Galaxy Watch 5 Pro When it comes to buying decisions, trust your heart, not your head! Here’s our review. #ENBLE
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro A Powerful and Long-Lasting Device, but is it Worth the High Price? Our Review Reveals the Truth.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Luxury, Battery Life, and More!
✨ Introduction
Are you in the market for a sleek and stylish smartwatch? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro! This high-end device boasts luxurious materials, a super sharp screen, and an impressive battery life that will keep you going for days. While the Galaxy Watch 6 models offer similar features at a lower cost, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro still holds its own as a current and worthy contender in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. So, is it worth the splurge? Let’s find out!
🔎 About our Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review
Before we dive into the details, let’s make it clear that our review of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro was first published in August 2022 and has since been updated in December 2023. Even though it’s been more than a year since its release, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro remains a relevant and available option for smartwatch enthusiasts. The software has been updated, but our overall opinion and review score have remained consistent. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro stand out!
Revisiting the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in 2023
🌿 A smartwatch that stands the test of time
When we revisited the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 16 months after its initial release, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our opinion of this smartwatch hadn’t changed much. We still loved it! However, its biggest competitor turned out to be the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which Samsung launched alongside the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in 2023. The Watch 6 Classic offers a more appealing design, a physical rotating bezel, better performance, and almost all the features found on the Watch 5 Pro. While the performance of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is slightly slower upon waking up and its notifications don’t always wake the screen, it still offers an overall excellent experience.
So, should you completely ignore the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro? Not necessarily. If you’re drawn to its design, shape, and luxurious materials, along with its impressive battery life and comfortable D-Buckle strap, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro might be the perfect fit for you. However, if you’re looking for the best Samsung smartwatch on the market, the Watch 6 Classic is the way to go. That being said, we hope Samsung continues to improve and evolve the Pro line in the future, as it has the potential to be a worthy alternative to the Watch 6 Classic. For now, though, you’ll be intentionally opting for a slightly lesser smartwatch if you choose the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
💼 Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Design
🌟 A rugged beauty
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is built to withstand the elements, with its titanium construction and sapphire crystal screen. It’s a tough and hardwearing smartwatch that’s perfect for those with an active lifestyle. However, don’t mistake it for a diving watch or a piece of equipment designed for extreme sports. It’s meant for everyday use and regular activities, not for professional athletes or adventurers.
In terms of design, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro sports a smooth, satin-finished titanium case, giving it a modern and luxurious look. While it may not scream “titanium” at first glance, its quality is evident upon closer inspection. The D-Buckle Sport Band that comes with the watch is not only comfortable but also offers a secure fit without the need for tools. However, be cautious of the magnetic clasp, as its size may cause it to catch on objects.
Size-wise, the 45mm case may seem large, but it’s not significantly different from other smartwatches on the market. With its integrated lugs and sleek design, it looks normal on most wrists. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, even during sleep. However, the weight and thickness may take some getting used to, especially for those with smaller wrists.
🔋 Battery Life and Charging
⚡ The power to last
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is its impressive battery life. With regular use, including a 30-minute activity tracking session each day, the watch can last up to three working days without needing a recharge. Wear it overnight for sleep tracking, and it will easily last two full days. If you activate continuous heart rate and stress monitoring, as well as the always-on screen, the battery life may decrease slightly but still offers exceptional performance.
Charging the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a breeze. It takes just 20 minutes to reach 40% battery from almost empty, 40 minutes to reach 65%, and 90 minutes for a full charge. While it may not offer the same battery life as other smartwatches like the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 or the Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000, it still outperforms its counterpart, the Galaxy Watch 6. With approximately 80 hours of estimated battery use, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro gives you the power to keep going.
🌈 Screen and Other Features
📱 A vibrant viewing experience
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s screen may be smaller and have a lower resolution compared to the 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, but it still packs a punch. The display is incredibly sharp, with fantastic contrast and deep blacks that make watch faces pop. It’s easy to view even under direct sunlight, and the auto-brightness feature works like a charm. You won’t have any trouble seeing all the information displayed on this eye-catching screen.
When it comes to haptics, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers two settings: light and strong. The light setting is pleasing and noticeable, while the strong setting truly makes itself known on your wrist. The watch also includes a variety of accessibility options, allowing you to fine-tune the screen’s sensitivity and responsiveness to suit your needs.
