What can the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) actually do?

Finally, the wait is over, and we get to hold the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in our hands ourselves. 🤩

For this review, we’re testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in the colour Black Titanium.

The Pro version only differs from the basic Galaxy Watch 5 in terms of battery performance and the Track Back function. Other than that, they are essentially the same watch.

Don’t worry, we’ll go into more detail on the differences later in the review.

But first, let's take a look at how well the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) supports you while training.

Almost 100 training modes and tons of workouts

You heard right!

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 tracks almost 100 exercises: from running to kayaking to swimming.

This means you can take the Galaxy Watch 5 with you while swimming without having to worry.

The smartwatch tracks all kinds of data while you exercise. You can read the most important information in real-time on the display. The watch also announces important information for you.

After your workout, you can find detailed information in the corresponding Samsung Health app on your mobile phone. 📱

You will also find tons of different pre-installed workouts here.

You can, of course, also build your own workouts.

If fitness-tracking features are your main concern, check out our review of the best fitness watches here.

Automatic exercise detection

What we really loved while reviewing the watch is that the Galaxy Watch 5 recognises when you are active all by itself.

So no need to worry about forgetting to record your workouts.

The Galaxy Watch 5 detects your activity and starts tracking automatically. 🙌

Testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch Pro Running Coach

We’re already familiar with voice coaching for running from the previous model, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. 🏃

The Galaxy Watch 5 also features this practical function.

Running coach mode helps you to maintain a constant pace during training:

• Warm-up instructions
• When to run faster/slower
• Recommendations for improving your running style
• Cool-down instructions

Of course, you can customise the settings for your personal training here.

Your tracked data is then available in the app.

By the way, you can check out our review of the best running watches here!

Health App

The most important data is shown directly on the display during your training.

So you can have a look at your progress whenever you like.

In the app, however, you will receive a lot more information after your workout:

• Duration of training
• Distance travelled
• Elevation climbed
• Speed
• Heart rate
• Heart rate zones
• VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) also supports you during strength training and can count your individual reps.

However, a new training session must be started for each new exercise.

How accurately does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 measure your heart rate?

For ambitious athletes, it’s essential for heart rate measurement to be as accurate as possible.

In the long term, the best way to improve your performance is to know your heart rate and train accordingly.

To find out how well the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) measures your heart rate, we took it out for training with a Polar H10 chest strap and the Garmin vivoactive 4.

So let’s compare the data:

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) delivered good results in our test.

The smartwatch measures the heart rate very accurately. We noticed an improvement compared to previous Samsung smartwatches.

However, there are still some deviations compared to a chest strap.

But this was to be expected.

However, this level of accuracy is plenty sufficient for casual athletes. 💪

Garmin HRM Pro*

Polar H10*

Training review with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) – Our conclusion

During our tests, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 provided us with excellent fitness tracking.

Casual athletes will be more than happy with what’s on offer here. 🥳

Modern wearables are known for recording a variety of different health data and giving you recommendations for your daily life.

As part of our review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro), we also had a look at what health-tracking features the gadget has to offer.

And we can already tell you this much: We are impressed! 🚀

Here are some of the health metrics that are included:

• Activity tracker
• Pulse and heart rate monitor
• Stress level measurement
• Pulse oximeter for measuring blood oxygen level
• ECG and blood pressure measurement
• BIA analysis (body composition)
• Sleep analysis

Below, we’ve put together the results from our review of the individual health functions. 👇

Activity tracker of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro)

The Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) comes with a built-in activity tracker. This means the smartwatch records your activities around the clock!

You will receive the following information:

• Step count
• Floors climbed
• Distance travelled
• Pulse and heart rate
• Calories burned

You can view your real-time data on your smartwatch display at any time.

You can get even more detailed information in the mobile app. Here you can also find your historical data for the past days and weeks.

Heart rate measurement

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 continuously monitors your heart rate, not just while you exercise, but also throughout your day.

It’s also possible to set an alert as soon as your heart rate exceeds or falls below a certain value.

This value can, of course, be manually set.

Measuring your stress level and breathing exercises

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) also measures your stress level.

So you no longer have to worry about not noticing when you’re stressed. Your smartwatch will let you know! 😝

If you're feeling a little anxious, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) will provide you with breathing exercises to help you relax.

You can select the number of breathing cycles you want per minute.

Measurement of blood oxygen levels

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) is also able to measure your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).

This measurement can be done manually. Simply hold still for a few moments.

The Galaxy Watch 5 even records your blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

This can give clues to possible sleeping issues.

ECG and blood pressure measurement with the Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro)

With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, you can also create an ECG and measure your blood pressure. 💓

In doing so, cardiac arrhythmias, such as dangerous atrial fibrillation, can be detected.

