The best non-Apple smartwatch has long been Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series, thanks to its comprehensive health and fitness tracking, intuitive interface and comfortable and attractive design. For such a mature product, it is difficult to imagine what Samsung can still improve, which could explain why the Galaxy Watch 5 is very similar to its predecessor. It even costs the same 280 to start.

Most of the changes here are not immediately visible, such as a more durable construction, an inactive temperature sensor and superior battery life. Samsung also unveiled a new 450 Pro model that comes in a 45mm titanium matter, uses a more powerful display and has a large 590 mAh battery that promises up to 80 hours of autonomy. However, the fact that the improvements are minor does not mean that the Galaxy Watch 5 still cannot be the best Smartwatch for Android users.

Samsung’s outdoor-oriented watch is not much different from its non-outdoor counterpart. Still, with its larger screen, robust construction and powerful wellness tracking software, the Watch 5 Pro is a great Android smartwatch for those who don’t mind big bracelets.

Design

As I said, the Galaxy Watch 5 looks exactly like its predecessor and is available in the same sizes of 40 mm and 44 mm as before. Both weigh a few grams (or less than a quarter Of an ounce) more than the previous generation, but it’s barely noticeable. The lack of change is not a bad thing — the round dial and the minimalist design of the Galaxy Watch make it look more like a traditional watch than the Apple Watch.

My 40mm exam unit has a silver matter, although Black and rose gold are also available, while the 44mm model is available in silver, black or Sapphire. I also received a comfortable purple silicone bracelet that is rather harmless than pretty for fun. If you want something prettier, you can simply swap the strips.

It’s not immediately obvious, but Samsung has used a more durable sapphire crystal for the Watch 5’s screen. I haven’t damaged a smartwatch yet, even during my wildest workouts, but I was grateful for the reinforced materials during a recent workout. I had forgotten the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro on my wrists and I had folded a pair of 26-weight Kettlebells on the back of my arms. Fortunately, none of the devices were scratched and I continued to lift the weights while going through two more sets. To be fair, I also did the same exercise with the Apple Watch and I didn’t damage it either.

Like its predecessors, the Watch 5 i

s rated IP68, 5 ATM and MIL-STD-810h for its durability (resistance to water, dust and pressure). I recently wore it while swimming, and although it wasn’t as accurate as the Apple Watch when tracking laps, it at least survived. Those who liked Samsung’s bezel-based Navigation will appreciate the Touch Ring that frames the screen that allows you to scroll through the Wear OS interface, as well as the slight haptic feedback when you pass in front of the applications. I still prefer a body rotating bezel, but I understand that not everyone wants the extra Mass.

One of the main differences that Samsung has made to the Watch 5 is the clever curve of its underside. It’s about keeping the watch in contact with a larger part of your wrist so that your sensors can provide more reliable readings. Unfortunately, I found this a bit annoying. THE Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro would leave round indentation marks on my wrist after removing them, no matter how well I adjusted the fit.

It was just mildly annoying, and I endured it because I thought I would get more reliable scans in return. But I realized that the Galaxy Watch 5 was still giving me almost exactly the same readings as the Apple Watch Series 7 that I was wearing on my other wrist, and the latter has never felt so tight. Another reviewer I spoke to said that they found the Watch 5 very comfortable, so it could be a matter of personal preference.