Upgrading From Galaxy Watch 4 To 5 Is It Really Worth It Or Just Hype

The Galaxy Watch 4 was a turning point for Samsung’s smartwatches—introducing Wear OS powered by Google, improved health sensors, and a sleek design. Just one year later, the Galaxy Watch 5 arrived with promises of better durability, faster performance, and enhanced health tracking. But if you're already using a Galaxy Watch 4, is the upgrade truly justified—or is it mostly marketing momentum?

For users who invested in the Watch 4, especially those on longer-term plans or satisfied with their current device, this decision isn’t trivial. Smartwatch upgrades should offer meaningful improvements, not just incremental changes. Let’s dissect the differences between these two models and determine whether the jump from Watch 4 to Watch 5 delivers tangible benefits or simply capitalizes on release-cycle excitement.

Performance and Hardware: What Actually Changed?

The most notable internal upgrade in the Galaxy Watch 5 is the shift to Samsung’s Exynos W920 chipset with increased RAM (1.5GB vs. 1.5GB in most regions, but paired with faster storage). While both watches run Wear OS 3 (with updates to Wear OS 4), the Watch 5 benefits from faster app launches, smoother transitions, and slightly improved multitasking.

But here's the reality: the Galaxy Watch 4 already handled daily tasks well. Notifications, fitness tracking, and third-party apps like Strava or Spotify performed reliably. The Watch 5 feels snappier, particularly when switching between workout modes or loading maps, but the difference isn’t dramatic unless your Watch 4 has accumulated software bloat over time.

Tip: If your Galaxy Watch 4 still boots quickly and apps open without lag, the performance gains on the Watch 5 may not justify the cost.

Battery Life: Incremental Gains, Same Charging Quirks

Samsung increased battery capacity across both Watch 5 models: 284mAh (40mm) and 410mAh (44mm), compared to 247mAh and 361mAh on the Watch 4. In practice, this translates to about half a day to a full day of extra usage under moderate conditions.

However, real-world results vary. Users report similar longevity—around 1.5 to 2 days—depending on GPS use, screen brightness, and background apps. Neither model supports fast charging out of the box, though the Watch 5 charges slightly quicker due to efficiency improvements.

If your Watch 4 struggles to make it through a hiking trip or long flight without recharging, the Watch 5 offers marginal relief. But don’t expect a leap to multi-day endurance without conservative settings.

Durability and Design: A Meaningful Upgrade

One area where the Galaxy Watch 5 clearly improves is build quality. It swaps the aluminum body of the Watch 4 for a more durable titanium or bio-armor plastic frame (depending on model), and introduces Gorilla Glass DX+ for better scratch resistance.

This change matters. The Galaxy Watch 4, while stylish, was prone to scuffs—even with light use. The Watch 5’s tougher materials make it better suited for outdoor enthusiasts, gym-goers, or anyone rough on devices.

The redesigned back sensor also uses a sapphire crystal cover, reducing wear on the critical health-tracking components. Over time, this could preserve accuracy in heart rate and ECG readings, especially important for long-term health monitoring.

“Durability often gets overlooked until a scratch ruins the aesthetic. The Watch 5’s materials are a quiet but significant win.” — David Lin, Wearable Tech Analyst at MobileTrends Weekly

Health and Fitness Features: Refined, Not Revolutionary

Both watches share the same core health sensors: optical heart rate monitor, ECG, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition, and sleep tracking. The Watch 5 doesn’t add new sensors but refines existing ones.

The BIA scanner now provides faster results and recalibrates based on hydration levels, offering slightly more consistent body fat and skeletal muscle estimates. However, medical experts caution that wrist-based BIA remains an estimate—not a clinical tool.

Sleep tracking algorithms were updated on the Watch 5, improving detection of sleep stages and snoring patterns via microphone integration (available in supported regions). This can help identify potential sleep apnea risks earlier, but requires consistent wearing and ambient quiet for accurate data.

Feature	Galaxy Watch 4	Galaxy Watch 5
Processor	Exynos W920	Exynos W920 (optimized)
RAM	1.5GB	1.5GB
Battery (44mm)	361mAh	410mAh
Case Material	Aluminum/Aluminum	Titanium/Bio-armor Plastic
Glass Protection	Gorilla Glass 5	Gorilla Glass DX+
BIA Accuracy	Standard	Hydration-adjusted
Water Resistance	5ATM + IP68	5ATM + IP68

Real-World Example: Should Sarah Upgrade?

Sarah, a 34-year-old physical therapist, bought a Galaxy Watch 4 in 2021. She uses it primarily for step tracking, stress monitoring, and receiving calls during workouts. Her device still holds a charge for nearly two days, and she hasn’t noticed slowdowns.

She considered upgrading after seeing ads highlighting the Watch 5’s “advanced sleep coaching” and stronger build. After testing a friend’s Watch 5, she found the interface slightly smoother and appreciated the reduced glare on the display. But ultimately, her Watch 4 met all her needs.

Unless she worked in environments where the watch faced constant abrasion or needed every minute of battery life, the upgrade offered minimal practical benefit. She decided to wait for the Watch 6, expecting more substantial innovations.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Evaluate your current watch’s condition. Is it scratched, slow, or struggling with battery? Physical wear is a stronger reason to upgrade than software age.
2. Assess feature usage. Do you rely heavily on sleep tracking, body composition, or GPS? If yes, the Watch 5’s refinements may matter more.
3. Check compatibility. Both watches work with Android 8+ and recent Samsung phones. No loss of functionality on older devices.
4. Compare pricing. If the Watch 5 is on deep discount or part of a trade-in deal, the math improves. Full price ($279+) is harder to justify.
5. Consider future updates. The Watch 4 received Wear OS 4; the Watch 5 will likely get one more major update cycle. Longevity favors newer hardware.

Tip: Reset your Galaxy Watch 4 before deciding. A factory reset can restore responsiveness and extend its useful life by months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Watch 5 do anything the Watch 4 can't?

Functionally, no. Both support the same apps, calling, LTE (on cellular models), and health features. The Watch 5 executes them slightly faster and with better durability. The key advantages are material quality and minor sensor optimizations—not new capabilities.

Is the body composition feature accurate on either watch?

It provides trend data, not medical-grade measurements. Factors like hydration, skin temperature, and even hand position affect results. Use it to observe general changes over weeks, not as a precise scale replacement.

Will Samsung stop supporting the Galaxy Watch 4 soon?

Unlikely. Samsung committed to three major OS updates for the Watch 4. As of 2024, it runs Wear OS 4 and is expected to receive security patches into 2025. Support lags behind the Watch 5 but remains solid.

Final Verdict: Worth It for Some, Hype for Others

Upgrading from the Galaxy Watch 4 to the 5 makes sense if:

• Your current watch is physically damaged or degraded.
• You demand maximum durability for sports or outdoor use.
• You notice consistent lag or battery drain that resets haven’t fixed.
• You’re buying at a significant discount or through a carrier deal.

But if your Galaxy Watch 4 performs well and looks good, the upgrade leans more toward desire than necessity. The improvements are evolutionary, not revolutionary. For many users, saving $250–$350 and waiting for the Galaxy Watch 6—with anticipated upgrades like longer battery, AI-powered coaching, or advanced glucose monitoring—could be the smarter move.

Samsung continues to refine its wearable lineup, and the Watch 5 is a polished, capable device. Yet in the gap between generations, real value lies not in specs alone, but in how much your current tool still serves you.

🚀 Ready to decide? Audit your current usage, test a Watch 5 at a retailer, and ask yourself: am I upgrading for progress—or just because it’s new?