Quick Specs
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a reliable companion for your Android smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy Watch is well worth considering. We’ve reviewed several models to help you decide which smartwatch best suits your needs.nnnn1st PlacenGalaxy Watch6nReview
Full Specifications
If you’re looking for a reliable companion for your Android smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy Watch is well worth considering. We’ve reviewed several models to help you decide which smartwatch best suits your needs.
1st Place
- Large display
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Reliable sleep tracking
- Many Google services on board
- Multiple sports modes
- Short battery life
- Data protection could be improved
- Blood pressure & co. only with a Samsung phone
- Not compatible with iPhones
2nd Place
- Large display
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Comprehensive and reliable sleep tracking
- Many Google services on board
- Multiple sports modes
- Short battery life
- Data protection could be improved
- Blood pressure & co. only with a Samsung phone
- Not compatible with iPhones
3rd Place
- GPS route tracking
- Precisely measures training heart rate
- Reliable sleep tracking
- Many Google services on board
- More installed sports modes
- Blood pressure & co. only with a Samsung phone
- Case is prone to scratches
- Short battery life
- Not compatible with iPhones
4th Place
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Large display
- Multiple sports modes
- Many Google services on board
- Short battery life
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Data protection could be improved
- Blood pressure & co. only with a Samsung phone
5th Place
- Large display
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Reliable and extensive sleep tracking
- Many Google services on board
- Multi-sport mode
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Data protection could be improved
- Blood pressure & co. only measurable with a Samsung phone
- Bulky desig
- Not especially scratch-resistant
6th Place
- Some Google services on board
- Generally easy to operate
- Bright display
- Blood pressure and ECG functions
- Body composition analysis
- Snore detectio
- Automatic workout detectio
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Slightly rigid strap
- Battery life is only about one day
- Can sometimes feel sluggish
7th Place
- GPX route navigation via GPS
- Reliable sleep tracking
- Many Google services on board
- Apps installable from the Play Store
- More integrated sports modes
- Can slip on the wrist; inaccurate heart rate if not snug
- Not compatible with iPhones
8th Place
- Some Google services on board
- Generally easy to operate
- Bright display
- Blood pressure and ECG functions
- Body composition analysis
- Snore detectio
- Automatic workout detectio
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Slightly rigid strap
- Battery lasts only about one day
- Occasionally still a bit sluggish
Samsung began working with Google in 2021 for its smartwatch range, replacing Tizen with Wear OS. Despite this change in software, the design and operation still feel familiar to those who’ve owned previous models. The first Wear OS release was the Galaxy Watch 4 (2021), succeeded by the Galaxy Watch 5 (2022), Galaxy Watch 6 (2023), and in 2024, the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. Older Galaxy Watch models can often be found at lower prices, so choosing can be tricky. Here’s what sets them apart and which one might be right for you.
Best Samsung Smartwatch: Galaxy Watch 6
Galaxy Watch6
Review Score: 8.3/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 6- Large display
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Short battery life
- Data protection could be improved
Price Tip: The Classy Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Galaxy Watch4 Classic
Review Score: 8.0/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic- Some Google services on board
- Generally easy to use
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Slightly rigid strap
- Available in 42 mm or 46 mm
- Physical rotating bezel
Design Overview of Samsung Smartwatches
- Galaxy Watch 3 (2020) with 41 or 45 mm: physical bezel
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (2021) with 42 or 46 mm: physical bezel
- Galaxy Watch 4 (2021) with 40 or 44 mm: flat, digital bezel
- Galaxy Watch 5 (2022) with 40 or 44 mm: flat, digital bezel
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (2022) with 45 mm: raised rim, digital bezel
- Galaxy Watch 6 (2023) with 40 or 44 mm: flat, digital bezel
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (2023) with 43 or 47 mm: physical bezel
- Galaxy Watch 7 (2024) with 40 or 44 mm: flat, digital bezel
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) with 47 mm: square casing, digital bezel
Galaxy Watch 7: The AI-Focused Model
Galaxy Watch7
Review Score: 8.3/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 7- Large display
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Short battery life
- Data protection could be improved
Galaxy Watch Ultra: A Round Display in a Square Shell
