Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro: Strong magnet in D-Buckle Sport Band causes problems on some laptops

Samsung has only recently started shipping the Galaxy Watch5 Pro, as well as the Galaxy Watch5 in two sizes. While early reviews have talked a lot about the smartwatch's improved battery life compared to the Galaxy Watch4 Classic but also its lack of a physical rotating bezel, YouTube channel Teknófilo has noticed a bizarre issue with its default D-Buckle Sport Band. While durability is not a concern as it is with other Samsung watch bands, the magnet in its clasp can interfere with certain laptops.

Specifically, many modern laptops feature magnets in their display lid and bases to recognise whether they are in an open or closed state. Hence, if the system notices that two magnets are attracted to each other, it assumes that the lid is closed and will put the system into standby mode. As the video embedded below shows, wearing the Galaxy Watch5 Pro with its default D-Buckle Sport Band can trigger a laptop's standby mode if you move your arm over the keyboard deck.

Theoretically, the issue should affect other smartwatches too whose straps contain magnets, such as the Apple Watch Series 7. However, Samsung does not shield the magnet in the D-Buckle Sport Band, unlike the Apple Watch Leather Link strap. Thankfully, swapping the D-Buckle Sport Band for another strap will resolve the issue, should it affect your laptop. More details about the Galaxy Watch5 Pro can be found in our corresponding launch article.

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