Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Review: A Week of Use and Insights

Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Having recently witnessed Google unveil its first smartwatch, one might assume I would jump at the chance to buy it as a Pixel 6 Pro user. However, I decided against that! For me, investing in a new smartwatch is significant, especially since it's not my primary focus and I have other financial commitments. Perhaps one day I'll have the luxury to splurge, but for now, I'll remain hopeful.

With the whispers about the Pixel Watch circulating, I had ample time to weigh my options. I've even sought your opinions on Twitter and Reddit. Ultimately, I opted to play it safe and invest in a brand with a solid track record. That said, I might still consider the Pixel Watch down the line.

For those unfamiliar with my previous experiences, I've been using the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra for the past six months. It’s a fantastic smartwatch that I wholeheartedly endorse. However, it felt like the right moment to transition. While I initially wanted to purchase the Pixel Watch, its price deterred me, leading me to either stick with the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra or explore other options. I chose to treat myself and bought the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, specifically the 44 mm version.

Reflecting on my decision to switch from the TicWatch, it was a bit of a challenge to pinpoint a specific reason since it truly is a commendable watch. After using the Galaxy Watch 5 for about a week, I feel ready to share my thoughts.

Setting Up and First Impressions

I received my Galaxy Watch 5 last Wednesday, giving me a nice window to test it out during both work and leisure. Setting it up was a breeze; I simply powered it on and followed the on-screen prompts. Transitioning from the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, I expected to use the Wear OS companion app, but Samsung surprised me once again.

The Galaxy Watch 5 requires the Galaxy Wearable app instead of the Wear OS app. Given Samsung's shift away from Tizen, this was unexpected, especially since all my previous Android smartwatches relied on Google's app. Nonetheless, I must say that the Galaxy Wearable app has a premium feel that I find appealing.

Since the watch arrived late in the day, I couldn't do extensive testing right away. However, I managed to download necessary apps and set up my sleep tracking routine.

Overall, my first impressions were positive. Although I have mixed feelings about the charging cable being USB-C only—I believe it would have been thoughtful for Samsung to include a USB-C to USB-A adapter, as many users still have USB-A chargers lying around.

Battery Life Insights

When it comes to smartwatches, good battery life is crucial for me, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 delivers on that front. According to Samsung, the watch can last up to 40 hours with typical usage, which is quite impressive.

On a typical day, I wake up, charge my watch, and go about my morning. By evening, after a busy day filled with various fitness activities, app downloads, and messaging, the battery typically sits at around 64%. Given the day's activities, I'm pleased with this performance, as it aligns well with my lifestyle.

It’s worth noting that I tested the watch with the Always-On display turned off. I'm currently exploring how it performs with that feature enabled and will share my findings in an upcoming YouTube video. I found it interesting that, unlike the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra and several other smartwatches, the brightness of the screen dims when the Always-On feature is active.

Fitness Tracking Features

Fitness tracking is vital for me, especially for cycling. During my first week, I had the chance to try out the watch in various scenarios, and I was generally impressed. One of my initial activities was a cycling trip. Although the weather was less than ideal, I managed to cover about eight miles. I'm hopeful for better weather this weekend to conduct further tests.

I also enjoy walking, and I opted to walk to the train station a few times instead of taking public transport. The walk, which typically takes around 25 minutes, is a good activity to track.

The watch includes an Auto Pause feature during workouts, which is incredibly useful for me, especially since I sometimes forget to pause my workout during breaks. I find the tracking accuracy to be satisfactory, nearly on par with my experiences using the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra and Garmin Instinct. However, I believe the TicWatch app presents data in a more user-friendly manner, especially with its mini-map for GPS activities.

One downside I noted was the ECG and blood pressure features being exclusive to Samsung devices. This decision seems to alienate a significant number of potential users who would otherwise benefit from these features.

Sleep Tracking Capabilities

Another feature I utilize is sleep tracking. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 provides accurate sleep tracking, including REM cycles and blood oxygen levels. Interestingly, it even tracks snoring through audio recordings kept for about 30 days. For the record, the watch claims I don't snore—at least, that's what it tells me!

Sleep tracking has become a crucial part of my hectic schedule, allowing me to analyze my sleep patterns for improved focus and reduced fatigue.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 boasts a modern design with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Unlike traditional watches like the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, it feels distinctly like a smartwatch. I own the 44 mm version, which feels slightly large on my slim wrist, yet it remains very comfortable.

The included band is made from soft rubber, enhancing its comfort. The watch's appearance is equally impressive, particularly with its vibrant Super AMOLED display. I appreciate the digital rotating crown, reminiscent of earlier models, which simplifies navigation.

Overall, the watch exudes a premium vibe and is stylish, making it a suitable choice for daily wear.

Performance Review

Transitioning from the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, I had high expectations for the performance of the Galaxy Watch 5. The Pro 3 Ultra had consistently performed well in various scenarios, especially during long cycling sessions.

Throughout my week with the Galaxy Watch 5, I encountered no issues. The GPS locks on much quicker compared to my previous device. The user interface is well-optimized and performs smoothly, although there's a slight learning curve due to its differences from traditional WearOS devices.

One minor drawback is my inability to uninstall certain pre-installed Samsung apps. As a Pixel 6 Pro user, I prefer Google's ecosystem and would appreciate the option to replace Samsung apps with Google alternatives.

Conclusion: Is the Galaxy Watch 5 Worth It?

With the introduction of the Google Pixel Watch, Samsung faces a formidable competitor. However, after a week of testing, I can confidently say that the Galaxy Watch 5 has performed admirably. While it may not be the Pro version, I believe the standard model meets my needs sufficiently.

Who Is This Watch Suitable For?

In my opinion, this smartwatch is ideal for those already integrated into the Samsung ecosystem, given its exclusive features that only function with Samsung phones. My experience with the Pixel 6 Pro left me disappointed in the limitations regarding certain features.

Check Out My 1-Week Video Review!

Stay tuned for my upcoming video review of the Galaxy Watch 5 on my YouTube channel. If you haven’t subscribed yet, be sure to do so!