🎶 Music on your wrist
Thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro can seamlessly connect to wireless headphones. You can transfer music from your phone to the watch via the Galaxy Wearable app and enjoy your favorite tunes without carrying your phone around. With its fast transfer speed and easy connection to Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, listening to music on the go has never been simpler. However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro works exclusively with Android phones and does not support iPhones.
🌐 Software and Performance
⚙️ Smooth, with a few hiccups
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro runs on Google’s WearOS 4 and Samsung’s One UI Watch 5 software. Powered by the Exynos W920 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage, the watch offers a speedy performance once it’s up and running. However, it does take a little longer to wake up, often requiring several attempts before responding to your touch. This delay can be frustrating but is likely due to power management.
While Bixby is the default voice assistant on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, you do have the option to switch to Google Assistant. However, activating Google Assistant requires additional steps and installation of the Assistant app, making it less convenient than using Bixby. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro also supports various apps, such as Spotify, Nike Run Club, Strava, and Outlook, allowing you to customize your smartwatch experience.
Overall, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s software and performance are solid, but it’s not as powerful or seamless as the Galaxy Watch 6 series or Apple Watch with WatchOS. If you’re an Android user looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a great choice. However, if you prefer a faster and smoother experience, you may want to consider the Google Pixel Watch 2.
🏋️♀️ Health and Activity Tracking
💪 Your personal workout companion
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro shines when it comes to health and activity tracking. Equipped with a 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor, the watch can measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even perform electrocardiograms (ECG). Additionally, it can record body composition metrics like muscle mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, body water percentage, BMR, and BMI. These comprehensive health tracking features set the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro apart from other smartwatches on the market.
Whether you’re taking a walk or engaging in a full workout, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro accurately tracks your activity, including GPS data. The watch pairs with the Samsung Health app, where you can view a wealth of data such as VO2 Max, cadence, heart rate zones, elevation, and more. It even offers auto-workout recognition and an array of subscription-based and free workout plans to suit your fitness needs.
Unfortunately, due to its size and weight, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro may not be the best option for sleep tracking. It’s a little too bulky to provide a comfortable experience throughout the night. For those who prioritize sleep tracking, alternatives like the Oura Ring may be more suitable. However, if you’re seeking a fantastic workout partner, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro won’t disappoint.
🤔 Is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro a Worthy Investment?
✅ A luxury choice with a few caveats
If you’re someone who appreciates sleek design, luxurious materials, and exceptional battery life, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is definitely worth considering. Its titanium construction, sapphire crystal screen, and comfortable D-Buckle strap offer a premium look and feel. The watch’s health and activity tracking features are top-notch, providing comprehensive insights into your overall well-being.
That said, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic provides a more attractive design, physical rotating bezel, and better performance at a lower price. It’s a more versatile option that offers nearly identical features to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Unless the slightly longer battery life of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a deal-breaker for you, opting for the Watch 6 Classic makes more sense.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a luxury version of the Galaxy Watch 5. It doesn’t offer significant improvements in terms of features and functionality but does provide a unique design and elevated materials. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that stands out from the crowd, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a heart-led choice. However, if you prefer a more logical and cost-effective decision, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the way to go. The choice is yours!
💡 Additional Q&A
🔹 Q: Can the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro play music without a phone? 🔸 A: Yes! The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has Bluetooth capabilities and can store and play music from its internal storage or connect to wireless headphones.
🔹 Q: Does the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro work with iPhones? 🔸 A: No, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is designed to work with Android phones. It requires the Galaxy Wearable and Samsung Health apps for full functionality.
🔹 Q: Is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro suitable for swimming? 🔸 A: While the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has 50 meters of water resistance, it is not recommended for diving or swimming in deep waters. It’s designed to withstand everyday splashes and water activities.
🔹 Q: Does the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro support third-party apps? 🔸 A: Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is compatible with various apps from the Galaxy Store and the Google Play Store. You can enhance your smartwatch experience by downloading apps like Spotify, Nike Run Club, and Strava.
🔹 Q: Is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro a good choice for athletes? 🔸 A: While the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers advanced health and activity tracking features, it may not be the best option for professional athletes or adventurers. Sports-specific smartwatches from brands like Polar, Garmin, or Suunto may be more suitable for those with specialized training needs.
References
- The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra screen protectors in 2023: top 12 picks
- This is your best look yet at the Samsung Galaxy S24 series
- The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases: top 20 you can buy
- 6 Best Apple Watch Alternatives You Can Buy (Banned by Digital Trends)
- Apple Watch’s Ban in the US Lifted At Least, Ultra 2 Available on Apple’s Site Tomorrow
