Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Price, Availability, and Features
Price & Availability
The price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic depends on its version (42mm or 46mm) and connectivity type (Bluetooth or LTE). Prices typically start at:
- 42mm Bluetooth: $349 / £349 / AU$549
- 42mm LTE: $399 / £389 / AU$649
- 46mm Bluetooth: $379 / £369 / AU$599
- 46mm LTE: $429 / £409 / AU$699
Discounts may be available depending on the retailer, but the Galaxy Watch 4 (non-Classic) is priced more affordably, starting at $249.99 / £249 / AU$399.
Design & Display
- Rotating Bezel for Navigation: Unlike the standard Galaxy Watch 4, the Classic features a physical rotating bezel that makes menu navigation smoother and more intuitive.
- Display: The 42mm and 46mm models offer sharp, bright displays, making them one of the best in the smartwatch market.
- Build Quality: Stainless steel body with silver and black finishes. The raised bezel adds protection against bumps. The watch has two physical buttons for navigation.
- Comfort: While the fluoroelastomer strap is comfortable, changing bands can be tricky due to small levers, and the watch’s thick profile may feel uncomfortable for some users, especially under tight clothing.
Performance & Software
- Wear OS 3: The Watch 4 Classic debuts with Wear OS 3, offering a smooth user experience with better multitasking and navigation through customizable tiles.
- Dual App Requirement: To fully utilize the watch’s features, you need both the Galaxy Wearable and Samsung Health apps. This adds some complexity but also provides in-depth fitness tracking and watch customization options.
- Theater Mode: A unique feature that silences notifications and disables raise-to-wake, ideal for uninterrupted movie viewing.
Fitness Features
- Core Modes: Walking, running, and cycling, with additional secondary modes like swimming and gym workouts.
- Body Composition Scanning: Measures body fat, water percentage, and BMI—though not as accurate as professional equipment, it’s an impressive feature for a smartwatch.
- Accuracy: Running and heart rate tracking are generally accurate, though workout controls are somewhat fiddly, and audio notifications during workouts can be disruptive.
- Automatic Activity Tracking: The watch automatically detects activities like walking after 10 minutes of movement, ensuring you don’t miss tracking valuable data.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic struggles with battery life, lasting only 20–22 hours on average with moderate usage. Despite its high-end features, the battery life is far below expectations, especially considering that most smartwatches last 2+ days on a single charge. Charging takes about 2 hours to reach full capacity, which doesn’t compensate for the short usage period.
In summary, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers excellent display quality, smooth performance, and solid fitness features, its battery life and dual app requirements could be deal-breakers for some.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a premium smartwatch that excels in design, display quality, and user experience. The rotating bezel offers a unique and intuitive way to navigate, making it a standout feature compared to the regular Galaxy Watch 4. The fitness tracking capabilities are robust, including detailed metrics and a body composition scanner, making it a solid choice for those looking to monitor their health.
However, its short battery life and complicated app setup could be significant drawbacks for potential buyers. The watch’s performance generally lasts only a day, meaning you’ll need to charge it twice daily, which is disappointing given its high price. While it stands out in many areas, the battery issues and small inconveniences in workout tracking might cause frustration for some users.
Overall, if you value the rotating bezel, high-quality display, and advanced fitness tracking, and can overlook the battery performance, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a strong contender in the smartwatch market. However, if battery life and ease of use are top priorities for you, you might want to explore other options.
