<The Galaxy Watch5 Pro: A Potential Game Changer for Smartwatches>
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If there's one Apple device that has started to lose its charm for me, it's the Apple Watch.
While I do wear it frequently—often more than my beloved Casio G-Shock—I mainly use it just to monitor my workouts and manage my rest periods during weightlifting.
I’ve become indifferent to my activity rings, and notifications have shifted from being useful to merely bothersome. Honestly, I’m finding the Apple Watch and its operating system rather dull these days.
This is precisely why I’m thrilled about the speculation surrounding a 'Pro' version of the Apple Watch expected to launch later this year. Coincidentally, Samsung has jumped ahead by introducing their own competitor aimed at Garmin enthusiasts!
I've pre-ordered the Galaxy Watch5 Pro and will share my first impressions once I receive it. In the meantime, here are some preliminary thoughts.
Introducing the Galaxy Watch5 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is now available for preorder, starting at £429 in the UK.
While the standard Watch5 offers only a modest update, the Watch5 Pro represents a new tier in Samsung's smartwatch lineup.
It is clearly designed to compete directly with specialized sports watches from brands like Garmin, featuring built-in GPS, a durable titanium construction, and a sapphire crystal display that is claimed to be “rugged enough for the outdoors.”
The Watch5 Pro operates on a modified version of Google’s Wear OS, called One UI, tailored specifically for the circular display. It appears visually appealing, at least in promotional images, outshining the Apple Watch in aesthetics.
There are several aspects of the Watch5 Pro that I find appealing, although I do have some reservations.
Highlights of the Galaxy Watch5 Pro
Let’s focus on the positive aspects.
I have long admired Samsung's smartwatches from a distance due to their circular design, reminiscent of traditional timepieces. The Watch5 Pro enhances this by increasing both the device's physical dimensions (it’s available exclusively in a rather large 45mm case) and its battery capacity, boasting an impressive 590mAh.
Additionally, the Bespoke Studio on Samsung's website is a standout feature. It allows users to experiment with different color combinations for bands and casings while visualizing these choices alongside various Watch5 faces. The interface is user-friendly, responsive, and encourages creativity—far superior to the Apple Watch customization options.
What excites me the most is the potential experience the Watch5 Pro could offer for regular runners and fitness enthusiasts. I’ve grown tired of the Apple Watch in this regard, and I’m eager to have a fresh alternative during my workouts.
I'm not an adventurous runner, which is why the ‘Track Back’ feature caught my attention. This capability to retrace my steps back to my starting point seems ideal for someone like me who tends to get lost while trying to meet specific distance goals.
Though I don’t hike often, I do take an annual trip to the Lake District every February. I’m curious to see how well the Watch5 Pro can withstand challenging conditions. If Apple releases its own 'Pro' variant by then, I plan to compare them side by side.
Pricing Perspective
The pricing for the entire Watch5 series is quite competitive. The base model starts at just £289, and the Pro version’s £429 price tag is likely lower than whatever Apple unveils this fall. It feels like a solid value proposition.
However, there could be some drawbacks to the Watch5 Pro.
Concerns Regarding the Galaxy Watch5 Pro
There are a few areas that need to be clarified before I fully commit to the Watch5 Pro as my daily smartwatch.
First, its compatibility with non-Samsung phones remains uncertain; historically, the best experience with Galaxy Watches has been when they are paired with Samsung devices.
Although I have a Galaxy Z Flip4 on the way, I often switch Android phones due to my job. This means the Watch5 Pro must be compatible with a wide range of Android devices. It would be disappointing if non-Samsung Android users couldn't access its best features because of their smartphone choice.
The Watch5 Pro operates on Samsung's Exynos platform, which has a reputation for underwhelming performance, especially in certain regions. I can’t help but worry about the Watch5 Pro's performance, given the issues seen in other devices powered by this chipset.
Let’s hope those concerns prove unfounded.
Lastly, I wonder if the Watch5 Pro is as durable as advertised. Brands like Garmin and Casio have built their reputations on creating tough watches, while Apple and Samsung are relatively new to this domain. Samsung's claim that the Watch5 Pro is “crafted for adventurers” might not hold if it fails to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
Bring it on, Samsung. I’m ready for the challenge.
Implications for the Apple Watch
While I will reserve my final judgment on the Watch5 Pro until I’ve had a chance to wear it, it’s clear that competition for Apple is intensifying.
The Apple Watch has enjoyed an uninterrupted reign at the top of the smartwatch market for some time, but with Samsung's new offerings and the upcoming Pixel Watch, there are now genuinely appealing alternatives.
As a long-time Apple Watch user since 2015, the arrival of a new 'Pro' option from Samsung is exhilarating. I’m eager to strap it on and put it through its paces.
What can Apple offer us now? Time is not on your side anymore (pun definitely intended).
Final Thoughts
I’ll have the Galaxy Watch5 Pro on my wrist by the end of the month and won’t remove it until Apple presents a comparable product.
The Apple Watch needs to innovate and give its long-term users something to be excited about once again.
I’m waiting, Tim.
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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on August 11, 2022.