There are so many reasons to love the new Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The latest smartwatches from Samsung are not just beautiful and loaded with features, they’re breaking new grounds in terms of comfort and features. They are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. The new watches run on Wear OS which marks a return back to the platform after 8 years. A new 5nm Exynos W920 chip also powers the new Galaxy watches and is well equipped with 16GB storage capacity and the addition of a body composition measurement feature. Both Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are available in two sizes: 40mm/44mm and 42mm/46mm respectively. And each of these sizes is available in a Bluetooth/WiFi and LTE model. In this post, we’re comparing Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE model so you know the differences.
Although the Galaxy Watch 4 is available in two sizes; 44mm and 40mm, this comparison features the Bluetooth and LTE models of the 44mm size. Both sizes have the same features except for differences in sizes, prices, and battery life. You can read the differences between Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm) vs (40mm).
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE Specifications Comparison
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 – What’s New?
- Galaxy Watch Runs on Wear OS
- Galaxy Watch 4 is powered by a 5nm Exynos W920 Chip
- Galaxy Watch 4 Has a BIA Sensor That Monitors Body Composition
- Storage Capacity Has Been Boosted to 16GB
The new Samsung smartwatches run on Wear OS 3 out of the box marking a return to the platform that powered the Gear Live smartwatch. So, you’re getting access to more of your favorite apps which is something the Tizen platform lacks.
Another new feature is that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Classic are powered by a 5nm Exynos W920 which succeeds Exynos 9110 that powers the Galaxy Watch 3 down to Galaxy Watch. According to Samsung, the new chip accounts for a 20% increase in CPU performance and a 10x increase in GPU performance. So, you can expect a faster smartwatch.
There is also the new Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) Sensor that will allow you to measure your body composition. It will measure your skeletal muscle mass, body fat, body water, and Basal Metabolic Index. These are features that can help you know your body better and as such can also help you plan better workouts and diet.
Along these new health-tracking features are loads of other health tracking features like sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, ECG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen measurement.
The storage capacity has also been increased to 16GB. This is more storage capacity for storing and streaming your favorite tracks. Moreover, because of the move back to Wear OS, you’ll get access to popular apps like Spotify.
Beyond these features, the Galaxy Watch 4 features notifications management, non-contactless payment support for Samsung Pay and Google Pay.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE – What’s the Difference?
- Price
- Cellular Connectivity – The LTE Model is a Standalone Smartwatch
- Battery Life – The Bluetooth Model Has a Longer Battery Life
The first difference you’ll notice between the LTE and Bluetooth models is the price difference. The LTE model is priced higher than the Bluetooth model.
The 40mm size of the Bluetooth model costs $249.99, while the 44mm of the Bluetooth model costs $279.99. Similarly, the 40mm size of the LTE model costs $299.99, while the 44mm size of the LTE model costs $329.99. You also have to factor in the cost of subscription for cellular plans which is where the actual cost comes in.
The main difference between the LTE and Bluetooth models is the presence of eSIM in the LTE model that makes it a standalone smartwatch. As a result, it can make and receive calls independent of a smartphone. It can also receive notification messages and can install apps independent of a smartphone. The Bluetooth model also has these capabilities, but your phone must be nearby.
Although, both the Bluetooth and LTE have the same battery capacity, it’s expected that the Bluetooth model will have a longer battery life once LTE is switched-on on the LTE model. Otherwise, it’s the same battery life of up to 2 days with the 44mm size and about a day with the 40mm size.
You can expect to get more battery life when you utilize one of the battery saver modes. My tip on saving battery life on the Galaxy Watch 4 is to do the following:
- Reduce display brightness.
- Reduce the number of apps notifications.
- Turn off the always-on display.
- If you’re using the LTE model, turn off LTE when your phone is nearby.
- Turn off GPS when not in use.
Galaxy Watch 4 Supported Carriers – Before Buying The LTE Model Read This
Before you decide to buy the LTE model of the Galaxy Watch 4, you want to be sure about which model is supported in your region. There are four models globally:
- 44mm size: SM-875U, SM-875F, SM-875N and SM-895
- 40mm size: SM-865U, SM-865F, SM-865N & SM-885
The SM-875U and SM-865U are supported in the US with T-mobile, AT&T, US Cellular, and Verizon as supported carriers. Check all Galaxy Watch 4 LTE models and supported carriers. Also, ensure to call your service provider to confirm what plans are available for the Galaxy Watch 4 LTE.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth or LTE Model – Which Should You Buy?
Obviously, the LTE model which is a standalone smartwatch is a more comprehensive smartwatch. Although, the Bluetooth model is a more popular choice because of its simplicity and lower cost. If you carry your phone most time, the Bluetooth model is definitely a better choice. After all, most people can’t do without their phones.
On the other hand, if you really need the standalone functionality of the LTE for whatsoever reason, then it’s no doubt a more complete smartwatch. However, you must consider that you will have to subscribe to data plans monthly which is where the actual cost comes in. This additional cost can be anywhere between $100-$120 yearly in the US depending on your carrier.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE FAQs
- How Does the LTE Model Work?
- How to Activate LTE on Galaxy Watch 4
- Can I Use Galaxy Watch 4 LTE without Cellular Connectivity
The LTE model is a standalone smartwatch, it comes with an eSIM that enables cellular connectivity. An eSIM is an emerging technology that’s replacing physical SIM cards. This type of SIM is not removable. All you need to do is download an eSIM profile from a network provider to your device to enable LTE connectivity. The Galaxy Watch 4 LTE model works by allowing you to scan a QR code and download an eSIM profile in the Galaxy Wearable app to enable cellular connectivity for the Watch.
To activate LTE on the Galaxy Watch 4, you will need to obtain a QR code from your network provider. Then open the Galaxy Wearable app and go to settings to scan and download your eSIM profile to the watch. This will enable cellular connectivity.
Yes, you can use the LTE model without activating LTE. Then it becomes just like the Bluetooth model which requires your phone for LTE connectivity. You can always turn off LTE on the watch from the settings app on the device.