Samsung smartwatches vs Apple smartwatches: pros and cons

The world of smartwatches has evolved rapidly over the years. Due to technological advancements, smartwatches have become more advanced and feature-filled. If you are in the market for a smartwatch, there are two major players: Samsung and Apple. Both companies offer great smartwatches, but which one is better? In this article, we will compare Samsung smartwatches with Apple smartwatches to help you decide which one is the best for you.

Design and Build Quality: Aesthetics and Durability Compared

When it comes to smartwatch design, both Samsung and Apple offer elegant and stylish looks. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 is designed with a more classic look, perfect for those who prefer a traditional watch look. Apple, on the other hand, has a more modern look, which appeals to younger generations.

As for the build quality, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has a stainless steel finish that makes it sturdier and more durable than Apple’s Watch Series 7. The latter is made of aluminum, which can make it more prone to scratches and dings.

However, Apple’s Watch Series 7 has a water-resistant rating of 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and water sports. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4, on the other hand, has a water-resistant rating of only 5 meters, which means it is not suitable for swimming or diving. So, if you’re someone who enjoys water activities, the Apple Watch Series 7 might be a better choice for you.

User Interface: Which Operating System is More Intuitive?

The user interface on both Samsung and Apple smartwatches is user-friendly and intuitive. However, Samsung uses the Tizen operating system, while Apple uses the WatchOS. Both operating systems have similar functionalities, but Samsung’s Tizen is more customizable than Apple’s WatchOS. Samsung’s operating system also offers a better notification system and a more extensive selection of watch faces.

Another advantage of Samsung’s Tizen operating system is its compatibility with a wider range of Android devices. This means that if you have an Android phone, you can easily connect it to a Samsung smartwatch and enjoy all the features seamlessly. On the other hand, Apple’s WatchOS is only compatible with iPhones, which limits its user base.

However, one area where Apple’s WatchOS outshines Samsung’s Tizen is in its health and fitness tracking features. Apple’s smartwatch has a more accurate heart rate monitor and offers a wider range of workout tracking options. Additionally, the WatchOS has a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) feature that can detect irregular heartbeats and other heart-related issues.

Battery Life: How Long Can You Go Between Charges?

Battery life is an essential factor when choosing a smartwatch. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has a battery life of up to 40 hours, while the Apple Watch Series 7 can last up to 18 hours. This means that you will have to charge your Apple smartwatch every day, while you can get two days of usage with Samsung’s smartwatch on a single charge.

It’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on usage. If you use your smartwatch for activities that require a lot of power, such as GPS tracking or streaming music, the battery life may be shorter. Additionally, some smartwatches have features that can help extend battery life, such as power-saving modes or the ability to turn off certain features when not in use. It’s worth considering these factors when choosing a smartwatch that will meet your needs.

Fitness Features: How Do Samsung and Apple Smartwatches Compare for Health Tracking?

Both Samsung and Apple smartwatches come with numerous fitness features that help you keep track of your health. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and sleep tracker. It also has a blood pressure monitor and EKG. Apple’s Watch Series 7 has similar features, but it lacks the blood pressure monitor and EKG.

However, Apple’s Watch Series 7 has a unique feature called “Time to Walk” which allows users to listen to inspiring stories and music while walking. This feature is not available on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4.

On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has a more advanced fitness tracking system that can detect up to 95 different activities, including swimming, running, and cycling. It also has a feature called “Body Composition Analysis” which can measure your body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and more. Apple’s Watch Series 7 can only detect up to 12 different activities and does not have a body composition analysis feature.

App Availability: Which Ecosystem Offers More Apps for Smartwatches?

Apple’s App Store has more apps than Samsung’s Galaxy Store, with over 20,000 apps compared to Samsung’s 7,000. However, most apps on both platforms are fitness, media, and productivity apps.

It’s worth noting that while Apple has more apps overall, Samsung’s Galaxy Store has a higher percentage of apps specifically designed for smartwatches. This means that if you’re looking for apps that fully utilize the features of your smartwatch, Samsung’s ecosystem may be the better choice. Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy Store offers more customization options for watch faces and widgets, allowing users to personalize their smartwatch experience to a greater extent than on Apple’s platform.

Compatibility: Which Smartwatch is Best Suited for Your Smartphone?

If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the perfect smartwatch for you. It offers great compatibility with iOS, and you can access all your apps and notifications from your wrist. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, but the integration may not be as robust as with Apple devices.

