As a wearable tech enthusiast, you may be debating which smartwatch to buy – the new Apple Watch Series 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5? Both are impressive devices packed with health sensors and convenient features. To help determine the right choice for your needs, I‘ve done an in-depth, data-driven comparison of the latest models. Let‘s dive in!
The Epic Rivalry: Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch
First, some background. Apple kickstarted the smartwatch craze with the first Apple Watch in April 2015. Since then new models have arrived annually, with over 30 million devices sold in 2021 alone.
Samsung entered the scene in 2013 but didn‘t gain momentum until switching to the Tizen OS and rebranding as Galaxy Watch in 2017. While Apple dominates market share, Samsung is a major competitor.
As you can see, Apple has led in quarterly sales and market share historically. But Samsung is rapidly gaining ground. In Q1 2022, Apple held 28.8% market share worldwide while Samsung had 9.7%.
Now let‘s compare the latest 2022 models head-to-head.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 16, 2022 | August 26, 2022 |
| Size | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Weight (aluminum) | 32g, 38.8g | 28.7g, 33.5g |
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 352 x 430 px (41mm) 396 x 484 px (45mm) |
396 x 396 px (44mm) |
| Battery Life | 18 hours | 40 hours |
| Waterproof Rating | WR50 | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810H |
| Materials | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
| Processor | Apple S8 SiP | Samsung Exynos W920 |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Payments | Apple Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Interchangeable Bands | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | watchOS 9 | Wear OS + One UI Watch |
| Starting Price | $399 | $279 |
Both pack advanced health sensors, GPS, water resistance and long battery life. But you can see some big differences in display, processor, storage and extra sensors. Next let‘s dig deeper on the key factors.
Display Technology: Crystal Clear Visuals
A bright, vivid display is crucial on a device so small. Both utilize OLED screens for deep blacks and bright colors. Samsung uses Super AMOLED tech with incredible 454 ppi density for sharp visuals. The always-on display means you can always glance at the time and notifications.
Apple‘s Retina LTPO display is also stunningly crisp and smooth, with up to 1000 nits of brightness for great outdoor visibility. The Series 8 added a larger screen option and Always-On display. Reviewers consistently praise both for gorgeous visuals.
Health & Fitness Tracking: Your Wellness Companion
These devices aim to be much more than simple timepieces. Advanced health monitoring and motivation are key focuses. Let‘s compare what sensory tech comes loaded on each model.
Heart Health: Both track heart rate 24/7 and provide alerts if an irregular rhythm is detected. The ECG app can take an on-demand electrocardiogram to check for atrial fibrillation.
Blood oxygen: SpO2 sensors measure blood oxygen levels, helping detect issues like sleep apnea.
Temperature sensing: A new addition to Series 8, temperature data can help with tracking ovulation and detecting fevers or illnesses early. The Galaxy Watch 5 lacks this sensor.
Sleep tracking: Both break down sleep stages and quality over time to improve habits.
That‘s just a sampling – these watches can track over 90 different workout types with advanced run-tracking and recovery metrics. It‘s a tight race for health tech, but the Apple Watch 8‘s new temperature sensor gives it the edge.
Durability Fit for Adventure
For adventures in the great outdoors, strength and waterproofing are a must.
The Galaxy Watch 5 ramps up toughness with a Sapphire Crystal display, titanium case option and military-grade durability rating. It‘s swim-proof and shock resistant as well.
While not as rugged, the Apple Watch 8 still brings solid durability improvements. The crack-resistant front crystal and WR50 water rating allow for swimming and high impact activities. Both should withstand active lifestyles with ease.
Battery Life: Lasting Power
Nothing‘s worse than your watch dying halfway through the day. Here Samsung pulls ahead decisively:
The Galaxy Watch 5 is rated for 40+ hours even with always-on display, eclipsing the 18 hours of Apple Watch. For multi-day adventures, the Galaxy Watch 5‘s superior battery gives it the win.
Smartwatch Experience: Apps and UI
It‘s not just hardware – the software experience makes a big impact as well. Samsung made a pivotal change by ditching Tizen for Wear OS in its latest watches.
This brings access to key Google apps while keeping Samsung‘s intuitive One UI interface. Reviewers praise the refresh making it simpler while retaining robust capabilities.
watchOS also brings all Apple‘s apps and services to your wrist with seamless iPhone integration. Users rave about its intuitive controls and polished UI. Both platforms offer thousands of apps to expand functionality.
For Android users, Samsung‘s improved Wear OS gives it the upper hand here. But Apple‘s tight iPhone integration is unmatched.
Price: Budget Friendly Options Available
With advanced mini-computers on your wrist, these devices don‘t come cheap. But both offer more affordable models too:
| Product | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch5 | $279 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro | $449 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | $399 |
| Apple Watch SE | $249 |
Samsung‘s pricing undercuts Apple at the low end, while similarly priced for the high-end models. With frequent sales and promotions, you can often find them for 25% off or more.
Apple Watch vs Samsung Galaxy Watch: Which Should You Buy?
So what‘s the final verdict? Here are my recommendations based on the data:
- For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the obvious choice, with seamless integration and a polished experience.
- For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 makes the most sense, offering the best compatibility and battery life.
- If you prioritize ruggedness and battery, the Galaxy Watch 5 is the winner with its titanium case and multi-day endurance.
- For the most comprehensive health tracking with temperature sensing, Apple Watch 8 comes out on top.
Both are excellent choices that won‘t disappoint. It mainly comes down to your smartphone ecosystem and priorities. Hopefully breaking down the data makes your buying decision easy!
Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy your new smartwatch!
