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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) - first WearOS Samsung chip
  • Storage - 16GB eMMC 5.1
  • GPU - Mali-G68 MP2, 667MHz
  • RAM - 1.5GB LPDDR4X
  • Display - 1.19" (40mm) or 1.36" (44mm) Super AMOLED
  • Battery - 247mAh (40mm) or 361mAh (44mm)
  • Water Resistance - 5ATM + IP68 rating
  • Durability - MIL-STD-810G certification
  • Sizes - 40mm and 44mm 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.