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What Operating System Does Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Run?

The Galaxy Watch 5 runs One UI Watch 4.5, Samsung's custom interface built on Google's WearOS 3.5. This combines Samsung's health features and ecosystem with Google's app store and services.


Operating System Details

The software layers work together to provide a complete smartwatch experience.

  • User Interface: One UI Watch 4.5 (Samsung's custom layer)
  • Platform: WearOS 3.5 (Google's foundation)
  • Launch Version: August 2022
  • Updateable to: One UI Watch 5.0+ (WearOS 4)

Samsung co-developed this unified platform with Google, combining the best elements of Samsung's previous Tizen OS with WearOS capabilities.


Samsung Features

One UI Watch provides Samsung-exclusive capabilities.

  • BioActive Sensor: Body composition, ECG, blood pressure monitoring
  • Temperature Sensor: Sleep temperature tracking (new in Watch 5)
  • Samsung Health: Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
  • Samsung Pay: NFC contactless payments
  • SmartThings: Smart home control
  • Bixby: Samsung's voice assistant

Google Integration

WearOS brings full Google services to your wrist.

  • Google Play Store: Download thousands of WearOS apps
  • Google Assistant: Voice control alternative to Bixby
  • Google Maps: Turn-by-turn navigation
  • YouTube Music: Music streaming
  • Gmail and Calendar: Email and scheduling
  • Google Fit: Alternative fitness tracking

One UI Watch uses intuitive gesture-based navigation.

  • Swipe down: Quick settings panel
  • Swipe up: Notifications and app drawer
  • Swipe left/right: Tiles (widgets)
  • Home button (top): App drawer, press and hold for voice assistant
  • Back button (bottom): Go back, double-press for recent apps

Software Updates

The Galaxy Watch 5 receives regular updates from Samsung.

Update Schedule:

  • Major OS updates: 1-2 per year
  • Security patches: Monthly
  • Expected support: 3 years major updates, 4 years security updates

Check for Updates: Settings Software update Download and install

The watch launched with WearOS 3.5 and has since received updates to WearOS 4 with One UI Watch 5.0.


System Performance

The Exynos W920 processor powers the operating system efficiently.

  • Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-A55 (5nm)
  • RAM: 1.5GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: 16GB (approximately 9-10GB available for apps)
  • Performance: Smooth 60fps animations, fast app launching

Tizen vs WearOS

Samsung switched from Tizen to WearOS starting with the Galaxy Watch 4.

What WearOS Gained:

  • Access to thousands of Google Play apps
  • Google services (Maps, Assistant, Gmail)
  • Better third-party app support
  • Industry-standard platform

What Tizen Had:

  • Longer battery life (3-7 days vs 1-2 days)
  • MST payment technology (removed in Watch 4+)

The improved app ecosystem generally outweighs the battery trade-off for most users.


See Also: What Apps Are Available|How to Update Galaxy Watch 5