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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 5 - Which Should You Buy?

Compare the Galaxy Watch 4 (2021) and Galaxy Watch 5 (2022) to determine which offers the best value for your needs.


Quick Comparison

FeatureGalaxy Watch 4Galaxy Watch 5
ReleaseAugust 2021August 2022
Battery (40mm)247mAh284mAh (+15%)
Battery (44mm)361mAh410mAh (+14%)
Battery Life18-24 hours20-30 hours
Display GlassGorilla Glass DX+Sapphire crystal
Skin TemperatureNoYes
MST PaymentsYesNo
Support EndsAugust 2025August 2026
Current Price$150-$250$220-$310

Key Differences

Battery Life (Watch 5 Wins)

  • Watch 5 lasts 3-6 hours longer on average
  • 44mm Watch 5 can reach 36 hours with optimization
  • Better for overnight sleep tracking

Display Durability (Watch 5 Wins)

  • Watch 5 sapphire crystal is virtually scratch-proof
  • Watch 4 Gorilla Glass can scratch with rough use
  • Sapphire better for active users and resale value

Software Support (Watch 5 Wins)

  • Watch 5 gets 1 extra year of updates (through 2026)
  • Watch 4 support ends August 2025
  • Better long-term investment

MST Payments (Watch 4 Exclusive)

  • Watch 4 works at 90% of card terminals (MST + NFC)
  • Watch 5 works at ~70% (NFC only)
  • MST being phased out by 2027

What's Identical

Both share:

  • Processor: Exynos W920 (5nm)
  • RAM/Storage: 1.5GB / 16GB
  • Health: BioActive sensor, ECG, blood pressure, body composition
  • OS: WearOS 3.5 with One UI Watch
  • Water Resistance: 5ATM + IP68

Who Should Buy What

  • Buy Galaxy Watch 4 if: Budget under $200, need MST payment capability, planning to upgrade in 1-2 years anyway, or testing Samsung ecosystem cheaply.

  • Buy Galaxy Watch 5 if: Want longer software support, value better battery life, need sapphire scratch protection, or prefer long-term investment.


See Also: Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic|Battery Drain Fix|What's New in Watch 4