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Review Score: 8.2/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra- Large display
- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Data protection could be improved
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Slim and Stylish
Galaxy Watch6 Classic
Review Score: 8.2/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic- Accurate heart rate measurement
- Large display
- Short battery life
- Not compatible with iPhones
Galaxy Watch 5: The Top Model of 2022
Galaxy Watch5
Review Score: 8.2/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 5- GPS route tracking
- Precisely measures training heart rate
- Blood pressure & co. only with a Samsung phone
- Case is prone to scratches
- 40 mm or 44 mm sizes
- Digital bezel (within the touchscreen)
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (2022): Added Route Guidance
Galaxy Watch5 Pro
Review Score: 8.0/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro- GPX route navigation via GPS
- Reliable sleep tracking
- Slips if not fitted tightly, affecting heart rate accuracy
- Not compatible with iPhones
- 45 mm size
- Digital bezel
Galaxy Watch 4 (2021): Good But Short on Battery
Galaxy Watch4
Review Score: 7.9/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4- Some Google services on board
- Generally easy to operate
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Slightly rigid strap
- 40 mm or 44 mm sizes
- Digital bezel
Galaxy Watch 3 (2020): Tizen’s Final Outing
Galaxy Watch3
Review Score: 7.9/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Watch 3- Automatically detects workouts
- Features GPS and barometer
- Tight battery life
- Heart rate sensor can be inaccurate
- 41 mm or 45 mm sizes
- Physical rotating bezel
Alternative: Samsung Galaxy Ring
Galaxy Ring
Review Score: 8.0/10 (Good)Samsung Galaxy Ring- Very light and slim
- Secure fit on the finger
- Limited functionality
- Not compatible with iPhones
Compatibility with Samsung Smartwatches
- Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra: Android 11.0 minimum
- Galaxy Watch 6: Android 10.0 minimum
- Galaxy Watch 5: Android 8.0 minimum
- Galaxy Watch 4: Android 6.0 minimum
- Galaxy Watch 3 & Active models: Android 5.0 minimum
- Original Galaxy Watch: Android 4.4 minimum
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Samsung Smartwatches Are Available?
Early models carried the “Gear” name. Since 2018, they’re branded as “Galaxy”. Starting with the Galaxy Watch 4 series (2021), Samsung moved from Tizen OS to Wear OS.- Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra: launched July 2024
- Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: launched July 2023
- Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: launched August 2022
- Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: launched August 2021
- Galaxy Watch 3: launched August 2020
- Galaxy Watch Active 2: launched August 2019
- Galaxy Watch Active: launched February 2019
- Galaxy Watch (original): launched August 2018
What Is the Newest Samsung Smartwatch?
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra arrived in July 2024. Like the Galaxy Watch 4, 5, and 6, they use Wear OS instead of Tizen, gradually incorporating more Google services and allowing app downloads via the Play Store. Since 2021, these models also estimate body composition (fat, muscle, water) and include a compass. The Ultra has a square casing, built-in siren, and multi-sport modes.Which Samsung Smartwatch Is Best?
All recent Samsung watches reviewed scored well overall. The top performers are currently the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7, praised for precise heart rate tracking and comfort. Not far behind is the Galaxy Watch 5.How Long Will Tizen Models Receive Updates?
When aouncing its shift to Wear OS, Samsung promised three years of support for existing Tizen watches following their release. That covers firmware and security updates.How Smart Are Samsung Watches?
They all shine in everyday use, offering:- Messaging: Mirror notifications, plus replies if paired with Android. Models with speakers and mics also handle calls.
- Cellular Connectivity (LTE): Some editions use eSIM for phone-free calls and data.
- Samsung Pay: Supported from Galaxy Watch Active 2 onward.
- Bixby: Pre-installed voice assistant (Google Assistant is available on Galaxy Watch 4 and later).
- Apps: Tizen watches use Samsung’s Galaxy Store, while Wear OS models (Watch 4 and newer) have Google Play Store and services like Google Maps.
What About Fitness Features?
Most Galaxy Watches share similar capabilities. They automatically detect common workouts (like walks or runs), log routes with GPS, and track altitude with a barometer. Sleep, step count, and heart rate monitoring are standard.What Health Sensors Do They Include?
Heart rate sensing is included in all models—though the Galaxy Watch 3 and 5 Pro had slight accuracy issues. Starting with Active 2, you’ll find ECG and blood pressure (paired with a Samsung phone and calibrated via a cuff). The Galaxy Watch 3 introduced blood oxygen estimates (SpO2). The Galaxy Watch 4 added bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition. The Galaxy Watch 7 introduced AGEs (advanced glycation end products) measurement.Ready to Purchase?
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