Galaxy Watch 5 series misses out on a classic Samsung smartwatch feature

Back in April, SamMobile was the first to break the news on Samsung's plans to ditch the Classic smartwatch series with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 5. Several leaks that followed supported our exclusive report, but the time for unconfirmed rumors has finally ended. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 5 series at Unpacked on August 10, and as we expected, there was no Classic variant to be found.

In more practical terms, this transition means that the Galaxy Watch 5 series is missing out on one of Samsung's best smartwatch features, i.e., the physical rotating bezel. This functional design element employed by Samsung's Classic smartwatch series was unique to the company's lineup. It gave the Classic series its own identity and enabled an additional input method for customers to control the smartwatch without leaving fingerprint smudges on the surface of the display.

Out with the Classic, in with the Pro

Samsung's new smartwatch lineup consists of two Galaxy Watch 5 variants that succeed the Galaxy Watch 4, and one Pro-labeled Galaxy Watch 5 model that replaces what should've been the Galaxy Watch 5 Classic.

The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has a new concave bezel design, and although the bezel is thick enough to be comparable with the Classic bezel, it's fixed and doesn't rotate around the circular display. In other words, the concave bezel of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is purely a design element rather than an additional input method that interacts with the UI.

Although the Classic series's rotating bezel will be missed, it's not all bad news. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro sounds exciting, even without the rotating bezel. Battery life on the Pro model is stellar, and all the extra fitness features and improved sensors might make up for the fact that it doesn't have a rotating physical bezel.

As for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, whether or not it will be the last in the Classic series remains to be seen. Samsung might bring back the physical bezel in one form or another, but until then, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic remains the best Samsung smartwatch to have this characteristic.

Is the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic still worth it? Well, if you can look past the fact that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has more battery life, better build quality with sapphire glass and a titanium case, and more intelligent fitness features, then yes. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic remains a great smartwatch, especially since One UI Watch 4.5 is right around the corner and prices should drop with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 5 lineup.

Samsung
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

Select model SM-R920 Buy Full specs

Samsung
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (46mm)

Select model SM-R890 SM-R895 Buy Full specs