Samsung watch vs Apple watch: The ultimate comparison
Smartwatches are no longer just for tech enthusiasts. They have become an essential gadget for anyone looking to stay connected and track their fitness goals. With so many options flooding the market, choosing the right smartwatch that caters to your needs is crucial.
Two of the most well-known contenders in this space are Samsung Watch and Apple Watch. This article will dive deep into both devices, compare their features, and help you decide which is worth your investment.
Brief Overview of Smartwatches
A smartwatch is essentially an extension of your smartphone that sits on your wrist. It allows you to receive notifications, make calls, check emails, control music playback and access other apps without constantly pulling out your phone. Smartwatches also come packed with sensors that can monitor your health, such as heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and even analysis of stress levels.
| Specifications | Samsung Watch | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Tizen OS | watchOS |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | iOS |
| Display | 1.4″ or 1.9″ (depending on model) Super AMOLED, 360 x 360 pixels | 1.57″ or 1.78″ (depending on model) LTPO OLED, 368 x 448 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 9110 | S6 or S5 depending on model |
| Storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| RAM | 1.5GB or 1GB (depending on model) | 1GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days | Up to 18 hours |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM + IP68 | 50 meters |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes (select models) | Yes (select models) |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| LTE | Yes (select models) | Yes (select models) |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes (select models) | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Wear OS | No | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | Yes (select models) | Yes (select models) |
| Titanium | Yes (select models) | Yes (select models) |
| OLED | Yes | Yes |
Importance of Choosing the Right Smartwatch
Choosing the right smartwatch is critical because investing in a subpar device can lead to frustration and even buyer’s remorse down the line. A good smartwatch should complement your lifestyle by providing relevant information at a glance while not being too cumbersome or bulky on your wrist.
Additionally, it should have accurate sensors for tracking health metrics such as steps taken or calories burned during a workout session. If fitness is essential to your life or you’re trying to make healthier choices, choosing a watch with robust health-tracking features becomes all the more important.
Comparison between Samsung Watch and Apple Watch
Samsung has been making smartwatches since 2013, while Apple entered this market in 2015 with its first-generation Apple Watch. Both companies have since then launched several iterations of their respective devices. Samsung Watch runs on the Tizen OS, while Apple Watch runs on watchOS.
Both have unique features that set them apart from each other. Samsung Watch has a circular design with a rotating bezel that allows for effortless navigation through the UI.
It also supports LTE connectivity and comes with built-in GPS tracking. On the other hand, Apple Watch has a square design with a digital crown for navigation and ECG feature for heart monitoring.
Both watches have pros and cons, but ultimately it boils down to personal preference and what you value in a smartwatch. In the upcoming sections, we’ll compare these devices in more detail so you can decide which is right for you.
Samsung Watch vs Apple Watch: Design and Display
Samsung Watch design and display features
Samsung has always been a leader in the smartwatch industry, and the Samsung Watch is no exception. The watch comes with a round face design, which gives it a classic look that will never go out of style. But don’t let the classic look fool you – this watch is packed with modern features, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a smartwatch to handle anything they throw at it.
One of the things I love about the Samsung Watch is its multiple colour options. No matter your style or personality, there’s a colour option for you.
From classic black to rose gold, there’s something for everyone. But what sets the Samsung Watch apart from other smartwatches is its rotating bezel.
This feature makes navigating menus and apps easy with just a flick of your wrist. It’s intuitive and natural, which makes using the watch feel like second nature.
Apple Watch design and display features
On the other hand, we have Apple Watch – a device that has taken over the world despite lacking fundamental qualities like diversity in design options! Yes, you heard it right; unlike most watches in today’s market that offer numerous designs based on different colours or materials to fit individual needs, Apple only offers one shape; square! To make matters worse, Apple only offers limited colour options with their watches; are they afraid of adding more?
Not! It just shows how little they care about giving their customers aesthetic choices.
And while Apple may have introduced the digital crown as an innovative way to control its watch’s interface when it initially released its first generation of smartwatches in 2015, let’s be clear: innovation alone does not make up for its lacklustre designs. Samsung’s Watch design is a clear winner regarding style and functionality.
Its round face design, multiple colour options, and rotating bezel make it a great choice for anyone who wants a smartwatch that looks and feels great on their wrist. Apple Watch’s limited design options leave much to be desired in aesthetics.
Samsung Watch vs Apple Watch: Health and Fitness Tracking
Samsung Watch health and fitness tracking features
Samsung’s latest smartwatch has various features, making it the perfect companion for fitness enthusiasts. One of the standout features is built-in GPS tracking which allows you to track your running or cycling routes without needing your smartphone.
This is especially useful if you prefer to exercise without carrying your phone around or if you want to leave it at home. Another great feature is the sleep tracking capability.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, and Samsung Watch makes it easy to track your sleeping patterns with its advanced tracker. You can see how much time you spend in each sleep stage, including deep sleep, light sleep, and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
Furthermore, the stress monitoring feature helps users keep track of their stress levels throughout their busy days. The watch automatically detects high-stress situations based on heart rate data and provides breathing exercises to lower stress levels quickly.
Apple Watch health and fitness tracking features
The latest Apple Watch also has impressive health and fitness features that impress even the most dedicated athletes. The first feature worth mentioning is its built-in GPS tracking capability, making it easy to track outdoor workouts like running or hiking accurately. One of the Apple Watch’s most significant advantages over other smartwatches is its ability to monitor heart rate through an ECG feature that provides detailed information about users’ heart health status at any time.
It also has an activity ring system that tracks daily progress against goals set by users in categories like “Move,” “Exercise,” and “Stand.” Moreover, Apple also has a comprehensive Health app that stores all your vital data from various sources like third-party apps or wearable devices in one place so you can monitor trends over time easily.
