Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Review: A Versatile Outdoor Companion with Impressive Performance
Introduction
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro marks a significant shift in the smartwatch landscape, discarding the Tizen OS for Android-powered Wear OS. This change opens the door to a wealth of possibilities, including Android app compatibility and Google Assistant integration.
In this review, we delve into the various aspects of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro to determine if it truly lives up to its promise of being a perfect companion for adventurous and active lifestyles.
Design and Durability
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro's design is bold and attention-grabbing, available exclusively in a 45mm size that doesn't shy away from making a statement.
Its titanium body exudes both robustness and elegance, and the device's IP68 water and dust resistance, along with MIL-STD-810G certification, underline its durability.
The included D-Buckle Sports Band enhances comfort for extended wear, while the absence of the physical rotating bezel disappoints some users.
Instead, a digital rotating function is employed, offering satisfactory but not seamless performance, especially during intense activities.
Performance and Software Integration
Powered by the Exynos W920 chipset paired with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro delivers smooth performance across its functions.
The synergy between One UI and Wear OS ensures a convenient and familiar user experience. While One UI provides a distinctive Samsung feel, Wear OS introduces enhanced app compatibility and Google Assistant support.
Google Maps voice navigation is on the horizon, adding another layer of functionality to the device. Note that the best experience is achieved when paired with a Galaxy device, and iOS support is notably absent.
Display and Interface
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro boasts a stunning 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 450 x 450 resolution, complemented by sapphire crystal protection for added durability. Navigation through the One UI Watch 4.5 interface is smooth and intuitive, offering easy access to notifications, settings, and apps.
The interface's convenience is well-supported by haptic feedback, which adds to the overall user experience. However, typing on the compact display can be challenging, making dictation and handwriting more practical options.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro shines in the health and fitness tracking department, building on the capabilities of its predecessor. It encompasses a wide range of features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood pressure monitoring, body composition analysis, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring.
An infrared temperature sensor, though not fully utilized yet, adds potential for future health features. Notably, the watch excels in sleep tracking, even offering snore detection and detailed breakdowns of sleep stages.
Outdoor Adventures and Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro caters to outdoor enthusiasts with features like Track Back, which guides users back to their starting point during hikes.
The ability to load GPX files for navigation and the watch's performance in auto-tracking workouts further contribute to its appeal to active users.
The device's battery life is truly impressive, with the 590mAh battery easily lasting two to three days with typical usage and workouts. Disabling the Always-On Display and auto brightness can extend this to four days, setting new standards for smartwatch longevity.
Verdict: A Premium Companion for the Outdoors
In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro emerges as a highly capable smartwatch that caters to adventurous lifestyles. With a strong design, impressive durability, a gorgeous display, powerful performance, and extensive health and fitness features, it ticks many boxes.
The price tag of $449.99 reflects its premium nature, making it an ideal choice for those who can fully exploit its advanced functionalities.
However, those seeking a more economical option can still find value in the Galaxy Watch 5, which offers similar specs and software experience albeit with a smaller battery.
For the right user, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro stands as the pinnacle of smartwatch technology, delivering an unmatched combination of features and performance in one stylish package.
