Samsung Announces Galaxy Watch5 Golf Edition Models

Smartwatches seem to be all the rage right now. Apple’s successful push towards high-end smart wearables has definitely led to a rise in market adoption, as well as increased (and sometimes better) competition from rival brands, such as Google with its Wear OS watch platform.

As far as Wear OS smartwatches go however, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series devices are some of the most popular flag-bearers of the wearable platform range, serving as a great entry point for users who are looking to try out what Google has to offer in terms of wearable device software. The launch of the Galaxy Watch5 series was met with a rather positive reception overall, and it looks like Samsung is determined to keep this ball rolling.

With that said, Samsung UK recently announced three variants of the Galaxy Watch 5 series, called the “Galaxy Watch5 Golf Edition” models. More specifically, the new models come with a “regular” Watch5 Golf Edition, and a Galaxy Watch5 Pro Golf Edition. Let’s see what they have to offer.

Software Features

As with the regular watch 5 models, the Golf Edition devices will come with the usual fitness-tracking and smart device connectivity features. There’s heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, body composition tracking, as well as some Samsung-exclusive software features like Samsung Wallet and compatibility with the company’s SmartThings ecosystem.

One big difference with these models is that they will come with a free lifetime subscription to the golfing app Smart Caddie, specially-designed for golfers. Features like distance to green and touch targeting are available on the app, in addition to other golfing-specific functions. There’s little doubt that the watch will be able to handle these, given that it’s built with 16GB of onboard storage, as well as 1.5GB of RAM.

Design

In terms of design, the Golf edition watches are rather similar to the other Galaxy Watch5 models. The design incorporates elements like a protective layer of sapphire crystal glass for the touch-compatible AMOLED display, a slim design, as well as a sports band which comes in a new colour variant. There’s a titanium-infused design on the Watch5 Pro Golf Edition for added durability, and Samsung says that it comes with a battery designed for longer usage (there’s a 590 mAh unit on the Pro edition vs the 410 mAh cell inside the regular model).

There’s also a nice green colour accent which isn’t typically available on the regular Watch5 models, which adds for a nice touch of variety. All Golf edition watches will also come with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and 5ATM for submersion.

Pricing and Availability

As for pricing, the regular Galaxy Watch5 Golf Edition 40mm will cost around £319, while the 44mm goes for £339. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro Golf Edition 45mm will cost £479 – note that these are for Bluetooth models, as per information available from Samsung. The new watches will also be available from select retailers and Samsung UK’s official website beginning late January.