Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic Review: How Good it Really is?

Samsung is in the news nowadays. Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are seeing success. Users are posting good reviews about foldable devices. But there are mixed opinions about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic.

So team TechArea24 is here to explain everything. Our review of Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic will help you in deciding the right fit for you. From Price to detailed features including the Wear OS 3 platform and key differences between both the watches. There is something for everyone.

Prelude to Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic Review

Samsung has used the shoulders of Google this time for ditching its own Tizen platform and basing the Watch 4 on Wear OS 3 (developed by Google).

There are two variants launched; namely, the Watch 4 and Watch 4 classic. These are the two best smartwatches at the moment for Andriod users. Samsungs apps and services are injected throughout the features. You will get all the benefits if you own a Samsung Smartphone, especially the health features. However other Andriod user’s experience would be limited.

And for iPhone users; go and get Apple Watch 5 or Watch 6. Or if you have lots of money then wait for Apple Watch 7.

Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic – Similarities and Differences

So by this time, we all know that there are two main watches released by Samsung. A simple Galaxy Watch 4 and Hefty Watch 4 classic. These are follow up of Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is lighter, smaller (40/42 mm version), and is definitely sportier looking. The Watch 4 comes in 2 sizes. 40mm and 44 mm.

Whereas Galaxy Watch 4 classic is thicker with a classic rotating bezel and leather straps.

Both the Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic use the same Wear OS 3 software with Samsung UI skin and there are no differences on the inside.

Just In: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Review

We will get to that in a bit but first, let’s discuss the specs, and then we will go to the pricing of this epic dual of Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic.

Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classis – Specifications Difference

Features	Galaxy Watch 4	Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Starting price	$249.99	$349.99
Size options	40mm/44mm	42mm/46mm
Dimensions	40mm:40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm; 44mm: 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm	42mm: 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm; 46mm: 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.0 mm
Weight	40mm: 0.91 ounces 44mm: 1.06 ounces	42mm: 1.64 ounces 46mm: 1.83 ounces
Battery capacity	40mm: 247mAh; 44mm: 361mAh	42mm: 247mAh; 46mm: 361mAh
Battery life	40 hours	40 hours
Processor	Exynos W920	Exynos W920
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE (optional), NFC	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE (optional), NFC
Memory	1.5GB RAM + 16GB	1.5GB RAM + 16GB
Smartphone compatibility	Android 6.0 or higher	Android 6.0 or higher
Durability	5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G	5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G
Color options	Black, Silver, Pink Gold, Green	Black, Silver

Pricing

So basically both the watches come in two sizes. And both variants offer LTE optional connectivity at a higher cost. But since you must be carrying your phone around all the time, so Bluetooth version is just fine.

Apart from the design and materials used, both the watches are the same from the inside. That means the same Wear OS platform and all the included features. So if you want to flaunt in this battle of Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic then choose the Classic one as it is more CLASSY.

The only variant open for pre-booking in Pakistan is the 40mm Bluetooth-only version of the Galaxy Watch 4. And it is priced at PKR 51,000. We did a complete story of the pricing of Galaxy watch 4 in pakistan. A must-read it is

A Must Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review

Design of Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic

Bottom line upfront. Watch 4 Classic is our favorite.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Design and Feel

It is a newer version of Watch 3. Made up of stainless steel and a rotating bezel makes it stand out. Though a bit bulky if you are a healthiness freak and don’t want any extra weight. The rotating bezel comes in very handy for navigation and gives a smooth and premium feel.

It is more of a statement symbol and would look good with formal wear. That does not mean that it can’t be used for its fitness features or with sports attire. But since we are comparing the Watch 4 Classic with Galaxy Watch 4 so we need to tell you our opinion.

Although the Galaxy Watch 4 classic is 100 $ expensive than the Base Variant yet it costs less than the Apple Watch 5 or 6 entry model.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic comes in 2 colors of black and silver. For some reason, we like the Black color more than the other option. Leather straps are optional but it is shipped with silicon straps. Silicon is nice for outdoor activities and leather is more suited for formal wear. But the change of straps is a cumbersome task.

Galaxy Watch 4 Design and Feel

Made up of aluminum and is definitely lightweight. There is no rotating bezel and instead, the navigation is done through 2 buttons on the right side. It comes with silicone straps. As far as color options are concerned in the Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Active then the basic variant is a winner.

Galaxy watch 4 comes in black, silver (which are the same as Watch 4 Classic), and two additional colors of green (exclusive to 44 mm size) and pink gold (exclusive to 40mm size).

As told earlier there are 2 size options in Watch 4 which are 42mm and 44 mm. Moreover, this particular watch is sportier and lightweight.

Apart from that, all other features and software options are the same. So you will not feel any difference once it comes to performance. The 40mm variant is poor once it comes to battery life. We will discuss it in detail in the battery comparison section.

Display Difference between Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic

Both the models have size and display differences alongside resolution. Whereas similarities in the display are the Always-On display and Corning Gorilla Glass DX protection.

