Skip to content

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE – Which Model is Right For You?

Like this post? Please share it...

There are so many reasons to love the new Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The latest smartwatches from Samsung are not just beautiful and loaded with features, they’re breaking new grounds in terms of comfort and features. They are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. The new watches run on Wear OS which marks a return back to the platform after 8 years. A new 5nm Exynos W920 chip also powers the new Galaxy watches and is well equipped with 16GB storage capacity and the addition of a body composition measurement feature. Both Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are available in two sizes: 40mm/44mm and 42mm/46mm respectively. And each of these sizes is available in a Bluetooth/WiFi and LTE model. In this post, we’re comparing Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE model so you know the differences.

Although the Galaxy Watch 4 is available in two sizes; 44mm and 40mm, this comparison features the Bluetooth and LTE models of the 44mm size. Both sizes have the same features except for differences in sizes, prices, and battery life. You can read the differences between Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm) vs (40mm).

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE Specifications Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm) (LTE)
Samsung galaxy watch 4 (44mm) full specifications, features and pricesSamsung galaxy watch 4 (44mm) full specifications, features and prices

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm) (LTE)
Device typeSport/Fitness smartwatchSport/Fitness/Standalone smartwatch
PredessesorSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
SuccessorGalaxy Watch 5Galaxy Watch 5
Released dateAugust, 2021August, 2021
Ideal forUnisexUnisex

DISPLAY

Display typeSuper AMOLED
Full color
Super AMOLED
Full color
Display size1.4 inches1.4 inches
Display resolution450 x 450 pixels450 x 450 pixels
Pixel density454 ppi454 ppi
Input typeTouchscreen,
2 physical buttons
Digital rotating bezel
Touchscreen,
2 physical buttons
Digital rotating bezel
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch faceYesYes

BODY

ShapeCircularCircular
Dimension44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8mm44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8mm
Weight30 grams
(excluding straps)
30 grams
(excluding straps)
Casing materialArmor aluminumArmor aluminum
Strap/band materialFluoroelastomer
Hybrid leather
Fluoroelastomer
Hybrid leather
Bezel MaterialArmor aluminumArmor aluminum
Strap size20mm20mm
Interchangeable band Yes, 20mmYes, 20mm
Screen protectionCorning Gorilla glass DX+Corning Gorilla glass DX+
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, IP68, 5ATM
MIL-STD-810G
Yes, IP68, 5ATM
MIL-STD-810G
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)Black
Green
Silver
Black
Green
Silver

MEMORY

RAM1.5GB1.5GB
Internal storage16GB16GB
Memory card slotNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothBluetooth v5.0Bluetooth v5.0
Bluetooth callingYesYes
Wi-FiYesYes
NFCYesYes
Payment systemSamsung Pay
Google Pay
Samsung Pay
Google Pay
GPSGLONASS/A-GPS/Beidou/GalileoGLONASS/A-GPS/Beidou/Galileo

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoGSM/HSPA/LTE
SIMNoYes, e-SIM
BandNoGSM 850/900/1800
WCDMA B1/2/5

NOTIFICATIONS

Email alertYesYes
SMS alertYesYes
Calls alertYesYes
Event reminderYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Third-party appsYesYes
Text responseYesYes

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYes
StepsYesYes
Floors climbedYesYes
Heart rate monitoringYesYes
CaloriesYesYes
DistanceYesYes
StressYesYes
VO2 Max.YesYes
Blood oxygenYesYes
Blood pressureYesYes
Menstrual cycle trackingYesYes
Swim trackingYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingYesYes
Preloaded mapsYesYes
On-screen workout modes____
Triathlon modeYesYes
ECG TrackingYesYes
Preloaded sport modesYes, 90Yes, 90
Safety trackingYesYes

MEDIA

Audiomp3/mp4mp3/mp4
Music streamingYesYes
Bluetooth musicYesYes
RadioNoNo
LoudspeakerYesYes
MicrophoneYesYes
CameraNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

Operating system (OS)Wear OS 3.5Wear OS 3.5
ChipsetExynos W920Exynos W920
CPUDual core 1.18GHzDual core 1.18GHz
GPUMali -G68 MP2Mali -G68 MP2

