Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the more polished Android-compatible smartwatches available today. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 4, but it refines key areas like battery life, durability, and health tracking. If you’re looking for a well-rounded smartwatch that works best with Samsung phones but is still functional with other Android devices, the Watch 5 is a solid choice.
Key Features and Highlights
1. Sleek, Comfortable Design with Improved Durability
The Galaxy Watch 5 retains the circular design Samsung is known for, with a slightly more curved back for better wrist contact. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, both featuring an aluminum casing and a Sapphire Crystal glass display, which is significantly more scratch-resistant than standard glass49. The included silicone strap is comfortable for all-day wear, and the watch is rated IP68 and 5ATM water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and intense workouts.
2. Bright, Responsive AMOLED Display
The 1.4-inch (44mm) and 1.2-inch (40mm) Super AMOLED screens are vibrant and easily readable in direct sunlight, with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits8. The always-on display is useful for quick glances, though enabling it does reduce battery life.
3. Strong Health and Fitness Tracking
The Watch 5 includes Samsung’s BioActive sensor, combining optical heart rate monitoring, ECG, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition metrics like muscle mass and body fat percentage58. Other notable features:
Advanced sleep tracking (with snore detection if paired with a Samsung phone)
Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring
Skin temperature sensor (currently inactive but expected in a future update)1
Over 90 workout modes, including auto-detection for running and walking3
4. Decent (But Not Outstanding) Battery Life
Samsung claims up to 40-50 hours of battery life, but real-world usage typically lands around 24-36 hours with always-on display disabled15. The 44mm model’s 410mAh battery fares better than the 40mm’s 284mAh version. Fast charging helps—30 minutes can get you to ~45%, but the included charger is just a USB-C puck (no power adapter)310.
5. Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI
The Watch 5 runs Wear OS 3.5 with Samsung’s One UI overlay, providing smooth navigation and access to Google apps like Maps, Wallet, and YouTube Music. However, some features (ECG, blood pressure monitoring) are limited to Samsung phones13.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Excellent display – Bright, sharp, and responsive.
✔ Comfortable, durable build – Sapphire glass and aluminum casing resist scratches well.
✔ Comprehensive health tracking – ECG, SpO2, sleep analysis, and body composition.
✔ Fast charging – Helpful for quick top-ups before sleep tracking.
✔ Good software integration – Works well with Samsung phones and decently with other Androids.
Cons:
✖ Battery life is just okay – Lasts a full day but not much more with heavy use.
✖ Some features locked to Samsung phones – ECG and blood pressure require a Galaxy device.
✖ No physical rotating bezel – The touch-based navigation isn’t as intuitive as older Galaxy Watches with a bezel1.
✖ Charger not included – You’ll need a separate USB-C power adapter.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5?
Best For:
Samsung phone users who want deep health tracking integration.
Fitness enthusiasts who need accurate workout and recovery metrics.
Those who prefer a premium-feeling smartwatch without spending Apple Watch-level money.
Not Ideal For:
iPhone users (Apple Watch is a better fit).
People who need multi-day battery life (consider the Watch 5 Pro or a Garmin instead).
Those who already own a Galaxy Watch 4 (upgrade differences are minor)6.
Final Verdict: A Refined but Familiar Smartwatch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a well-executed Android smartwatch with strong health tracking, a sharp display, and a comfortable design. While its battery life could be better and some features are Samsung-exclusive, it remains one of the better options for Android users—especially those already in Samsung’s ecosystem.
If you’re upgrading from an older smartwatch or want a reliable fitness companion, the Watch 5 is a sensible pick. However, if you already have a Galaxy Watch 4, the improvements may not justify the upgrade.
Where to Buy:
👉 Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (44mm) on Amazon
Would you consider the Galaxy Watch 5, or are you holding out for a future model? Let us know in the comments!