Latest news with #GalaxyWatch4
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
My Favorite Smartwatch Isn't the Latest Model but It Does Everything I Need
My phone pings constantly from where it's plugged in across the room. But I have my Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 on my wrist so I can check to see who's pinging me, which app the notifications are from and whether it's important enough to merit my standing up and walking the dozen or so steps to unplug my phone and look, or just respond on my smartwatch (or swipe the notification away). Smartwatches are becoming an essential tech item but most people don't need the latest and greatest version to get what they need. One of the best ways to get some solid technology without spending a ton of money is to choose a previous version of a current device. (This is also a good way to pick up a thoughtful tech gift without spending too much on it.) So if you're searching for a cool gift for someone (or yourself), might I suggest my favorite smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4? Why I love the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Sure, it's not the latest model of the Samsung Watch. That would be the Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra. But it still has all the main features, including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, sleep monitoring, Google integration for most things and Samsung Health. I'm not a fitness fanatic so I don't need all the latest tracking features or even the improved battery life and bigger screen size of the Watch 7, which has a list price of $300, but is going for as low as $200 right now. The Galaxy Watch 4 has the fitness tracking I need without being overly complex. (Although it has advanced workout tracking for six modes including running, rowing and swimming, if you like those auto-detected tracking features.) For everyday use, I can check my notifications and respond, take hands-free calls, track sleep and skip between songs when listening in Spotify. Oh, and check the time. If you're looking for a wearable, it's the one I'd recommend checking out before looking into the latest version of the Galaxy Watch series. One caveat: Some people have complained lately that their battery is depleting quickly. Samsung has advice on how to run a diagnostic on your watch and fix the issue. Why the Galaxy Watch 4 makes a good purchase The Galaxy Watch 4 probably isn't right for a hard-core tech enthusiast or for anyone locked into the Apple ecosystem. However, it's perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch and doesn't care about getting all the bells and whistles, or for someone who doesn't know what they want in a smartwatch. For more, here are our other favorite smartwatches and our roundup of the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy S25.
CNET
6 hours ago
- CNET
My Favorite Smartwatch Isn't the Latest Model, but It Does Everything I Need
My phone pings constantly from where it's plugged in across the room. But I've got my Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 on my wrist, so I can check to see who's pinging me, which app the notifications are from and whether it's important enough to merit my standing up and walking the dozen or so steps to unplug my phone and look, or just respond on my smartwatch (or swipe the notification away). Smartwatches are becoming an essential tech item, but most people don't need the latest and greatest version to get what they need. One of the best ways to get some solid technology without spending a ton of money is to choose a previous version of a current device. (This is also a good way to pick up a thoughtful tech gift without spending too much on it.) So if you're searching for a cool gift for someone (or yourself), might I suggest my favorite smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4? Why I love the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Sure, it's not the latest model of the Samsung Watch. That would be the Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra. But it still has all the main features, including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, sleep monitoring, Google integration for most things and Samsung Health. I'm not a fitness fanatic, so I don't need all the latest tracking features or even the improved battery life and bigger screen size of the Watch 7, which has a list price of $300, but is going for as low as $200 right now if you want the upgrade. The Galaxy Watch 4 has the fitness tracking I need without being overly complex. (Though it has advanced workout tracking for six modes including running, rowing and swimming, if you like those auto-detected tracking features.) For everyday use, I can check my notifications and respond, take hands-free calls, track sleep and skip between songs when listening in Spotify. Oh, and check the time. If you're looking for a wearable, it's the one I'd recommend checking out before looking into the latest version of the Galaxy Watch series. One caveat: Some people have complained lately that their battery is depleting quickly. Samsung has advice on how to run a diagnostic on your watch and fix the issue. Why the Galaxy Watch 4 makes a good purchase The Galaxy Watch 4 probably isn't right for a hard-core tech enthusiast or for anyone locked into the Apple ecosystem. However, it's perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch and doesn't care about getting all the bells and whistles, or for someone who doesn't know what they want in a smartwatch. For more, here are our other favorite smartwatches and our roundup of the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy S25.
