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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Samsung's groundbreaking first WearOS smartwatch marking the transition from Tizen to Google's platform

Manufacturer: Samsung  |  Official Page  

Overview​

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, released in 2021, represents a pivotal moment in smartwatch history as Samsung's first watch to abandon their proprietary Tizen OS in favor of WearOS. Built in collaboration with Google, it introduced the Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform, combining Samsung's hardware expertise with Google's software ecosystem. This watch established the foundation for all future Samsung WearOS devices.

Key Specifications​

  • Processor - Samsung Exynos W920 (5nm process) - first WearOS Samsung chip
  • Storage - 16GB eMMC 5.1
  • GPU - Mali-G68 MP2, 667MHz
  • RAM - 1.5GB LPDDR4X
  • Display - 1.19" (40mm) or 1.36" (44mm) Super AMOLED
  • Battery - 247mAh (40mm) or 361mAh (44mm)
  • Water Resistance - 5ATM + IP68 rating
  • Durability - MIL-STD-810G certification
  • Sizes - 40mm and 44mm options
  • Connectivity - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE (optional)

Features​

The Galaxy Watch 4 represents Samsung's historic first WearOS smartwatch, marking the pivotal transition from Tizen to Google's platform while introducing groundbreaking body composition analysis through the BioActive sensor that measures body fat, muscle mass, and water percentage. Samsung Health integration provides comprehensive health tracking within the Samsung ecosystem, enhanced by One UI Watch 3.5 interface layered over WearOS 3.5 for familiar Samsung user experience.

Full Google Services access includes the complete Google Play Store and Google apps ecosystem, complemented by Samsung Pay with both MST and NFC contactless payment support. Advanced sleep tracking delivers detailed analysis through Samsung Health integration, while comprehensive fitness tracking encompasses over 90 workout modes with built-in GPS for accurate activity monitoring.

Extended Battery Performance​

Power Management:

  • 247mAh (40mm) / 361mAh (44mm) - Size-optimized capacity for all-day operation
  • 18-24 Hours Typical Usage - Full-day battery life with health tracking active
  • Extended Mode - Power saving options for multi-day usage when needed
  • Wireless Charging - Standard Samsung charging puck compatibility

Charging & Efficiency:

  • 5nm Processor Efficiency - Exynos W920 optimized for first-generation WearOS power management
  • Adaptive Battery - Learns usage patterns to optimize power allocation
  • Always-On Display - Configurable AOD with power impact settings
  • Background App Management - Control app refresh rates for extended battery

Professional-Grade Health Monitoring​

Revolutionary BioActive Sensor Technology:

  • Body Composition Analysis - Industry-first smartwatch body fat, muscle mass, and water percentage measurement
  • Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) - Advanced body metrics directly from the wrist
  • Heart Rate Monitoring - Continuous and on-demand tracking with optical sensor
  • ECG Capability - Electrocardiogram monitoring (regional availability varies)
  • SpO2 Blood Oxygen - Blood oxygen saturation monitoring for wellness insights
  • Stress Detection - Real-time stress level monitoring with guided breathing exercises

Fitness Tracking Suite:

  • 90+ Workout Modes - Comprehensive activity tracking including swimming
  • Built-in GPS - Accurate outdoor activity tracking without phone dependency
  • Automatic Exercise Detection - Auto-detects common exercises like walking and running
  • Sleep Analysis - Detailed sleep stage tracking through Samsung Health integration
  • Water Lock Mode - Swimming-safe tracking with 5ATM water resistance

Enhanced Durability Specifications​

Build Quality:

  • Aluminum Case - Lightweight yet durable construction
  • Gorilla Glass Display - Standard scratch-resistant protection
  • IP68 + 5ATM Rating - Complete water resistance for swimming and water sports
  • MIL-STD-810G Certification - Military-grade durability testing for everyday resilience

Environmental Protection:

  • Water Sports Ready - 50-meter depth rating for swimming activities
  • Dust Protection - Complete IP68 sealing against particle ingress
  • Impact Resistance - Reinforced design for daily wear durability
  • Temperature Tolerance - Functional in standard operating conditions

Advanced Display & Interface​

Display Technology:

  • Super AMOLED Screen - 1.19" (40mm) or 1.36" (44mm) vibrant display
  • Resolution - 396x396 (40mm) or 450x450 (44mm) pixel clarity
  • Always-On Display - Customizable AOD for time-at-a-glance convenience
  • Outdoor Visibility - Adequate brightness for daylight use

User Interface:

