Samsung’s Galaxy Watch4 series is really good. We’ve had nearly a year with the Watch4 and Watch4 Classic, and we’re still big fans of both. Both are recipients of our Most Wanted award, and we think they’re two of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. You can’t go wrong with either, but you probably don’t want to buy both. So how do you decide? Let’s get into it.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. 4 Classic: What’s the same and what’s different?
| Galaxy Watch4 | Galaxy Watch4 Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 42mm, 46mm |
| Colors | Black, Pink Gold (40mm only), Green (44mm only), Silver | Black, Silver |
| Display | 40mm: 1.2-inch 396×396 OLED 44mm: 1.4-inch 450×450 OLED | 42mm: 1.2-inch 396×396 OLED 46mm: 1.4-inch 450×450 OLED |
| CPU | Exynos W920 | Exynos W920 |
| RAM | 1.5GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB |
| Battery | 40mm: 247mAh 44mm: 361mAh | 42mm: 247mAh 46mm: 361mAh |
| Connectivity | NFC, GPS, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | NFC, GPS, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Water resistance | IP68 certified, MIL-STD-810G compliant | IP68 certified, MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| OS | Wear OS Powered by Samsung | Wear OS Powered by Samsung |
| UI | One UI Watch 3 | One UI Watch 3 |
| Health sensors | Heart rate, EKG, bioelectrical impedance | Heart rate, EKG, bioelectrical impedance |
There’s not a whole lot that differentiates the two devices. The watches have more similarities than differences. They have the same smooth 60Hz displays, the same sensors, the same Samsung-built chipset, the same storage, the same batteries, and the same RAM. They also run the same software and should get the same updates.
As of this spring, both watches finally have Google Assistant access, so you no longer have to talk to Bixby to get hands-free help. You can set the Assistant to respond to either a long-press of the Watch4’s home button or “Hey, Google” (or both), so using it is a breeze. Getting Google Assistant up and running is a bit of a chore, but it only takes a few minutes.
Functionality isn’t perfect. Hotword detection is rough on the Watch4’s battery life, and smart home controls are a little finicky. Still, it works as you’d expect most of the time.
The differences between the two watches are materials and aesthetics. The Watch4’s case is made of aluminum, and it gets two exclusive color options that might make Classic owners jealous: pink for the 40 mm and green for the 44. It generally has a more svelte, athletic look—think Samsung’s prior Galaxy Watch Active models.
The Watch4 Classic, meanwhile, has a chunkier, stainless steel case and the physical rotating bezel longtime fans love Samsung wearables for (the non-Classic version mimics this functionality with a touch-sensitive bezel). That rotating bezel may also help protect the display. The non-Classic Watch4’s face is completely flat.
The only differences between the two sizes of each watch are the sizes of the display and the battery. The smaller watches have a 1.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 396×396, while the larger models have 1.4-inch 450×450 OLED screens. The smaller watches house 247mAh batteries, and the bigger ones pack significantly beefier 361mAh cells.
Samsung says all Watch4 models can last up to 40 hours on a charge, but in our reviews, we found the smaller versions don’t quite make it there. Given the discrepancy in battery size, the larger 44- and 46-millimeter models should last longer between top-ups.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. 4 Classic: How much do they cost?
With two trim levels, each available in two sizes and in either Wi-Fi or LTE varieties, there are a lot of different SKUs on offer here. Let’s break it down.
| Galaxy Watch4 | Galaxy Watch4 Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2-inch display, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | $250 | $350 |
| 1.2-inch display with LTE | $300 | $400 |
| 1.4-inch display, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | $280 | $380 |
| 1.4-inch display with LTE | $330 | $430 |
For each watch, you can expect to shell out an additional $50 for the mobile data-enabled version that can function independently of your phone over any of the major wireless networks. Likewise, moving from any SKU of the regular Watch4 to the equivalent Classic version is a $100 upcharge.
We’ve started to see prices come down across all models, though. It’s not unusual to see street prices $30 or more off MSRP. So if you’re put off by the cost, keep an eye out for sales.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. 4 Classic: Which is the better buy?
It depends on your priorities, but for most people, we’d recommend the regular Galaxy Watch4. It’s $100 cheaper than the Watch4 Classic, and all you’re missing out on is the steel case and physical rotating bezel. Everything else—battery life (among like sizes), display quality, performance, you name it—is identical. Unless you want a more traditional-looking smartwatch or can’t live without that clicky goodness (an entirely defensible position!), there’s not much reason to pay extra.
Early info about the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series has been circulating since March, though, and we’re anticipating another summer release this year. If you’re unconvinced by the Watch4 series, it may be worth waiting a couple of months to see how things shake out in the next generation.
In the meantime, check out everything we know about the Watch5. It sounds like there’ll be some meaningful changes, including a new “Pro” model replacing the existing Classic trim.
Buy at Amazon:
Galaxy Watch4Galaxy Watch4 Classic
Buy at Samsung:
Galaxy Watch4Galaxy Watch4 Classic
