Samsung Galaxy Watch5 review
A TEST REPORT from David Haydl 
on January 01, 2023, 16:00 pm | 3 comments
As an Android user, you have a lot more choice with smartwatches than with an iPhone. One model in this sea of watches is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5. I tested them for you.
At the beginning, Samsung was very experimental with smartwatches. It started with the Gear line, which even included a model with a selfie camera. At some point the Gear Fit came along, which was supposed to be a competitor for Fitbit. And with the Gear S, which housed a cellular module, you didn't even have to take a smartphone with you anymore.
Starting with the Gear S2, they were similar Proucts more and more classic watches. This means that these came with a round case and analogue dials for the first time. In 2018, Samsung finally released the first Galaxy Watch. The line also primarily included models that resemble conventional watches. But two Active models also came out under this name.
Since last August, the Samsung galaxy watch5 available in the stores. I wore these every day for three weeks and then again and again in everyday life. I always paired the smartwatch with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. With the manufacturer's smartphones, all functions of the watch can be used. However, the Watch5 is also compatible with all Android smartphones running Android 8 or higher.
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Unboxing and initial setup
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 comes in an oblong box. On the front you can see a picture of the watch and on the front and on the sides the Proproduct name and a logo of Samsung. After removing two seals you can get the package contents out of the box. This consists of the watch with the bracelets, a magnetic charging puck with USB-C and the usual paperwork. A power supply is not included.
Picture: TechnikNews
The setup can be done in two different ways. On the one hand there is the Galaxy Wearable app, where you can find the setup item in the sidebar. Then devices in the vicinity are searched for and you only have to confirm the coupling. Or you bring a Samsung smartphone nearby. Then a popup will appear as soon as the clock is found, and you only have to complete the whole thing with one click. Both options should take no more than five minutes.
Design, workmanship and comfort
The Galaxy Watch5 is visually a mixture of a Galaxy Watch Active and the Galaxy Watch5 Pro – not too sporty and not too flashy. If you already know the predecessor, nothing new awaits you here. The smartwatch is available in Graphite, Sapphire (blue), and Silver, with my review unit being the latter color. However, I like dark cases more on watches as it doesn't stand out as much. You can also choose between two case sizes: 40 millimeters and 44 millimeters.
I really liked the simple look of the Watch5. (Picture: TechnikNews)
Two buttons were installed on the right side and the left side is blank. The top button acts as a home button, and the bottom button takes you back one step in menus. On the underside you will find the "BioActive" sensor, which can measure the heart rate optically and electrically, determine the body composition and carry out a bioelectrical impedance analysis. The watch can also be used to create an ECG and determine blood pressure. The case is made of aluminum and supports all standard 20 mm bracelets. The workmanship leaves nothing to be desired, and the watch is also waterproof according to IP68 and protected against impacts according to MIL-STD-810H. Even after several weeks of use, I couldn't see any scratches or wear and tear.
The thing with the wearing comfort is a bit difficult. The Galaxy Watch5 weighs 33,5 grams and is 9,8 millimeters thick. In everyday life, that's still okay (on my wrist, the Watch5 just looks a bit big, I have the 44 millimeter version). When it comes to sleep tracking, however, such a big block is uncomfortable.
Display
The display is definitely decent for a smartwatch. It is 1,4 inches tall, based on Super AMOLED and supports an always-on mode. It was able to convince me for the most part, but in my opinion the brightness can still be improved a little. In addition, the automatic regulation is a bit slow. In return, the panel is colorful and sharp, as is known from Samsung. It is protected by sapphire glass, which is particularly resistant to strong influences, but not so much against scratches. The display glass hasn't scratched me yet.
Picture: TechnikNews
It is possible to scroll through the operating system by circling the edge of the screen with your finger. This is supposed to replace the rotating bezel of older models, but it works rather unreliably. Scrolling isn't as accurate and occasionally unresponsive. But it also has to be said that the feature has been a little better since a software update.
Battery life
The battery in the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is 410 mAh and should last for several days. With workouts, sleep tracking, and the always-on display, two-and-a-half days were none for me at all Proproblem If I didn't wear the watch at night, three and a half went out. However, this can also vary greatly depending on usage.
In 30 minutes, the battery with the appropriate power pack should be up to 45 Procent can be loaded. This value is good, the clock is full in just over an hour. It is very practical that normal Qi chargers can also be used.