However, if you own an Android smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the best option for you. It offers seamless integration with Android devices, and you can easily access your notifications, messages, and other apps from your wrist. The Galaxy Watch 4 also offers a wide range of fitness and health tracking features, making it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Another smartwatch that is worth considering is the Fitbit Sense. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and offers a range of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management. The Fitbit Sense also has a long battery life, making it a great option for those who don’t want to charge their smartwatch every day.

Music and Media Playback: Which Smartwatch Offers Better Integration with Your Streaming Services?

If you are a music lover, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the way to go. It has better music and media playback integration, allowing you to stream music directly from your smartwatch. Apple’s Watch Series 7 has a more limited music playback feature.

In addition to its superior music playback integration, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 also offers a wider range of media playback options. It supports a variety of video and audio formats, making it easier to play your favorite media files on the go.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a more advanced fitness tracking feature. It offers more accurate heart rate monitoring and a wider range of workout tracking options. If you are a fitness enthusiast, the Apple Watch Series 7 might be a better choice for you.

Voice Assistant Functionality: Siri vs Bixby

Apple’s Watch Series 7 uses Siri as its voice assistant while Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 uses Bixby. Both voice assistants work well for simple tasks like setting reminders and checking weather updates. Still, Siri has a slight edge over Bixby when it comes to natural language processing and answering more complex queries.

However, Bixby has some unique features that Siri does not offer. For example, Bixby can control some Samsung smart home devices, such as TVs and refrigerators, while Siri is limited to Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. Additionally, Bixby has a built-in translator that can translate over 70 languages, making it a useful tool for travelers.

Another area where Siri and Bixby differ is in their integration with third-party apps. Siri has better integration with popular apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, while Bixby has a more limited selection of compatible apps. However, Bixby’s open-source platform allows developers to create custom voice commands for their apps, giving it an advantage in terms of customization and flexibility.

Price Comparison: Are Samsung or Apple Smartwatches a Better Value for Your Money?

When it comes to price, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 is relatively less expensive than Apple’s Watch Series 7. The latter’s price ranges from $399 to $699, while the former’s price ranges from $249 to $399. Although Apple’s smartwatches may be more expensive, they offer a more premium and polished experience overall.

However, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 offers more customization options and a wider range of features, such as blood pressure monitoring and body composition analysis. On the other hand, Apple’s Watch Series 7 has a larger display and faster charging capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two smartwatches depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Customer Support and After-Sales Service Comparison

Apple’s customer support and after-sales service are renowned for being exceptional. Apple offers a one-year warranty on their smartwatches and provides free technical assistance for the first 90 days. Samsung also offers a one-year warranty on its smartwatches, but the after-sales service may not be as strong as Apple’s.

Future Upgrades and Compatibility with New Technologies

Apple’s Watch Series 7 is slotted to be compatible with new technologies like “Find My” integration and SharePlay. We can expect other new features as well that provide a better user experience. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 also offers software updates, but its capabilities and compatibility with new technologies may not be as strong as Apple’s.

Waterproofing and Resistance to the Elements

Both Samsung and Apple’s smartwatches are waterproof with a rating of IP68. This means that they can survive water submersion up to 50 meters. However, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has a slightly higher durability rating that makes it more resistant to elements like dust and saltwater exposure.

Customization Options for Watch Faces, Straps, and Buttons

Both Samsung and Apple offer customization options for watch faces, straps, and buttons. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 offers a higher level of customization, allowing users to create their own watch faces. Apple’s Watch Series 7 offers more limited customization options but still offers plenty of pre-made designs to choose from.

Social Features and Interactivity with Other Devices

Social features and interactivity with other devices are important factors to consider. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 allows you to make phone calls and send text messages directly from your smartwatch. Apple’s Watch Series 7 offers similar features but is more limited in its compatibility with non-Apple devices.

Security Features: Which Smartwatch is Better at Keeping Your Data Safe?

Both Samsung and Apple’s smartwatches offer great security features that ensure user data is safe and secure. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 has Samsung Knox security, a robust security platform that safeguards data against external threats. Apple’s Watch Series 7 has the Secure Enclave, which ensures that the user’s data and apps are secure. Both smartwatches offer similar security features, making them both equally secure when it comes to data protection.

Conclusion

So, which smartwatch is the best choice for you? It all depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 7 may be the right choice for you. It offers great compatibility and integration with iOS devices. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more customizable and budget-friendly option that works with both Android and iOS devices, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a great choice.

Regardless of your choice, both Samsung and Apple smartwatches offer great features and functionalities that provide an excellent user experience. We hope this article has helped you in your decision-making process.