Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Specs, prices, and more

A clear case of evolution over revolution, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro share several similarities with the Galaxy Watch 4 line but improved the facets that matter. The Galaxy Watch 6 line is now available, but the 5 series devices are still great options. But how do these two Samsung smartwatches differ, and how do they stack up against the competition? The Pro model is particularly interesting, as Samsung actively targets outdoor enthusiasts with training features and longer battery life. More importantly, the company did not release a newer Pro model, so the 5 Pro remains the best of its kind. Here’s everything you need to know about the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Editor’s note: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro was Android Authority’s Editor’s Choice best wearable of 2022. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro: At a glance

Samsung announced two models, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, on August 10, 2022, at its summer Unpacked event. The two watches share similar core features but differ regarding niche details and target audiences. As mentioned, the base model Galaxy Watch 5 has since been outdone by the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, but the 5 Pro remains the top model of its kind.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is a direct successor to the Galaxy Watch 4. It’s the lighter option and features a more intriguing color palette. We found the device generation performed well during our Galaxy Watch 5 review, with a few key upgrades and the same reliable user experience.

The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is effectively the same device at its core but includes a thicker, heavier body to accommodate its larger battery. It also features a larger dial and a D-buckle strap and trades the aluminum build of the base Galaxy Watch 5 for a titanium body with a protective lip. The 5 Pro also brings some interesting Garmin-inspired training features to the table, which we’ll discuss later.

Neither Galaxy Watch 5 series model features a physical rotating bezel. All Galaxy Watch 5 offerings feature a touch bezel and Sapphire Crystal lenses. However, in 2023, Samsung released a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic with a rotating bezel for those who prefer tactile navigation.

Although the Pro model’s monster battery size is a headlining feature, all Galaxy Watch 5 models pack larger batteries than the Galaxy Watch 4. There’s also add a skin temperature sensor not found in the previous generation. Though the devices originally launched with Google’s Wear OS 3, they are now eligible to update to the Wear OS 4 software found on the Galaxy Watch 6 series.

The Galaxy Watch 5 comes in 40mm and 44mm case sizes. Both sizes are available in Wi-Fi-only and LTE guises. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is available in 45mm only, with or without LTE.

Are the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro worth buying?

All things considered, yes. The Galaxy Watch 5 series builds on several aspects of the already solid Galaxy Watch 4 experience. See our dedicated Galaxy Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 4 comparison guide for more details. Meanwhile, a Galaxy Watch 5 is worth considering, given the discounted prices you’ll likely find in light of the newer series now available.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro does not have a newer, upgraded sibling. Samsung still sells the more expensive model at full price, given its unique build and added features. As mentioned, the Pro option boasts a larger dial, bigger battery, and tougher shell than its counterpart. Samsung positions this model as the option for “outdoor adventures.”

Outside of niche features added to the Pro model, the two Galaxy Watch 5 options share most of the same fitness tracking technology. The loadout includes an optical heart rate sensor, an ECG monitoring heart health, a BIA sensor for surveying body composition, continuous SpO2 monitoring, and a new skin temperature sensor. Both models also feature NFC, built-in GPS, dual-band Wi-Fi support, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 wasn’t listed much pricier than its predecessor at launch. The Galaxy Watch 4 debuted at $249, and its newer sibling asks for $279. An LTE option will set you back an additional $50. Now, the device can typically be found deeply discounted. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is where things get pricey. It starts at $449 for a Wi-Fi-only option and jumps to $499 for the LTE variant.

The Galaxy Watch 6 brings minor nips and tucks to the overall design, emphasizing refinement over new killer features (besides the return of the rotating bezel). In our deep dives, you can see how the Galaxy Watch 6 compares and how the Classic stacks up to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Hardware and design

As mentioned, Samsung opted to polish its existing hardware and design rather than reinvent the smartwatch. For those seeking a wholly overhauled aesthetic, you’ll be disappointed to note that the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 are practically the same devices visually and, to an extent, physically.

You can grab a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with a 44mm or 40mm lens. The latter is the smallest, thinnest, and lightest option in the range, packing a 1.19-inch 396 x 396 AMOLED screen, a depth of 39mm, and a weight of 29g. The larger Galaxy Watch 5 option packs a 1.36-inch 450 x 450 AMOLED display with a 43.3mm thickness and a weight of 33g.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro employs a smaller 45mm dial but still uses the same 1.36-inch display as the standard Galaxy Watch 5. This allows for a raised bezel, providing added screen protection from errant knocks.

Like the Galaxy Watch 4, both Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 models feature a pair of flatter, longer pushers on their right-hand flanks. Gone are the round knobs used on the Watch 4 Classic. That’s probably a good thing, especially for the Pro model, as you’re less likely to ping the flatter buttons against an object while adventuring.

While both Galaxy Watch 5 models use standard 20mm watch straps, Samsung has improved the fit of the standard bands. The company claims the improvements aid the accuracy of sensors when monitoring core health metrics. The standard Galaxy Watch 5 has a similar sports band option to the Galaxy Watch 4. The Pro model offers a more secure D-buckle band that looks particularly premium and provides a more secure fit.

