Does Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Have a Rotating Bezel?
No, the standard Galaxy Watch 4 does not have a rotating bezel. It uses a touch-based interface with swipe gestures for navigation. If you want a physical rotating bezel, you need the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic instead.
Touch Navigation on Galaxy Watch 4
The watch relies on touchscreen gestures and two physical buttons for all navigation.
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Swipe Up/Down: Scroll through lists, menus, and notifications.
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Swipe Left/Right: Switch between tiles (widgets) on your home screen.
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Physical Buttons: The Home button opens the app drawer, while the Back button navigates back or shows recent apps.
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Long Press Home: Activates
Google AssistantorBixbydepending on your settings.
Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Samsung released two versions simultaneously with different navigation approaches.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rotating Bezel | No | Yes |
| Navigation | Touch only | Touch + Bezel |
| Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 42mm, 46mm |
| Weight | 25.9g - 33.5g | 46.5g - 52g |
| Launch Price | $249-$329 | $349-$429 |
Both models have identical internal specs, health features, and WearOS functionality. The bezel, design, and price are the primary differences.
Why Samsung Removed the Bezel
The standard model prioritizes a lighter, sportier design over tactile navigation.
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Weight Savings: No bezel mechanism means significantly lighter weight (roughly half the weight of the Classic).
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Thinner Profile: The 9.8mm thickness is slimmer than the Classic's 11.0mm case.
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Lower Cost: Simpler manufacturing keeps the price more accessible.
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Modern Aesthetic: Minimalist design appeals to fitness-focused users and those coming from touch-only smartwatches like Apple Watch.
Who Should Choose Which Model
Your preference depends on how you prioritize navigation style, weight, and budget.
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Choose Galaxy Watch 4 If: You want lighter weight for all-day comfort, prefer a sporty design, are comfortable with touch navigation, or want to save money.
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Choose Galaxy Watch 4 Classic If: You value tactile navigation, prefer traditional watch aesthetics, frequently use your watch with wet hands or gloves, or owned previous Samsung watches with bezels.
Adapting to Touch Navigation
Most users adapt to touch-only navigation within a week or two. If you're transitioning from a bezel watch, give yourself time to build muscle memory for swipe gestures before deciding you miss the bezel.
See Also: Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classic|How to Pair Galaxy Watch 4