Is Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch 5 Pro good enough to replace a GPS sports watch? It offers a few minor hardware and software upgrades over previous Galaxy Watch models.
This year, Samsung unveiled two variations of the Galaxy Watch 5; however, as opposed to past years, when we saw a normal model and one with a physical rotating bezel, Samsung has eliminated the actual dial and unveiled a “Pro” variation.
The marketing for the Watch 5 Pro is a little over the top, with Samsung contributing its fair part to the conversation about how much better the Watch 5 Pro is for outdoor activities than the regular Watch 5 model. Physically, it is made of tougher sapphire glass, has a titanium watch frame, and a significantly bigger battery, all of which may help it resist some more abuse.
Specifications
- Starting price: $449
- Colors: Black Titanium, Gray Titanium
- Size : 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm
- Weight: 1.64 oz
- Display: 1.4 in, 450 x 450
- Processor: Exynos W920
- Memory: 1.5GB RAM + 16GB
- Battery life (rated): 80 hours
- Durability: 5ATM + IP68
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, LTE, NFC, GPS
- Compatibility: Android 8.0 or higher
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features a fairly different look for the company. It does not include a rotating bezel, as the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic had last year (I really liked it), but it does continue to offer a more upscale alternative to the Galaxy Watch.
There are two color options for the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Black Titanium and Gray Titanium. This watch also comes with a band that Samsung refers to as the D-Buckle Sport Band. I was able to customize the strap to properly suit my wrist; it has a classy appearance while still being athletic. It turned out to be one of my favorite elements of the design.
Performance and Features
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has 3-in-1 BioActive sensor (heart rate, SpO2, and body composition via BIA) and the new temperature analysis sensor. When you look at the back of the watch, you can see that the skin-temperature reader is slightly off-center on the case’s bottom.
With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s support for GPX files, you may effectively exchange geographic data with others and maintain accurate trip tracking. However, you will have to import GPX data from a third-party application like Strava. I could get turn-by-turn directions for my hike if I had my route saved. Once more, I didn’t require assistance getting oriented, but the Track Back function also worked nicely when I attempted to return to the spot where I had parked my car.
On my bike rides, I could more fully appreciate the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s huge display. Checking my speed and distance was simple when the always-on display was turned on. Additionally, the watch shouted out my mileage at specific checkpoints and maintained an accurate pace with auto-pause. For the majority of Galaxy Watch 5 Pro exercises, auto-pause genuinely works. I wish the Apple Watch had this feature for activities other than biking and running.
Battery Life
With a 590mAh battery, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro promises a battery life of up to 80 hours. That is approximately 30 hours longer than the typical Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and twice as long as the Galaxy Watch 4.
Verdict
Even though the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the greatest Samsung watch for outdoor activities, Garmin watches outperform it in terms of comfort and battery life. The functions are actually pretty limited when compared to dedicated GPS watches, despite the fact that I enjoyed using it for outdoor treks and bike trips.
Instead, I think the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the best option for anyone who prefer a sizable smartwatch, long battery life, and occasional forays into outdoor activities.
