The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic was released alongside the Galaxy Watch 4. These two succeed Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 respectively. These two also come in two sizes, 46mm and 42mm for Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and 44mm and 40mm for Galaxy Watch 4. The different sizes have the same features except for slight differences in sizes, weights, battery life, and price tag. Just like other brands, the reason Samsung released two different sizes of the same watch is to give their consumers options to choose the right size. The watches from Samsung run on the new Wear OS 3 out of the box, and as well feature body composition measurement, a higher 16GB storage, and a new 5nm W920 chip that boosts CPU and GPU performance. In this post, we’ll be comparing the differences between Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm vs 42mm to help you make the right choice that fits your wrist.
Before we continue, please note that the 46mm and 42mm are available in Bluetooth and LTE models. The LTE model is priced higher than the Bluetooth model because it’s a standalone smartwatch that allows you to make and receive calls independent of a smartphone. Compare the Bluetooth vs the LTE model.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (42mm) vs (46mm) – Full Technical Specifications Comparison
| Product Info |
 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (42mm) (LTE) Full Specifications and Features |
 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (46mm) (LTE) Full Specifications and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $288.97 | $319.97 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Bluetooth (42mm) (LTE) | (LTE), Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic LTE (46mm) |
| Device type | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
| Predecessor | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
| Successor | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro |
| Models | Bluetooth only, LTE | Bluetooth only, LTE |
| Date released | August, 2021 | August, 2021 |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.2 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Display type | Super AMOLED, Full color | Super AMOLED, Full color |
| Resolution | 396 x 396 pixels | 450 x 450 pixels |
| Pixel density | 466 PPI | 455 PPI |
| Customizable watchface | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 2 Physical buttons, Physical rotating bezel, Touchscreen | 2 Physical buttons, Physical rotating bezel, Touchscreen |
| Always-On | Yes | Yes |
| BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap material | Fluoroelastomer | Fluoroelastomer |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap size | (width), 20 mm | 22 mm |
| Color | Black, Silver | Black, Silver |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX | Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
| Dimension | 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.0 mm |
| Weight | 47g (excluding straps) | 52g |
| Waterproof rating | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Durability test | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.0 | Bluetooth v5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz) | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz) |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 1.5GB | 1.5GB |
| ROM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Network technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| SIM type | e-SIM | e-SIM |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Reply messages | - | - |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| GPS | Yes, GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU | Yes, GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox. | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
| HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING | HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING | HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Onscreen workout | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | 90+ | 90+ |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 247mAh | 361mAh |
| Battery life | Regular: 1 Day+ | Regular: 2 days, Standby :5 days+ |
| Charging type | WPC based wireless charging | WPC based wireless charging |
| Charging duration | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar power | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Operating system | Wear OS 3.5 | Wear OS 3.5 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 | Exynos W920 |
| CPU | 1.18GHz Dual-core (Cortex-A55) | 1.18GHz Dual-core (Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP2 | Mali-G68 MP2 |
| MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS |
| Companion app | Samsung Wearable app | Samsung Wearable app |
| Compatibility | Android 6.0+ with 1.5GB+ RAM | Android 6.0+ with 1.5GB+ RAM |
| Payment system | Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Customizable strap | 20mm, Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Bixby, Google Assistant | Bixby, Google Assistant |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Charger, Manual, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Straps | Charger, Manual, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Straps |
| Price | $288.97 | $319.97 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (42mm) vs (46mm) – Design and Features Compared
Design & Display
One of the main differences between the 46mm and 42mm comes in the dimensions, weights, and display size. Although both sizes have the same design materials, shape, and appearance. The case of both sizes is made of stainless steel, and the physical rotating bezel is made of stainless steel. While the straps come in fluoroelastomer and thus can be changed with 22mm or 20mm for the 46mm and 42mm respectively.
The 46mm has a dimension of 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm and weighs 52 grams while the 42mm has a 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2mm dimension and weighs just 47 grams. Going by these measurements, the 42mm size is more compact and also more comfortable to wear compared to the 46mm. Mind you, the 46mm is not bulky nor is it too heavy. It’s just that the 42mm is a more comfortable smartwatch to wear. As a result, the 42mm is recommended for individuals with thin wrists while the 46mm is recommended for men and individuals with fat wrists.
The display size is also different. While the 42mm has a 1.2 inches display size, the 46mm has a 1.4 inches display size that will allow you to see more at a glance. Both sizes are rated 5ATM which represents 50 meters waterproof rating. So, it’s safe to wear any of these two to the shower or perhaps to the pool.
Battery Life
The 46mm has a longer battery life
The battery life of the 46mm and 42mm also differs as a result of the difference in battery capacity. The 46mm has a 361mAh battery capacity compared to the 247mAh battery capacity of the 42mm, this is just like older Galaxy smartwatches. As a result, the 46mm is expected to last up to 2 days, while the 42mm will last up to a day or more.
What this means is that if you intend to stay connected all day long or say wear any of these two to sleep, you will need to charge at least once a day to stay connected.
Prices
The prices between 46mm and 42mm are also different. The 42mm Bluetooth model costs $349.99, while the 46mm Bluetooth model costs $379.99. Like we mentioned earlier, the LTE models are priced higher than the Bluetooth models. The 42mm LTE model costs $399.99, while the 46mm LTE model costs $429.99.
Fitness Tracking
Like older Galaxy smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is fitness-centered. Each of these two sizes has the same number of health and fitness tracking features. One notable feature is the addition of a Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) sensor that can measure your body composition. This feature will allow you to measure your body composition such as your body fat, BMI, muscle mass, and body water. Other health and fitness tracking features include all the basics such as tracking your heart rate, sleep, stress, steps, calories, and distance covered.
Advance health tracking metrics like Spo2 blood oxygen monitoring is also available. So also is ECG and blood pressure monitoring that were introduced to Galaxy Watch 3. You will get access to 90 preloaded sport modes, menstrual cycle tracking, and handwashing reminder.
46mm or 42mm – Which Size is Right For You?
So now that you know the difference between the two sizes, which is right for you?
The 46mm is clearly a better smartwatch, it has a slightly longer battery life and it lets you see more at a glance. This explains why it’s priced higher, but is it the right choice for you?
It’s important to buy the right size for you otherwise it might look awkward on your wrist. To know which is the right size for you, simply use a tape or ruler to measure your wrist-ankle then compare it to the dimension of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 46mm or 42mm. In my case, my wrist measures 1.9 inches which are equivalent to 48.2mm. If you compare this to the 46mm which has a 45.5 x 45.5 x 11mm dimension, you can see that it’s very close and as a result, a better fit for me. You can follow the same process to find the right size for you.
In general, we recommend the smaller size for women and individuals with thin wrists and the bigger size for men and individuals with fat wrists. In this regard, the 42mm is more suitable for women, while the 46mm is more suitable for men.
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Best Prices