Phone Arena
16-07-2025
- Phone Arena
The Galaxy Watch 4 to get a surprise major software update: the veteran isn't done yet
You thought the Galaxy Watch 4 was over and out? No, just because this cool digital timepiece was released back in 2021 it doesn't mean it's out of the Galaxy Watch 4 was a milestone in Samsung's smartwatch history: it marked the shift for Samsung's wearable lineup, moving away from its long-running Tizen operating system in favor of Google's Wear OS 3. This change brought access to the Google Play Store and, thus, significantly expanded the range of apps available compared to the limited selection on Tizen. Of course, Samsung being Samsung, added its own One UI Watch interface on top, keeping the familiar look and feel for existing users. When the first One UI 8 Watch beta update was rolled out, it was limited to the fifth and sixth generation Samsung Galaxy smartwatches, but now, rumors have it that Sammy will also make Galaxy Watch 4 owners happy. This will most likely be the final major software update for the Galaxy Watch 4, but that should ruin the day of users who still rock the 2021 gadget, as there are multiple improvements with the One UI 8 Watch . The One UI 8 Watch update should introduce a refreshed interface with redesigned Tiles, richer watch faces, smoother animations, and an updated app launcher that offers a vertical grid or list view with frequently used apps at the top. Image by PhoneArena The update adds the Now Bar, which shows active tasks like workouts, timers, and more, along with new charging animations and an updated battery icon. Notifications get a smarter design, stacking alerts from the same app and preventing duplicate notifications when the phone is in use. That could very well be my personal favorite. The update also expands gesture controls with more double-pinch and handshake options, making navigation more intuitive. The Galaxy Watch 4 has a dual-core 1.18GHz chipset, 1.15 GB of RAM, and approximately 7 GB of storage. Of course, it's not the most powerful smartwatch out there, but it's capable and reliable. It comes with a 361 mAh battery, which Samsung claims can deliver up to 40 hours on a single charge. Again – nothing to write home about, but certainly not to be retired for now! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
CNET
11-07-2025
- CNET
Anti-Prime Day Deal: My Favorite Smartwatch Is Half Off at Walmart Right Now
Anti-Prime Day sale: Thanks to a screaming deal at Walmart, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is only $99 right now. My phone pings constantly from where it's plugged in across the room. But I've got my Galaxy Watch 4 on my wrist, so I can check to see who's pinging me, which app the notifications are from and whether it's important enough to merit my standing up and walking the dozen or so steps to unplug my phone and look, or just respond on my smartwatch (or swipe the notification away). Smartwatches are becoming an essential tech item, but most people don't need the latest and greatest version to get what they need. One of the best ways to buy a thoughtful tech gift without spending too much money? Choose a previous version of a current device, especially if the earlier model would work for you. So if you're searching for a cool gift for someone (or yourself), might I suggest my favorite smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4? Why I love the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Sure, it's not the latest model of the Samsung Watch. That would be the Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra. But it still has all the main features, including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, sleep monitoring, Google integration for most things and Samsung Health. I'm not a fitness fanatic, so I don't need all the latest tracking features or even the improved battery life and bigger screen size of the Watch 7, which has a list price of $300, but is going for just $209 right now if you want the upgrade. The Galaxy Watch 4 has the fitness tracking I need without being overly complex. (Though it has advanced workout tracking for six modes including running, rowing and swimming, if you like those auto-detected tracking features.) For everyday use, I can check my notifications and respond, take hands-free calls, track sleep and skip between songs when listening in Spotify. Oh, and check the time. If you're looking for a wearable, it's the one I'd recommend checking out before looking into the latest version of the Galaxy Watch series. One caveat: Some people have complained lately that their battery is depleting quickly. Samsung has advice on how to run a diagnostic on your watch and fix the issue. Best July Prime Day Deals 2025 CNET's team of shopping experts have explored thousands of deals on everything from TVs and outdoor furniture to phone accessories and everyday essentials so you can shop the best Prime Day deals in one place. See Now Why the Galaxy Watch 4 makes a fun gift The Galaxy Watch 4 isn't going to be a gift you give to the tech enthusiast in your family or an Apple fan, but it's perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch but doesn't want all the bells and whistles, or someone who doesn't know what they want in a smartwatch. For more, here are our other favorite smartwatches. If you're looking to gift someone a new phone, CNET has rounded up the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy S25. If this isn't right for the person you're shopping for right now, check out our editors' picks for the best gifts for grads and the best gifts for Father's Day for more ideas.
