Galaxy Watch 3 vs 4: Which Samsung Smartwatch Reigns?
Are you torn between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch 4? You’re not alone! Choosing the right smartwatch can be a challenge, especially when both contenders come from the same reputable brand. This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of these two popular wearables.
The Galaxy Watch 3 was a solid offering when it was released, but the Galaxy Watch 4 brought significant upgrades. We’ll explore the differences in design, health tracking capabilities, and the crucial aspects of software and performance. Get ready to discover which watch truly deserves a place on your wrist.
From the classic rotating bezel to the advanced health sensors, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We’ll analyze the battery life, the display quality, and the overall user experience of both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch 4 to help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | GW3 | GW4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Tizen | Wear OS Powered by Samsung |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.15 GHz | Dual-core 1.18 GHz (Exynos W920) |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Display Size (45mm) | 1.4 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Display Size (41mm) | 1.2 inches | 1.2 inches |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 8GB | 16GB |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes (Enhanced) |
| ECG & Blood Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | IP68 & MIL-STD-810G | IP68 & MIL-STD-810G |
| Rotating Bezel | Yes | Yes (Classic) / Touch Bezel (Standard) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build
- Galaxy Watch 3: Features a classic, rotating bezel and premium materials like stainless steel. Offers a comfortable fit and a stylish aesthetic. However, it may feel slightly bulkier compared to newer models.
- 4: Boasts a sleeker design with a digital rotating bezel (or a physical one on the Classic model) and a more modern aesthetic. It uses more durable materials like Armor Aluminum and offers a slimmer profile.
- Winner: 4
Display
- Galaxy Watch 3: Equipped with a vibrant Super AMOLED display, providing excellent clarity and brightness. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX, which is durable.
- 4: Also features a Super AMOLED display, but with thinner bezels and improved brightness. Offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- Winner: 4
Processor & Performance
- Galaxy Watch 3: Powered by an Exynos 9110 processor, which provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, it can occasionally experience lag during more demanding operations.
- 4: Runs on a faster Exynos W920 processor, resulting in significantly improved performance and responsiveness. Apps load quicker, and multitasking is smoother.
- Winner: 4
Operating System
- Galaxy Watch 3: Runs on Tizen OS, known for its user-friendly interface and rotating bezel support. Offers a good selection of apps, but the app ecosystem is smaller compared to Wear OS.
- 4: Uses Wear OS powered by Samsung, which provides a larger app selection, improved integration with Google services, and enhanced customization options.
- Winner: 4
Health & Fitness Tracking
- Galaxy Watch 3: Provides comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a variety of workout modes. Offers advanced features like blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2).
- 4: Offers all the features of the Watch 3, plus enhanced health tracking capabilities, including body composition analysis (BIA) and improved sleep tracking.
- Winner: 4
Battery Life
- Galaxy Watch 3: Delivers decent battery life, typically lasting around 1-2 days depending on usage. Battery life can be shorter with heavy use of GPS and other features.
- 4: Offers similar battery life to the Watch 3, but it can vary depending on the model and usage. Some users have reported slightly shorter battery life compared to the Watch 3.
- Winner: 3
Connectivity
- Galaxy Watch 3: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Offers LTE connectivity for cellular models.
- 4: Offers the same connectivity features as the Watch 3.
- Winner: Tie
Pricing & Availability
- Galaxy Watch 3: Typically available at a lower price point now that it is an older model. Can often be found at a discount.
- 4: Generally more expensive than the Watch 3 due to its newer technology and features.
- Winner: 3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Operating System | 4 |
| Performance | 4 |
| Health Features | 4 |
| App Ecosystem | 4 |
| Design | Tie (Subjective) |
| Value | 3 (Potentially) |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both watches feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, offering crisp visuals and excellent readability in various lighting conditions.
- Gps: Both the Galaxy Watch 3 and 4 include built-in GPS for accurate location tracking during workouts and outdoor activities.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches provide heart rate monitoring, allowing users to track their heart rate during exercise and throughout the day.
- Water Resistance: Both smartwatches are water-resistant, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
- Samsung Health Integration: Both devices seamlessly integrate with Samsung Health, providing comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities.
Galaxy Watch 3 Vs 4 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Watch 3 features a classic, refined design with a rotating bezel and premium materials like stainless steel and leather. It offers a more traditional watch aesthetic, appealing to those who prefer a timeless look. The Watch 4, on the other hand, adopts a sleeker, more modern design with a digital rotating bezel (on some models) and a more streamlined profile. This design shift prioritizes comfort and a more contemporary feel. The Watch 4 uses Armor Aluminum or Stainless Steel for a durable build.
