The Galaxy Watch 5 puts several health-tracking features on the wrist of a user, but is it waterproof? Samsung recently announced the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro as its new WearOS-powered smartwatches. The latter is the first of its watches to carry the “pro” suffix and is designed mainly for outdoor users.
Both smartwatches have sapphire crystal-protected displays, bigger batteries, and even charge faster than the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. They also come with a newer version of WearOS and are available in a handful of new colors too. All of whch makes them worthwhile considerations for those buying a smartwatch for the first time, or those looking to upgrade to a newer model.
The Galaxy Watch 5 is a fine-tuned version of its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 4. It has the same circular display and case; comes in 40mm and 44mm versions, and has all of its health tracking features with the addition of a temperature sensor. Just like the Galaxy Watch 4, it also has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This rating means the Galaxy Watch 5 can withstand dust, dirt, and sand. It also means that the smartwatch can survive immersion in up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water for 30 minutes.
Galaxy Watch 5 Can Track Water-Based Sports
In addition, to an IP68 rating, the Galaxy Watch 5 also has a 5 ATM water-resistant rating like the Oppo Watch 3. This is different from the IP68 rating, as a 5 ATM watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters for up to 10 minutes. Despite these water-resistant ratings, Samsung advises of some usage conditions to prevent the Galaxy Watch 5 (or any of its watches with a 5 ATM rating) from damage. For example, Galaxy Watch 5 owners are advised not to immerse their device in water for more than 1 hour, deeper than 10cm for more than 30 minutes, or deeper than 1.5 meters for more than 10 minutes. It is also advised that the watch is not exposed to water moving with force, such as water from a tap, hose, or shower, as well as high-velocity water situations like surfing, water-skiing, and even waves. However, the Galaxy Watch 5 is suitable for tracking certain water-based sports including pool swimming and outdoor swimming.
It is also important to note that despite the Galaxy Watch 5's premium build, it can lose its water resistance if it is dropped or impacted in some way. Furthermore, just because the smartwatch is water-resistant doesn't mean it will survive immersion, splashes, or spills from all types of liquids. In situations where the Galaxy Watch 5 is exposed to liquids like oil, lotion, soapy water, salt water, and perfume, it is advised the watch be rinsed quickly under freshwater and dried with a towel.