Many call the Samsung Galaxy Watch the “Best Android Smart Watches.” It’s one of the most famous and popular lines of smartwatches. The first Samsung Galaxy Watch was introduced relatively recently, in 2018. Since then, there have been five new generations and a “spinoff” series in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch line has been updated annually. I want to take you through the Samsung smartwatches’ history and review all the existing models. I’ll explain their advantages and drawbacks. This way, you’ll better understand what the Samsung Galaxy Watch series is all about.
2018 year: Samsung Galaxy Watch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch was released on August 24, 2018. They were the first “Galaxy Watches,” although Samsung had previously attempted smartwatches. However, the Galaxy Watch was a different story. The company decided not to follow in the footsteps of its main competitor, the Apple Watch and instead took a slightly different approach. They created smartwatches that closely resembled classic watches but with all the smart features hidden under the hood.
The Galaxy Watch featured a round Super AMOLED display with interchangeable watch faces. It was available in two sizes – 42mm and 46mm. The watches ran on Tizen OS, Samsung’s operating system, and were water and dust-resistant to IP68 standards, boasting a long battery life. They also had several sports modes, sleep tracking, and heart rate sensors.
In my opinion, the most successful feature was the rotating bezel around the screen. Instead of a small rotating button like the Apple Watch, Samsung implemented a rotating bezel around the watch case. This remains the most convenient navigation method in smartwatches that I’ve tried. Although the Apple Watch Series 4 had already been released then, the Samsung Galaxy Watch became the first widely popular and high-quality smartwatch for Android users.
2019 year: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and Active 2
The next step for Samsung was the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active released on March 8, 2019, followed by the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 in late September of the same year. These watches had similar functionalities but were lighter and featured a less bulky design. They came equipped with advanced sensors for stress and sleep monitoring. The first version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active removed the rotating bezel, but it was reintroduced in the second version. The watches could last a full two days on a single charge. This model was marketed as a smartwatch for active people and sports enthusiasts.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 represented a minor upgrade. Samsung listened to feedback from users of the first Galaxy Watch Active and addressed many of its shortcomings. Users could now choose between two sizes: 40mm and 42mm. LTE support was added, along with digital bezel navigation. In the Watch Active 2, Samsung slightly improved the sensors and introduced ECG and blood pressure monitoring in some regions.
2020 year: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
In 2020, Samsung returned to a classic watch design by introducing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. This represented a significant update compared to the first version. The physical, iconic rotating bezel made a comeback, and the design shifted back to a classic watch style, moving away from the more “sporty” Active look. The Galaxy Watch 3 also introduced ECG monitoring for heart health assessment and blood oxygen monitoring. These features were particularly relevant against the backdrop of the developing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the watch offered more extensive fitness tracking capabilities, including VO2 max readings.
The watch was available in 41mm and 45mm sizes and boasted 5ATM/IP68 water and dust resistance. The Galaxy Watch 3 also made it easy to change straps and introduced LTE support. Overall, it was such an impressive device that many still prefer the Galaxy Watch 3 over newer models.
2021 year: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
In 2021, Samsung merged the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch Active lines. As a result, they released two versions of smartwatches – the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic. The Galaxy Watch 4 served as the new “Active” model, while the Watch 4 Classic continued the classic watch style with a physical rotating bezel. These models introduced several innovations. Most notably, the Galaxy Watch finally transitioned to Wear OS 3, with an enhanced app ecosystem. This change allowed for a wider variety of supported watch faces and straps.
Additionally, there were improvements in battery performance, with the charge lasting longer. A notable feature was the introduction of the BioActive Sensor, which could measure body composition, heart rate, and other vital metrics. This represented a direct and significant upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 3.
2022 year: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
In the following year, Samsung released two versions of its watches – the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. This time, both versions lacked the signature physical rotating bezel, with Samsung opting for a similar design to Apple’s approach. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro was aimed at those seeking premium smartwatches, featuring a titanium body, sapphire glass, GPS navigation, and all the other benefits of Wear OS, along with an enlarged battery.
Additionally, Samsung also released the more affordable Galaxy Watch 5. This version had slightly reduced features and an aluminum body. The Galaxy Watch 5 was similar to the Galaxy Watch 4, representing a minor update with a slightly different design and enhanced features. These watches are still available for purchase on the official Samsung website.
2023 year: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
In 2023, Samsung discontinued the Pro version and returned to the classic style. This year saw the release of the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, currently the latest versions of Samsung’s smartwatches. They are available in new sizes – 43mm and 47mm for the Classic model. The Classic model continues to feature the physical rotating bezel. Additionally, both versions received faster chipsets and new strap-latching mechanisms that operate with a single press.
Functionally, these models are not much different from their predecessors, except for the absence of a GPS module, which is now exclusive to the Pro line. All functions operate a bit faster and more accurately. These are considered some of the best “non-Apple” smartwatches available, priced between $300 and $500. With the upcoming presentation of new Samsung smartphones, an update to the watches may also be on the horizon.
