Before the launch of the Galaxy Watch 5, one of the features rumored to be coming to Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 3 launched with an ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib).
When the Wear OS-powered Galaxy Watch 4 was announced in 2021, a BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) sensor was one of its main features for measuring overall body composition. With the sensor, the watch will be able to calculate skeletal muscle, body fat percentage and body water percentage. Similar metrics are available from smart scales such as the Withings Body+ and Wyze Scale X.
Among the Galaxy Watch 5's new features are an improved design, an advanced sleep coach, a bigger battery and fast charging . In addition, Samsung's new smartwatch also has a temperature sensor. The sensor is present on both the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. It will provide s with more details about their health, mainly when sleeping, as evident in a statement provided to Tom's Guide. According to Samsung, "the addition of a skin temperature sensor will now allow s to monitor their health in even greater detail for more insights each night."
The Temperature Sensor Won't Work Right Out Of The Box
The temperature sensor on the Galaxy Watch 5 will measure skin temperature just like the one on the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro. This detail, when combined with sleep data, can help detect sleep conditions. For example, if a 's temperature is high compared to the baseline when sleeping, the health app may suggest sleeping without a blanket or with the air conditioner turned on. And if it is a cold night, it may indicate a fever. Temperature changes can also indicate changes in a female 's menstrual phase.
Samsung also revealed in its Galaxy Watch 5's temperature sensor uses infrared technology and should provide more accurate readings even when surrounding temperature changes. Unfortunately, however, the sensor won't work right out of the box when the smartwatch starts selling on Aug. 26. While this may be a disappointment for those who are excited to try out the Galaxy Watch 5's new feature, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has been keeping an eye on Samsung smartwatches in the past few years.
Certain health features have shipped with Samsung smartwatches but were not available to use until later. The Food and Drug istration has not cleared blood pressure monitoring despite being available since the 2020 Galaxy Watch 3. It is therefore expected that when the Galaxy Watch 5's temperature sensor does begin to work there is a possibility that it may not be available in all regions.
Source: Samsung, Tom's Guide