As part of Galaxy Unpacked 2021, Samsung presented an update to its smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic run Wear OS 3, an operating system co-created by Google and Samsung.
Wondering what the difference between Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is? If you’re looking to purchase a new Galaxy smartwatch, you’ll want to decide which version is right for you.
These two smartwatches are the sequel to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. The standard Galaxy Watch 4 is stripped of the Active brand while retaining a slim, sporty look. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic looks a little more diligently like a traditional watch with leather straps and a rotating bezel.
But the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are identical on the inside. From the new Wear OS software and Samsung’s One UI to the 3-in-1 status sensor and an extensive collection of watch faces, you’ll get the same software experience. Instead, the differences have to do with appearance – and with the price.
Here’s everything you need to know about Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Galaxy Watch 4 Classic comparison. Please be aware that we have not conducted total reviews of new watches, so the analysis below is designed to help early adopters make a purchasing decision based on performance and hands-on experience.
Pros and Cons
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
| Competitively priced | Attractive classic watch design |
| Bright, sharp display | Bright, sharp display |
| Accurate tracking of fitness activities | Accurate tracking of fitness activities |
| Concerns with BIA sensor | Concerns with BIA sensor |
| Bixby | Bixby |
Comparison of devices is interesting, primarily not even from the point of view of operating systems. Much more important is what these gadgets have achieved from a technological point of view because they are the technology leaders in their direction. Both models offer excellent app support, smooth operation, attractive designs, and a wide range of health and fitness features.
The Galaxy Watch 4 probably won’t be that different if you’re familiar with previous models. They are very similar to their predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Active 2. Even the size of the case has not changed. There are still two of them – 40 or 44 mm. True, the model is made only of aluminum this time, but it has the same control method with a touch-sensitive “rotating” bezel.
If you are interested in the stainless steel option, you will have to opt for the more expensive Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, which has a physical rotating bezel instead of a touchscreen. The dimensions of the Watch 4 Classic case are 42 and 46 mm. Please note that stainless steel models are significantly heavier than aluminum ones.
Specification
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | |
 |  | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Case Size | 44 mm | 46 mm |
| Screen type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Shape | Round | Round |
| Display | 1.4″ | 1.4″ |
| Resolution | 450×450 | 450×450 |
| Body material | Aluminum | Stainless steel |
| CPU | Exynos W920 (1.18 GHz) | Exynos W920 (1.18 GHz) |
| OS | Wear OS 3 | Wear OS 3 |
| Compatibility | Android 6.0 or above | Android 6.0 or above |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Gyroscope Heart rate monitor With barometer Blood oxygen content Heartbeat counter Calorie counter Tonometer Pedometer | Accelerometer Gyroscope Heart rate monitor With barometer Blood oxygen content Heartbeat counter Calorie counter Tonometer Pedometer |
| Navigation | GPS | GPS+LTE |
| Water resistance | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm |
| Weight | 30.3 g | 52 g |
| Battery | 361 mAh | 361 mAh |
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
Design
Both models of “smart” watches have two sizes:
- The Galaxy Watch 4 has a touch bezel, an aluminum case, and sizes of 40 and 44 mm;
- The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a touch ring, a stainless steel case, and 42 and 46 mm.
The rest of the equipment is similar. The new watches have an Exynos W920 chip, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16 GB for data, sharper (330 PPI), and brighter screens and batteries to provide up to work hours on a single charge.
The battery capacity in the basic version is 247 mA / h, and the Watch 4 Classic – 361 mA / h. As promised in Samsung, the watch will work on a single charge for up to 40 hours. At the same time, both models support wireless charging according to the WPC standard.
The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic run Wear OS. It is a joint development between Google and Samsung based on Tizen OS and Android Wear. The new operating system supports applications from both of its predecessors.
Smart Features
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
| Wireless charger | Wireless charger |
| Alarm | Alarm |
| Vibration motor | Vibration motor |
| Built-in microphone | Built-in microphone |
| Protection against water, dust | Protection against water, dust |
| Control of daily activity | Control of daily activity |
| With compass | SIM card support |
| Sleep tracking | With compass |
| Music player control | Sleep tracking |
| Music player control |
The new watches are only compatible with Android smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with body composition analysis
The latest generation of smartwatches has equipped with a BIA sensor responsible for analyzing skeletal muscles, fat mass, body fat, BMI, and water content.
Samsung also took care of more advanced sleep monitoring with the analysis of blood oxygenation and snoring.
Galaxy Watch 4 also inherited the functions of a blood pressure monitor, EKG, and pulse oximeter from its predecessors.
Price
- Galaxy Watch 4 (40 mm) – 270 USD. Available colors: black, silver, and rose gold.
- Galaxy Watch 4 (44 mm) – 300 USD. Available colors: black, olive, and silver.
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (42 mm) – 370 USD. Available colors: black and silver.
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (46 mm) – 400 USD. Available colors: black and silver.