Performance and Processor
The Galaxy Watch 3 runs on a Tizen-based operating system, paired with an Exynos 9110 dual-core processor. This combination provides a smooth and responsive user experience for everyday tasks. The Galaxy Watch 4, powered by the Exynos W920 dual-core processor and Wear OS with One UI Watch, delivers a significant performance boost. This results in faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more fluid overall experience, especially with demanding applications and multitasking.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. The Galaxy Watch 3 includes features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and various workout modes. However, the Galaxy Watch 4 takes it a step further with advanced features like body composition analysis, which provides insights into body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and other metrics. It also offers improved GPS accuracy and more detailed workout tracking data, making it a better option for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch 3 typically provides around two days of battery life with moderate usage, depending on the model size and usage patterns. The Galaxy Watch 4 offers a similar battery life, but with its more power-hungry processor and features, the real-world battery performance may vary. Battery life can be affected by the use of GPS, always-on display, and intensive health tracking. Both watches support wireless charging.
Operating System and Software
The Galaxy Watch 3 runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, known for its user-friendliness and optimized performance. It provides a clean and intuitive interface, with a good selection of apps available through the Galaxy Store. The Galaxy Watch 4, running on Wear OS with One UI Watch, offers a much wider app selection through the Google Play Store, along with a more extensive ecosystem of features and compatibility with Google services. The Wear OS experience is generally more versatile.
Price and Value
Considering the features and performance, the Galaxy Watch 3 can be found at a lower price point now. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a premium smartwatch experience without breaking the bank. The Galaxy Watch 4, being the newer model, generally has a higher price tag. However, the added performance, advanced features, and improved software experience often justify the cost for users who prioritize the latest technology and a richer smartwatch experience. Consider your budget and feature requirements.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy watch 3 If…
- You prefer a classic, physical rotating bezel for navigation.
- You value a familiar Tizen OS experience.
- You want a more affordable option.
- You prefer a slightly more traditional watch design.
Buy 4 If…
- You want the latest Wear OS experience with access to the Google Play Store.
- You prioritize faster performance and more RAM.
- You want advanced health features like body composition analysis.
- You desire a more modern design with the option of a touch bezel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Galaxy Watch 3 and 4?
The primary difference lies in the operating system and processor. The Watch 4 runs on Wear OS with One UI Watch, offering a wider app selection and improved performance due to its newer Exynos W920 processor. The Watch 3 uses Tizen OS and an Exynos 9110 processor. The Watch 4 also includes advanced health features like body composition analysis, not available in the Watch 3.
Does Galaxy Watch 4 have a rotating bezel?
Yes, but it depends on the specific model. Some Galaxy Watch 4 models feature a digital rotating bezel, which allows users to navigate the interface by swiping their finger around the edge of the screen. The classic model offers a physical rotating bezel, similar to the Watch 3, enhancing the user experience. This design choice provides different options for users.
Is the Galaxy Watch 4 compatible with iPhones?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 4 is compatible with iPhones, but with some limitations. You can connect it to an iPhone and use basic functions. However, some features, such as ECG and blood pressure monitoring, are typically restricted to Android phones and not fully supported on iOS. You’ll need the Galaxy Wearable app.
What is body composition analysis on the Galaxy Watch 4?
Body composition analysis is a feature on the Galaxy Watch 4 that uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, body water, and other metrics. This feature provides a more detailed understanding of your overall health and fitness beyond just weight and can help track progress over time. It is a key selling point.
How accurate is the heart rate monitoring on both watches?
Both the Galaxy Watch 3 and 4 have improved heart rate monitoring systems. Accuracy depends on factors like fit and activity. Generally, both watches are accurate for general activity tracking. However, for high-intensity workouts or medical-grade accuracy, you may want to consider a chest strap heart rate monitor for increased precision. Both watches offer good performance.
What is the battery life like on the Galaxy Watch 4?
The Galaxy Watch 4 can provide around two days of battery life with moderate usage, depending on the model and settings. Features like the always-on display and GPS usage will impact battery life. The Watch 4 offers similar battery performance to the Watch 3. But the newer processor can result in a shorter battery life with intensive use compared to the Watch 3.
Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Galaxy Watch 4 is generally better for fitness tracking due to its advanced features like body composition analysis and improved GPS accuracy. The Watch 3 still offers comprehensive fitness tracking, but the Watch 4 provides more detailed data and insights. The Wear OS integration also offers a wider range of fitness apps. Both watches are great, but the 4 is better.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Watch 4 significantly improves upon the Watch 3 with a faster processor, enhanced software, and advanced health features. While the Watch 3 offers a familiar design and a more affordable price, the Watch 4’s overall performance and features make it the superior choice for most users. The improved app ecosystem and body composition analysis are key advantages.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 4