Skip to main content

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.

FeatureGalaxy Watch 4Galaxy Watch 5
Display MaterialGorilla Glass DX+Sapphire Crystal
Mohs Hardness6-79
Scratch ResistanceGoodExcellent
Impact ResistanceBetterGood

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.

ModelGalaxy Watch 4Galaxy Watch 5Difference
40mm25.9g28.7g+2.8g
44mm30.3g33.5g+3.2g

The weight difference is barely noticeable and is also due to the 13% larger battery.


See Also: What's New in Galaxy Watch 5|Galaxy Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 4