The Samsung Galaxy Watch is one of the best smartwatches you can find on the market, obviously for many good reasons which include it’s durable and outstanding design, very interesting features, and long battery life. This watch comes in two sizes; 46mm and 42mm. Each of these two sizes is available in Bluetooth only and LTE models. There are not many differences between these two except for the sizes, prices, and battery capacity. Compare the Galaxy Watch 46mm vs 42mm to find out the differences and which is a better choice for you.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 46mm vs 42mm: Specs Comparison
| Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm) (LTE) | Samsung Galaxy Watch (42mm) (LTE) | |
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ABOUT DEVICE |
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| Device name | Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch (42mm) |
| Device type | Classic/Fitness/Standalone smartwatch | Classic/Fitness/Standalone smartwatch |
| Predecessor | Samsung Gear S3 | Samsung Gear S3 |
| Successor | N/A | N/A |
| Date Released | August, 2018 | August, 2018 |
| Gender | Men | Women |
WHERE TO BUY |
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DISPLAY |
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| Display size | 1.3 inch | 1.2 inch |
| Display type | Super AMOLED Full color |
Super AMOLED Full color |
| Display resolution | 360 x 360 pixels | 360 x 360 pixels |
| Pixel density | 278 ppi | 278 ppi |
| Display always-on | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | Touchscreen, 2 physical buttons physical rotating bezel |
Touchscreen, 2 physical buttons physical rotating bezel |
BODY |
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| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Casing material | Stainless steel/glass reinforced with polycarbonate | Stainless steel/glass reinforced with polycarbonate |
| Strap material | Silicone (leather straps also available) |
Silicone (leather straps also available) |
| Bezel Material | Ceramics | Ceramics |
| Weight | 63 grams | 49 grams |
| Color(s) | Black and silver | Midnight-black and Rose-gold |
| Dimension | 46 x 49 x 13 mm | 41.9 x 45.7 x 12.7 mm |
| Strap size | 22 mm | 20 mm |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla glass DX+ | Corning Gorilla glass DX+ |
| Durability test | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G |
| Waterproof rating | Yes, IP68, 5ATM MIL-STD-810G |
Yes, IP68, 5ATM MIL-STD-810G |
CLOCK FEATURES |
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| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
MEMORY |
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| RAM | 1.5GB (LTE) | 1.5GB (LTE) |
| Internal storage | 4GB | 4GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
MEDIA |
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| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
| Music streaming | Yes | Yes |
CONNECTIVITY |
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| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v4.2 | Bluetooth v4.2 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
NOTIFICATIONS |
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| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Reminder | Yes | Yes |
CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
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| Network Technology | GSM/HSPA/LTE | GSM/HSPA/LTE |
| SIM | Yes, e-SIM | Yes, e-SIM |
FITNESS TRACKING |
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| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | No | No |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| ECG Tracking | No | No |
| Blood oxygen | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
PLATFORM |
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| Operating system | Tizen OS 4.0 | Tizen OS 4.0 |
| CPU | Dual core 1.15GHz | Dual core 1.15GHz |
| GPU | -- | -- |
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 | Exynos 9110 |
SENSORS |
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| GPS | GLONASS/A-GPS | GLONASS/A-GPS |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | No | No |
| Pulse Ox. | No | No |
| Altimeter | -- | -- |
| ECG | No | No |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS |
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| Interchangeable straps | Yes, 22mm | Yes, 20mm |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+ iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ |
Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+ iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ |
| Payment system | Samsung pay | Samsung pay |
| Companion app | Samsung Gear app | Samsung Gear app |
BATTERY |
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| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 472mAh | 270mAh (42mm) |
| Est. battery life | Standby :5 days+, Mixed usage: 2 days+ |
Standby :5 days+, Mixed usage: 2 days+ |
| Charging mode | WPC based wireless charging | WPC based wireless charging |
| Charging duration | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
BOX CONTENTS |
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| Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch (42mm) | |
| Straps | Straps | |
| Charging dock | Charging dock | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
As you can see, the 46mm model is more compact than the 42mm model. This also results in the higher weight of the 46mm model, but you can see a little more at a glance on the 46mm’s 1.3 inches display. You can get the 46mm in black or silver, while the 42mm is available in rose-gold and midnight-black color. You’ll have to spend a little more to get the 46nm model.
The battery capacity of these two also differs, the 46mm model has a bigger 472mAh battery capacity than 270mAh of the 42mm model. This of course, despite the 46mm having a bigger display that requires more battery last longer than the 42mm. The video below confirms that the 46mm model has about 4 days long battery life compared to the 2 days of the 42mm.
Which is Better?
I can’t really say which is better between these two watches, the features and design are the same except for differences in sizes and battery life. It all depends on your wrist size. The 46mm which is a bit bulky looks cool on men, while the 42mm looks awesome on women especially the rose-gold color version. Personally, I really like the 46mm model, it looks bold and rugged.