BATTERY

Type of batteryNon-removable Li-ion batteryNon-removable Li-ion battery
Battery capacity 361mAh361mAh
Battery lifeMixed Usage:up to 2 daysMixed Usage:up to 2 days
Charging typeCharging dock
Wireless charging
Charging dock
Wireless charging
Charging timeAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-2 hours
Battery saver modeYesYes
Solar powerNoNo
Rapid chargingNoNo

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
AlarmYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control cameraYesYes
Music controlYesYes
Find phoneYesYes

MISC

Compatibility Android 6.0+, RAM 1.5GB+Android 6.0+, RAM 1.5GB+
Companion appSamsung Wearable appSamsung Wearable app
Voice commandYesYes

BOX CONTENTS

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm)Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (44mm) (LTE)
StrapsStraps
ChargerCharger
Quick start guideQuick start guide
NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error.
Official SiteOfficial Site

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 – What’s New?

Galaxy Watch 4 comes with 16GB, BIA sensor and powered by a W920 chip

  1. Galaxy Watch Runs on Wear OS
  2. The new Samsung smartwatches run on Wear OS 3 out of the box marking a return to the platform that powered the Gear Live smartwatch. So, you’re getting access to more of your favorite apps which is something the Tizen platform lacks.

  3. Galaxy Watch 4 is powered by a 5nm Exynos W920 Chip
  4. Another new feature is that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Classic are powered by a 5nm Exynos W920 which succeeds Exynos 9110 that powers the Galaxy Watch 3 down to Galaxy Watch. According to Samsung, the new chip accounts for a 20% increase in CPU performance and a 10x increase in GPU performance. So, you can expect a faster smartwatch.

  5. Galaxy Watch 4 Has a BIA Sensor That Monitors Body Composition
  6. There is also the new Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) Sensor that will allow you to measure your body composition. It will measure your skeletal muscle mass, body fat, body water, and Basal Metabolic Index. These are features that can help you know your body better and as such can also help you plan better workouts and diet.

    Along these new health-tracking features are loads of other health tracking features like sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, ECG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen measurement.

  7. Storage Capacity Has Been Boosted to 16GB

The storage capacity has also been increased to 16GB. This is more storage capacity for storing and streaming your favorite tracks. Moreover, because of the move back to Wear OS, you’ll get access to popular apps like Spotify.

Beyond these features, the Galaxy Watch 4 features notifications management, non-contactless payment support for Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE – What’s the Difference?

The difference between the two models come in price, eSIM and battery life

  1. Price
  2. The first difference you’ll notice between the LTE and Bluetooth models is the price difference. The LTE model is priced higher than the Bluetooth model.

    The 40mm size of the Bluetooth model costs $249.99, while the 44mm of the Bluetooth model costs $279.99. Similarly, the 40mm size of the LTE model costs $299.99, while the 44mm size of the LTE model costs $329.99. You also have to factor in the cost of subscription for cellular plans which is where the actual cost comes in.

  3. Cellular Connectivity – The LTE Model is a Standalone Smartwatch
  4. The main difference between the LTE and Bluetooth models is the presence of eSIM in the LTE model that makes it a standalone smartwatch. As a result, it can make and receive calls independent of a smartphone. It can also receive notification messages and can install apps independent of a smartphone. The Bluetooth model also has these capabilities, but your phone must be nearby.

  5. Battery Life – The Bluetooth Model Has a Longer Battery Life

Although, both the Bluetooth and LTE have the same battery capacity, it’s expected that the Bluetooth model will have a longer battery life once LTE is switched-on on the LTE model. Otherwise, it’s the same battery life of up to 2 days with the 44mm size and about a day with the 40mm size.

You can expect to get more battery life when you utilize one of the battery saver modes. My tip on saving battery life on the Galaxy Watch 4 is to do the following:

  • Reduce display brightness.
  • Reduce the number of apps notifications.
  • Turn off the always-on display.
  • If you’re using the LTE model, turn off LTE when your phone is nearby.
  • Turn off GPS when not in use.

