As a wearable tech specialist, I‘ve had the unique opportunity to extensively test out Samsung‘s last two generations of smartwatches – the Galaxy Watch4 series released in 2021, and the newly launched Galaxy Watch5 models.
Specifically, the Galaxy Watch4 vs the top-of-the-line Galaxy Watch5 Pro represents Samsung‘s best mainstream and premium smartwatch offerings. I know it can be tough deciding which provides better bang for your buck, so consider this your definitive guide!
In the comparisons below, I‘ll equip you with side-by-side technical specifications, real-world usage insights, plus neatly packaged pros/cons to determine which best fits your needs…let‘s dive in!
Watch Design and Display
Both sport stylish circular metal bodies with color touchscreens, but the Watch5 Pro shifting to a 45mm titanium casing versus 44mm aluminum grants it a much more rugged yet refined look.
I‘ll admit that extra 1.5mm thickness (10.5mm vs. 9mm on the Watch4) sounds minor, but makes a world of difference allowing installation of a larger battery while retaining best-in-class 5 ATM water resistance.
Display Spec Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy Watch4 | Galaxy Watch5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 1.4" | 1.4" |
| Screen Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels | 450 x 450 pixels |
| Peak Brightness | 1,000 nits | ~1,250 nits |
| Glass Material | Gorilla Glass DX+ | Sapphire Crystal |
| Glare Reduction | Good | Excellent |
But where the Watch5 Pro really pulls ahead is adopting nearly scratch-proof sapphire crystal lens protection…
Sapphire Crystal hardness: ~9 Mohs
Corning Gorilla Glass hardness: ~6.5 MohsTrust me, that hardness rating of 9 Mohs (just shy of diamond levels) gives much welcomed peace-of-mind from scratches while traversing harsh environments.
Beyond enhanced display resilience, the switch to Super AMOLED further boosts viewability through punchier contrast and amplified brightness capable of over 1,200 nits (15% higher than Watch4).
Super AMOLED vs. AMOLED Power Savings: ~20% improved Bottom line: the Galaxy Watch5 Pro clearly dominates display durability AND quality metrics.