  • One UI Watch 3.5 - Samsung's refined interface over WearOS 3.5
  • Touch Navigation - Swipe-based controls (no rotating bezel on this model)
  • Google Assistant + Bixby - Dual voice assistant support
  • Watch Face Customization - Extensive options from Samsung and Google Play Store

Historical Significance​

Platform Transition:

  • Samsung Pay with NFC payment technology
  • First to run Google Assistant alongside Bixby
  • Introduced Samsung's Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform
  • Established blueprint for all future Samsung WearOS watches

Innovation Firsts:

  • First smartwatch with body composition analysis
  • Pioneer of Samsung's BioActive sensor technology
  • First Samsung watch with Google Play Store access

Compatibility​

The Galaxy Watch 4 requires Android 6.0 or higher for basic functionality, though the optimal experience is achieved with Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 3.1 or later for enhanced ecosystem integration and exclusive features. Samsung Health is essential for accessing body composition analysis and advanced health monitoring capabilities, while a Samsung Account is necessary for Samsung Pay functionality and comprehensive ecosystem features.

Full Google Services integration provides complete Google Play Store access and the entire Google app ecosystem, bridging Samsung's hardware excellence with Google's software platform.

Software Support Status​

Current Status: Galaxy Watch 4 is nearing end-of-support in 2025 following Samsung's 4-year support policy. Final major update expected before August 2025.

Target Users​

The Galaxy Watch 4 is ideal for Samsung users wanting to experience the historic first WearOS transition that established the foundation for all future Samsung smartwatches. Fitness enthusiasts particularly interested in pioneering body composition tracking will find the BioActive sensor's muscle mass, body fat, and water percentage measurements valuable for comprehensive wellness monitoring. Users seeking a balanced integration of Samsung and Google ecosystem features get the best of both worlds, while budget-conscious buyers can access former flagship capabilities at more accessible prices.

Tech enthusiasts interested in smartwatch platform evolution will appreciate owning the device that marked Samsung's pivotal shift from Tizen to WearOS, and anyone wanting MST payment capability should consider this model since the feature was discontinued in newer Samsung watches.

FAQs​

Getting Started​

How do I charge my Galaxy Watch 4?

Use wireless charging puck, align watch back with charger. Full charge takes about 90 minutes. Uses Qi wireless charging standard. Full charging guide

How do I turn on my Galaxy Watch 4?

Press and hold Home button for 2-3 seconds until Samsung logo appears. Follow on-screen setup wizard for first-time activation. Full power-on guide

How do I connect Galaxy Watch 4 to my phone?

Install Galaxy Wearable app on Android 6.0+ phone, enable Bluetooth, follow pairing wizard. Works best with Samsung phones for full features. Full connection guide

How do I pair my Galaxy Watch 4?

Open Galaxy Wearable app, tap Start, grant permissions, select Galaxy Watch 4, confirm pairing codes match on both devices. Full pairing guide

How do I reset my Galaxy Watch 4?

Soft reset: Hold Home > Restart. Factory reset: Settings > General > Reset > Factory data reset. Erases all data. Full reset guide

How do I update my Galaxy Watch 4?

Settings > Software update > Download and install. Or use Galaxy Wearable app > Watch software update. Keep on charger during update. Full update guide

Features & Specifications​

What apps are available on Galaxy Watch 4?

Thousands via Google Play Store and Galaxy Store. First Samsung watch with full Play Store access. Google Maps, Spotify, Strava, all WearOS apps. Full app list

What operating system does Galaxy Watch 4 run?

WearOS 3.5 with One UI Watch 3.5 - first Samsung watch to transition from Tizen to WearOS. Historic platform shift to Google ecosystem. Full OS details

What sizes does Galaxy Watch 4 come in?

40mm (1.2" display, 247mAh battery) and 44mm (1.4" display, 361mAh battery). Both use 20mm standard bands. Gorilla Glass DX+ display. Full size comparison

What phones is Galaxy Watch 4 compatible with?

Android 6.0+ with 1.5GB RAM. Best with Samsung phones for ECG, blood pressure, body composition. Limited features on non-Samsung Android. Full compatibility guide

What's new in Galaxy Watch 4?

First WearOS Samsung watch (from Tizen), first body composition analysis, BioActive sensor, Google Play Store access, faster Exynos W920 processor. Full new features

What is the BioActive Sensor?

Revolutionary 3-in-1 sensor for heart rate, ECG, and body composition (BIA). Single sensor cluster replaces multiple sensors for accurate health tracking. BioActive sensor details

Hardware Features​

Does Galaxy Watch 4 have GPS?

Yes, built-in GPS with GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo support for standalone tracking without phone during workouts and outdoor activities. Full GPS details

Does Galaxy Watch 4 have ECG?

