Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Review (2026): Is It Worth Buying Refurbished in the UK?

Last updated: 5 June 2026 -- by RefurbPhone Editorial. Our UK-based engineers test every Watch 5 we refurbish across all sensors, the digital crown and bezel, side buttons, charging and battery health before sale.

Quick verdict: Should you buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 in 2026?

Yes -- for the right buyer. 4 years after launch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 delivers what it always promised -- the new skin temperature sensor and improved battery sat alongside the same proven Wear OS / Tizen-replacement experience from the Galaxy Watch 4 -- now at a fraction of its original RRP. The Watch 5 is best for buyers who want a full-featured Samsung smartwatch on the tightest possible refurbished budget.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 at a glance

• Launched: August 2022
• Sizes available: 40mm and 44mm
• Display: 1.2-inch (40mm) or 1.4-inch (44mm) Super AMOLED with sapphire crystal glass
• Processor: Samsung Exynos W920 dual-core 5nm
• RAM: 1.5GB
• Storage: 16GB
• Battery: 284mAh (40mm) or 410mAh (44mm) -- around 50 hours real-world
• Operating system: Wear OS 3.5 + One UI Watch 4.5
• Durability: 5ATM water resistance + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H
• Health features: ECG, blood oxygen (SpO2), body composition (BIA), skin temperature sensor (new at launch), heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking
• UK launch RRP: from GBP 269
• RefurbPhone refurbished price: Significantly less than RRP -- see Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 for current pricing.

What we like about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

After refurbishing dozens of Watch 5 units, here’s what consistently impresses our engineers and customers:

Capable Wear OS performance

The W920 chip handles Wear OS 3.5 and One UI Watch 4.5 smoothly. App switching, notifications and health-tracking all run without noticeable lag four years after launch.

What’s not so great about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The body composition reading is fiddly to take and the battery on the 40mm version doesn’t comfortably hit a full day for heavy users

Worth knowing before you buy. Most owners adjust within a few weeks.

Older chip vs the current Galaxy Watch flagship

The Watch 5 uses a dual-core chip rather than the newer 5-core W1000 in the Watch 7 and Watch Ultra. For pure speed it’s a noticeable gap. For day-to-day use you won’t notice.

Software support runs to 2026

Samsung only committed to 4 years of OS and security updates for the Watch 5 at launch. The newer Watch 7 and Watch Ultra get 7 years. That doesn’t mean the Watch 5 becomes useless after 2026 -- it just stops getting new features.

Battery is good not great

You’ll charge the Watch 5 most nights. If multi-day battery matters, the Watch Ultra is the only Galaxy Watch that comfortably hits two full days.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 -- should you spend more?

The Watch 6 is the successor, launched in August 2023. What you give up by going one generation older with the Watch 5:

• Chip: Watch 6 uses the Samsung Exynos W930 dual-core 5nm -- meaningfully faster and more efficient than the Watch 5.
• Software support: Samsung promises 4 years on the Watch 6 vs 4 years on the Watch 5.
• Health features: Watch 6 includes ECG.

Verdict: if you can find a refurbished Watch 6 for less than GBP 80-100 more, get the newer model for the longer Samsung software support. If the Watch 5 is significantly cheaper, it’s still a very capable watch in 2026.

What phones does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 pair with?

Every Samsung Galaxy Watch is an Android-only device. The Watch 5 pairs with any Android phone running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later via the Samsung Wearable / Galaxy Wearable app. Some Samsung-exclusive features (ECG, blood pressure where licensed, body composition) require a Samsung Galaxy phone running Samsung Health. The Watch 5 does NOT pair with iPhone.

Is the refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 reliable in 2026?

Smartwatch components age more slowly than phones. Here’s what 4 years of Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 units passing through our refurbishment process actually shows:

• The Super AMOLED display has no moving parts and ages well -- burn-in is rare on returns
• Sensor accuracy holds up well -- ECG, SpO2 and skin temperature continue to track accurately
• Battery health on returning Watch 5 units typically sits at 85 to 92% at the 4-year mark
• Charging contacts on the underside can show light wear but rarely fail
• Strap pins occasionally need replacement, especially on watches that have been swum with

Every refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 at RefurbPhone is tested by our UK-based engineers across all health sensors, the digital crown / rotating bezel, side buttons, speakers, microphone, connectivity and battery health. Any battery below 85% capacity is replaced before sale, and you get a 12-month UK warranty on the whole watch.

How much does a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 cost in the UK?

Refurbished Watch 5 prices vary by case size, case material and condition grade. At RefurbPhone we grade every watch as Premium Refurbished, Very Good or Fair so you know exactly what cosmetic condition to expect before you buy. Check Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 released in the UK?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 launched in August 2022 with same-day UK availability through Samsung UK, Amazon UK, Currys, Argos and Samsung-authorised retailers. UK launch price started at GBP 269 for the smaller size.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 worth buying refurbished in 2026?

Yes -- for the right buyer. 4 years on, the Watch 5 is best suited to buyers who want a full-featured Samsung smartwatch on the tightest possible refurbished budget. With Samsung’s 4 years of software support, a refurbished Watch 5 bought in 2026 receives updates through to at least 2026.

Will the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 work with an iPhone?

No. The Watch 5 is Android-only. You need an Android phone running Android 8.0 or later, paired via the Samsung Wearable app. Some Samsung-exclusive health features require a Samsung Galaxy phone.

What chip does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 use?

The Watch 5 uses the Samsung Exynos W920 dual-core 5nm. It’s a generation or two behind the current Exynos W1000 in the Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, but still handles modern Wear OS and Samsung Health smoothly.

How long does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 battery last?

Battery life is around 50 hours real-world. Battery life varies with always-on display use, GPS tracking, blood oxygen monitoring frequency and notification volume.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 waterproof?

The Watch 5 is rated 5ATM water resistance + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H. That covers freshwater swimming, showering and sweat resistance. Avoid hot water, salt water exposure and impact damage in 2026 -- IP ratings can degrade over time.

Does the refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 come with a strap and charger?

Every refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 at RefurbPhone ships with a compatible strap and a charging cable. Each individual product listing confirms what’s included.

How long will Samsung support the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with software updates?

Samsung committed to 4 years of OS and security updates for the Watch 5 at launch -- meaning support through to at least 2026.

What warranty do I get with a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5?

A 12-month RefurbPhone warranty covering screen, battery, sensors, charging issues and hardware faults, plus 14 days no-quibble returns from delivery.

Where can I buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 in the UK?

RefurbPhone stocks refurbished Watch 5 devices in Premium Refurbished, Very Good and Fair conditions, all with a 12-month UK warranty and free next-day UK delivery. Browse Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or explore all refurbished Samsung Galaxy watches in our range.

Bottom line

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 was Samsung’s 2022 flagship Galaxy Watch, and 4 years on it’s aged well. The new skin temperature sensor and improved battery sat alongside the same proven Wear OS / Tizen-replacement experience from the Galaxy Watch 4, with Samsung software support that runs through at least 2026. At a refurbished price from RefurbPhone, it’s genuinely good value for buyers who want a full-featured Samsung smartwatch on the tightest possible refurbished budget.

Ready to shop? Browse Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or compare it against our full refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch range.