Galaxy Watch 4 Supported Carriers – Before Buying The LTE Model Read This

Before you decide to buy the LTE model of the Galaxy Watch 4, you want to be sure about which model is supported in your region. There are four models globally:

  • 44mm size: SM-875U, SM-875F, SM-875N and SM-895
  • 40mm size: SM-865U, SM-865F, SM-865N & SM-885

The SM-875U and SM-865U are supported in the US with T-mobile, AT&T, US Cellular, and Verizon as supported carriers. Check all Galaxy Watch 4 LTE models and supported carriers. Also, ensure to call your service provider to confirm what plans are available for the Galaxy Watch 4 LTE.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth or LTE Model – Which Should You Buy?

Obviously, the LTE model which is a standalone smartwatch is a more comprehensive smartwatch. Although, the Bluetooth model is a more popular choice because of its simplicity and lower cost. If you carry your phone most time, the Bluetooth model is definitely a better choice. After all, most people can’t do without their phones.

On the other hand, if you really need the standalone functionality of the LTE for whatsoever reason, then it’s no doubt a more complete smartwatch. However, you must consider that you will have to subscribe to data plans monthly which is where the actual cost comes in. This additional cost can be anywhere between $100-$120 yearly in the US depending on your carrier.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE FAQs

  • How Does the LTE Model Work?
  • The LTE model is a standalone smartwatch, it comes with an eSIM that enables cellular connectivity. An eSIM is an emerging technology that’s replacing physical SIM cards. This type of SIM is not removable. All you need to do is download an eSIM profile from a network provider to your device to enable LTE connectivity. The Galaxy Watch 4 LTE model works by allowing you to scan a QR code and download an eSIM profile in the Galaxy Wearable app to enable cellular connectivity for the Watch.

  • How to Activate LTE on Galaxy Watch 4
  • To activate LTE on the Galaxy Watch 4, you will need to obtain a QR code from your network provider. Then open the Galaxy Wearable app and go to settings to scan and download your eSIM profile to the watch. This will enable cellular connectivity.

  • Can I Use Galaxy Watch 4 LTE without Cellular Connectivity

Yes, you can use the LTE model without activating LTE. Then it becomes just like the Bluetooth model which requires your phone for LTE connectivity. You can always turn off LTE on the watch from the settings app on the device.

14 thoughts on “Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth vs LTE – Which Model is Right For You?”

    1. That’s not true. The LTE model can work even without LTE activation. It can tell the time just like the Bluetooth model even when your phone is not nearby. Sorry for the late reply, I have been away for some time.

    1. Sorry for the late reply. I haven’t given this a try, however from my observation, the GW4 disconnects from my phone once I am 20-30meters away. I will try this out to be very sure.

    1. Yes, both models have fall detection. The Bluetooth model has a every feature present on the LTE model. The only difference is that the LTE model will allow make calls and receive messages without your phone being nearby.

      The Bluetooth model requires your phone to be nearby before you can make calls and receive messages.

  1. Do I want to let LTE set to auto,off, or on. Will mostly be connected by blue tooth but at the other end of work building husband’s watch disconnects from watch. Also how much will it affect the battery
    Thanks!

    1. I like to turn of LTE whenever my phone is nearby. And once I’m out without my phone, I turn it back on. This way I conserve battery life to a full day.

      As per disconnecting from phone, its expected once you stay two far away from your phone.

  2. I have 2 quesions

    is it correct that the BT version is like LTE version if your phone is nearby

    Can i play downloaded music on my watch BT version without my phone nearby?

    1. Hi, sorry for the late reply. Yes, the Bluetooth does exactly everything the LTE model can do when your phone is nearby. The LTE model only gives you additional freedom from your phone. It allows you to make and receive calls, send and receive messages without your smartphone.

      Yes, you can play music on the Bluetooth model without your phone. You can either transfer personal music from your phone to the watch or subscribe to YouTube Music premium or Spotify premium. These two services will allow you download music to the watch which you can listen to offline without a phone.

      I own the Bluetooth model, and I subscribed to Spotify which allows me to download music to the watch.

      To get the best music experience, just add a Bluetooth headphone and you are good to go.

  3. HI:
    I`m very new to smart watches and my wife just bought a Galaxy Watch4 with LTE. What are the steps to turning off the LTE ?

    1. You can simply turn off LTE from the quick panel section. Just swipe down from anywhere on the watch, find the LTE icon and tap on it to turn it off. Sorry for the late reply.

Comments are closed.