New smartwatch and headphones: Samsung unveils Galaxy Watch5 and Buds2 Pro
10/8/2022
Translation: machine translated
Samsung is showing new wearables: for the ears there are new true-wireless headphones with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and for the wrists the latest generation of Samsung Galaxy Watches.
Samsung is using its Galaxy Unpacked event to present new smartwatches and headphones in addition to the folding smartphones. In terms of smartwatches, there are two variants to choose from, the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro.
Watch5: Coloured and in two sizes
The basic version of the new watch comes in two sizes: 40 millimetres or 44 millimetres. The small version is available in graphite, silver (with a Bora Purple strap) or pink gold. The larger version is available in Graphite, Silver or Sapphire.
Both sizes of the Watch5 feature a full-colour Amoled display with Always-On function, covered with sapphire glass. This is said to be 60 per cent harder than that of the previous version. On the display you will see the One UI Watch 4.0 user interface and the Exynos W920 is responsible for the computing power. The Watch5 has an internal storage capacity of 16 gigabytes and has 1.5 gigabytes of RAM.
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The usual sensors to measure acceleration, rotation, orientation or light are built into the new Watches. In addition, there are medical sensors such as an optical heart sensor to measure the heart rate.
Bioelectric sensors are also included.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis is also still possible with the Watch5 - that means you can measure the fat percentage in your body, for example. I tried out this function on the spot: After I enter my age, height and weight, I place my middle and ring finger on the buttons on the side. Then the Watch5 takes a short moment - after a few seconds I receive various data on my body composition. The Watch5 shows whether you are in a healthy range. You can also carry out stress and sleep analyses with the Watch5, as well as measure various workouts.
The small Watch5 weighs 28.7 grams and the large Watch5 weighs 33.5 grams. The smaller one has a 284 mAh battery - the large one has a 410 mAh battery. Compared to the previous model, the batteries have grown by 13 per cent. The Watch5 is dust and water resistant with an IP68 certification. The Watch5 is available in the cheapest version from 299 Swiss francs.
Watch5 Pro: Bigger and less colourful
The Pro version of the Watch5 is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. It shares many specifications with the basic version. Storage capacity, display, processor and operating system are identical. The IP68 certification is also the same.
But it differs in size, because the Watch 5 Pro is only available in a 45-millimetre version. On slim wrists, this makes the Watch5 Pro look very large. It is also less colourful and only comes in Black Titanium and Grey Titanium. Because charging options are limited outdoors, the Watch5 Pro has a larger 590 mAh battery. But at 46.5 grams, it is also slightly heavier than the Watch5. Samsung sells the Watch5 Pro for CHF 469.
Galaxy Buds2 Pro
A year ago, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds2 - this year, the South Korean company is showing off its Pro version: the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. To enable not only music enjoyment but also active noise cancellation (ANC), three microphones are built into the Buds.
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The rounded case weighs 43.4 grams - the individual Buds weigh 5.5 grams each. Compatible with smartphones, tablets, PCs that have at least Windows 10 and Samsung's 2018 smart TVs, the Buds2 Pro connect via Bluetooth 5.3.
Samsung promises up to 30 hours of battery life when you recharge the Buds2 Pro in its case. Without charging in between, you can listen to music or make calls for five hours with ANC on. This is made possible by the 500 mAh battery in the charging case and the 61 mAh batteries in the individual ear tips. The charging case is charged via its USB-C port or wirelessly.
During the short test on site, I can confirm that the ANC is good. Moreover, the Buds do indeed sit lightly in the ears. But compared to my Sony Linkbuds S, the materials of the Buds2 Pro feel a bit harder.
Bixby is at your side as a voice assistant with the Buds2 Pro. The new headphones are available in Graphite, White and Bora Purple. The Buds2 Pro are available in Switzerland from 249 Swiss francs.
Available towards the end of August
Samsung will be selling the new Foldables, as well as the Buds and the Watches, from 26 August. You can pre-order all the devices now. All Watch5 models can be found on this page:
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