Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Samsung’s next Unpacked event, where it is expected to reveal new versions of its Galaxy smartwatches, is still months away, but that doesn’t mean leaks have to wait. On the contrary, some promising rumors and juicy discoveries in Samsung software’s official code have already revealed details about the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 series smartwatches. Here’s everything we have learned so far.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Design
Samsung’s most recent smartwatch lineup includes two models: the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Samsung appears to be retiring the Classic branding this year, just as it did the Active moniker a generation ago. Instead, the naming convention will now be much simpler and more mainstream.
The latest beta of the Samsung Health App, discovered by 9to5Google, mentions the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro models, but no Classic model for the next generation is mentioned. SamMobile also claims to have received confirmation that a Classic model will not be released this year.
Notably, the Galaxy Watch 5 is expected to be available in two sizes, whereas the more expensive Pro model will only be available in one. It’s unclear whether the sizes will be the same as the Galaxy Watch 4 pair. According to files obtained by Evan Blass, the Galaxy Watch 5 will be available in silver, pink gold, and graphite colorways. Black Titanium and Gray Titanium will be available on the Pro. It’s not the most imaginative collection, but it’s better than nothing.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Battery life
How about the battery life? So far, rumors suggest that Samsung will attempt to push the next Galaxy Watch past the one-day battery life barrier, though by how much is unknown.
According to regulatory filings obtained by SamMobile, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will have a 572mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade over the 361mAh unit found in the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. We can only hope that the next version of Google’s smartwatch OS gets the battery optimization part right and allows a smartwatch to last more than a day.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Health features
The Galaxy Watch 5 duo is expected to include sensors such as a heart rate monitor, a body composition sensor, and an electrocardiogram (ECG), as well as blood pressure monitoring, pending regulatory approval. Expect SpO2 measurement and fall detection as well.
Interestingly, a Reddit user discovered a new feature called “skin temperature during sleep” in the latest beta build of the Samsung Health app. The feature appears to be based on a system of lasers installed on the underside of the smartwatch that flash on the skin to measure temperature. The app describes the feature as “used to forecast your cycle more accurately,” implying that it could be used for period tracking.
Because Samsung’s current smartwatch lineup lacks a temperature sensing trick, it appears that the beta app is simply preparing for the Galaxy Watch 5 Series, which will include the aforementioned feature. Apple is also said to be testing a body temperature measurement feature for its next-generation smartwatches.
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Interactive bezel
There is no shortage of round smartwatches on the market, but what distinguished Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series was the interactive bezel control system. The physical rotating bezel on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, for example, was what set it apart. Along with the bezels, the vanilla model used capacitive controls.
Unfortunately, the rotating bezels appear to be on their way out. According to Ice Universe, the rotating bezel will be phased out this year. He claims that neither the standard Galaxy Watch 5 nor the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will include the rotating bezel system, which has become a popular feature among many buyers. On the plus side, Samsung could follow Huawei’s lead with the Watch GT 3 Pro and use premium materials like sapphire glass and titanium metal for the casing.
Release date and price
So far, Samsung has remained silent on the launch prospects of its next-generation smartwatches. However, based on previous launches, the Galaxy Watch 5 series could make its official debut in August. At the next Unpacked event, Samsung may reveal them alongside its upcoming foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.
When it comes to pricing, there haven’t been any credible leaks. The Galaxy Watch 4 starts at $25, with the Classic model costing an extra $100. Samsung will undoubtedly want to maintain a competitive pricing strategy against Apple, with the Galaxy Watch 5 priced below $300, at least for the entry-level model without cellular connectivity perks.
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