Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 series will reportedly ditch a hot-favorite design element in favor of a cool health upgrade. Here’s everything we know so far.
Samsung’s next Unpacked event is right around the corner, where it is expected to reveal new versions of its Galaxy smartwatches. While we still have to wait for the official unveiling, plenty of leaks have painted a clear picture of what’s coming. Promising rumors, press renders, and juicy findings in the official code of Samsung software have already revealed bits about the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 series smartwatches. Here’s everything that we know so far.
Samsung’s latest-generation smartwatch portfolio includes two models — the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. It appears that Samsung is getting rid of the Classic branding this year, just the way it retired the Active moniker a generation earlier. Instead, the naming convention is now going to be a lot simpler and more mainstream.
One of the betas of the Samsung Health App, first spotted by 9to5Google, name-drops the upcoming Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro models, but there’s no mention of a Classic model for the next generation. SamMobile also claims to have confirmation that there won’t be a Classic model making an appearance this year.
The absence of the Classic model is further reinforced by press renders leaked via 91Mobiles. Here, we see the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro — no Classic model to speak of. The latter is likely to replace the Classic model of the past. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is expected to come in titanium gray and black colors. Notably, the Vanilla model is said to go on sale in two size options, while the pricier Pro model will be limited to just one with a 45mm dial, which will have a redesigned buckle system. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will come in GPS-only and cellular variants, as per Evan Blass.
By contrast, the Galaxy Watch 5 is tipped to have three color options of silver, black, and blue with matching straps. One of the two sizes will be 44mm, and both variants are likely to be offered in GPS-only and cellular versions. The Watch 5 will have two buttons on the side. Samsung could switch to using premium materials like sapphire glass and titanium metal for the casing on the Watch 5 Pro, following Huawei’s lead with the Watch GT 3 Pro.
There is no dearth of round smartwatches out there, but what made Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series stand out was the interactive bezel control system. On the likes of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it was the physical rotating bezel that truly set it apart. The Vanilla model went for capacitive controls alongside the bezels. But unlike past Galaxy watches, the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro won’t come with capacitive bezel control or a rotating bezel, which is surprising since the feature helped Samsung wearables stand out from the sea of other smartwatches. It’s an unfortunate development, but it’ll be interesting to see how Samsung fans react to the new design.
For now, take a look at unwatermarked renders of the Galaxy Watch 5 and its Pro sibling in all their color options, courtesy of Evan Blass (with 91Mobiles).
