Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Smartwatch review: A sleek watch loaded with features
Looking for more of the best deals, latest celebrity news and hottest trends? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canada’s newsletter!
Yahoo Lifestyle Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Like many people over the last year and a half, my daily walks have become something of a saving grace for both my mental and physical health. More than a reason to get out of the house, hitting that 10,000 step mark has given me a sense of control in a time when it felt most taken from me.
Plus, for the first half of the pandemic, I participated in what I like to call the Great Migration of 2020, or, as it's more commonly referred to: moving back in with your parents. This meant that as the daughter of two avid walkers, 10,000 steps became the bare minimum of our daily jaunts.
Even with this competitive spirit in mind, I've only ever relied on the step counter on my phone to keep tally of my progress. At least, that was until I was given a chance to try out the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Smartwatch from Best Buy Canada.
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic Smartwatch
What is it?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic Smartwatch is the latest addition to Samsung's user-loved Galaxy Watch lineup. With its sleek, minimal design, the Watch4 doesn't share the athletic look of traditional smartwatches but instead could pair with a dressed-up outfit.
However, the smartwatch shares all the same features as the brand's other tech-driven wearables, including oxygen-level tracking and a heart rate monitor.
Initial thoughts and setup
Getting the smartwatch up and running is quick and easy. Once you download the accompanying Galaxy Wearable app on your Android or Google phone, it takes only minutes until you can begin playing with its many features.
I tested out the 42mm version of the smartwatch (there's also a 46mm version available), and it fit my wrist perfectly. The watch comes outfitted with a black rubber band and includes a white band for a second option.
One important thing to note: while previous Galaxy smartwatches were compatible with iPhones, the new Galaxy Watch4 is not. Device activation only works with phones that support Google Mobile Services (GMS), a feature that's not included on iOS devices.
I happen to be an iPhone owner, so I learned this the hard way, but thankfully, my partner is an Android man, so he generously sacrificed his phone for a bit so I could take the watch for a spin.
Features
Samsung was able to pack a lot of noteworthy features into its newest Galaxy Watch drop. Aesthetically, the smartwatch features a sophisticated touchscreen display and minimal design and below the surface, so much more.
Its advanced workout tracking automatically recognizes six popular activities, including running, rowing and swimming, and users can manually track 90 different additional workouts to boot.
For those with competitive families like mine, the watch has a group challenges feature with activities and challenges designed specifically for groups. In addition to tracking running distance and performance, Samsung's advanced technology can keep an eye on the oxygen level in your body, giving users insight into their heart and lung endurance and overall cardio fitness.
By integrating Google maps, music, a personal assistant, and more into the smartwatch, everything you need to go about your day can be conveniently found on your wrist.
Price point
Priced between $460 and $500, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic Smartwatch is comparable to competing smartwatches. You can find older versions of the Galaxy Watch for less, but they don't include the same features as the brand's newest model.
Verdict
There's no denying that the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic Smartwatch has a host of impressive features not found on other smartwatches. Lightweight and minimal, it's a great option for those looking for the advantages of a smartwatch without the traditional athletic look.
Although the Samsung device didn't work with my phone, having watched my partner play around with the watch at home and during his workouts, I think it's a great investment for Android or Google users wanting to keep track of their health.
Looking for more cool new gadgets? Check out Best Buy Canada's Latest & Greatest Tech — we've rounded up some of our top picks below.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Noise Cancelling Truly Wireless Headphones
Enjoy unparalleled sound with the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 in-ear headphones. Featuring unbeatable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, only hear what you want to with these top-rated earbuds. "Bass is very nice for earbuds, and the noise cancellation is very good," writes one Best Buy Canada shopper. "Especially for calls in noisy environments."
Garmin 57 1440p HD Dash Cam
Feel safe on the road with help from the Garmin 57 dash cam. Featuring an LCD screen and 1440p HD continuous recording, Best Buy Canada shoppers say the device comes with "great features."
Osmo Genius Starter Kit
Get your kids excited about learning with the top-rated Osmo Genius Starter Kit. From numbers and early physics to art and letters, the kit helps bring learning to life for children ages six to 10. "I love that my son is learning while he was playing on the iPad for a change," writes one happy parent. "My son just cannot get enough of all the fun activities this app offers."
Logitech BRIO 4K UHD Pro Webcam
With more than 1,000 reviews behind it, Best Buy Canada shoppers say the Logitech BRIO 4K UHD Pro Webcam is one of the "best 4K webcams" available on the market. "The visual quality is still extremely nice," raves one user.
Blue Microphones Pro Streamer Pack with Yeti USB Microphone & Logitech Webcam
Right now, Best Buy Canada shoppers can save $70 on this top-rated Blue Microphones Pro streamer pack. Complete with an HD webcam and a USB microphone, it's a must-have setup for gamers, streamers, and vloggers. "Give yourself the voice of God," raves one shopper.
Oculus Quest 2 128GB VR Headset with Touch Controllers
With an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars, Best Buy Canada shoppers say this advanced all-in-one VR system is "totally worth every penny." One user writes they were "blown away by the immersiveness" and "immediately went online and purchased another one."
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.
