The highly awaited Samsung Galaxy Watch, not the rumored Gear S4 smartwatch, is now available for pre-orders. The multi-faceted on-wrist communication and fitness device packs several powerful features in a slim frame. The Galaxy Watch will come in both LTE and non-LTE variants. Moreover, Samsung has made two different sizes of the smartwatch. Incidentally, Samsung has begun taking pre-orders for the fitness-focused device.
Samsung unrelieved multiple products at its Unpacked Event. Alongside its latest flagship, productivity-focused, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 smartphone, the company launched an interested communication device called Galaxy Home as well as its latest smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch. The wrist-wearable device allows users to take calls, receive messages, and get notifications using the same number and data plan as their phone. Moreover, the Galaxy Watch allows users to simply leave their smartphones at home because the smartwatch can handle all communications independently without needing to be constantly tethered or in close proximity to the device.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch: Specifications
The Galaxy Watch comes in two sizes and three colors. It will be available in black, silver, and rose gold. The sizes include a 42mm version as well as a larger 46mm variant. The 42mm Galaxy Watch comes in black and rose gold. The 46mm Galaxy Watch, comes in silver.
Samsung’s own Exynos 9110 chipset, paired with either 1.5GB of RAM (LTE version) or 768MB (Bluetooth version) powers the smartwatch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch has either a 1.2-inch or 1.3-inch Super AMOLED circular screen with 360 x 360 display resolution. Needless to mention, the display is sharp, vibrant and clear. Gorilla DX+ Glass coating protects the display.
Interestingly, the smartwatch runs on Tizen 4 operating system. There were persistent rumors that claimed Samsung had ditched the OS for Android Wear OS, but apparently that isn’t the case. However, the software works with both iOS and Android devices.
Samsung assures that the batteries within the Galaxy Watch variants can last for quite a few days. The device uses WPC based wireless charging. According to Samsung, 42mm Galaxy Watch can get 2-3 days of battery life with its 270mAh battery. The 46mm variant can last 3 to 4 days before needing a recharge thanks to 470mAh battery. Interestingly, Samsung has factored in usage of the smartwatches with GPS and cellular data turned on.
The Galaxy Watch has IP68 water and dust resistance, and is MIL-STD-810G certified for toughness. The smartwatch is splash-proof and waterproof up to 5 meters. In other words, users can easily wear these devices while bathing or swimming. The 42mm variant of the Galaxy Watch weighs 49 grams. The 46mm variant is slightly heavier at 63 grams.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Features
The Samsung Galaxy Watch is certainly a feature-packed on-wrist communications and fitness monitoring device. Incidentally, the Galaxy Watch is certainly not Samsung’s first wearable, but it’s the first with the Galaxy brand name. Samsung’s smartwatches have previously launched under the “Gear” branding. In fact, many tech enthusiasts were confident Samsung would launch the fourth iteration of the Gear smartwatch. However, Samsung has made some radical changes in addition to the rebranding exercise.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch draws inspiration from the Samsung Gear Sport. Its sports a circular display with a rotating bezel. The rotating crown lets users control the watch like a dial. Needless to mention, the smartwatch remarkably looks very similar to a very standard watch, and does so without drawing unnecessary attention. The smartwatch is made of stainless steel. Besides the rotating bezel, there are two buttons on the right-hand edge of the watch to cycle through menus and actions.
There are about 60,000 watch faces available. The smartwatch comes with Bixby as the voice assistant. It has 39 built-in workouts, and can automatically track six of them. The Galaxy Watch also has guided meditation and breathing exercises. Moreover, it can easily track user’s sleep cycle and calorie count.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Price and Availability
The 42mm version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch will retail for $329.99 (Rs. 22,400 approx.). The 46mm variant will retail for $349.99 (Rs. 23,400 approx). Although the pre-booking for the smartwatch has begun, Samsung will start selling them from August 24. Interestingly, buyers placing pre-orders for the Galaxy Watch before 8th September will also get a free watch band.
Samsung has confirmed availability of the Galaxy Watch in the U.S. and U.K. The Company has yet to announce the smartwatch for the Indian market. However, Samsung had implied that the Galaxy Note 9 smartphone will arrive in India soon. Moreover, the company indicated international availability of the Galaxy Watch will begin today. Hence Indian buyers can expect the Samsung Galaxy Watch to arrive soon.
