Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro was Samsung’s bold attempt to create an adventure-focused smartwatch for Android users. With a titanium case, sapphire crystal, 3-day battery life, and GPX route navigation, it positioned itself as the Android answer to Apple Watch Ultra. While it succeeded in durability and battery, the controversial removal of the rotating bezel and limited outdoor features left enthusiasts wanting more.

The 3-Day Battery Breakthrough

For a Wear OS watch, the battery is remarkable:

• Typical use: 60-80 hours reliably
• GPS tracking: 20 hours continuous
• Always-on display: Still 2+ days
• Power saving: Up to 5 days
• 590mAh capacity: Largest in Galaxy Watch history

This transformed Wear OS from daily charging to weekend-capable—a genuine achievement.

Build Quality Excellence

The Pro designation is earned:

• Titanium case: 10% lighter than steel, twice as strong
• Sapphire crystal: Virtually scratch-proof
• MIL-STD-810H: Military-grade durability
• Raised edge design: Protects display from impacts
• D-buckle band: Secure and quick-adjust

This feels like equipment, not just a smartwatch.

The Rotating Bezel Controversy

Samsung’s biggest mistake:

• Touch bezel only: No physical rotation
• Oversensitive: Accidental inputs common
• Less precise: Harder to control than physical
• No tactile feedback: Lost the satisfying clicks
• User backlash: Fans wanted Classic model

The touch bezel works but never feels as good as physical rotation.

Route Navigation Features

GPX Import and Navigation

Unique for Wear OS:

• Import GPX files from phone
• Turn-by-turn trail navigation
• Elevation profile display
• Off-route alerts
• Works offline

Finally, proper hiking navigation on Android.

Track Back

Safety feature for adventures:

• Records your path automatically
• Guide back to start point
• Breadcrumb trail display
• Works without pre-planned route

Genuinely useful for exploring unfamiliar areas.

Real-World Outdoor Performance

Hiking and Trail Running

The Watch 5 Pro excels:

• Battery lasts full day hikes
• GPX navigation prevents getting lost
• Barometric altimeter for elevation
• Compass for orientation
• Water resistance for stream crossings

Capable enough for serious day adventures.

Multi-Day Trips

Where limitations show:

• 3 days max battery (not weeks like Garmin)
• No topographic maps
• Limited offline capabilities
• Basic compared to dedicated outdoor watches

Good for weekend trips, not expeditions.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Body Composition Analysis

BIA sensor provides:

• Body fat percentage
• Skeletal muscle mass
• Body water levels
• BMI calculation
• Progress tracking

Surprisingly accurate for wrist-based measurement.

Samsung Health Integration

Comprehensive tracking:

• Sleep coaching with stages
• Stress monitoring
• VO2 max estimation
• Running dynamics
• Auto workout detection
• 90+ exercise modes

Matches Apple Watch capabilities for Android.

Smart Features

Wear OS Advantages

Full Google integration:

• Google Maps on wrist
• Google Assistant voice control
• Play Store apps
• YouTube Music streaming
• Gmail notifications

More capable than Fitbit or Garmin for apps.

Samsung Phone Benefits

Extra features with Galaxy phones:

• ECG and blood pressure
• Camera controller with preview
• Seamless device switching
• Better battery optimization
• Samsung Pay alongside Google Pay

Works with any Android but best with Samsung.

Design and Comfort

The D-Buckle Band

Innovative closure system:

• Magnetic closure for quick on/off
• Micro-adjustments for perfect fit
• Secure for sports
• Premium feel
• Stays put during activities

Best stock band Samsung has made.

Size and Weight

At 45mm and 46.5g:

• Noticeably lighter than steel Classic
• Still substantial on wrist
• No size options (45mm only)
• Too large for small wrists
• Comfortable for all-day wear

The titanium makes the size manageable.

Software Experience

One UI Watch Interface

Samsung’s customization shines:

• Intuitive tile system
• Smooth animations
• Customizable shortcuts
• Good notification handling
• Watch face variety

Better than stock Wear OS implementation.

App Performance

With 1.5GB RAM:

• Apps launch quickly
• Smooth multitasking
• No lag in daily use
• Maps work well
• Music streaming reliable

Best-performing Wear OS watch of its generation.

Watch 5 Pro vs Competition

vs Apple Watch Ultra

• Pro wins: Works with Android, cheaper
• Ultra wins: Everything else honestly
• Verdict: Pro for Android users only

vs Garmin Venu 3

• Pro wins: Smart features, display quality
• Venu wins: Battery life, fitness features
• Verdict: Pro for smart, Venu for fitness

vs Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

• Pro wins: Battery life, durability, GPX nav
• Classic wins: Rotating bezel, newer processor
• Verdict: Classic unless you need battery/durability

Current Value Proposition

Now at $299 (down from $449):

• Excellent value for features
• Titanium and sapphire at mid-range price
• Still receives updates
• Better battery than Watch 6 series
• Unique GPX navigation features

At current prices, it’s compelling despite age.

Why It Was Discontinued

Samsung’s missteps:

• Removing rotating bezel angered fans
• Not different enough from standard model
• Too expensive at launch
• Limited outdoor features vs competitors
• Watch 6 Classic brought bezel back

The Pro experiment ended after one generation.

Who Should Buy in 2024?

Still Worth It For:

• Android users wanting durability
• Weekend adventurers
• Multi-day battery priority
• GPX navigation needs
• Value seekers at $299

Skip If:

• Rotating bezel is must-have
• Latest features important
• Small wrists
• iPhone user
• Serious outdoor athlete (get Garmin)

Hidden Features

• Snore detection: With phone nearby
• Temperature sensor: For cycle tracking
• Gesture controls: Answer calls with wrist motion
• Auto WiFi: Connects to known networks
• Power share: Charges Galaxy Buds

Long-Term Support

Samsung commitment:

• 4 years of updates promised
• Currently on One UI Watch 5
• Still receiving features
• Security patches regular
• Supported until 2026

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a capable outdoor smartwatch that fell short of its ambitions. The 3-day battery life and titanium construction are genuinely impressive for Wear OS, while GPX navigation adds real utility for hikers. However, removing the rotating bezel was a critical mistake that overshadowed the improvements.

At its original $449 price, it was hard to recommend. But at current prices around $299, it becomes an excellent value—you’re getting titanium, sapphire, and multi-day battery for less than the aluminum Watch 6. The touch bezel frustrates, but the overall package delivers for Android users wanting durability and battery life.

Bottom line: The Watch 5 Pro is a good smartwatch that could have been great. For Android users who prioritize battery life and durability over having the latest features or rotating bezel, it’s worth considering at current prices. It’s not the Apple Watch Ultra competitor Samsung intended, but it’s the best battery life you’ll get in a Wear OS watch with this level of smart features. Just know that Samsung learned their lesson—the Watch 6 Classic brought back the bezel everyone wanted.