Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Which one to buy?

Deciding on a smartwatch can be tricky, especially when comparing the top contenders: the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Both brands offer a fantastic range of wearables, each with its own set of advantages and deep ties to its respective phone ecosystem.

Ultimately, figuring out which one is better for you in 2025 will depend on your current smartphone, what you prefer in terms of design, and the features you care about most. This article will help you understand the key differences in this Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch showdown, making your decision clearer.

Ecosystem integration

The most critical factor distinguishing these two smartwatch lines is their integration with respective smartphone ecosystems. The Apple Watch is exclusively designed to work with iPhones, offering seamless connectivity, access to all iOS features, and a truly unified experience.

From receiving iMessages to controlling HomeKit devices, the integration is fluid and intuitive. If you’re an iPhone user, an Apple Watch is almost certainly the most logical and functional choice, as it unlocks the full potential of Apple’s wearable software, watchOS.

Conversely, Samsung Galaxy Watches primarily cater to Android users, especially those with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. While they can connect to other Android devices, the deepest integration and access to all features, such as advanced health insights and some proprietary Samsung apps, are often reserved for Samsung phone owners.

The Galaxy Watch series runs on Google’s Wear OS, co-developed with Samsung, which provides a rich app ecosystem through the Google Play Store and tight integration with Google services like Google Maps and Google Wallet. This tight integration ensures a seamless experience for Android users.

Design and display

Both Apple and Samsung offer a variety of designs to suit different tastes. Apple Watches typically feature a square or rectangular display, with the Apple Watch Series 10 offering a larger, brighter screen and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 providing a rugged, titanium case for extreme users. Apple’s displays are known for their vibrant colours and excellent readability. 

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Samsung Galaxy Watches, on the other hand, predominantly come with a traditional round face, appealing to those who prefer a more classic watch aesthetic. The Galaxy Watch 7, and the premium Galaxy Watch Ultra offer brilliant AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vivid colours. Samsung also often includes a physical or haptic rotating bezel, which provides a satisfying tactile way to navigate the interface.

Health and fitness features

When it comes to health and fitness tracking, both brands are at the forefront, offering a comprehensive suite of sensors and software. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 include advanced features such as ECG for heart health, blood oxygen monitoring, temperature sensing for cycle tracking, and robust workout tracking with detailed metrics. They also provide crucial safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 series is equally impressive, offering features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, body composition analysis (BIA), sleep tracking with advanced insights including sleep apnea detection, and comprehensive workout tracking.

With the integration of Galaxy AI, Samsung is also providing more personalised wellness tips and energy scores. Both smartwatches offer GPS for accurate outdoor activity tracking and are water-resistant, making them suitable for swimming. The choice here often comes down to the specifics of how each platform presents and analyses your health data.

Battery life and performance

Battery life is a common consideration for any smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 10 typically offers an all-day battery life (around 18 hours with normal use), extending to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, while the Ultra 2 delivers significantly more at up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode) due to its larger battery. 

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 aims for around 30-40 hours of typical use, depending on the model and usage, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra offering extended longevity. Performance-wise, both brands pack powerful processors that ensure smooth navigation and quick app loading.

Ultimately, the decision between an Apple Watch vs a Samsung watch largely depends on your existing smartphone. If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch offers unparalleled integration and a seamless user experience, making it the superior choice. For Android users, especially those within the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch range provides a feature-rich, highly capable smartwatch with excellent health tracking and access to the vast Wear OS app library.