Galaxy Watch 5: everything we know about Samsung’s smartwatch

Samsung is still months away from its next Unpacked event, where it’s expected to unveil new versions of its Galaxy smartwatches, but that doesn’t mean leaks have to wait either. On the contrary, some promising rumors and juicy finds in the official Samsung software code have already revealed things about the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 series smartwatches. Here’s everything we know so far.

Design

Samsung’s latest generation smartwatch portfolio includes two models – the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. It looks like Samsung is getting rid of the Classic branding this year, just as it retired the Active moniker a generation earlier. Instead, the naming convention is now going to be much simpler and more common.

The latest Samsung Health app beta, first spotted by 9to5Google, names the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro models, but there’s no mention of a classic model for the next generation. SamMobile also claims to have confirmation that there will be no Classic model appearing this year.

Notably, the Galaxy Watch 5 would go on sale in two size options, while the more expensive Pro model will be limited to just one. It’s unclear if the sizes will remain the same as the Galaxy Watch 4 pair. As for the colors, according to files from tipster Evan Blass, the Galaxy Watch 5 will be available in silver, rose gold and graphite colors. The Pro, on the other hand, will have black titanium and gray titanium. It’s not the most creative assortment, but it’s better than nothing.

Health Features

The Galaxy Watch 5 duo will likely be armed with sensors like a heart rate monitor, body composition sensor, and electrocardiogram (ECG), along with pending approval from regulators, Samsung is also expected to offer tricks like the blood pressure monitoring. Also expect to see SpO2 measurement and fall detection.

Interestingly, a The Reddit user spotted the mention of a cool feature called “sleep skin temperature” in the latest beta version of the Samsung Health app. The functionality apparently relies on a system of lasers installed under the smartwatch, which flash on the skin to measure temperature. The app notes that the feature is “used to predict your cycle more accurately”, suggesting it can be used for period tracking.

Since Samsung’s current smartwatch portfolio lacks a temperature sensing trick, it looks like the beta app is just preparing for the Galaxy Watch 5 series which will offer the aforementioned facility. Interestingly, Apple is also reportedly experimenting with a body temperature measurement feature for its next-generation smartwatches.

Interactive bezel

There’s no shortage of round smartwatches, but what sets Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series apart is the interactive bezel control system. On the likes of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it’s the physical rotating bezel that really sets it apart. The vanilla model opted for capacitive controls next to the bezels.

Unfortunately, it looks like the rotating bezels will soon be gone. According to reliable leakster ice universe, the rotating bezel disappears this year. According to him, neither the standard Galaxy Watch 5 nor the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will feature the rotating bezel system that has become a favorite for many buyers. On the positive side, Samsung could switch to using premium materials like sapphire crystal and titanium for the case, following Huawei’s lead with the Watch GT 3 Pro.

Battery life

What about battery life? So far, rumors indicate that Samsung is trying to push the next Galaxy Watch past the one-day battery life barrier, although it’s unclear by how much.

Regulatory filings identified by SamMobile suggests that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will feature a 572 mAh battery, which is quite a significant upgrade over the 361 mAh unit installed inside the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. We only hope that the next iteration of Google’s smartwatch operating system will nail the battery optimization part and make a smartwatch last more than a day.

Even though the endurance isn’t all that impressive, FCC filings spotted by 9to5Google show that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will likely come with support for up to 10W fast charging to keep you going. ‘to be operational. The Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic, on the other hand, only support 5W charging. The Apple Watch Series 7 can be charged up to 80% in about 45 minutes with a compatible 18W or higher charger . That should make the Galaxy Watch 5 more competitive with rival Apple in terms of charging speeds – and that bigger battery would need it anyway.

Release date and price

So far, Samsung hasn’t officially talked about the launch prospects of its next-gen smartwatches. But following the cadence of previous launches, the Galaxy Watch 5 series could make its official debut around August. Samsung could reveal them alongside its next foldables – Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 — at the next Unpacked event.

As for pricing, a report by Roland Quandt of WinFuture puts the Galaxy Watch 5 between 300 and 400 euros ($320 to $420), while the Watch 5 Pro ranges from 490 euros to 540 euros ($520 to 570 $). These will of course vary with taxes, and a direct conversion as we have done is unlikely to be exact. Still, expect the Watch 5 and 5 Pro to be within that range.

Samsung Galaxy Watch5
40 mm BT ~ 300 euros
40mm LTE ~ €350
Rose gold, Grey, Silver

44 mm LV ~ 350 euros
44mm LTE ~ 400 euros
Blue, Grey, Silver

Watch5 Pro
45 mm BT ~ 490 euros
45mm LTE ~ €540
Black, Titanium

*Price conversion and taxes may cause figures to differ from actual MSRP.

—Roland Whent (@rwhent) June 22, 2022

Comparatively, the Galaxy Watch 4 starts at $25o, while the Classic model costs $100 premium. While one school of thought thinks Samsung would want to maintain a competitive pricing strategy against Apple and therefore keep the Galaxy Watch 5’s asking price below $300, this pricing report casts doubt on that. .

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