Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Release - Rumours - Specs

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is on the horizon, likely to be announced in August 2022 and available in UK stores by September 2022. What can you expect from this exciting new smartwatch? We’ve compiled all the facts and rumours.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will come in two variants: the Galaxy Watch 5 & Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. The Watch 5 Pro will offer a single case size (46mm), while the Watch 5 will offer two (40mm and 44mm), similar to its predecessor.

Following the massive success of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Samsung is releasing a new model just one year later: the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. As with smartphones, expect incremental improvements in the successor model.

Design & Appearance

While the exact look of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro remains under wraps, no major new patents suggest a drastic design overhaul. Samsung seems pleased with the Galaxy Watch 4’s design and popularity, likely making only minor tweaks to the successor’s appearance.

Two Models (Watch 5 & Watch 5 Pro)

These two models replace the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The Watch 4 Classic featured a larger battery, a trait expected to return with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. A larger screen typically requires a bigger battery to offset power drain.

Case Dimensions

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will be available in two sizes:

• 40mm (3 colours)
• 44mm (3 colours)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will be available in one size only:

• 46mm (2 colours)

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offered two sizes (42mm & 46mm), the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro appears to focus on a single 46mm size. This suggests the 42mm Classic may have underperformed, leading to its discontinuation.

Colours

Based on a leaked tweet from evleaks, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will come in two colours, and the Galaxy Watch 5 in three. The available colours are:

• Black Titanium (Watch 5 Pro)
• Gray Titanium (Watch 5 Pro)
• Graphite (Watch 5)
• Silver (Watch 5)
• Pink Gold (Watch 5)

The Watch 5 introduces a new Pink Gold (Rose Gold) option, which wasn’t available with the Galaxy Watch 4, where only silver and black were offered.

Premium Materials

Samsung is doubling down on luxury materials. The case will be made from titanium (stronger than steel), and the pins securing the strap will use enhanced stainless steel.

Improved Battery

Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will see battery upgrades compared to their predecessors. The smallest Watch 4 battery was 247mAh, while the 40mm Watch 5 will feature a 276mAh battery. Whether this improves battery life depends on the watch’s power consumption. Here’s a leaked photo of the new battery design:

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Price

The recommended retail price hasn’t been confirmed since the Watch 5 hasn’t launched. However, it’s likely to align with the Watch 4’s prices from last year.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 - 40mm is expected at £269, the 44mm at £299, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro - 46mm at £399.

It’s unclear if prices will vary by colour, such as the new Pink Gold. Combinations with premium straps may add a few pounds to the cost.

Internal Camera (Rumour)

Some smartwatches, including early Samsung models, featured internal cameras, which later disappeared. A new Samsung patent has resurfaced this idea.

This patent is too recent to be included in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. However, if development began before the patent was filed, we might see a camera on the Watch 5.

Stretchable Screen (Rumour)

Samsung’s Galaxy Flip 3 and Fold 3 emphasize foldable and stretchable screens. A similar design has emerged for smartwatches (see image above). Whether this will appear on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is unknown.

It’s unlikely Samsung will implement a rollable screen on their most popular smartwatch line.

Sensors and Features

Many technologies, sensors, and features will carry over from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The Galaxy Watch 5 will include:

• NFC chip (payments)
• Optical heart rate sensor
• Blood oxygen measurement
• ECG heart rate monitoring

Rumours suggest a new tool: a thermometer. A general thermometer and body temperature sensor may debut on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro.

Wider Range of Straps

Samsung has seen a surge in accessory sales recently, likely prompting a broader range of Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 straps, following the trend with Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 straps.

No Change in Operating System

Since the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Samsung has used a refined version of the Wear OS system. The Galaxy Watch 5 will continue with this, featuring minor enhancements.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is expected to launch late August to early September. Following the pattern of the Galaxy Watch 4’s 27 August 2021 release, the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro may follow suit, likely at the Unpacked event on 10 August 2022.

Conclusion

It’s still a wait until the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is fully launched, but expectations are high given the Galaxy Watch 4’s popularity. Samsung is clearly working hard to refresh their smartwatches, positioning themselves as a top competitor to the Apple Watch in the premium smartwatch market.