Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 marked a pivotal moment in Android smartwatches as Samsung’s first Wear OS device, combining Google’s platform with Samsung’s hardware expertise. Released in August 2021, it introduced the groundbreaking BioActive sensor for body composition analysis at a price point that now makes it the best budget entry into Samsung’s ecosystem at $150-200.

Why Consider the Galaxy Watch 4

At its current price, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers remarkable value for Android users, especially those with Samsung phones. The standout feature is body composition analysis - technology typically found in $400+ watches - that measures body fat percentage, muscle mass, and BMI directly from your wrist. Combined with Wear OS’s extensive app ecosystem and Samsung’s health tracking, it’s the perfect gateway to serious health monitoring without the premium price.

Key Specifications

Display & Design

• 1.2 inch (40mm) or 1.4 inch (44mm) Super AMOLED display
• 396x396 or 450x450 resolution with always-on capability
• Lightweight aluminum case (26-30g)
• Touch-sensitive rotating bezel for navigation
• 5ATM + IP68 water resistance

Performance & Battery

• Samsung Exynos W920 5nm processor
• 1.5GB RAM + 16GB storage (7.5GB available)
• 247mAh (40mm) or 361mAh (44mm) battery
• 1.5-2 days typical use, up to 40 hours
• 90-minute wireless charging

Health & Fitness

• BioActive Sensor: heart rate, ECG, body composition
• Blood oxygen monitoring (including during sleep)
• Advanced sleep tracking with snoring detection
• 90+ workout modes with automatic detection
• Built-in GPS with multi-GNSS support

What Makes It Special

Body Composition at Budget Price

The BioActive sensor uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, and BMI. This feature alone typically costs $100+ more in competing watches, making the Watch 4’s current price exceptional value for health-conscious users.

First Samsung Wear OS Experience

As Samsung’s inaugural Wear OS device (co-developed with Google), it offers the best of both worlds: Samsung’s superior hardware and health features with Google’s app ecosystem and services like Google Pay, Maps, and Assistant.

Samsung Health Integration

While compatible with all Android phones, Samsung users get exclusive features like ECG monitoring and blood pressure measurement through the Samsung Health Monitor app. The seamless integration extends to Galaxy Buds, SmartThings, and other Samsung devices.

Real-World Performance

Daily Use The Watch 4 excels as a daily companion with responsive performance, excellent notification handling, and smooth app operation. The touch bezel takes adjustment but becomes intuitive for navigation. Display brightness and clarity rival current flagship models.

Fitness Tracking GPS accuracy is solid though not class-leading, with quick lock times and reliable distance tracking. Heart rate monitoring proves accurate during steady-state cardio, though high-intensity intervals show occasional lag. The automatic workout detection reliably catches activities within 3-10 minutes.

Battery Reality Expect 1.5 days with typical use including always-on display, continuous heart rate, and a 30-minute GPS workout. Heavy users may need nightly charging, while conservative settings stretch to 2+ days. The 90-minute charge time means morning top-ups work well.

Who Should Buy

Perfect For:

• Android users wanting premium features at budget price
• Samsung phone owners seeking ecosystem benefits
• Health enthusiasts interested in body composition tracking
• First-time smartwatch buyers on Android
• Users upgrading from fitness bands

Skip If You:

• Need multi-day battery life
• Use iPhone (severely limited functionality)
• Want the latest processor and features
• Prefer physical rotating bezel (get Watch 4 Classic or Watch 6 Classic)
• Need advanced running metrics

Buying Advice

Size Selection

• 40mm: Better for wrists under 170mm, lighter for sleep tracking
• 44mm: Recommended for most users - better battery, easier interaction

Bluetooth vs LTE

Save the $50-80 LTE premium unless you specifically need standalone connectivity. Bluetooth models handle notifications, calls, and music when paired with your phone.

Where to Buy

• Amazon: Often $150-180 with frequent sales
• Samsung.com: Trade-in deals and bundle offers
• Best Buy: Good for hands-on testing
• Refurbished: Excellent option at $120-150

Alternatives to Consider

Similar Price ($150-200)

• Fitbit Sense 2: Better battery, simpler interface, less apps
• Amazfit GTR 4: Week-long battery, fewer smart features
• TicWatch Pro 3: Dual display for battery, bulkier design

Worth Upgrading To

• Galaxy Watch 5 ($230): Sapphire crystal, slightly better battery
• Galaxy Watch 6 ($300): Latest processor, improved sensors
• Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($400): Physical rotating bezel

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 at $150-200 represents exceptional value in the smartwatch market. While newer models offer incremental improvements, the Watch 4’s combination of body composition analysis, Wear OS apps, and Samsung’s health ecosystem makes it the best budget entry point for Android users. The short battery life is its main compromise, but for users who don’t mind daily charging, it delivers 90% of flagship features at half the price.

For Samsung phone owners especially, this is a no-brainer purchase that provides premium health tracking and seamless ecosystem integration without the premium price tag.