However, if in doubt, always consult a doctor. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) is not a medical device and cannot provide 100% accurate results!

Samsung wearables are currently the only smartwatches on the market that can measure your blood pressure.

To measure your blood pressure with the Galaxy Watch 5, you must first calibrate your smartwatch with a blood pressure monitor.

During our test, however, the measurements of the smartwatch deviated slightly from the measurements of the blood pressure monitor. 👇

BIA analysis: What is your body composition?

Samsung integrated BIA analysis for the first time on the Galaxy Watch 4.

This allows your watch to measure your body composition. You can then find out what proportion of your body consists of water, muscle and fat mass.

In our test, we compared the data of the Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) with that of a body fat scale.

Additionally, we performed the measurements every morning after getting up on an empty stomach over the course of several days.

In our test, we noticed that the measured values fluctuated greatly. 🧐

It wasn’t just that the results of the body fat scale and the smartwatch differed. Overnight, we had suddenly gained or lost a whole kilo of fat.

Reviewing the sleep analysis of the Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro)

While you sleep at night, the Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) is wide awake and recording your sleep. 💤

The next morning, you will receive the following information:

• Sleep duration
• Sleep and wake-up time
• Sleep stages (deep, light and REM sleep)
• Waking stages
• Energy consumption
• Sleep index (quality of your sleep)

While testing the watch overnight, we also found the Pro version of the watch to be quite large. Some people might find it annoying while sleeping.

As soon as the smartwatch has collected enough data (takes about 1 week), you are assigned a sleep animal.

You will then receive tips on how to improve your habits and start the day more rested in the future. 😴

Tips on avoiding excessive napping were particularly useful. We also like how the app gamifies sleep, awarding badges for consistent bedtimes.

How accurate is the Galaxy Watch 5 sleep tracking?

To find out how accurately the Galaxy Watch 5 monitors your sleep, we wore it to bed for several days along with the Oura Ring.

By and large, the data corresponds with the Oura results. However, there were some discrepancies here and there.

To find out for certain how accurately the Galaxy Watch 5 can really measure your sleep, we would have to take the watch to a sleep lab.

Snore analysis

The Galaxy Watch 5 can also detect when people are talking or snoring in their sleep.

However, the sounds are not recorded via the watch itself, but via the connected phone.

So your smartphone must be next to your pillow at night.

Fall detection for emergencies

For emergencies, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) also has a helpful fall detection function integrated. 🆘

This means that if you should fall while out exploring and not get up again, the smartwatch will notify your stored emergency contacts.

New temperature sensor – but no data available

A big upgrade announced for the Galaxy Watch 5 was the inclusion of a temperature sensor.

Unfortunately, this feature wasn’t available out of the box.

Samsung has stated that users will be able to benefit from this feature “in the near future.” They also provided a statement explaining that this sensor will factor into sleep insights.

We look forward to this feature being enabled!

Health function review of the Galaxy Watch 5 – Our conclusion

We put the Galaxy Watch 5's many health functions under the microscope for our review.

From measuring your stress level to analysing your sleep, everything we wanted is included. 🥳

With the temperature function not yet enabled, there were no major upgrades to the Galaxy Watch 4 health features to speak of.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) has all kinds of functions on board.

But of course, what the wearable can do is not the only important thing, it must also look good.

In this respect, Samsung has definitely not disappointed us! 🤩

Our first impression

As soon as we unpacked the Galaxy Watch 5, we were impressed by its high-quality design and good workmanship.

There is nothing to complain about here!

The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro looks high-quality, has a nice weight to it, and the colours are also stunning.

Great performance, Samsung! 🥳

Size, weight and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 comes in different sizes.

The regular Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is available in the following display diameters:

• 40 mm (28.7 gram)
• 44 mm (33.5 gram)

The Pro version, on the other hand, is only available in one size:

• 45 mm (46.5 gram)

The basic versions have an aluminium casing material, while the Pro version uses high-quality titanium.

No more physical bezel

One big change from the previous model is the lack of a physical bezel on the Galaxy Watch 5 range.

The larger Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic had a rotating bezel that surrounded the display. This was particularly practical for scrolling through the menu.

However, no models from the Watch 5 series feature this bezel.

Instead, you must swipe along the edge of the screen to scroll through the menu.

Whether this is a good or bad change will depend on your personal preferences. In our case, we found the physical bezel easier to scroll with.

Two side buttons for operation

The Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) is mainly operated via the touchscreen.

On the right side of the housing you will also find two buttons.

The upper button (home button) is highlighted in red.

These buttons offer a pleasant tactile experience. 👍

Colours range

The colour of your Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) should match your style.