Android Authority
08-07-2025
- Android Authority
This $10 accessory was the best thing I ever bought for my Galaxy Watch
Andy Walker / Android Authority I've only bought a handful of items under $10 that have genuinely changed my life — an incredible Basque cheesecake I snuffed down a few months ago comes to mind — but few are tech-related. I've written about the cheap Android Auto dongle that has made my car so much smarter, but it was pushing $25. However, I use another product daily that costs far less than that, and even less than a good brunch. Consumers don't spend nearly enough time pairing their smartwatches with suitable bands. I can claim this because I was one of them. For the most part, we purchase them as is, sticking with the stock bands until they snap. Disregarding the chipset, bodies, and sensors, the watch strap is probably the most crucial element on the wearable. After all, it's the one thing responsible for holding the device to our skin. What is your preferred smartwatch strap material? 0 votes TPU, silicone, rubber, or similar materials. NaN % Fabric, like nylon and similar textiles. NaN % Leather or vegan leather. NaN % Metal, including metal mesh. NaN % Another material (mention in the comments). NaN % I don't have a preference. NaN % Often, the stock TPU, fluoroelastomer, rubber, or plastic strap is uncomfortable and can even be a health risk in some cases. But a replacement band needn't be expensive. The best thing I bought for my trusty Galaxy Watch 4 was a simple fabric watch strap that has completely changed how I use my device. Why a cheap Galaxy Watch strap is the best wearable purchase I've ever made My fabric strap. The stock fluoroelastomer strap. Sound contact between the device's sensors and your arm is essential for fitness tracking accuracy. A good watch strap ensures this. Bands also reflect our style and are one of the few aesthetic items we can change on our devices beyond the watch face. That said, can a $10 strap really make such a difference to a device worth multiple times its value? Well, I'd argue yes. Fabric bands are perfect for daily wear, activity, and parading your personal style. But, best of all, they're cheap. I regularly removed my Galaxy Watch 4 to air out my skin when using the stock band. The material simply doesn't allow my wrist to breathe, trapping sweat and leading to annoying skin irritation. On other devices I've used in the past, I've found metal bands bitterly cold in winter and unbearably warm in direct sunlight. Even woven metal, which solves the breathability problem, tends to pinch and grab at my skin and hair. These materials just weren't a good daily solution for me. Andy Walker / Android Authority I simply don't have these issues with my fabric band. Made of woven nylon, the band is breathable, soft, and far less abrasive. Thanks to this and its hook-and-loop fastening system, I can wear it more tightly to my wrist than any other material. I thought that this would be a terrible way to secure the device to my arm, but it's by far the most comfortable solution. As I mentioned in the previous section, this good fit also has the added benefit of improved sleep and heart rate tracking, as the sensors are constantly in suitable contact with my skin. How often do you replace your watch bands? 0 votes Every week NaN % A few times per month NaN % Once or twice per year NaN % Never NaN % Finally, as it uses a standard 20mm push-pin system, it's usable across several devices that support its dimensions, including my Garmin Venu Sq. For me, a fabric band is a series of wins. Which fabric Galaxy Watch band should I buy? Andy Walker / Android Authority OK, there is a caveat. You likely won't be able to find the exact band I purchased, which was snagged from a South African retailer. I couldn't find it listed on any international store, at least. That said, I'm not sure if my bright sunlight yellow strap would appeal to everyone. Thankfully, there is no shortage of highly rated options available on Amazon. Some highlights include: Astorgos Braided Solo Loop ($2.99 at Amazon): This is one of the most affordable fabric Galaxy Watch bands on Amazon, and is even cheaper than the band I own. The design includes a metal clasp, which may or may not appeal to you. This is one of the most affordable fabric Galaxy Watch bands on Amazon, and is even cheaper than the band I own. The design includes a metal clasp, which may or may not appeal to you. Eweison Magnetic Band ($9.97 at Amazon): Trading a metal clasp for a magnetic fastening system, this band should be a little more comfortable for those who prefer a looser fit. It's available in 25 different colors and patterns, too. Trading a metal clasp for a magnetic fastening system, this band should be a little more comfortable for those who prefer a looser fit. It's available in 25 different colors and patterns, too. ShuYo Soft Nylon Bands ($15.99 at Amazon): Don't be fooled by the price — this is a pack of 10 different bands, providing more than one option for every day of the week. If I were to repurchase a fabric Galaxy Watch band, I'd likely opt for a larger assortment like this. I understand entirely if fabric bands aren't for you. Just as I dislike metal bands, I admit that the mined material has many benefits, from aesthetics to durability. I won't pretend that fabric bands don't have problems of their own either. I was an avid hiker in another life and quite enjoyed trekking through rough brush, rushing streams, and rouge mud. I simply couldn't imagine how dirty and debris-ridden a fabric band would become, especially when dragging my limbs through prickly foliage. Several users on online forums have also highlighted hygiene issues experienced with these bands, particularly relating to odor. Personally, my fabric band keeps my skin happy and healthy. In fact, thanks to the improved breathability of the material, I no longer worry about itchy or irritated skin. Of course, everyone is different, so your mileage will vary. I'd still argue it's worth owning at least one fabric band for your Galaxy Watch, whether for sleep or casual daily wear.
