Identical Design, Completely New Processor
With the design of the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic, Samsung took a conservative approach. Both resemble their antecedents, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3, exactly. This is not always a negative thing because they are stylish, adaptable timepieces that can fit into a variety of looks and settings. Additionally, it implies that Samsung’s renowned rotating bezel navigation is ours to keep. While the actual rotating bezel is reserved for the Watch 4 Classic, the Watch 4 chooses a digital bezel. Although the latter is undoubtedly simpler to use, once you get used to it, the digital bezel performs admirably.
The case sizes for the Watch 4 and Watch4 Classic are 40mm and 44mm, respectively. Both come in a range of colors, although the Watch 4 has a few more choices than the Classic. Other than that, the watches’ hardware is essentially identical. Both contain the same selection of sensors, including Samsung’s new 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor (more on this later), as well as 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage—which is enormous for an Android wristwatch.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 4 series has a 40-hour battery life rating with typical use. Both watches are easy to wear, while people with smaller wrists may prefer the 40mm Watch 4. Both are also waterproof and have withstood several swimming pool dives. Both offer cellular connectivity choices. The fundamental distinction between the Watch 4 and the Classic is that the Watch 4 is built of “armor aluminum” whereas the Classic is made of stainless steel, aside from minor variations in design, bezels, and size.
Samsung’s new watches don’t have a revolutionary new look, but they do have a powerful 5nm CPU within. If you’re switching from an older Samsung Tizen watch, the change is barely noticeable, but for Wear OS users, it has a significant impact. Screens do not jerk. Apps launch quickly and smoothly. The dynamic widgets from Samsung look amazing and, to be honest, compete with the Apple Watch. Downloading apps isn’t a complete disaster.