As for hardware, Samsung finally made battery longevity a core feature. The 40mm Galaxy Watch 5 packs a 284mAh battery, while the 44mm model uses a 410mAh power pack. The Pro includes a massive 590mAh cell, shading previous Wear OS battery heavyweights. Samsung claims the base models should last for 50 hours between charges.

For the Pro, this number jumps to 80 hours of regular use or 20 hours with continuous GPS usage. Your mileage will vary, though. We couldn’t quite hit these claims when we reviewed the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Samsung still uses the Exynos W920 SoC it employed on the Galaxy Watch 4, with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

Fitness, health tracking, and software features

The Galaxy Watch 5 series brings the usual list of health-tracking tech to users’ wrists. Many of these features will be familiar if you’ve glossed through the Galaxy Watch 4 specs sheet.

For starters, the Galaxy Watch 5 line sees the return of the “BioActive” sensor array — a trio of sensors for monitoring heart rate, electrical heart signal, and body composition. While it’s the same set of sensors found on its predecessor, Samsung claims the Galaxy Watch 5 line’s accuracy is improved thanks to a better fit on the wrist. The Galaxy Watch 5 series also features continuous blood oxygen monitoring thanks to an SpO2 sensor.

Compared to the 4’s, the 5’s bring one notable addition to Samsung’s sensor array. The device’s skin temperature sensor uses infrared to sample users’ body temperature fluctuations. We’ve found this feature helpful on newer Fitbits, as it serves as an early warning for potential sickness. Samsung also leverages the sensor to offer more detailed cycle tracking for women.

Samsung’s also made a point of improving sleep tracking and analysis with the Galaxy Watch 5 series. Sleep Scores made a return, as well as snore monitoring and overnight blood oxygen monitoring. The company also touts its Sleep Coaching system, which debuted on the Galaxy Watch 4 line. After collecting about a week’s worth of sleep data, your watch will suggest a month-long guided plan to address any sleep issues. For those in the Samsung ecosystem, SmartThings integration also lets users control smart devices to encourage better sleep hygiene.

On the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, you’ll also find training-friendly software features. The Pro model brings GPX route support to download and display routes on your wrist, record new routes, and share them with others. It also features Track Back, a new tool that helps you find your way home if you stray from the path. Finally, the Pro also features turn-by-turn directions, which should further please cyclists and runners on the route.

Samsung’s Tizen days are well and truly gone. Following the Galaxy Watch 4, the Galaxy Watch 5 series launched with Wear OS 3. Wear OS 4 and One UI 5 Watch debuted on the Galaxy Watch 6 series in July 2023, and the software has rolled back to the 5 series since then.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro specs

What are the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro alternatives?

The premium smartwatch space is filled with impressive offerings from several companies. Other devices may fit your bill if the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or Watch 5 Pro don’t appeal to you. Here are some of our recommendations:

Apple Watch Series 9 ($389.99 at Amazon): It’s tough not to recommend the Apple Watch, especially if you own an iPhone. It’s the best smartwatch you can buy for iOS users, with seamless smart feature integration and a solid fitness tracking loadout.

Garmin Venu 3 ($449.99 at Amazon): This is Garmin’s best smartwatch, melding a large OLED screen with the company’s useful health and fitness tracking features. You won’t get the same sweeping list of app offerings found on watchOS or Wear OS, but you do get longer battery life, onboard music playback and streaming support, voice assistant smarts, and on-wrist call features.

Garmin Fenix 7 ($699): The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro may be the company’s most expensive watch appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, but those seeking a genuinely rough-and-tumble companion should consider the Fenix 7. You’ll miss out on several useful smart features, including LTE, but gain impressive battery longevity, real-time stamina, race predictor smarts, and TopoActive maps support for serious trail users. Garmin also released a new Garmin Fenix 7 Pro (on the product’s website) for an even more advanced experience.

TicWatch Pro 5 ($349 at Amazon): Mobvoi’s first wearable running the latest Wear OS, the TicWatch Pro 5 is a powerful alternative, especially for anyone who doesn’t have a Samsung phone. The watch features snappy internals, a unique dual display for saving power, and a useful Digital Crown for navigation.

Google Pixel Watch 2 ($349.99 at Amazon): For a smartwatch running Wear OS 4 in its purest form, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the play. The device fixes some of the first-generation flaws of the original Pixel Watch and offers Fitbit integration you won’t find elsewhere.

Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro

• Galaxy Watch 5 40mm (Bluetooth): $279 / £269 / Rs. 28,000
• Galaxy Watch 5 40mm (LTE): $329 / £319 / Rs. 33,000
• Galaxy Watch 5 44mm (Bluetooth): $279 / £269 / Rs. 31,000
• Galaxy Watch 5 44mm (LTE): $329 / £319 / Rs. 36,000
• Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm (Bluetooth): $449 / £429 / Rs. 45,000
• Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm (LTE): $499 / £479 / Rs. 50,000

Samsung offers slightly different body and strap colorways for the 40mm and 44mm Galaxy Watch 5 models and the Pro option. See the breakdown below:

Top Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 questions and answers

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