Smartwatches are an excellent holiday present for anyone who enjoys technology, from tracking fitness and exercises to playing music and games.
Both of Samsung’s fourth-generation Galaxy smartwatches were released on August 27, last year, but they can still offer a lot of value, entertainment, and convenience at a lesser price than the most recent models.
Let’s compare the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic to see which device is the best choice for you!
Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 40mm: 40.4 x 39.3 x 98 mm 42mm: 44.4 x 43.3 x 98 mm | 42mm: 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm 46mm: 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.0 mm |
Weight | 40mm: 25.9 g 42mm: 30.3 g | 42mm: 46.5 g 46mm: 52 g |
Colors | 40mm: Black, Green, Pink, Gold, Silver 42mm: Black, Green, Silver | Black, Silver |
Display | 40mm: 1.2″ Super AMOLED 42mm: 1.4″ Super AMOLED | 42mm: 1.2″ Super AMOLED 46mm: 1.4″ Super AMOLED |
RAM | 1.5GB | 1.5GB |
Operating System | WearOS 3.0 | WearOS 3.0 |
Processor | Exynos W920 | Exynos W920 |
GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-G68 |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, NFC, GPS | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, NFC, GPS |
Battery | 40mm: 247 mAh 42mm: 361 mAh | 42mm: 247 mAh 46mm: 361 mAh |
Storage | 16GB | 16GB |
Price | From $149.99 | 42mm: From $149.99 46mm: From $168.00 |
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic vs Watch 4: What’s the Difference?
Tech Specs
All of the devices are nearly comparable in terms of the operating system, RAM, processor, GPU, and storage. The watches are said to be 20% faster than the Watch 3 series, no doubt thanks to enhancements in all of these areas, so you’ll have no trouble cycling through the hardware you’ll employ.
The Galaxy Watch 4 has 50% more RAM and twice the storage of the previous series, which are both nice improvements. All of the watches feature the same connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, NFC, 4G, and GPS.
Each is available in a Bluetooth or LTE form; the LTE version can make phone calls without the need for a smartphone, whereas Bluetooth versions must connect to the internet and make calls through a smartphone. Which version you choose will be primarily determined by your personal needs and tastes.
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Price
This is one area where we notice a considerable difference. The larger versions, as well as the Classic models, are more expensive, but the price differences aren’t that considerable at the time of writing.
With discounts, you can really get both the Watch 4 and the smaller Galaxy Watch 4 Classic for the same price. The price you can acquire one for, as well as whether you prefer the sleek aluminum of the Watch 4 or the sturdier steel of the Watch 4 Classic, are crucial considerations.
The primary distinction between the two devices is the difference in materials.
Design
The styles are identical, however each model is available in two sizes: the Galaxy Watch 4 is available in 40 and 44 mm case sizes, and the Galaxy Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is available in 42 and 46 mm case sizes.
All variants are far more streamlined than the Galaxy Watch 3 devices, which is a plus if you’re looking for something less bulky. Having said that, the Classic range is notably chunkier, especially in terms of thickness. The basic Watch 4 has a sportier feel than the Classic, similar to an Apple Watch. The Galaxy Watch 4 has a touch-sensitive bezel for navigating between apps and screens, whereas the Classic has a spinning bezel.
As we progress through the models, we can observe that the weight gradually increases, but this difference is most noticeable between the Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Overall, they’re not overly heavy, although admirers of heavier watches likely prefer the Classic. There are no differences in the 20mm straps used by all versions, although the Watch 4 has an aluminum case while the Classic has stainless steel.
Another distinction is the number of color options available; whereas the smaller Watch 4 has five, the larger version only has three. The issue is even worse with the Classic, which only comes in Black or Silver. These are arguably more “traditional” colors, but some choices would have been appreciated.

Sensors
One of the most popular reasons for owning a smartwatch is, well… the smart functionality! This mostly entails the use of sensors, which enable users to track their fitness and different health metrics such as steps walked, blood pressure, heart rate, and even air pressure and heart monitoring via an ECG. While the Watch 3 could measure heart rate and included ECG hardware, the sensors on the Galaxy Watch 4 have been enhanced and perform better overall.
The BioActive sensor array includes an optical heart rate sensor, an ECG sensor, and a bioelectrical impedance sensor, which uses measurements such as water retention and mass to produce a body fat reading for the user. Some of these extra functions, however, require a Samsung phone in order to be used, so keep that in mind.
Display
All versions use a Super AMOLED display, which offers a higher resolution and is brighter than previous generations. The sizes vary significantly, but the smaller models of the Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic feature the same size screen as their larger counterparts.
Because of the Cortex-M55 display processor, all models include a fairly efficient always-on-display mode, which minimizes energy consumption by offloading duties from the main CPU when in sleep mode. The 0.2″ difference may not appear to be significant, but because a wristwatch has a much smaller display than a smartphone, it is more noticeable. You might choose one of the larger models for this reason alone.
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Battery Life
The comparative table shows that the batteries in both the smaller and larger versions of both models are the same. These are obviously much smaller than those found in smartphones, but the power consumption of a smartwatch is significantly lower.
The battery life of all Galaxy Watch 4s is reported to be around 40 hours, though this may certainly vary depending on your personal usage. With any of the models, a full charge will take about 2 hours, which is comparable to the time it takes to charge a current smartphone.
In the worst-case situation, the battery may only last around a day, so there aren’t many options with these gadgets other than charging them more frequently.
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic vs Watch 4: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The Galaxy Watch 4 has a sleeker, more lightweight feel with its aluminum case, whereas the Watch 4 Classic is sturdier and more rigid with its stainless steel design.
- In general, Classic models are more expensive, as are larger variants, but this isn’t always the case, so double-check before you buy.
- The Watch 4 standard models have more color possibilities than the Classic models, which only come in two color options.
- The operating system, processor, GPU, RAM, and storage are identical across both models.

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic vs Watch 4: Which One is Best?
The gadgets resemble one another in many ways. The user interfaces for accessing the system, the watch’s dimensions, its available color options, and its general robustness are where the primary distinctions lie.
The Watch 4 Classic is preferred by individuals who desire a classic appearance and a bulkier design, but those who want a more sporty watch in a color other than black or silver would probably select the Watch 4 model instead.
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FAQs
When did the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic come out?
Both were released on August 27, 2021.
Is Galaxy Watch 4 Classic worth buying?
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is presently the top Wear OS smartwatch available for purchase. However, if you want to save some money, the Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic are still excellent watches worth purchasing.
When was the first Galaxy Watch released?
The first Galaxy Watch was released on August 24, 2018.
Can you text on Galaxy Watch 4 Classic?
Go to the Home screen. Swipe up. Choose the message symbol. Choose the message.