Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Samsung's groundbreaking first WearOS
smartwatch marking the transition from Tizen
to Google's platform
Manufacturer: Samsung | Official Page
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, released in 2021
, represents a pivotal moment in smartwatch history as Samsung's first watch to abandon their proprietary Tizen OS
in favor of WearOS
. Built in collaboration with Google, it introduced the Wear OS Powered by Samsung
platform, combining Samsung's hardware expertise with Google's software ecosystem. This watch established the foundation for all future Samsung WearOS
devices.
Key Specifications
- Processor - Samsung
Exynos W920
(5nm process
) - firstWearOS
Samsung chip - Storage -
16GB
eMMC 5.1
- GPU -
Mali-G68 MP2
,667MHz
- RAM -
1.5GB
LPDDR4X
- Display -
1.19"
(40mm
) or1.36"
(44mm
)Super AMOLED
- Battery -
247mAh
(40mm
) or361mAh
(44mm
) - Water Resistance -
5ATM
+IP68
rating - Durability -
MIL-STD-810G
certification - Sizes -
40mm
and44mm
options - Connectivity -
Wi-Fi
,Bluetooth 5.0
,LTE
(optional)
Features
The Galaxy Watch 4 represents Samsung's historic first WearOS
smartwatch, marking the pivotal transition from Tizen
to Google's platform while introducing groundbreaking body composition analysis through the BioActive
sensor that measures body fat, muscle mass, and water percentage. Samsung Health integration provides comprehensive health tracking within the Samsung ecosystem, enhanced by One UI Watch 3.5
interface layered over WearOS 3.5
for familiar Samsung user experience.
Full Google Services access includes the complete Google Play Store and Google apps ecosystem, complemented by Samsung Pay with both MST
and NFC
contactless payment support. Advanced sleep tracking delivers detailed analysis through Samsung Health integration, while comprehensive fitness tracking encompasses over 90
workout modes with built-in GPS
for accurate activity monitoring.
Historical Significance
Platform Transition:
- Samsung Pay with
NFC
payment technology - First to run Google Assistant alongside Bixby
- Introduced Samsung's
Wear OS Powered by Samsung
platform - Established blueprint for all future Samsung
WearOS
watches
Innovation Firsts:
- First smartwatch with body composition analysis
- Pioneer of Samsung's
BioActive
sensor technology - First Samsung watch with Google Play Store access
Compatibility
The Galaxy Watch 4 requires Android 6.0
or higher for basic functionality, though the optimal experience is achieved with Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 3.1
or later for enhanced ecosystem integration and exclusive features. Samsung Health is essential for accessing body composition analysis and advanced health monitoring capabilities, while a Samsung Account is necessary for Samsung Pay functionality and comprehensive ecosystem features.
Full Google Services integration provides complete Google Play Store access and the entire Google app ecosystem, bridging Samsung's hardware excellence with Google's software platform.
Software Support Status
Current Status: Galaxy Watch 4 is nearing end-of-support in 2025
following Samsung's 4-year
support policy. Final major update expected before August 2025
.
Target Users
The Galaxy Watch 4 is ideal for Samsung users wanting to experience the historic first WearOS transition that established the foundation for all future Samsung smartwatches. Fitness enthusiasts particularly interested in pioneering body composition tracking will find the BioActive
sensor's muscle mass, body fat, and water percentage measurements valuable for comprehensive wellness monitoring. Users seeking a balanced integration of Samsung and Google ecosystem features get the best of both worlds, while budget-conscious buyers can access former flagship capabilities at more accessible prices.
Tech enthusiasts interested in smartwatch platform evolution will appreciate owning the device that marked Samsung's pivotal shift from Tizen
to WearOS
, and anyone wanting MST
payment capability should consider this model since the feature was discontinued in newer Samsung watches.