Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the unboxing and initial impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. This smartwatch has been generating a lot of buzz, and I'm super excited to finally get my hands on it and share my thoughts with you. We'll be covering everything from the design and build quality to the features and performance, so stick around to see if this is the smartwatch for you. If you're in the market for a new wearable, especially if you're coming from a previous Galaxy Watch or are considering switching from another platform, this unboxing and first look should give you a solid idea of what to expect from the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. We'll also touch on how it compares to the standard Galaxy Watch 4, which lacks the rotating bezel – a feature many fans, including myself, were eager to see return. So, without further ado, let's get this box open and explore what Samsung has packed inside!

Unboxing the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

The packaging of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is sleek and minimalist, giving off a premium vibe right from the start. Inside the box, you'll find the watch itself, of course, nestled securely in a cardboard cradle. Below that, there's a small accessory box containing the charging puck and the usual paperwork – a quick start guide and warranty information. Samsung has kept things pretty straightforward here, focusing on the essentials. The charging puck is the standard wireless charger we've seen with previous Galaxy Watches, which is perfectly functional but perhaps a little underwhelming considering the advancements in charging technology these days. It would have been nice to see a faster charger included, but it's not a deal-breaker. The overall unboxing experience is clean and efficient, and it definitely builds anticipation for getting the watch on your wrist and exploring its features. We'll delve deeper into those features in a bit, but first, let's take a closer look at the watch's design and build quality.

Design and Build Quality: A Classic Reimagined

Okay, let's talk design. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic definitely lives up to its name, sporting a more traditional watch aesthetic compared to the standard Watch 4. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the rotating bezel. This physical bezel is not only a visual throwback to classic timepieces but also a fantastic functional element, allowing you to navigate the watch's interface with satisfying clicks and tactile feedback. The model I have is the stainless steel version, which feels incredibly premium and sturdy in hand. The watch also comes in an aluminum variant, which is lighter but perhaps doesn't have quite the same luxurious feel. The build quality is top-notch, with a smooth, polished finish and a reassuring weight. The buttons on the side are responsive and clicky, and the overall construction feels very solid. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass DX, which should provide excellent scratch resistance, a crucial feature for a device you'll be wearing every day. The watch is also 5ATM water-resistant and has an IP68 rating, meaning you can safely wear it while swimming or showering without worrying about water damage. This is a huge plus for those with active lifestyles. The design is a perfect blend of classic and modern, making it a versatile watch that can be worn in any setting, from the gym to a formal event.

Display and Wearability

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic boasts a stunning Super AMOLED display that is bright, vibrant, and incredibly sharp. The colors pop, and the contrast is excellent, making everything from watch faces to notifications look crisp and clear. The display is also highly responsive to touch, making navigating the interface a breeze. I've had no issues with visibility, even in direct sunlight, which is a crucial factor for an outdoor wearable. The watch comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm. I have the 46mm version here, and while it might seem a bit large on paper, it wears surprisingly well on my wrist. The curved design and the way the lugs are integrated into the case help it to conform to the wrist comfortably. The included strap is a standard silicone strap, which is comfortable enough for everyday wear, but you can easily swap it out for any 20mm watch strap to customize the look and feel. The watch is relatively lightweight, especially considering its size and the stainless steel construction. I've been wearing it for several hours now, and it feels comfortable and secure on my wrist. The rotating bezel also adds to the overall wearability, making it easy to interact with the watch without having to rely solely on the touchscreen. This is a big advantage, especially when you're on the move or wearing gloves.

Features and Performance: Powered by Wear OS

Now, let's dive into the juicy stuff – the features and performance. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic marks a significant shift for Samsung, as it's the first smartwatch to run on the new Wear OS Powered by Samsung. This is a collaboration between Samsung and Google, combining the best of Tizen (Samsung's previous smartwatch operating system) and Wear OS. The result is a smooth, intuitive, and feature-rich experience. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, thanks in part to the rotating bezel. Swiping left and right gives you access to widgets, which display at-a-glance information like your activity stats, weather, and calendar events. Swiping down reveals quick settings, while swiping up opens the app drawer. The performance is snappy and responsive, thanks to the Exynos W920 dual-core processor. I haven't experienced any lag or stuttering, even when running multiple apps or using more demanding features like GPS. The watch is packed with health and fitness features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement, and even ECG. It also has advanced run coaching and can automatically detect a variety of workouts. One of the standout features is the new BioActive Sensor, which can measure body composition, giving you insights into your muscle mass, body fat percentage, and body water levels. This is a feature that's usually found on more expensive fitness trackers and smart scales, so it's great to see it included here. The watch also supports NFC for contactless payments via Google Pay, and it has a built-in microphone and speaker for taking calls and interacting with Google Assistant. Speaking of Google Assistant, it's a welcome addition to the Wear OS ecosystem, providing quick access to information and hands-free control of your smart home devices. The app selection is also significantly improved compared to previous Wear OS watches, with access to a wide range of apps in the Google Play Store. This is a major step up from the limited app selection on Tizen.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is always a crucial factor for any smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic delivers decent, but not exceptional, performance in this area. Samsung claims up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, but in my testing, I've been getting closer to 30-35 hours with moderate usage. This includes always-on display enabled, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and some GPS workouts. If you disable the always-on display and reduce the frequency of heart rate monitoring, you can probably squeeze out a bit more battery life. However, even with my usage, I'm still getting a full day of use out of the watch, which is perfectly acceptable. The charging time is also fairly quick, taking around 2 hours to fully charge the watch from 0%. The connectivity options on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are comprehensive, including Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and NFC. The Bluetooth connection has been stable and reliable, and I haven't experienced any dropouts or connectivity issues. The Wi-Fi connectivity is also a welcome addition, allowing the watch to connect to your home network and receive notifications even when your phone is not nearby. The NFC support for Google Pay is a must-have feature for me, as it allows me to make quick and easy payments without having to reach for my wallet. Overall, the battery life and connectivity of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are solid, making it a reliable companion for daily use.

First Impressions and Conclusion

So, what are my first impressions of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic? Well, I'm genuinely impressed. The design is stunning, the build quality is top-notch, and the performance is smooth and responsive. The rotating bezel is a standout feature that makes navigating the interface a joy, and the Wear OS Powered by Samsung experience is a significant improvement over previous Wear OS watches. The health and fitness features are comprehensive, and the new BioActive Sensor is a welcome addition. The battery life is decent, and the connectivity options are excellent. Of course, there are a few minor downsides. The charging puck is a bit basic, and the battery life could be better, but these are relatively minor complaints. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a fantastic smartwatch that offers a compelling blend of style, functionality, and performance. If you're in the market for a new smartwatch, especially if you're a fan of classic watch designs and you want a Wear OS experience, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is definitely worth considering. It's a worthy successor to previous Galaxy Watches and a strong contender in the smartwatch market. I'm excited to continue using this watch and exploring its features, and I'll be sure to share a more in-depth review in the coming weeks. Thanks for joining me for this unboxing and first look, and I'll catch you in the next one!