Top Smartwatches Compared: Apple Watch vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch

Comparison Guides Smartwatches deviceassess March 16, 2025

Introduction

When it comes to smartwatches, two brands dominate the market: Apple and Samsung. The Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are top contenders, each bringing unique features to the table. But which one is the better choice for you? Whether you’re looking for fitness tracking, smart features, or long battery life, we break down the key differences to help you decide.

Design and Build Quality

Apple Watch Design

Apple Watch is known for its sleek, modern aesthetic with a square-shaped display. The aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium options add a premium feel, making it a stylish accessory for everyday wear.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Design

Samsung takes a different approach with a classic, round design that resembles a traditional watch. With rotating bezels on some models, it offers a more tactile experience for navigating menus.

Durability and Comfort

Both watches are water-resistant, but Apple Watch has a slight edge with WR50 water resistance, making it ideal for swimming. Comfort-wise, it depends on personal preference—Apple’s smooth edges vs. Samsung’s traditional look and feel.

Display and User Interface

Apple Watch Display

Apple Watch uses LTPO OLED Retina displays, known for their vivid colors and sharp clarity. The always-on display ensures you can check the time and notifications without lifting your wrist.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Display

Samsung’s Super AMOLED screens deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors, rivaling Apple’s display quality. The rotating bezel (on select models) adds an intuitive way to navigate.

Navigation and User Experience

Apple Watch: Relies on touch gestures and the Digital Crown for scrolling.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Offers touch + rotating bezel (on some models), giving it an edge in ease of use.

Performance and Hardware

Processors and RAM

Apple Watch: Powered by the S9 chip, ensuring smooth performance and fast app launches.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Uses Exynos W930, delivering efficient multitasking and snappy responses.

Storage and Battery Life

Apple Watch: 32GB storage, 18-hour battery life.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: 16GB storage, up to 40-hour battery life.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Apple Watch: Seamless with iPhones, but not compatible with Android.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Works best with Samsung phones but is also compatible with Android devices.

Health and Fitness Features

Apple Watch Health Tracking

Advanced heart rate monitoring
ECG and blood oxygen tracking
Cycle tracking for women

Samsung Galaxy Watch Health Tracking

Heart rate sensor and SpO2 monitoring
Blood pressure tracking (region-dependent)
Body composition measurement (Samsung-exclusive)

Workout and Activity Tracking

Both watches support a variety of workouts, but Apple Watch is more deeply integrated with Apple Fitness+, while Samsung offers customized coaching.

Smart Features and Ecosystem

Notifications and Calls

Both smartwatches let you receive calls, reply to texts, and manage notifications directly from your wrist.

App Support and Customization

Apple Watch: More third-party app support, but limited watch face customization.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: More customizable faces, but fewer third-party apps.

Voice Assistants: Siri vs. Bixby

Apple Watch: Siri is more advanced and integrates seamlessly with Apple services.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Bixby is available, but Google Assistant is preferred.

Battery Life and Charging

Apple Watch Battery Performance

Lasts about 18 hours, requiring daily charging.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Battery Performance

Can last 1-2 days, making it more convenient for extended use.

Charging Methods and Speed

Apple uses magnetic charging, while Samsung supports both magnetic and wireless charging.

Price and Value for Money

Apple Watch Pricing and Models

Starts at $399 for the base model.
Premium versions (Ultra models) go above $800.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Pricing and Models

More affordable, starting at $299.
Higher-end models stay below $500.

Which One Offers Better Value?

Samsung provides better value for Android users, while Apple Watch is worth it for iPhone users.

Pros and Cons of Each Smartwatch

Apple Watch: Pros and Cons

✅ Seamless integration with iPhones
✅ Superior app support
❌ Short battery life
❌ Expensive models

Samsung Galaxy Watch: Pros and Cons

✅ Better battery life
✅ More affordable
❌ Limited app ecosystem
❌ Less refined voice assistant

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the obvious choice. But if you’re in the Android ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is the better pick.