SMARTWATCH shoppers should have Apple and Samsung at the top of their lists, but which brand comes out on top?
We're putting them head to head to find out, looking at everything from fitness features to how their smart features compare.
- Shop Apple smartwatches here
- Shop Samsung smartwatches here
The two reigning names in the world of smartwatches are easily Apple and Samsung, with each offering a line-up of budget and high-spec wearables.
We were first introduced to the Apple Watch back in 2015 and the brand's legion of loyal fans quickly made it one of the most popular on the market.
Samsung answered the call for wearable Android smartwatches in 2018, and its range of Galaxy watches has become a solid rival to Apple's line-up.
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Whichever of these heavyweights of the tech world you choose, you'll be provided with top-notch features and a premium feel, so which do you go for?
To help you choose we're comparing what both have to offer, looking at the price, design, and features of their flagship and budget options.
We've also put the most sought-after fitness wearable up against Apple's flagship in our Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 head-to-head.
You can also learn more about the popular fitness-focused Versa smartwatches in our Fitbit Versa 3 vs Fitbit Versa 4 comparison.
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Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: At a glance
These two watches are the two leading options when it comes to smart wearable tech, but each comes with its own limitations that will decide which is best for you.
Apple's lineup of smartwatches, from the upgraded budget Apple Watch SE 2 right up to the flagship Apple Watch Series 8 is the best money can buy.
With that said, it's an expensive buy and is incompatible with Android smartphones.
Samsung on the other hand provides the best you can buy for up to £100 less from the comparable Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 to the latest off the production line, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
But both Apple and Samsung's watches feature some of the best fitness tracking and smart features money can buy, so which should you put yours behind, we take a deeper dive below.
Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Price
Those of you leaning towards the Apple Watch won't be surprised to hear it's the more costly of the two brands.
In fact, the majority of Samsung's comparable wearables are less expensive than their Apple counterpart but that's not a reflection of their quality.
But, depending on the model, you can expect to pay around the £200 to £500 mark for a decent Apple watch, while Samsung will set you back between £100 to £400.
Amazon often runs promotions on both brands, so it's worth shopping around for the best price.
As it stands today, the best budget Apple wearable you can pick up is the Apple Watch SE 2 for £249, while the comparable Samsung Galaxy4 is just £149.
Both Apple and Samsung's flagship devices are currently on par on the Amazon website, as the Apple Watch Series 8 is reduced to £399, in line with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 at full price.
- Apple Watch SE 2, £249 (was £259) – buy from Amazon
- Apple Watch Series 8, £399 (was £449) – buy from Amazon
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, £149 (was £199) – buy from Amazon
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, £399 – buy from Amazon
Here is everywhere you can buy:
- Amazon
- Currys
- Argos
- John Lewis
- Very
Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Design
Seeing these smartwatches side by side it’s easy to see they sing off different hymn sheets, with Apple watches in line with its sleek and modern appeal, and Samsung going down the more conventional route.
To start Apple’s watches all feature the same square-ish case with rounded edges, reminiscent of its iPhones, Samsung’s on the other hand consistently feature a traditional circular watch face.
Taking a look at the budget end of Apple, the Apple Watch SE 2 comes with a 44mm case or a 40mm case, while its latest model, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a touch larger at 45mm or 41mm and has a 20% larger display.
It’s a similar story with Samsung’s range, the flagship Galaxy 6 Watch featuring a larger display (43mm or 47mm) and thinner bezel compared to the budget-friendly Galaxy 4 (40mm or 44mm).
Admittedly, though pricey, Apple has always delivered a premium feel and its lineup of Apple watches tick all the boxes on that front, but if you’re hunting for something robust and less assuming, Samsung is your best bet.
Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Fitness features
Both Apple and Samsung guarantee exceptional health and fitness features alongside the day-to-day undertakings of smart wearable tech.
But which features you'll be enjoying depends on whether you're picking out the latest Apple watch or an older Apple generation, or if you go for Samsung, which comes with its own individual health metrics.
For instance, women who want to monitor ovulation will only find this feature on the Apple Watch Series 8, while the comparable Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is equipped with a body composition feature akin to that of smart scales.
Whichever way you're leaning, each brand's budget options come with basic tracking like GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and exercise tracking.
Those wanting the latest specs like ECG, heart rhythm tracking, or sleep analysis need to prepare to fork out for the newer Apple and Samsung watches.
For solely fitness-focused wearables, check out our Fitbit Sense vs Fitbit Versa 3 comparison.
Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Smartwatch features
The core features you'll enjoy on both Apple and Samsung watches include, contactless payments, calls and texts, and their own dedicated digital assistants.
Apple has an edge over Samsung with a superior app network and thousands to download, something Samsung's updated Wear OS is still notably lacking.
But while Apple and Samsung watches represent the cream of the crop of smart wearables, there is one major sticking point.
Apple's watchOS is only compatiple with its own iOS devices, which is great if you are a long-term iPhone user, less so if you're an Android user; the two are incompatible.
In contrast, all Samsung Watch generations from the Galaxy Watch 4 onwards run on Wear OS 4, which is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
While this is a major drawback for Apple, most iPhone users tend to stick to their camp, as do Android users.
So if you're stuck between an Apple or Samsung watch, your choice of smartphone may have just made the decision for you.
Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Which is best?
Ultimately, it is a close call as you'll be getting a solid performer whichever brand you choose to back.
But with that said, there are some important factors to consider as Apple has limitations with compatibility, while Samsung's larger traditional clock face is more tactile for most users.
Here's our final verdict:
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Choose the Apple Watch if…
- You're an iPhone user
- You want a sleek wearable
- You want the most accurate stats
Choose the Samsung Watch if…
- You want greater compatibility
- You prefer a larger display
- You're on a tighter budget
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