Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Review: Worth It In 2024?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. It's been around for a while, but is it still a contender in 2024? We'll be looking at everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, stick around to find out if this smartwatch is the right fit for you!

Design and Build Quality: A Timeless Classic

Let's kick things off with the design. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic definitely lives up to its name. It boasts a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic that sets it apart from many of its competitors. The rotating bezel is not just a visual treat; it's incredibly functional, allowing you to navigate through menus and apps with ease. The watch feels substantial on the wrist, thanks to its stainless steel case, which gives it a premium and durable feel. The build quality is top-notch, and you can tell that Samsung paid attention to every detail.

The watch comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm. This ensures that there's a size that fits comfortably on most wrists. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass DX+, which offers excellent scratch resistance. So, you don't have to worry too much about accidentally bumping it against surfaces. The Super AMOLED display is vibrant and sharp, making it a joy to view your notifications, fitness stats, and watch faces. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, the display remains legible, thanks to its high brightness levels. The overall design is versatile enough to be worn in both formal and casual settings. It’s a watch that can seamlessly transition from the gym to a business meeting.

The rotating bezel is a standout feature that truly enhances the user experience. It provides tactile feedback as you scroll through the interface, making it more intuitive than swiping on a touchscreen. The two physical buttons on the side offer additional control and quick access to frequently used functions. The straps are easily interchangeable, allowing you to customize the look of your watch to match your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic leather strap or a sporty silicone band, there are plenty of options available. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities. You can confidently wear it in the shower or while washing your hands without worrying about damaging it. The combination of elegant design, robust build quality, and functional features makes the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic a standout device in the smartwatch market.

Features and Performance: Still Packed with Goodies?

Now, let's talk about what the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic brings to the table in terms of features. This smartwatch is loaded with sensors and functionalities that cater to both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users. At its heart, it runs on Wear OS, co-developed by Samsung and Google, which means you get access to a vast library of apps and services from the Google Play Store. This is a significant advantage over smartwatches that run on proprietary operating systems.

One of the standout features is the comprehensive health tracking capabilities. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic can monitor your heart rate, track your sleep, measure your blood oxygen levels, and even perform an ECG. These features provide valuable insights into your overall health and well-being. The watch also offers advanced workout tracking, with support for a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and weightlifting. It can automatically detect certain workouts, so you don't have to manually start tracking every time you hit the gym. The built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking of your outdoor activities, allowing you to map your runs and bike rides with precision. The sleep tracking feature provides detailed analysis of your sleep stages, helping you identify patterns and make adjustments to improve your sleep quality.

Beyond health and fitness, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers a range of smart features that enhance your daily life. You can receive and respond to notifications directly from your wrist, make and receive calls, and control your music playback. The watch also supports contactless payments via Samsung Pay, allowing you to make purchases without needing your phone or wallet. The integration with Google Assistant provides voice control capabilities, allowing you to set reminders, check the weather, and perform other tasks with simple voice commands. The performance of the watch is smooth and responsive, thanks to its powerful processor and ample RAM. Apps launch quickly, and the interface is fluid and intuitive. The battery life is decent, typically lasting a day or two depending on your usage. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers a compelling combination of features and performance that make it a worthwhile investment.

Software and User Experience: A Smooth Operator

Moving on to the software, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic runs on Wear OS, a collaborative effort between Samsung and Google. This operating system offers a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. Navigating the watch is a breeze, thanks to the rotating bezel and intuitive touch controls. The watch's interface is highly customizable, allowing you to personalize watch faces, widgets, and app layouts to suit your preferences.

The integration of Samsung's One UI on top of Wear OS enhances the user experience with smooth animations and thoughtful design elements. Setting up the watch is straightforward, especially if you have a Samsung phone. The Galaxy Wearable app allows you to manage watch settings, download apps, and customize watch faces. The app also provides detailed insights into your fitness data, allowing you to track your progress and set goals. The watch supports seamless integration with other Samsung devices, allowing you to control your smart home appliances and access other connected services.

The Google Play Store offers a vast selection of apps, ranging from productivity tools to entertainment apps. You can download apps like Spotify, Strava, and Google Maps directly to your watch, allowing you to use them without needing your phone. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic also supports voice commands via Google Assistant, allowing you to perform tasks hands-free. The watch's notification system is well-designed, allowing you to quickly view and respond to messages and emails. The rotating bezel makes it easy to scroll through notifications and navigate menus. The overall software experience is polished and refined, making the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic a pleasure to use on a daily basis. The combination of Wear OS and Samsung's One UI creates a seamless and intuitive user experience that sets it apart from other smartwatches in the market.

Battery Life: Does It Last?

Battery life is always a crucial factor when considering a smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers a decent battery life, typically lasting around a day or two depending on usage. With moderate use, including activity tracking, notifications, and occasional use of apps, you can expect to get through a full day without needing to recharge. However, if you're a heavy user who frequently uses GPS, streams music, or makes calls, you may need to charge it more frequently.

The watch supports wireless charging, making it convenient to top up the battery. You can use a standard Qi-compatible wireless charger or the included charging puck. The charging time is relatively quick, taking around two hours to fully charge the watch. While the battery life may not be as impressive as some other smartwatches on the market, it's still adequate for most users. To extend the battery life, you can disable certain features, such as always-on display and continuous heart rate monitoring. You can also adjust the screen brightness and limit the number of notifications you receive. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers a range of power-saving modes that can help you conserve battery life when needed. These modes can significantly extend the battery life by limiting the watch's functionality.

Is It Worth Buying in 2024?

So, the big question: is the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic still worth buying in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. While it may not be the latest and greatest smartwatch on the market, it still offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and design. The rotating bezel is a standout feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors, and the Wear OS platform provides access to a wide range of apps and services. The health tracking capabilities are comprehensive, and the watch offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. If you're looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch that won't break the bank, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is definitely worth considering.

Alternatives to Consider

Of course, there are other smartwatches on the market that you might want to consider as well. The Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 6 are newer models that offer improved performance and battery life. However, they also come with a higher price tag. The Apple Watch is another popular option, but it's only compatible with iPhones. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider the Fitbit Versa 4 or the Xiaomi Mi Watch, which offer a good balance of features and affordability. Ultimately, the best smartwatch for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice

In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic remains a solid choice in 2024. Its timeless design, smooth performance, and comprehensive feature set make it a worthwhile investment. While it may not be the newest smartwatch on the market, it still holds its own against the competition. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish smartwatch that offers a great user experience, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to shop around for the best deals!