Galaxy Watch 3 Vs Galaxy Watch 5 Is It Finally Time To Upgrade

For Samsung smartwatch users, the decision to upgrade isn’t always straightforward. The Galaxy Watch 3 was a standout in its time—offering premium design, reliable fitness tracking, and seamless integration with Android devices. But with the Galaxy Watch 5 now well-established in the market, many owners are asking: is it finally time to make the switch?

The answer depends on your priorities: Are you chasing better health insights? Longer battery life? Improved durability? Or just a smoother user experience? This deep comparison breaks down every key difference between the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 5 to help you determine whether an upgrade delivers meaningful value—or if your current device still has life left in it.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, both watches share Samsung’s signature circular stainless steel design with rotating bezels. However, subtle but significant changes were made with the Galaxy Watch 5 that improve everyday usability.

The Watch 5 features a more durable Armor Aluminum or optional stainless steel case, depending on model, and uses Corning Gorilla Glass DX for improved scratch resistance. In contrast, the Watch 3 uses standard Gorilla Glass SR+, which performs well but shows micro-scratches over time. More importantly, the Watch 5 introduced a redesigned chassis that improves thermal conductivity—critical for accurate skin temperature readings and preventing overheating during intense workouts.

Tip: If you're active outdoors or work in rugged environments, the Galaxy Watch 5’s tougher materials offer better long-term protection against dings and scratches.

Display and Usability Improvements

The Galaxy Watch 5 comes with a brighter, more responsive OLED display. Its screen peaks at 1000 nits of brightness compared to the Watch 3’s 1000 nits only under specific conditions (typical max around 450–600 nits). This makes the Watch 5 significantly easier to read in direct sunlight—a real advantage for runners, hikers, or cyclists.

Additionally, the Watch 5 supports touch input even when hands are wet, thanks to enhanced touchscreen firmware. This is particularly useful during swimming sessions or post-workout sweat, where the Watch 3 often struggles with responsiveness.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the jump from the Exynos 9110 chip (Watch 3) to the newer dual-core processor in the Watch 5 results in noticeably faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and reduced lag when switching between workout modes or checking notifications.

The Watch 5 runs on Wear OS by Google (with Samsung’s One UI Watch layered on top), while the Watch 3 received this update via software—but not without compromises. On older hardware, Wear OS can feel sluggish, especially as apps grow more demanding. Users consistently report longer load times and occasional stutters on the Watch 3 after the transition, whereas the Watch 5 handles multitasking with ease.

“Moving to Wear OS gave Samsung access to deeper Google integrations, but only newer hardware like the Watch 5 fully benefits from the ecosystem.” — David Kim, Senior Wearable Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Health and Fitness Tracking: A Major Leap Forward

This is where the Galaxy Watch 5 truly pulls ahead. While both models include heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking, the fifth generation introduces advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) sensors and skin temperature monitoring—features absent in the Watch 3.

The BIA sensor measures body composition, including skeletal muscle, body fat percentage, and water levels. Though accuracy varies slightly based on hydration and timing, consistent use provides valuable trends for fitness enthusiasts tracking progress beyond the scale.

Skin temperature tracking enables more precise ovulation predictions and overall wellness trend analysis. When combined with sleep data and heart rate variability (HRV), the Watch 5 offers a holistic picture of your physical state—something the Watch 3 simply cannot match.

Feature	Galaxy Watch 3	Galaxy Watch 5
Processor	Exynos 9110	Dual-core 1.18GHz
RAM / Storage	1GB / 8GB	2GB / 16GB
Operating System	Tizen (upgradable to Wear OS)	Wear OS 3 (One UI 4)
Battery Capacity	340mAh (41mm), 472mAh (45mm)	300mAh (40mm), 410mAh (44mm)
Charging Speed	Standard wireless charging (~3 hours)	Faster charging (~1 hour to 80%)
Body Composition Sensor	No	Yes (BIA)
Skin Temperature Sensor	No	Yes
Water Resistance	5ATM + IP68	5ATM + IP68

Battery Life: Trade-offs and Real-World Use

On paper, the Galaxy Watch 3 appears to have larger batteries, but real-world usage tells a different story. Despite smaller cells, the Watch 5 delivers comparable or slightly better battery life due to more efficient power management and optimized software.

Both watches last about 1.5 to 2 days with moderate use. However, the Watch 5 charges significantly faster—reaching 80% in under an hour using the included charger, compared to nearly three hours for the Watch 3. For users who forget to charge nightly, this rapid recharge capability is a game-changer.

Mini Case Study: Daily User Experience

Consider Sarah, a 34-year-old project manager and avid runner who's used her Galaxy Watch 3 since 2021. She tracks her runs, monitors stress via HRV, and relies on sleep scores to adjust her schedule. After upgrading to the Watch 5, she noticed immediate improvements: her morning body composition readings helped her refine her nutrition plan, and the faster GPS lock saved time during weekend trail runs. Most notably, she no longer needs to remove her watch before showering—the improved touchscreen responsiveness works flawlessly with wet fingers.

While the core functions remained familiar, the cumulative effect of small upgrades made her daily interactions feel more intuitive and reliable.

When Should You Upgrade?

Upgrading isn't necessary just because a new model exists. Consider these scenarios:

• You rely heavily on fitness metrics and want deeper insights (body composition, temperature).
• Your Watch 3 feels slow or lags when opening apps or receiving messages.
• You frequently engage in outdoor activities and need a brighter, more readable screen.
• Battery anxiety is a constant issue, and faster charging would improve convenience.

Tip: If your Galaxy Watch 3 is still performing well and meets your basic needs, wait. But if you’re approaching the 2.5–3 year mark and notice declining battery health, now is a logical time to move up.

Checklist: Is It Time to Upgrade?

1. Has your Watch 3’s battery degraded below 70% capacity?
2. Do you miss features like body composition or skin temperature tracking?
3. Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or slow response times?
4. Would faster charging simplify your routine?
5. Do you want better durability and a brighter display?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the Galaxy Watch 5 likely offers tangible benefits worth the investment.

FAQ

Can the Galaxy Watch 5 use the same bands as the Watch 3?

Yes. Both watches use standard quick-release pins and are compatible with 20mm (41mm/40mm) and 22mm (45mm/44mm) bands. All your existing accessories will fit.

Does the Galaxy Watch 5 work with iPhones?

Limited functionality. While it pairs with iOS, many features—including ECG, blood pressure, and third-party app installations—are restricted. Full capabilities require a Samsung or recent Android phone.

Is the Galaxy Watch 5 waterproof?

It’s water-resistant up to 5ATM, meaning it can withstand shallow-water activities like swimming in pools or oceans. However, avoid pressing buttons underwater and rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Move

The Galaxy Watch 3 remains a capable smartwatch, especially for casual users who value simplicity and don’t need cutting-edge health tools. But for those invested in personal wellness, athletic performance, or seamless tech integration, the Galaxy Watch 5 represents a meaningful evolution—not just in specs, but in real-world utility.

The combination of faster performance, enhanced sensors, improved durability, and superior charging makes the upgrade compelling, particularly if your current device is aging. Technology should adapt to your life, not slow it down. If your Watch 3 is holding you back, the Galaxy Watch 5 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an upgrade that pays off in daily convenience and insight.

🚀 Ready to take control of your health and productivity? Evaluate your current usage, check your battery health, and consider how much smarter insights could impact your routine. The right time to upgrade might be now.