Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review: The Ultimate Android Smartwatch
When I first strapped on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 back in 2021, I thought it was just another smartwatch. Four years later, in 2025, it’s still my daily companion, tracking workouts, monitoring sleep, and keeping me connected without ever reaching for my phone. Few devices manage to stay relevant this long, but the Galaxy Watch 4 proves that smart design, powerful software, and health-focused features can make a smartwatch truly timeless for Android users. In this Galaxy Watch 4 review, we’ll explore why this smartwatch continues to stand out among Android wearables.
From its sleek design and vibrant display to its advanced health tracking, fitness features, and Wear OS 3 software, we’ll break down every aspect to help you decide if it’s still worth your investment. Whether you’re a longtime Samsung fan or just shopping for the best Android smartwatch in 2025, this review has you covered.
Why the Galaxy Watch 4 is Still Relevant
The Galaxy Watch 4 was first launched in 2021, but even today, it holds up impressively against newer models. Samsung took a bold step with Wear OS 3, bringing Google’s ecosystem together with Samsung’s One UI.
This review will cover:
- Design and display
- Performance and software
- Health and fitness features
- Battery life and charging
- Compatibility and ecosystem benefits
- Pros and cons
By the end of this Galaxy Watch 4 review, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this smartwatch is worth your investment.
Galaxy Watch 4 Design and Display
Premium Materials
The Galaxy Watch 4 combines style and durability. It features an aluminum case that’s lightweight yet robust. This choice ensures the watch doesn’t feel heavy during long workouts or overnight sleep tracking.
The watch comes in two sizes:
- 40mm: Lightweight and perfect for smaller wrists
- 44mm: Larger display with better readability
Color options include Black, Silver, Green, and Gold, giving users the freedom to match their personal style.
Display Quality
Both models boast a vibrant AMOLED display. The 40mm has a resolution of 396 x 396 pixels, while the 44mm offers 450 x 450 pixels. Brightness is impressive, ensuring clarity even under direct sunlight. Gorilla Glass DX+ protects against scratches, and the always-on display option provides convenient time and notification viewing.
Comfort and Bands
The included silicone strap is soft and comfortable, but Samsung supports swappable bands, allowing for personalization. From premium leather to sport silicone, options are plentiful.
Verdict: Samsung’s design is practical yet stylish. The watch feels premium without being overly bulky, a balance many competitors struggle to achieve.
Effortless Performance Meets Smart Software
Processor and Storage
The Galaxy Watch 4 is powered by the Exynos W920 processor, paired with 1.5GB RAM and 16GB storage. During testing, apps launched quickly, navigation was smooth, and multitasking was efficient, even with health tracking and GPS active.
Wear OS 3 with One UI
Samsung’s partnership with Google has made Wear OS 3 a game-changer. The One UI overlay keeps the interface familiar to Samsung users while allowing access to the Google Play Store, enabling apps like Strava, Spotify, and Google Maps.
Usability
The watch features:
- Virtual rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- Two side buttons for quick access
- Customizable watch faces with complications
Our hands-on testing confirms that day-to-day usage is effortless, whether responding to notifications or switching between apps.
Verdict: Fast, responsive, and highly capable, Samsung’s software and hardware synergy makes this one of the best Android smartwatches available.
Health and Fitness Features: Your Personal Trainer on the Wrist
The Galaxy Watch 4 shines in health and fitness tracking, with several features that make it a serious competitor to devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The watch tracks your heart rate continuously, with alerts for abnormal readings. During workouts, it provides average and maximum heart rates, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
ECG and Blood Pressure
Paired with a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Watch 4 allows ECG readings and blood pressure monitoring. While ECG is a clinically reliable tool, blood pressure monitoring requires calibration with a standard cuff for best accuracy.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking is detailed:
- Duration of each sleep stage
- Time awake vs. time asleep
- Insights into sleep quality
The Samsung Health app provides a comprehensive analysis of your sleep patterns, helping you make actionable adjustments.
Body Composition Analysis
The Galaxy Watch 4 features Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), which measures:
- Body fat percentage
- Skeletal muscle mass
- BMI
- Body water content
It’s a unique feature not found in most smartwatches, giving a more holistic view of health beyond basic metrics.
Stress and Wellness
The watch also tracks stress levels and offers guided breathing exercises, helping users manage their mental wellbeing.
Activity and Workout Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 4 supports a wide range of workouts, from running and cycling to yoga and strength training. Key features include:
- Auto-workout detection
- Heart rate zones for training optimization
- GPS tracking for outdoor activities
Verdict: The Galaxy Watch 4 is more than a smartwatch; it’s a comprehensive health and fitness companion.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life varies by usage:
- Standard 40mm: up to 24 hours
- Larger 44mm: up to 40 hours
Enabling Always-on Display or frequent workouts can reduce battery life. Fortunately, charging is fast and wireless, allowing a full charge in under two hours.
Tip: For long trips or extended workouts, consider carrying a portable charger.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
Android-Optimized
Samsung has optimized the Galaxy Watch 4 for Android phones, particularly Samsung devices. Some features, like ECG and blood pressure, are limited to Samsung smartphones.
Limitations
- Not compatible with iPhones
- Some advanced features restricted outside Samsung devices
Despite this, it integrates well with Google services, making it an excellent choice for Android users.
Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Competitors
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 4 | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes (Samsung only) | Yes | No |
| Blood Pressure | Yes (Samsung only) | No | No |
| Body Composition | Yes | No | No |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24–40h | 18h | 6+ days |
| OS Compatibility | Android | iOS | Android/iOS |
The Galaxy Watch 4 review clearly shows that for Android users, this watch balances features, price, and performance better than competitors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Detailed health and fitness tracking
- Wear OS 3 with Google Play Store access
- Unique body composition feature
Cons:
- Limited iPhone compatibility
- Advanced features best with Samsung devices
- Battery life could be longer
Conclusion
This Galaxy Watch 4 review confirms that the watch remains one of the best smartwatches for Android users in 2025. It combines style, performance, and comprehensive health tracking into a sleek package. If you own a Samsung phone, the integration is seamless. Even for other Android users, it delivers a feature-rich, reliable smartwatch experience.
Whether you’re tracking workouts, monitoring your health, or just staying connected, the Galaxy Watch 4 is a smart investment that continues to shine in the crowded smartwatch market.
