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
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release | August 2021 | August 2022 |
| Battery (40mm) | 247mAh | 284mAh (+15%) |
| Battery (44mm) | 361mAh | 410mAh (+14%) |
| Battery Life | 18-24 hours | 20-30 hours |
| Display Glass | Gorilla Glass DX+ | Sapphire crystal |
| Skin Temperature | No | Yes |
| MST Payments | Yes | No |
| Support Ends | August 2025 | August 2026 |
| Current Price | $150-$250 | $220-$310 |
Key Differences
Battery Life (Watch 5 Wins)
Watch 5lasts 3-6 hours longer on average- 44mm
Watch 5can reach 36 hours with optimization - Better for overnight sleep tracking
Display Durability (Watch 5 Wins)
Watch 5sapphire crystal is virtually scratch-proofWatch 4Gorilla Glass can scratch with rough use- Sapphire better for active users and resale value
Software Support (Watch 5 Wins)
Watch 5gets 1 extra year of updates (through 2026)Watch 4support ends August 2025- Better long-term investment
MST Payments (Watch 4 Exclusive)
Watch 4works at 90% of card terminals (MST + NFC)Watch 5works 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:
BioActivesensor, ECG, blood pressure, body composition - OS:
WearOS 3.5withOne 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.
Best Value in 2024-2025
For most people, the Galaxy Watch 5 is worth the $50-80 premium. The better battery life, sapphire crystal, and extra year of support outweigh the price difference. Only choose Watch 4 if on a tight budget or you specifically need MST payments.
See Also: Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 4 Classic|Battery Drain Fix|What's New in Watch 4