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- Samsung's newest smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, are now available for preorder.
- The new models have more accurate health tracking, while the Pro is designed for the outdoors.
- Preorders run through August 25 and come with some promotions and savings.
Samsung's newest Galaxy Watch models, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, boast a few new features and improvements over the Galaxy Watch 4, which we called the closest thing to an Apple Watch for Android users. The biggest update, according to Samsung, is that the Watch 5's health tracking is more accurate. Indeed, health and fitness continue to be the main selling points.
The Watch 5, available in 44mm and 40mm, is geared toward everyday use, while the Pro model — brand-new to the Galaxy Watch lineup — is more durable that makes it better suited for outdoor use. It also has a larger 45mm display and battery than the standard Watch 5.
Both smartwatches are now available to preorder. Below, we've outlined full details on pricing and specs, along with a rundown of the differences between this generation of Galaxy Watch and the last.
How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Now through August 25, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro are available for preorder. They'll be in stores starting August 26. The Galaxy Watch 5 starts at $280 for Bluetooth and $330 for LTE. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro starts at $450 for Bluetooth and $500 for LTE.
Preorders through Samsung are eligible for these promotions:
- One free Wireless Charger Duo
- $75 off the Galaxy Watch 5 or $125 off the Galaxy Watch5 Pro with eligible trade-in
- $50 Samsung Credit toward Galaxy accessories
In addition, if you preorder the LTE models through AT&T you can take advantage of a "buy one get one free" deal. If you buy one Galaxy Watch 5 model with an eligible installment plan, you can get a second for up to $430 off.
Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro Specs
Galaxy Watch 5 | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | |
Display | 44mm and 40mm | 45mm |
Battery | 410mAh (44mm) and 284mAh(40mm) | 590mAh |
Processor | Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHz | |
Operating system | Wear OS Powered by Samsung (Wear OS 3.5) | |
Memory and storage | 1.5 GB RAM and 16GB internal storage | |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, LTE, NFC, GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo | |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor |
How is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 different from the Watch 4?
Like the Apple Watch, Samsung is emphasizing the Galaxy Watch's health and fitness attributes. There's a wealth of wellness-tracking insights and compatibility with Samsung's online fitness program.
In a lot of ways, the Galaxy Watch 5 looks like its predecessor. Indeed, functionality and features like the processor, operating system, memory, sensors, and storage remain consistent. But Samsung says health metrics are more accurate than the Watch 4 due to a greater surface coverage area that allows for more contact with the skin, and the addition of a new temperature sensor.
The Galaxy Watch 5's battery is also 13% larger and charges faster than the Watch 4 (410 mAh for the 44mm and 284 mAh for the 40mm). Samsung says it's also its first smart watch to use a Sapphire Crystal display with a 60% harder layer.
The Watch 5 Pro model takes things futher with an all-around more rugged build. In addition to the Sapphire Crystal display, it has a titanium casing with a protruded bezel for extra protection, and a D-Buckle Sport Band for durability. The watch is also larger, which allows for a larger batter (590mAh) but it could turn away users with smaller wrists. All these features are designed for the outdoor enthusiast, whether it be hiking or biking.
Should you preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5?
If you're a fan of having the latest gadgets, the new Galaxy Watch 5 is well worth considering. If it's anything like the Galaxy 4 (we have no doubt as both share the same features and functions), it could be the best watch for Android users. The new model's longer battery life, more durable display, and more accurate health tracking could make the Galaxy Watch 5 a solid step up from the Galaxy Watch 4.
Samsung is sweetening the pot with preorder savings and promotions if you buy direct from the company. While the Watch 5 seems to be an evolution over the Watch 4, we will still hold off on giving a full recommendation until we've had a chance to properly test it out.
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