Galaxy Watch 4

• 40 mm model has 1.2 inch super AMOLED display having 396×396 resolution
• 44 mm model has 1.4 inch super AMOLED display having 450×450 resolution

Galaxy Watch 4 Acitive

• 42 mm model has 1.19 inch super AMOLED display having 396×396 resolution
• 46 mm model has 1.4 inch super AMOLED display having 450×450 resolution

Hardware and Software

• Galaxy Watch 4: Exynos W920 5nm chip, 1.5GB RAM, 16GB storage, Bluetooth and LTE
• Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Exynos W920 5nm chip, 1.5GB RAM, 16GB storage, Bluetooth and LTE

Both the smartwatches variant runs on Exynos W920 based on a 5nm chip. Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic are similar once it comes to Ram and ROM. Both the watches have 1.5 GB RAM and 16 GB of internal storage.

As far as the performance combination of Chip, RAM, and internal storage is concerned, we do not find any lag. These watches are super smooth without any glitches. And that is possible because of Google Wear OS 3 combined with Samsung’s One UI watch interface.

Here might be a catch though. We are not sure as to how long Google is going to roll updates to Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Any Software requires frequent updates for a smooth experience and to remove any glitches that are found. That would be known in the longer run. But as of now Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic does not have any issue, whatsoever.

Moreover, Both the variants come in two versions. Bluetooth only version and a combination of Bluetooth + LTE version. This moe is aimed to cater to a wide variety of audiences in each price segment.

Battery life and charge Time : Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic- A Big Headache

Here lies the biggest low of the Galaxy watch 4. The battery capacity of lower variants is disastrous. But first, let’s see how much power these models actually pack.

• Galaxy Watch 4 40mm model and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 42mm model have a battery capacity of 247mAh.
• The Galaxy Watch 4 44mm and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm models both have a battery capacity of 361mAh.

As per Samsung’s claim, these watches are good to get you through 40 hours of usage. But that is a suger coating. Samsung does not tell us that which sensors need to be swtched off to get you there. Or for how much time did a particular sensor was on once Samssung put across those numbers.

In our testing, if you use GPS for 2-3 hours, alongside HEARTrate monitoring turned on continously. Also the tilt to wake was off and Always On Display was on too. Furthermore, i kept my sleep tracking On for noght alongsoide full day usage of SpO2 reading On. A 2 Hours of Exerscise with GPS On. And yeah i was putting on WiFi On alongside NFC.

Yeah all these things put on much stress on battery biut it was necessary to put to test the claims made by Samsug. So behold to hear the reluts.

The 361mAH model got me to 1.5 day of usage, whereas the lower battery model i.e, 247mAH capacity was not sufficeient for even a complete day.

WIth minimum sensors On, yes the lower variant will go to 1.5 day of usage and Watch 4 with 361mAH will see you through 2 days.

BUt then comes the charge timings. These watches need 2 hours of charging from 10 percent to fully charge. NAd thats cumbersome if you have to do it everyday. And we do not know the battery degradation or the chrge cysle counts yet.

So our take is to go for bigger battery capacity watch in both the models.

Health and Fitness – We are loving it

Both the watches i.e, Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic have no difference once it comes to Software or Fitness and Health features. However, these watches work best with Samsung Smartphones, especially if you want to get full benefits of fitness and health features. ECG and Snoring recording are exclusive to Samsung devices and moreover, blood pressure monitoring is limited to Australia only, and that too with Samsung devices.

The Galaxy watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch Classic are the same once it comes to track all essential health and fitness features. It can track your steps, daily calorie burn, active calories, blood oxygen levels (on-demand and during sleep), resting and active heart rate, distance, total active time, sleep, and stress levels. And all these features are exclusive of Google Fitbit and are exclusive to the Samsung Health app.

Sports Modes

There are over 90 sports modes available. All basic exercises are covered. Like running, cycling, hiking, and yoga. Moreover, weightlifting features are also there this time, like bench press, arm exercises, and even leg exercises. I am not into the gym really so I haven’t tested the weightlifting mode in depth.

The best feature is once you enable GPS with the exercise mode. It will give you pace, elevation, heart rate zones-wise, cadence, and VO2 readings (VO2 is the amount of oxygen utilized during training). Furthermore, post workout you can see all your data in a well integrated summary form.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic battle is same once it comes to Heart Rate monitoring through ECG readings. Before proceeding further, you should not take these readings for sure or in place of readings privided by exclusive ECG machines available at a hospital.

Coming back to ECG readings. Samsung has included advanced Algorithums that are able to provide almost accurate readings if we compare it to Apple Watch 6.

Moreover, the stress rate data is taken from ECG and heart rate variation data, which is sort of not so very much accurate, or atleast not for me. It showed my stress levels high, once i was normal and watching TV and having snacks. Durting the exerscise once my heartrate was high it showed signs of stress which are understable and accurate. To reduce the stress there are breathing exerscises avaoable as well, so you can tyake use of that.

Blood oxygen saturation level (SPO2) readings are also avalable and these are found near to accurate once compared with other oximetery devices availabe for consumers. These readings are more important if somehow you are suffering from deseases or infections which require SPO2 readings.

Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic – The Verdict

It is a right move from Samsung. These both are currently the best Andriod Smartwatches avaianlable in the market. Our verdict is that we like the 44mm Galaxy Watch 4 more then the classic. Since both the watches have same softwarres and same health and fitness features. For a rotating bezel, and steel frame and a bigger size you wil have tpo pay 100 $ more and for some that mioght not be a deal. havng said that, the class factor is more in Watch 4 Classic.

You will not repend your decision if you opt for any of the model. These definately are the best samrtwatches avaiable to Andriod users and specially for those who own a Samsung Smartphone.