When it comes to smartwatches for Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch family stands out as a top choice. With the Galaxy Watch 6 leading the pack as the fifth generation in the lineup, Samsung has had ample time to refine and enhance its offerings. The decision to adopt Wear OS two years ago and introduce new models like the “Pro” version and the return of the rotating bezel has made the Galaxy Watch series versatile and appealing to a wide range of users.
You don’t necessarily have to go for the latest Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic to enjoy a great smartwatch experience. Samsung still offers the Galaxy Watch 5 series, and the Galaxy Watch 4 is still widely available. So, if you’re in the market for an Android smartwatch, a Galaxy Watch is definitely a solid choice. But which model is the best fit for your needs? Let’s compare them and find out.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The best Galaxy Watch overall
Pros
- Very comfortable design
- Colorful and bright display
- Smaller bezels are lovely
- Samsung Health keeps getting better
- Good, reliable performance
- Much-improved battery life
- Still a great value
Cons
- Wear OS still has its issues
- Slightly more expensive
Why you should buy this: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best Android smartwatch for most users.
Who’s this for: Android users seeking a versatile smartwatch for daily tasks and fitness tracking.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: The Galaxy Watch 6 builds on the success of its predecessor, offering a larger and brighter screen, improved battery life, and enhanced health-tracking features. The Super AMOLED display, powered by an Exynos chip, provides a smooth and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users.
The Galaxy Watch 6 excels in health tracking, with features like heart rate monitoring, workout detection, cycle tracking, blood oxygen tracking, advanced sleep coaching, and personalized heart rate zones. The device is available in different sizes and configurations, with prices starting at $300.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The best Galaxy Watch overall
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
The best premium Galaxy Watch
Pros
- Rotating bezel
- A choice of case size
- Supreme 24/7 comfort
- High-quality materials
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
Cons
- Spotty notification reliability
- Performance doesn’t always impress
Why you should buy this: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers the same great features as the standard model in an elegant package with a rotating bezel for added control.
Who’s this for: Users looking for a stylish Android smartwatch with a touch of class.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic combines style and performance, with features like a rotating bezel for navigation and high-quality materials. While it shares many similarities with the standard Galaxy Watch 6 in terms of specs, the Classic model stands out for its classic design and user-friendly features.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is priced starting from $400, offering a premium experience for users who value both style and functionality.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
The best premium Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The best value Galaxy Watch
Pros
- Lightweight, comfortable design
- Robust health tracking
- AMOLED screen looks excellent
- Easy access to Google apps
- Very fast charging speeds
Cons
- Skin temperature tracking not yet available
- Falls short of battery life claims
Why you should buy this: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers a great balance of features and affordability in the Galaxy Watch lineup.
Who’s this for: Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable Galaxy Watch with essential smartwatch capabilities.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: While not the latest model, the Galaxy Watch 5 holds its own with its robust health tracking features, lightweight design, and fast charging capabilities. It offers a solid smartwatch experience at a more affordable price point than newer models.
The Galaxy Watch 5 comes equipped with a range of sensors for health tracking, and despite its single-day battery life, it remains a practical choice for daily use. With competitive pricing and a variety of color options, the Galaxy Watch 5 is a value-for-money option in the Galaxy Watch series.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The best value Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The best rugged Galaxy Watch
Pros
- Luxury materials
- Super sharp screen
- 3-day battery life
- Comprehensive health tracking
- D Buckle strap is excellent
Cons
- Niche additional features
- Slightly slow performance after waking up
- Notifications don’t always wake the screen
Why you should buy this: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers a unique combination of luxury design, rugged build quality, long battery life, and features tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.
Who’s this for? Adventurers looking for a durable smartwatch with extended battery life and outdoor-ready features.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro may not be the most rugged smartwatch on the market, but it stands out as the toughest option in Samsung’s lineup. With premium materials, robust health tracking, and Route Workout features, this watch caters to hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
While the performance may not match some competitors, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers a blend of style and durability that sets it apart. Priced at $450, it may not come cheap, but for those seeking a durable smartwatch with outdoor features, it’s worth the investment.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The best rugged Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The best cheap Galaxy Watch
Pros
- Comfortable fit and size
- Excellent fitness and health-tracking features
- Seamless pairing with Samsung devices
- Two-day battery life
Cons
- Finicky digital bezel
- Automatic workout tracking can be inconsistent
Why you should buy this: Despite being an older model, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 remains a reliable option for fitness tracking and daily use at an affordable price.
Who’s this for: Users looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch with essential features for everyday use.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: The Galaxy Watch 4 may not be the latest model, but it still offers competitive features and solid performance at a discounted price. With support for the latest software updates and health-tracking tools, the Galaxy Watch 4 is a great value for users seeking a capable Wear OS smartwatch.
Priced starting from $200, the Galaxy Watch 4 delivers a comfortable fit, essential features, and seamless integration with Samsung devices, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious users.
