Schema

What does a smartwatch do?

A smartwatch does more than simply tell the time. Learn more about how they work and what the benefits of owning a smartwatch are.

What is a smartwatch?

A smartwatch is a portable device worn on the wrist that supports apps and acts as an extension of your mobile phone in some cases. Depending on the make and model, they have numerous functions that can have a big impact on day to day life. 

A smartwatch is a portable device worn on the wrist that supports apps and acts as an extension of your mobile phone in some cases. Depending on the make and model, they have numerous functions that can have a big impact on day-to-day life.

Does a smartwatch need a SIM?

No, you don’t need to insert a SIM card into your smartwatch in order for it to work. Samsung Galaxy smartwatches operate using something known as an eSIM. This type of SIM isn’t a physical SIM but an electronic one that will be automatically downloaded to your watch from your phone during the initial pairing process.

What can a smartwatch do and what are the benefits?

There are many benefits to owning a smartwatch, from extensive health tracking to easy access to apps, smartwatches offer exceptional convenience and versatility. Some of the top Galaxy smartwatch benefits include:
 
1. Advanced health and fitness tracking features that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
2. Seamless integration with other Galaxy devices and the wider Samsung Ecosystem.
3. Convenient access to your favourite apps and services.
4. Long battery life and wireless charging capabilities allowing you to use them throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging.
5. Personalised style and customisation options, including a choice of stunning stunning Samsung Galaxy wristwatch straps.

And that’s before we really dig into the details of what exactly a smartwatch can do. Read on to learn more about the amazing functionalities of a smartwatch.

Smartwatch Apps

Many of your favourite apps that are available on your mobile are also available to download straight to your smartwatch. Check out these cool smartwatch apps available free with a Galaxy smartwatch:
 
· Strava - to track your runs and other workouts
· Wrist Camera - to take that perfectly timed selfie from your mobile
· Uber - for when you need a quick ride elsewhere
· Samsung SmartThings - to help manage your Samsung Home devices
· Samsung Browser - the world wide web, right at your fingertips

Tracking health and fitness

One of the most popular reasons that people look to buy a smartwatch is to track fitness. Many smartwatches can do exactly what most popular fitness trackers do, but with the added benefit of receiving notifications and other mobile phone functions. Meaning you don’t always need to carry your phone around when you’re on the move.

Thanks to the built-in GPS (Global Positioning Systems) on Samsung Galaxy smartwatches you can track your running routes accurately and efficiently. You’ll find optional GPS tracking features in many of the best Galaxy smartwatches including the latest Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic. But it’s not just running that you can track on a Samsung smartwatch; using Samsung Health and innovative BioActive Sensor technology, your Galaxy smartwatch can help you track up to 90 different activities.

https:\/\/youtu.be\/TpCHmT5Ulpk https:\/\/youtu.be\/TpCHmT5Ulpk

Text and voice messages

One of the features that makes a smartwatch most akin to a mobile is the ability to send both text and voice messages. With a Galaxy smartwatch, this is supported by our pre-installed Messages app that allows you to create new messages, or view incoming messages and send replies. Plus, if you’re more than 10 meters away from your smartphone your 4G enabled Galaxy smartwatch1 will use mobile data to operate so there’s no need to carry your phone with you when you’re out pounding the trails.
 
1Requires compatible data plan. Available features and apps may vary by region, connected devices, OS, or carrier.

Notifications

If your phone and your smartwatch aren’t in the same room, you’ll still be able to see any notifications pop up on the watch’s interface. This is a very handy feature that means you don’t quite need to carry your phone around with you everywhere, especially when you’re doing things that might need your hands to be free; such as cycling, running or simply cooking dinner.

Mobile wallet

Many smartwatches now support the ability to make contactless payments in a super straightforward way. Samsung smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic, utilise the power of Samsung Pay to store your card information, meaning it’s readily accessible at the click of a button. You no longer need to have your wallet and phone on you when you’re out and about. And don’t worry - it’s just as secure as it is on your mobile phone! 
 
Interested in finding out more about the latest Galaxy smartwatches? Check out the handy table below which outlines the key specs for the latest Galaxy Watch6 and Watch5 series so you can find the one that’s just right for you. Alternatively check out our ‘Samsung Galaxy Watch6 vs Galaxy Watch5: What's Different?‘ article.

Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Comparison

  • Size

  • Colour

  • Display

  • Resolution (Main Display)

  • Memory

  • Storage

  • Weight

  • Battery (Typical)1

  • Sensors

Galaxy Watch6 Classic Galaxy Watch6 Classic
  • Galaxy Watch6 Classic
  • 43mm / 47mm
  • Black
    Silver
  • Always-on AMOLED
  • 43mm: 432x432
    47mm: 480x480
  • 2.0 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 43mm: 52.0g
    47mm: 59.0g
  • 43mm: 300mAh
    47mm: 425mAh
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Ambient Light
    Compass
    Gyro Sensor
Galaxy Watch6 Galaxy Watch6
  • Galaxy Watch6
  • 40mm / 44mm
  • Gold
    Graphite
    Silver
  • Always-on AMOLED
  • 40mm: 432x432
    44mm: 480x480
  • 2.0 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 40mm: 28.7g
    44mm: 33.3g
  • 40mm: 300mAh
    44mm: 425mAh
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Ambient Light
    Compass
    Gyro Sensor
Galaxy Watch5 Pro Galaxy Watch5 Pro
  • Galaxy Watch5 Pro
  • 45mm
  • Gray Titanium
    Black Titanium
  • Super AMOLED
  • 450 x 450
  • 1.5 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 46.5g
  • 590mAh (Typical)
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor
    Electrical Heart Sensor
    Geomagnetic Sensor
    Light Sensor
    Optimal Heart Rate Sensor
Galaxy Watch5 Galaxy Watch5
  • Galaxy Watch5
  • 40mm / 44mm
  • Graphite
    Silver
    Pink Gold
  • Super AMOLED
  • 40mm: 396x396
    44mm: 450x450
  • 1.5 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 40mm: 28.7g
    44mm: 33.5g
  • 40mm: 284mAh
    44mm: 410mAh
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor
    Electrical Heart Sensor
    Geomagnetic Sensor
    Light Sensor
    Optimal Heart Rate Sensor

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can you text on a Smartwatch?

    Yes, you can send texts from a smartwatch - with a Galaxy smartwatch, this is done via our pre-installed Messages app. To do this, your watch will need to have Bluetooth and be linked to your mobile (even if it’s outside the 10m range when you want to send the text).

  • Technically, smartwatches don’t count calories, but they do count the number of calories you burn through physical activity. In a similar way to how step trackers work on your phone, they use the data you provide such as your height, weight and age to work out what is known as your Base Metabolic Rate (BMR).  After this, smartwatches use what is known as an accelerometer and a built-in heart rate monitor to assess your energy expenditure - also known as your calorie output.

  • Only Galaxy smartwatches that are 4G enabled such as the Galaxy Watch5 & Galaxy Watch5 Pro use mobile data. Your smartwatch will ordinarily use Bluetooth to communicate with your phone when it is within range.  When your smartwatch is out of range (approximately 10 metres away) it will use mobile data to send and receive calls and messages. Sending messages and making calls from your smartwatch only uses a small amount of mobile data which is deducted from your phone’s data plan.

  • While your smartwatch will use data to make calls, send texts and receive messages you do not need to have a separate data plan for your smartwatch.  For example, a Samsung smartwatch has an eSIM which is paired to your phone's data plan during the initial setup process. Any data you use on your smartwatch will be automatically deducted from your phone's data plan, so there’s no need for a separate one just for your smartwatch.

  • Without getting too technical with it, yes smartwatches are generally embedded systems. This means that they use a combination of computer hardware and software systems to operate. As many of the smartwatches' functionalities actually sit with your phone, they require less hardware to operate - which is why they’re able to do so much with just a small interface.

Most common questions

Explore answers to frequent queries below.

Compare the models Compare the models
Find the best phone fit for you. Find the best phone fit for you.
Compare the models Compare the models
Compare the models

Best smartwatch apps Best smartwatch apps
A close up shot of a Samsung Galaxy watch face displaying smartwatch apps available in the Play Store on a black background. A close up shot of a Samsung Galaxy watch face displaying smartwatch apps available in the Play Store on a black background.
Read more

Best fitness watch Best fitness watch
A birds eye view shot of a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch on a counter surrounded by fruit on a chopping board and in bowls. A birds eye view shot of a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch on a counter surrounded by fruit on a chopping board and in bowls.
Read more

Best smartwatch Best smartwatch
Five Samsung Galaxy smartwatches are displayed in a line with the watch faces facing forward on a white background. Five Samsung Galaxy smartwatches are displayed in a line with the watch faces facing forward on a white background.
Read more

Best smartwatch for runners Best smartwatch for runners
A point a view shot of wrist showing running statistics on a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch. The pavement is in the background. A point a view shot of wrist showing running statistics on a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch. The pavement is in the background.
Read more
Back to Buying Guide