The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 could be the best smartwatch ever for Android users. Although the rumored wearable’s release date is up in the air, we have some idea of what to expect based on leaks and our understanding of the Galaxy Watch lineup.
Samsung’s next-generation smartwatch will look to build on the success of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, a lifestyle timepiece with all the key fitness features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, plus fall detection, FDA-approved ECG readings and more.
How could the Galaxy Watch 4 improve? For starters, the next Galaxy Watch is making a major software change. At Google I/O, it was announced that Samsung was ditching Tizen in favor of Google’s WearOS platform.
Sadly, while it was believed to get blood glucose monitoring — making it a direct rival of the upcoming Apple Watch 7, which is also rumored to get the feature — it appears this isn’t in the cards.
As we get closer to Galaxy Watch 4 release date, more information is sure to surface. Be sure to bookmark this page for the latest rumors and news concerning Samsung’s anticipated smartwatch, and see everything we know right now about it below.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 latest news and rumors (June 23)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 release date
We won’t know an exact Galaxy Watch 4 release date until more intel on the next Samsung Unpacked event is either leaked online or announced by the company itself. Samsung has debuted a new smartwatch at its annual summer keynote for three years in a row, so we expect it’ll stick to precedent this year, too.
What’s less certain is which smartphones the Galaxy Watch 4 will launch beside. While the Galaxy Watch 3 debuted with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series. Samsung is reportedly committed to the Galaxy Note line, but it remains to be seen if the Galaxy Watch 4 will debut along with a Galaxy Note 21.
If Samsung keeps to its usual timing, as a recent report by Money Today claims, then the Galaxy Watch 4 series will launch in either July or August. It will be joined by the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, the report continues.
There’s a chance the next Galaxy Watch comes sooner than expected, too. According to a Twitter thread from tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 are due in the second quarter of 2021. This means Samsung could be launching its newest smartwatch models earlier than usual.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 price
The Galaxy Watch 3 starts at $399 for the 41mm model. The larger, 45mm model starts at $429. For reference, this is the same pricing structure as the Apple Watch 6. However, the Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE adds $50 to the base price, whereas it costs an additional $100 for the latest Apple Watch with Cellular.
Considering the Galaxy Watch 3 brought a price bump compared to the original Samsung Galaxy Watch, we don’t expect Samsung will hike the cost again. Actually, the next Galaxy Watch could be cheaper than the Galaxy Watch 3 if it’s a new version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. As one of the best cheap smartwatches we’ve reviewed, the Active lineup is a slimmer, more fitness-focused version of the Galaxy Watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 blood glucose monitor
Although the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s standout health feature isn’t all that likely, it’s possible the watch will offer built-in glucose monitoring to help users with diabetes manage and track their blood sugar.
According to a report from ETNews, the next Galaxy Watch will have non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Apparently the company has been working on this technology for some time. However countering that is a Money Today report which claims it’s no longer coming.
This kind of blood glucose monitoring works using a technique called Raman spectroscopy. The smartwatch could leverage a laser to help identify the chemical composition of glucose through the skin on a user’s wrist. As described in a method developed by Samsung researchers, the laser offers high prediction accuracies.
While non-invasive blood glucose readings could be a game-changer for those with diabetes, it’s important to note that such a smartwatch feature probably couldn’t replace all invasive tests. It could provide better health information for users on-the-go, though.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 specs and features
Besides blood glucose monitoring, we don’t know much about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 specs and features.
However, it was confirmed at Google I/O that the Galaxy Watch 4 would be running WearOS, rather than Tizen. This means that Galaxy Watch 4 owners will have access to the plethora of apps, such as the Google Play store, Google Pay, Google Maps — long a weakness of Tizen. Based on images, it looks like some of Tizen’s interface will be skinned on top of WearOS, which hopefully will make it easier to navigate.
Software and interface aside, the next Galaxy Watch will probably feature some spec upgrades. It could build on the 8GB of storage currently offered to match the Apple Watch’s large storage offerings, as well as a better battery life. Currently the Galaxy Watch 3 lasts up to two days on one charge, which is longer than the Apple Watch’s 18 hour battery life but shorter than the stamina of the original Galaxy Watch.
According to Korean tech website The Elec, the Galaxy Watch 4 will pack a 240mAh battery in the the 41mm model and a 350mAh battery in the 45mm model. Those capacities are slightly different than those of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 lineup, which featured a used 247mAh and 340mAh batteries, respectively.
It also looks like both the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch Active 4 will come in two sizes. According to Max Weinbach of Android Police, the Galaxy Watch 4 will be available in 41mm and 45mm versions, while the Galaxy Watch Active 4 will have a 40mm and a 44mm case size.
The same leak also suggests that both watches will be available with either Bluetooth or cellular connectivity. Considering earlier Galaxy Watch models have been offered in two sizes, this news isn’t entirely surprising.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: What we want to see
Longer battery life: It would be great if the next Galaxy Watch gains some battery life back. Based on our usage, we found the Galaxy Watch 3 lasted just over a day with the always-on display and frequent activity tracking. The Fitbit Sense, by comparison, lasts an epic six days.
FDA approval for blood pressure monitoring: We’d also like a feature that’s already offered in the Galaxy Watch lineup finally earn FDA approval. Samsung has put blood pressure monitoring in the last two iterations of its smartwatch, but users in the U.S. haven’t been able to take advantage of the health tool. That said, it recently went live in a slew of other countries, so the U.S. could be next.
Sleeker design: In terms of design, we’d welcome a slimmer chassis, especially if it’s a non-Active Galaxy Watch coming. On that note, we’d also support the two Galaxy Watch models merging to meet somewhere in the middle, much like the Apple Watch. There’s no evidence to suggest Samsung’s is unifying its smartwatch models, but if it does, we just hope the rotating bezel makes the cut.
A focus on mental health: Lastly, we’d appreciate if Samsung expands its wrist-based mental health tools, whether it be stress monitoring or better stress management options. Fitbit’s recent watches and Fitbit Premium upgrades (users can now meditate with Deepak Chopra) are a good example to follow. A future Apple Watch is also rumored to get oncoming panic attack warnings to help you get out of dangerous situations, like driving.
Be sure to check back as new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 leaks and rumors arise. We’ll update this page with the latest information leading up to the launch of Samsung’s next smartwatch.
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