Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series gets Important Update! - Should you buy it today
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series (Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic), launched in August 2021, was a big leap for Samsung’s wearable lineup. It was the first Galaxy Watch to run on Wear OS powered by Samsung’s One UI Watch interface, combining Google’s ecosystem with Samsung’s refined design and health tracking.
Fast forward to 2023, the watch is over two years old, but Samsung continues to roll out important updates that keep it relevant. With newer models like the Galaxy Watch 5, Watch 6, and Watch 7 in the market, many people wonder:
👉 Is it still worth buying the Galaxy Watch 4 in 2023?
This blog explores the latest update details, the software and hardware status, and whether the Watch 4 is still a smart purchase today.
🔹 The Important Update for Galaxy Watch 4
Samsung has rolled out multiple software patches for the Watch 4 series to improve its performance and longevity.
📌 Security & Stability Updates
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In early 2023, Samsung rolled out One UI Watch 4.5 update for Galaxy Watch 4, which included:
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Improved battery management
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Enhanced watch faces customization
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More accurate health tracking features
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Smoother system stability
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Later in the year, security updates kept coming, ensuring protection against vulnerabilities. These updates are small in size (about 200–300 MB) but play a critical role in device safety.
📌 Why This Update Matters
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Extended Lifespan – Regular updates mean the Watch 4 is not outdated yet.
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Better Performance – Users report smoother navigation after the firmware improvements.
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Confidence in Samsung’s Support – Samsung promised up to 4 years of software support, and Watch 4 continues to get updates in its third year.
🔹 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Specs Refresher
Before we decide whether it’s still worth buying, let’s quickly refresh the specifications of the Watch 4 series.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sporty, lightweight aluminum | Premium, stainless steel with rotating bezel |
| Display | 1.2” / 1.4” Super AMOLED | 1.2” / 1.4” Super AMOLED |
| Processor | Exynos W920 dual-core 1.18GHz | Exynos W920 dual-core 1.18GHz |
| RAM/Storage | 1.5GB RAM + 16GB storage | 1.5GB RAM + 16GB storage |
| OS | Wear OS 3 with One UI Watch | Wear OS 3 with One UI Watch |
| Sensors | BioActive Sensor (HR, SpO₂, ECG, body composition) | BioActive Sensor + advanced fitness tracking |
| Battery | 247mAh (40mm) / 361mAh (44mm) | 247mAh (42mm) / 361mAh (46mm) |
| Durability | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G |
🔹 How Does It Perform in 2023?
Even though it’s a 2021 release, the Galaxy Watch 4 still holds up strongly in 2023 thanks to its hardware-software combination.
✅ Strengths
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Smooth Performance: The Exynos W920 is still capable of handling apps and navigation without lag.
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Fitness Tracking: Samsung’s BioActive sensor offers ECG, heart rate, sleep tracking, and even body composition analysis, features that many competitors still lack.
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Customizable Watch Faces: The 2023 updates brought new customization options.
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Google Play Support: Since it runs on Wear OS, you get access to Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more.
⚠️ Weaknesses
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Battery Life: Still about 1.5 days on average use, which is behind Garmin or Apple Watch Ultra.
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No Major Feature Updates Expected Beyond 2024: While it gets security patches, future big features (like AI in One UI Watch 6/7) may not arrive on Watch 4.
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Aging Hardware: By 2023 standards, newer models offer faster charging and better sensors.
🔹 Price Advantage in 2023
One of the biggest reasons to consider the Watch 4 today is price.
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At launch in 2021: $249 – $349 (₹23,999 – ₹31,999 in India).
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In 2023: Available at $149 – $199 during sales (₹12,999 – ₹16,999 in India).
That’s nearly 40% cheaper than the Watch 5 or Watch 6, making it an attractive option if you want a budget-friendly Samsung smartwatch.
🔹 Galaxy Watch 4 vs Watch 5/6 – What Are You Missing?
If you’re confused between buying the Watch 4 or newer models, here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch 5 | Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos W920 | Exynos W920 | Exynos W930 |
| Battery Life | 1–1.5 days | 1.5–2 days | 2+ days |
| Durability | Gorilla Glass DX | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, slimmer bezels |
| New Features | ECG, BIA, sleep tracking | Better sleep tracking, skin temp sensor | Faster chip, larger display, better battery |
| Price (2023) | $149 – $199 | $249 – $299 | $349 – $399 |
Verdict:
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If budget is tight → Watch 4 still makes sense.
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If you want better battery + future support → Watch 5 or 6 is better.
🔹 Should You Buy the Galaxy Watch 4 in 2023?
Here’s the breakdown:
👍 Buy It If:
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You want a Samsung smartwatch at an affordable price.
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You are fine with 1–1.5 days battery life.
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You care about fitness tracking & Google Play apps, but don’t need the absolute latest hardware.
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You’re upgrading from an older Galaxy Watch 3 or Active 2.
👎 Skip It If:
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You want long-term updates (beyond 2024).
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Battery life is your #1 priority.
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You want the latest AI & health features coming to One UI Watch 5/6.
🔹 Expert Opinion
Tech reviewers who continue to use the Watch 4 in 2023 claim that it still feels modern. It runs Wear OS smoothly, tracks health accurately, and looks premium—especially the Classic model with rotating bezel.
However, most agree that if you plan to keep your smartwatch for 3+ years, you should consider the Watch 5 or Watch 6, as the Watch 4 is nearing the end of its update cycle.
🔹 Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 remains a solid buy in 2023, especially for budget-conscious users. With Samsung still rolling out important updates, it’s not obsolete yet.
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If you find it at a discounted price under $200 (₹15,000), it’s absolutely worth it.
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But if you’re planning for long-term use with future-proofing, go for Watch 5 or Watch 6.
👉 In short: The Galaxy Watch 4 is still relevant, still capable, and still worth buying in 2023 — but only if you get it at the right price.
