by activating battery saver modes.
As outlined earlier, the way you interact with the screens changes between each model:
Galaxy Watch 4
Offers smooth scrolling functionality by swiping your finger along the touch-sensitive bezel surrounding the display. Combine this with touch input directly on the screen as well as side buttons.
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Uses a physical rotating bezel you can grip and twist to cycle between screens and menus. The smooth rotation clicks softly with each movement invoking that satisfying mechanical watch feel. The directional bezel combines with the touch display and buttons for input.
Both methods work extremely well. But frequent use of the rotating bezel avoids leaving fingerprints all over the Galazy Watch 4 Classic‘s screen compared to the regular version which relies more on touch gestures across the display itself.
Health Tracking and Fitness Metrics
Now onto what these compact wearables can actually help you achieve! The Galaxy Watch 4 models contain Samsung‘s groundbreaking new BioActive Sensor which fuses three advanced tracking components:
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor
- Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG)
- Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor (BIA)
This trio enables powerful new health insights:
- Continuous heart monitoring 24/7 – rates and rhythm abnormalities
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) while sleeping or on-demand
- Body composition breakdown – skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, body fat and water percentage
Plus you still get all the expected fitness staples like steps tracking, calorie burn metrics and workout detection. Both watches actually share an identical set of capabilities when it comes to monitoring your health and activity.
Let‘s explore some examples…
For fitness purposes, you can choose from over 90 different workout modes depending on your needs – whether that‘s walking, running, cycling, swimming and more.
Advanced run coaching is on offer to help you train efficiently with pace targets and feedback through headphones. GPS lets you map out routes without a phone while offline Spotify playback provides tunes motivation.
Water won‘t slow you down either with 5ATM water resistance allowing tracking of pool sessions along with open water swimming.
Once your workout finishes, you get comprehensive feedback on heart rate zones, calories burned, pace, distance, mapping and more.
And for overall health tracking, both models keep an eye on metrics 24/7. Including:
- Sleep cycle analysis with sleep score breakdown
- Blood oxygen levels overnight
- Stress levels based on heart rate variability
- Menstrual cycle tracking
- Fall detection and SOS alerts
Plus you can perform an ECG reading at any time to check your heart rhythm for signs of Atrial Fibrillation.
And finally, the body composition data gives you extra incentive to stay active and eat healthy!
While the Watch 4 series shares identical fitness and health prowess, there are some subtle differences in execution:
Connectivity
If you opt for LTE cellular connectivity, you can receive calls and messages on your watch even when phone-free. Great for outdoor activities or times you don‘t have your phone nearby. However, Verizon and AT&T in the United States currently only support LTE on the larger Galaxy Watch 4 Classic model (46mm) which is worth noting.
Battery Life
The quoted figures suggest around 40 hours mixed usage or 50 hours in low power mode before needing a charge. In real world testing, I found the smaller 40-42mm watches reliably last 1.5 days while the larger 44-46mm models stretch to 2 days max.
The Always-On display does drain more juice but is handy for always peeking your stats rather than raising your wrist. 30 minutes of GPS workout tracking usually uses around 10% of battery reserves.
Charging
All models charge from 0 to 100% in about 1.5 hours max using the included magnetic Wireless Charger. Wireless PowerShare from newer Samsung phones can also top up your watch.
Price Comparison
Let‘s discuss the all important pricing and value proposition between choosing the Watch 4 or Watch 4 Classic…
| Model | Launch Price | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm, Bluetooth) | $249.99 | $169.99 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm, Bluetooth) | $279.99 | $199.99 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (42mm, Bluetooth) | $349.99 | $229.99 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (46mm, LTE) | $399.99 | $299.99 |
Initially priced from $250, the excellent Galaxy Watch 4 now sells at even more affordable points from just $170. Meanwhile, the classier Galaxy Watch 4 Classic originally cost $100+ more but has similarly dropped below $300.
Given the largely similar features and specs outside of design, the regular Watch 4 provides better value than ever. But for those who love the aesthetics, premium build and iconic rotating bezel control of the Classic variant, it still commands a modest premium.
Verdict – Which Galaxy Watch 4 is Right For You?
The Galaxy Watch 4 series as a whole demonstrates Samsung is at the top of its smartwatch game. With the hardware innovations working seamlessly with Google‘s Wear OS 3 platform (known as Wear OS Powered by Samsung).
But which model is the right fit? Here‘s my recommendation based on priorities:
- For a fitness-focused Galaxy Watch 4 with slimmer design and more color options – get the 40 or 44mm Watch 4
- For a classy, traditional aesthetic with clever rotating bezel – get the 42 or 46mm Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Either way you‘re getting an excellent AMOLED display, leading health sensors like ECG, long battery life and water resistance. Not to mention connectivity from Bluetooth calling to LTE options plus seamless pairing with your Samsung phone.
So choose based on your personal preferences around case design, weight, bezels and price point to get the perfect Galaxy watch for your needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.
