Does Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Have Sapphire Crystal?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 features a sapphire crystal display, a significant upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 4's Gorilla Glass DX+. Both the 40mm and 44mm models include this premium material.
What Is Sapphire Crystal?
Sapphire crystal is synthetic crystallized aluminum oxide, the same material used in luxury watches.
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10)
- Scratch resistance: Extremely high—won't scratch from keys, coins, or sand
- Clarity: Excellent optical properties for display visibility
- Trade-off: Slightly more brittle than glass when dropped
For comparison, Gorilla Glass rates 6-7 on the Mohs scale, making sapphire significantly more scratch-resistant.
Upgrade from Galaxy Watch 4
The sapphire crystal is one of the key improvements distinguishing the Watch 5 from its predecessor.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Material | Gorilla Glass DX+ | Sapphire Crystal |
| Mohs Hardness | 6-7 | 9 |
| Scratch Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance | Better | Good |
After months of daily wear, the Galaxy Watch 5 typically shows minimal to no visible scratches, while the Galaxy Watch 4 often develops visible scratches after 6-12 months.
What Can Scratch Sapphire?
Very few materials are hard enough to scratch sapphire crystal.
Will NOT scratch: Keys, coins, sand, concrete, most metals, phone screens
Can scratch: Diamond, other sapphire, some ceramics, industrial abrasives
Impact Resistance Consideration
Sapphire is harder but more brittle than Gorilla Glass.
- Better for: Scratch resistance, daily wear, long-term clarity
- Gorilla Glass better for: Impact resistance, extreme activities, drops
Both materials provide excellent durability for normal use. The sapphire crystal doesn't affect water resistance—the watch maintains 5ATM and IP68 ratings.
Do You Need a Screen Protector?
For most users, no. The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant enough on its own.
Consider a screen protector only if you work with diamonds, ceramics, or industrial materials, or if you frequently drop your watch. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of the premium sapphire material.
Weight Impact
The sapphire crystal contributes slightly to the Watch 5's weight increase.
| Model | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40mm | 25.9g | 28.7g | +2.8g |
| 44mm | 30.3g | 33.5g | +3.2g |
The weight difference is barely noticeable and is also due to the 13% larger battery.
Long-Term Value
Sapphire crystal keeps your display looking new for years, improving resale value and long-term satisfaction. It's a meaningful upgrade for anyone who keeps their watches for 2+ years.
See Also: What's New in Galaxy Watch 5|Galaxy Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 4