You can choose from a variety of colours:

40 mm version:

• Graphite
• Pink Gold
• Silver

44 mm version:

• Graphite
• Sapphire
• Silver

45 mm version:

• Grey titanium
• Black Titanium

Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) Display

The Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) comes with three different display sizes: 40 mm, 44 mm and 45 mm.

You will also benefit from an always-on display.

This popular feature allows you to check the time whenever you like, without needing to wake your screen.

The AMOLED display is protected by particularly scratch-resistant and durable sapphire glass.

In terms of appearance, the basic version is very reminiscent of last year’s model.

This isn’t the case with the Pro version.

Here, the display is bordered by a raised metal rim. This should offer even better protection from scratches and impacts.

The Pro version is particularly durable and especially suitable for off-road and outdoor use.

Plenty of watch faces

The Galaxy Watch 5 also offers many watch faces.

Some watch faces also allow you to personalise the display.

You can also download many more watch faces and further customise the appearance of your smartwatch.

Samsung advertised its new wearable as having a bigger battery than previous models. 🔋

The Pro version is supposed to last up to 80 hours, the basic version up to 55 hours.

For our review, the Pro version lasted about 2.5 days with always-on display, continuous measurements and workout-tracking.

This is not as long as the manufacturer claims, but it is still a huge step forward compared to the previous model.

For comparison, the Galaxy Watch 4 lasted just a single day in our testing.

New for the Galaxy Watch 5: The fast charging function

The Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) comes with a new fast charge function.

For example, the battery of the basic version should be charged to 45% after only 30 minutes. 🙌

The 45 mm Pro version claims to be able to charge to 35% in half an hour.

A short charge before bedtime is enough for your smartwatch to last for sleep analysis.

How long does a full charge take?

It takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) once.

A magnetic contact charger is included in the delivery. 🔌

We are thrilled with the fast charging and longer battery life.

The new battery is also the biggest upgrade compared to the previous model.

To use the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro), you need a compatible smartphone.

You can then start the set-up process. 👇

You need these apps

Firstly, you need the right apps on your smartphone:

• Samsung Health App (to view the recorded data)
• Samsung Wearable App (for settings)
• Samsung Health Monitor (for ECG and blood pressure readings)

Please note: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) is not compatible with iPhones. The Samsung Health Monitor app is also only available for Samsung phones.

By the way, we’ve reviewed all the top smartwatches for your Android phone here!

How to set up the Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro)

Once you have installed the apps on your smartphone, you can start the process of setting up your smartphone watch:

1. Switch on the smartwatch. ⌚️
2. Select your country and language.
3. Open the Samsung Wearable app on your phone. 📱
4. Search for your watch in the Wearable app.
5. Follow the steps on your phone.

And you’re ready to go! 🥳

The set-up is quick and seamless.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is comprised of several different variants.

Here’s an overview of the different versions of the smartwatch to help you decide which is right for you:

Differences between Basic and Pro versions

By and large, the Basic and Pro versions have pretty much the same specs.

However, the Pro version comes with a longer battery life and the new Track Back feature, which leads you back to the starting point of your route.

This model also allows you to transfer routes from Komoot to the watch.

Some advice: We recommend the smaller basic version for women. The larger models might look a bit clunky on narrow wrists.

With or without integrated LTE?

In addition, each of the three versions is available as either a Bluetooth only or LTE version.

With the latter, you can access the internet without your smartphone and, for example, receive and send messages.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) has not yet been assessed by Which?.

However, the previous models, the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic as well as the Watch Active2, were reviewed.

In the test from 2022, the Galaxy Watch 4 was labelled a Best Buy, receiving a score of 81%. 🏆

It was praised for its high-end features, but lost points for its lack of compatibility with iOS phones.

The Watch Active2 and Watch 4 Classic were awarded 80% and 79% respectively.

As soon as the Galaxy Watch 5 has also been tested by the independent organisation, we will update you here.

Throughout the course of our review, we examined every aspect of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro). 🧐

And we were pretty impressed.

What we loved:

• Longer battery life compared to the previous model
• Powerful training support
• Many health features and smart functions
• Detailed sleep analysis

With the Pro version, Samsung has now also brought their own high-quality outdoor-focussed smartwatch to the market. 🤩

That being said, the specs of the new 2022 Samsung smartwatch are almost identical to those of the Galaxy Watch 4. So it’s probably not worth the upgrade if you’re after tons of new smart features.

But if you’re looking for a smartwatch with longer battery life, updated health and fitness-tracking technology and features like Google Assistant, the Galaxy Watch 5 is a fantastic option for Android users.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Pro) offers casual athletes everything they could wish for! 🚀