Yes, FDA-cleared ECG monitoring. Requires Samsung phone and Samsung Health Monitor app (region-dependent). First Samsung WearOS watch with ECG. ECG guide

Does Galaxy Watch 4 support NFC?

Yes, NFC for Google Wallet and Samsung Pay (NFC mode). Also supports MST payments - last Samsung watch with MST technology. NFC and MST details

Does Galaxy Watch 4 have a rotating bezel?

Standard Watch 4 has virtual touch bezel only. Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has physical rotating bezel. Choose Classic for tactile navigation. Bezel comparison

Does Galaxy Watch 4 have Always-On Display?

Yes, customizable Always-On Display with various watch faces. Can be disabled to extend battery life by 15-20%. AOD settings guide

Does Galaxy Watch 4 have a speaker?

Yes, built-in speaker and microphone for calls, voice commands, alarms, and audio playback. Improved speaker quality over Watch 3. Speaker capabilities

Does Galaxy Watch 4 have fall detection?

Yes, automatic fall detection with SOS emergency calling. Can detect hard falls and send alert to emergency contact after countdown. Fall detection setup

Does Galaxy Watch 4 support MST payments?

Yes, last Samsung watch with MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) for older card terminals. Discontinued in Watch 5 and newer models. MST payment guide

How waterproof is Galaxy Watch 4?

5ATM (50 meters) + IP68 rating. Safe for swimming, showering, water sports. Not for scuba diving or high-pressure water. Water resistance guide

Health & Fitness​

How do I measure body composition on Galaxy Watch 4?

Remove watch, place two fingers on watch buttons, stay still for 15 seconds. Measures body fat %, skeletal muscle, BMI, water %. Samsung phones only. Body composition guide

How do I check heart rate on Galaxy Watch 4?

Automatic continuous monitoring via BioActive sensor, or manual check: Open Samsung Health > Heart Rate > Measure. Very accurate 24/7 tracking. Heart rate monitoring

How do I track workouts on Galaxy Watch 4?

Press Home > Workout > Select from 90+ modes > Start. Auto-detects 6 common activities. Tracks HR, calories, GPS route, pace, distance. Workout tracking guide

How do I track sleep on Galaxy Watch 4?

Enable auto-detect sleep in Samsung Health, wear watch overnight. Tracks sleep stages (REM, light, deep), blood oxygen, snore detection. Sleep tracking guide

Battery & Performance​

How long does Galaxy Watch 4 battery last?

40mm: 24-30 hours. 44mm: 30-40 hours typical use. Smaller battery than Watch 5 but adequate for daily charging routine. Full battery guide

Why is my Galaxy Watch 4 battery draining fast?

Disable Always-On Display, reduce HR monitoring to every 10 minutes, lower brightness, close background apps, update to latest software. Battery drain troubleshooting

Daily Use Features​

How do I answer calls on Galaxy Watch 4?

When call comes in, swipe green phone icon right or press green button. Built-in speaker and mic allow phone-free calls. Call handling guide

How do I reply to messages on Galaxy Watch 4?

Tap message notification > Reply > Choose quick reply, voice-to-text, keyboard, or emoji. Full messaging support via Google Messages. Message reply guide

How do I install apps on Galaxy Watch 4?

Open Play Store or Galaxy Store on watch, search app, tap Install. Or use Galaxy Wearable app on phone to install remotely. App installation guide

How do I customize watch face on Galaxy Watch 4?

Long-press current watch face > Swipe to browse > Tap face > Customize > Adjust complications, colors, styles. Thousands available. Watch face customization

How do I use Samsung Pay on Galaxy Watch 4?

Open Samsung Pay app, add cards, hold watch near terminal, authenticate. Supports both NFC and MST for older terminals. Samsung Pay setup

How do I play music on Galaxy Watch 4?

Stream from phone or download to watch. Supports Spotify, YouTube Music, Samsung Music. Control playback, volume, playlists directly. Music playback guide

How do I check weather on Galaxy Watch 4?

Swipe down > Weather widget or ask Google Assistant "What's the weather?". Shows current conditions, hourly, and weekly forecast. Weather information

How do I set alarms on Galaxy Watch 4?

Open Clock app > Alarm > + icon > Set time, repeat schedule, alarm tone. Or use Google Assistant voice command. Alarm management

How do I enable Do Not Disturb on Galaxy Watch 4?

Swipe down for Quick Settings > Tap DND icon. Or Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb > Enable. Silences all notifications. DND configuration

Advanced Features​

Pricing​

Comparisons​

Compatibility​

Troubleshooting​

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