Software
The Galaxy Watch5 runs Wear OS 3.5 with One UI Watch 4.5. That means the software framework comes from Google, and the looks and features come from Samsung. In operation, this feels like Tizen, the OS that ran on Samsung watches before Wear OS. You notice that in the setup, the pre-installed apps and the connection to the smartphone via the Samsung Wearable app. Wear OS is only noticeable in the lettering in the settings and when using Google Pay.
The software is very easy to understand. The watch face is the starting point, with a range of styles already available or available to download from the store. On the left you have all the notifications. I didn't like the fact that you have to swipe through all notifications one by one. The so-called tiles are placed to the right of the dial. These are like widgets on a smartphone. A list of apps appears when you swipe up, while swiping in the opposite direction brings you to several quick settings.
The sleep mode also appealed to me a lot. You only see the time, but things like the alarm clock continue to work and the battery is only lost to a small extent.
I have to criticize the performance. Although you never have to wait long for something, animations can stutter occasionally. I also find starting workouts awkward. This is only possible via the corresponding tile or complications, although there is only one workout pro complication is supported.
Sports and wellness features
With the Watch5 you can record every conceivable sport, including running, cycling, swimming, arm extension exercises and even American football. The watch automatically recognizes when you do one of these workouts and offers a small notification to start tracking. Data that has already been recorded is also saved and is more reliable than with the Apple Watch. Only the route covered is not stored. The manual recording is very extensive, in addition to standard data such as heart rate or steps, it also provides information about the resting heart rate. My only comment is that the views during training could be more detailed.
Sleep tracking turns on automatically when you go to bed with the watch on. Then the duration, the sleep phases, a sleep score and the blood oxygen saturation are monitored and persisted in the health app. Also, snoring can be detected, resulting in the detection of breathproshould help. To do this, however, the smartphone must be nearby, for example on a bedside table. However, for some reason I never got any data recorded.
Furthermore, the smartwatch is able to keep an eye on your health in everyday life. It records steps, distance traveled and calories by itself. Food and liquids consumed must be entered manually in the health app. In addition, a heart shows how far away you are from your movement goal every day. When you see it, do you think of the activity rings on the Apple Watch? Yes, I felt the same way.
This heart should remind many of something, right? (Picture: TechnikNews)
All data converge in the previously mentioned health app. It is already installed on Samsung smartphones and otherwise you can find it in the Google Play Store. It gives a good overview of all data, the option to connect with friends and also a small selection of fitness videos. But this is definitely not as extensive as Apple Fitness +. All in all, the app is easy to use and not too cluttered.
Other
- As soon as the battery of the Galaxy Watch5 is running low, you get a small message on your smartphone. This has already saved me a few times from an empty smartwatch battery, so other manufacturers are welcome to do the same.
- There is an optional version of the watch with LTE via an eSIM. Alternatively, you can also make calls with the smartwatch if a phone is within Bluetooth range.
- I didn't like the vibration motor at all. As an iPhone user, my Daily Driver Watch is one Apple Watch Series 7, whose vibration motor gently taps the wrist. The Watch5, on the other hand, just vibrates wildly. I also find it annoying that the watch and the smartphone always vibrate and not just the watch alone.
Prices and availability
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is at Amazon and Samsung available. The starting price of the 40 millimeter version is 299 euros, the 44 millimeter version starts at 329 euros.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5: Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is a smartwatch with a robust and versatile design, a well-rounded package of health features and at the same time probably one of the best Android watches on the market. It also scores with Qi compatibility and the small price difference between the individual models.
The often jerky animations and the time-consuming starting of workouts could be improved. In addition, you have to keep in mind that you can only use all functions with a Samsung phone and the larger version of the watch is almost not suitable for more compact wrists.
So who will be happy with the Samsung Galaxy Watch5? I would say that it is well suited if you are a Samsung smartphone owner, looking for a good companion for sports and want a smartwatch with a simple look. However, I would advise against upgrading the predecessor.
We would like to thank Samsung Austria for providing the Samsung Galaxy Watch5!
“All functions only with a Samsung smartphone” is something I absolutely cannot subscribe to. I've been using it with my Pixel 6 for about a month now and with very few exceptions (ECG and something else I don't miss) I haven't noticed any limitations.
I can even start the workouts on my 2018 Galaxy Watch at the push of a button, assuming the right theme. You simply tap on 'train' on the dial and off you go (the last workout is displayed, but you can scroll down and tap another one and then it starts), you always have an overview of the steps taken.
Hello, thanks for the tip, that's true of course. I didn't see this complication.
LG
David from TechnikNews