Both Samsung and Apple Watch offer great health and fitness tracking features. However, Samsung Watch seems to have an edge over the Apple Watch in monitoring stress levels; it also has a longer battery life than its rival.
On the other hand, the ECG feature in Apple Watch is a game-changer for heart health monitoring, which Samsung does not have at all. It’s up to you to decide which smartwatch best fits your needs and priorities.
Samsung Watch vs Apple Watch: Battery Life
Samsung Watch Battery Life Features
The Samsung Watch is a powerhouse when it comes to battery life. With up to 5 days on a single charge, you can wear it day and night without worrying about running out of juice.
This is a major selling point for anyone who wants to track their fitness, monitor their sleep, or stay connected without the hassle of charging every day. The long battery life is achieved through hardware and software optimizations.
The watch uses an efficient processor that doesn’t drain too much power, and the Tizen operating system is designed to be lightweight and streamlined. Additionally, Samsung has included features like low-power mode and always-on display that help preserve battery life even further.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the battery life of the Samsung Watch. It’s one of the best smartwatches in this regard, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a device that can last for days on end.
Apple Watch Battery Life Features
In contrast to the impressive battery life of the Samsung Watch, I find myself sorely disappointed by the Apple Watch. With only up to 18 hours on a single charge, it’s not enough for most people’s needs.
Sure, you could argue that Apple has included features like fast charging and power-saving modes to make up for this shortcoming, but in my opinion, these are just bandaids on a larger problem. If you forget to charge your Apple Watch overnight, you’ll be left with a dead device by midday.
There are some redeeming qualities about the Apple Watch’s battery life – namely, its ability to charge quickly (up to 80% in an hour) – but overall, I can’t help but feel disappointed. If you’re looking for a smartwatch to keep up with your busy lifestyle, I recommend looking elsewhere.
Verdict
Regarding battery life, there’s simply no contest between the Samsung Watch and the Apple Watch. Samsung wins hands down with its ability to last up to 5 days on a single charge, while the Apple Watch falls short with only up to 18 hours.
Of course, battery life isn’t the only metric we should judge these devices, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most important. After all, if your smartwatch is dead half the time you wear it, what good is it?
Compatibility with Smartphones
Samsung watches compatibility with smartphones.
Samsung has always been a company dedicated to making technology accessible to everyone. That’s why they’ve ensured their watches are compatible with Android phones and iOS devices. Whether you’re an iPhone user or an Android fan, you can rest assured that the Samsung Watch will work seamlessly with your smartphone.
One of the best things about Samsung’s compatibility is that it requires no additional apps or software. All you need to do is connect your watch to your phone via Bluetooth, and you’re good to go.
This means you won’t have to worry about downloading extra software or dealing with complicated setup procedures. Another great feature of Samsung’s compatibility is that it allows for complete integration between your phone and your watch.
You can receive notifications, answer calls, and even reply to messages directly from your watch. This makes it easy to stay connected no matter where you are.
Apple Watch compatibility with smartphones
The Apple Watch is specifically designed for use with iPhones, so if you’re an Apple fan, there’s no better choice for a smartwatch than the Apple Watch. However, this exclusivity comes at a cost – if you don’t have an iPhone, you won’t be able to use the Apple Watch.
If you have an iPhone, setting up the Apple Watch is a breeze – just like everything else in the Apple ecosystem. However, if you’re not invested in Apple products, getting started with the watch can be a pain in the neck.
One issue some people have had with the Apple Watch is its limited functionality when paired with non-Apple devices. For example, Android users won’t be able to take advantage of many features that make the Apple Watch popular among iPhone users.
My opinion on smartphone compatibility
In my opinion, the Samsung Watch is the clear winner regarding smartphone compatibility. They’ve made a universal device by making their watch work with Android and iOS.
This means that no matter your phone, you can use the Samsung Watch without issues. On the other hand, Apple’s decision to restrict their watch to only work with iPhones feels like a missed opportunity.
By limiting their audience in this way, they’re missing out on potential customers who might be interested in their product but aren’t already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Overall, when it comes to smartphone compatibility, I think Samsung has done an excellent job of making a smartwatch that is accessible to everyone.
Samsung Watch vs Apple Watch FAQs:
What is the equivalent of Apple Watch for Samsung?
Samsung Galaxy Watch is the Android equivalent of the Apple Watch, with models such as the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a top alternative to the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra. It offers activity tracking, heart rate sensors, and mobile payments.
Are Samsung Watches equipped with sapphire glass?
Yes, Samsung Watches, including the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, have sapphire glass displays that are extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and water-resistant. However, not all Samsung watches come with sapphire glass.
Which brand of smartwatch is best?
Several brands of smartwatches are considered the best, depending on your needs and preferences. Some of the top brands include:
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
- Google Pixel Watch
- Fitbit Charge 5
When choosing a smartwatch, consider factors such as compatibility with your phone, battery life, features, and style. It’s also important to read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your budget.
What is a bioactive sensor, and is it available in Samsung or Apple Watches?
Samsung’s BioActive Sensor combines Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Signal, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to track various health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen level, and stress level. It’s available on Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5. It’s unclear whether Apple Watches have a similar bioactive sensor.
Pasito Tola is a tech enthusiast, writer, and engineer. He has a degree in Media Production and Telecom engineering from the University of Coventry and ISTA Ndolo. He is passionate about all things tech and has spent years exploring the latest gadgets, software, and innovations. His writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making even the most complex topics easy to understand. He is a valuable asset to our tech review site and we are lucky to have him on our team.
