Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Unboxing & First Impressions
September 14, 2022Sensors: Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor
OS/Software: Wear OS Powered by Samsung (wear OS 3.5)
Memory: 16GB RAM
Chipset: Exynos W920, Dual-core 1.18GHz
Display: 45.4mm, 1.4” super AMOLED, 450p resolution. Always on display.
Body: 45.4mm
Battery: 590mAh, Wireless charging
Weight: 46.5g
Price: RM1,899
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch5 Pro is geared toward adventure seekers. Thanks to the titanium case and more durable D-buckle strap, it should prove to be a decent “go anywhere, do anything” chronometer. It’s the toughest wearable device from the company yet and we intend on putting that to the test in our in-depth review.
However, we won’t get into the nitty-gritty in this first impressions article. Instead, we’re going to let you know of our experience of unboxing the watch and using it for the first time. The watch is packaged in a substantially large matte black box. Based on its heft and dimensions, you can tell that this isn’t an ordinary smartwatch.
Once you open the box, you’ll see the new Watch5 Pro. The D-buckle is unhooked for ease of storage. You’ll need to attach it to both straps before you’re able to put it on. It’s essentially a simplified version of the clasp system of a traditional watch bracelet. The only difference being the plastic hinge system is clamped on to both sides of the silicone strap.
It’s secured in place via the magnetic end of the left side that, when folded, meets the metallic part of the other end of the D-buckle. It’s a repurposed way of securing the watch to your hand without having to repeatedly look for the right hole of the watch strap.
If you flip over the top half of the box, you’ll see a thin case that’s wedged in place. It contains the information booklet and magnetic charger with USB Type-C end. The Watch4 came with a USB Type-A end, which is friendlier to older charging bricks.
If you are still using a USB Type-A charging brick, you have one of two options. Buy an inexpensive USB Type-C to Type-A adapter or buy a new charging brick with the Type-C connector. If you are already using a common wireless charger for your smartphone and smartwatch, this won’t be much of an issue to you.
The Watch5 Pro feels like a cross between the Watch4 and Watch4 Classic. It feels chunky and robust like the latter but without the rotating bezel. Instead, it relies on its touch-sensitive surface like that of the former to scroll through its UI. The outer edge of the watch face curves upward to form a ring around the outline, which should help protect the display from unnecessary abuse.
It covers a 1.4-inch, 450×450 Super AMOLED display, which is the same size as the Watch4 Classic (46mm). In terms of appearance, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Watch4, right down to the red outlined top, side button. Build quality is just as good but the addition of Sapphire crystal glass should allow it to withstand greater abuse.
Unlike regular mineral glass or hardened ones, Sapphire is far more resilient to bumps and scrapes. This is why it’s used on expensive analog watches such as those from the likes of Seiko, Tissot, Omega and Rolex. I have no doubt that the glass and the titanium case should reduce the likelihood of you damaging the watch while engaged in an extreme sport.
In terms of sensors, the Pro has several of them, which includes the BioActive Sensor. It’s a 3-in-one system that can measure optical heart rate, electrical heart signal and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Besides this, there’s the new temperature sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyro, geomagnetic and light sensor.
A few noteworthy additions to the UI are the route workout and track back. The latter allows the watch to help you back track your steps in order to return to your starting point. This could prove invaluable to hikers and other types of nature seekers who venture out on solo trips. We will definitely need to test this out for ourselves.
The watch has an IP68 rating, which protects the internal hardware from sweat, dirt, dust and sand that comes into contact with the casing. It can also hold up to submersion in a body of water at a shallow depth for 30 minutes without much trouble. That said, it isn’t meant for diving or similar activities.
Samsung has given the Watch5 Pro a 590mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the Watch4. This, coupled with its faster charging ability should extend its overall useability on long hikes or during everyday use. Over the course of the last year, I’ve managed to get the Watch4 to last a full day on a single charge. In theory, the Pro could last close to two days.
Powered by an Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHz processor and 1.5GB RAM, the Watch5 Pro seems to smoothly transition through menus and apps without much fuss. There will be some stuttering during the setup phase especially if you’re importing data from a previous smartwatch. But that is to be expected.
Samsung is selling the watch5 Pro in two colors: Black Titanium and Gray Titanium. In Malaysia the watch retails for RM1,899 and to sweeten the deal, dealers are throwing in the Galaxy Buds Live (wireless earbuds) for free with every purchase of this watch. It’s an interesting deal that might tempt consumers who want to kill two birds with one stone.
If you’d like to know more about the Watch5 series, check out our Watch5 Buyers’ Guide for a comprehensive look at the differences between the models. We are also looking into wrapping up our in-depth review soon. That should allow us to provide you with an informed decision on what’s good about the watch5 Pro and whether it deserves a spot in your gadget collection.
