We created our SamMobile Week series to give new and aspiring Galaxy device users general overviews of Samsung apps and services – to offer potential Galaxy device buyers a window into an experience they have not yet had. And, maybe, even to broaden the existing Samsung customer's knowledge a little bit. This week, we're expanding our scope. We're taking a journey of understanding an entire product range rather than one app in isolation. It's Samsung Galaxy Watch Week!
If you've never used a Galaxy Watch, have little knowledge of what the user experience is like, and are wondering whether or not you would get along with the Samsung smartwatch, this week's series is for you. We'll try to help you get a better understanding of the Galaxy Watch experience and, by the end of the week, maybe even help you decide whether or not you should buy a smartwatch.
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Let's start this new week at the very beginning and answer a few frequently asked questions. Note that, for our week-long series, we'll be using One UI Watch 5 as a reference.
- One UI Watch 5 is the latest software version running on Samsung smartwatch models like the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6 lineups. One UI Watch 5 is a proprietary skin created by Samsung for Galaxy smartwatches running the Wear OS 4.0 operating system developed by Google.
Frequently asked questions about the Galaxy Watch experience
Q: Is a smartphone required to use a Galaxy Watch?
A: A smartphone is required to set up your Galaxy Watch. After the initial setup, you can use the Galaxy Watch without a smartphone, but your experience will be limited, as you won't receive software updates and won't have access to many features.
Q: Do I need a Samsung Galaxy phone to use a Galaxy Watch?
A: No. You can sync your Galaxy Watch to other Android smartphone brands, and you can even use the Galaxy Watch with an iPhone. Apps like SmartThings and Samsung Health work with other Android phone brands and iOS. However, access to some services, such as Samsung Pay, requires the Galaxy Watch to be synced to a Galaxy phone.
Q: Should I buy a Galaxy Watch that has LTE? Or should I buy the Wi-Fi & Bluetooth-only version?
A: LTE-enabled Galaxy Watches have eSIM capabilities. Depending on your carrier, you can add your LTE smartwatch to your carrier plan through the eSIM function. This lets you send and receive messages, answer calls, and use Internet functions even when your Galaxy Watch is disconnected from your smartphone.
If you plan on carrying both your smartwatch and your smartphone with you at all times, or if you're not bothered by losing access to SMS, calls, and the Internet temporarily while you go out for a run without your smartphone in your pocket, you can use a non-LTE Galaxy Watch without issues. Non-LTE Galaxy Watches also tend to have better battery life and are cheaper.
Q: Can I connect wireless Galaxy Buds to the Galaxy Watch without a phone?
A: Yes, you can. You can connect your Galaxy Buds to your Galaxy smartwatch (LTE or non-LTE) even when you leave your phone at home. You can enjoy music and get Samsung Health instructions and feedback through the Galaxy Buds.
Q: Can I connect wired headphones to my Galaxy Watch?
A: No. The Galaxy Watch doesn't have 3.5mm and USB-C ports. Only wireless, Bluetooth-based headsets and earbuds are compatible.
Q: Can I connect the Galaxy Buds to a non-LTE Galaxy Watch and listen to music when the smartwatch is disconnected from my phone and isn't connected to the Internet?
A: Yes, as long as you have music files stored on the smartwatch's built-in storage or you use music streaming services that let you download playlists and songs to your device.
Q: Can I use any USB-C charger to recharge my Galaxy Watch?
A: Yes and no. You can use your USB-C wall charger to recharge the Galaxy Watch but not your regular USB-C cable. The Galaxy Watch doesn't have a USB-C port. It charges wirelessly through the provided puck-shaped magnetic wireless charger. You can also use other Samsung wireless chargers designed to recharge smartwatches.
Q: Are Galaxy Watches waterproof?
A: Modern Galaxy watches are IP68 and 5ATM-certified. They are water-resistant at depths of up to 50 meters for 10 minutes. Galaxy Watches can be used to track activities such as swimming, but they shouldn't be used in pool water that contains chlorine, in saltwater, or be exposed to soapy water. They should not be kept in water for more than an hour.
Q: Can I use the Galaxy Watch on my right hand?
A: Yes. Galaxy Watches have software features that allow you to change the orientation of the watch face and physical buttons in either direction for both the left and right hands.
Q: Can I change the Galaxy Watch wrist strap?
A: Yes, Galaxy Watch wrist straps are interchangeable, and newer watches are backward-compatible with older Watch straps. In some markets, Samsung might let you choose your wrist strap design before buying the Galaxy Watch.
