Galaxy Watch 5 vs Apple Watch 7 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch often depends on your ecosystem preference, personal style, and fitness goals. The Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 cater to different user bases, with each offering a unique set of strengths. Apple Watch Series 7 is designed for iPhone users who want seamless integration, premium health features, and a refined user experience. Galaxy Watch 5 is built for Android users who prioritize customizable fitness tools and strong battery life. This comparison will break down the core differences between these two watches to help you decide which model fits your lifestyle best.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 7 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.69″/1.9″ Retina OLED, Always-On | 1.2″/1.4″ Super AMOLED, Always-On |
| Display Material | Ion-X glass (aluminum) or Sapphire (steel) | Sapphire Crystal |
| Processor | Apple S7 dual-core | Exynos W920 dual-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 40-50 hours |
| Charging Speed | Fast charging (80% in ~45 mins) | Faster than previous model, USB-C based |
| OS | watchOS 8 | Wear OS 3 with One UI Watch |
| Compatibility | iOS only | Android only |
| Sensors | ECG, SpO2, heart rate, fall detection | ECG, SpO2, temperature, bioimpedance |
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Build Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Armor Aluminum only |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (swimproof) | 5ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
Apple Watch Series 7 features a sleek, rounded design with a nearly edge-to-edge display and comes in multiple case materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Galaxy Watch 5 keeps a traditional round face with a durable Armor Aluminum case and improved sapphire crystal for scratch resistance. Both watches feel premium, but the Galaxy Watch 5 leans more rugged while the Series 7 feels more polished and luxurious.
Display Quality
The Series 7 uses a bright Retina OLED display that offers excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Its slightly curved edges enhance the immersive look. The Galaxy Watch 5’s Super AMOLED display is sharp and vivid, though smaller in size. Samsung adds extra durability with sapphire crystal, which resists scratches better than Apple’s standard Ion-X glass on aluminum models.
Operating System and Ecosystem
Apple Watch Series 7 runs on watchOS, offering smooth integration with iOS, Siri, Apple Health, and Apple Fitness+. Galaxy Watch 5 uses Google’s Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI, which now supports better third-party apps and Google Assistant. While both systems are intuitive, they are locked into their respective ecosystems. Cross-platform use is not supported.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Watch 5 outlasts the Series 7 in battery life, offering nearly two full days on a single charge versus Apple’s 18-hour rating. However, the Series 7 charges faster, reaching 80% in about 45 minutes. This makes the Apple Watch more convenient for quick top-ups during the day.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Apple’s watch tracks steps, heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygen levels, and it includes fall detection and high/low heart rate alerts. The Galaxy Watch 5 adds temperature sensing and body composition analysis using a bioimpedance sensor. While Apple’s tracking is highly accurate and motivational, Samsung offers more granular body metrics for fitness enthusiasts.
Smart Features
Both watches support notifications, music control, voice assistants, and contactless payments. Apple uses Siri and Apple Pay, while Samsung uses Google Assistant and Samsung Pay (or Google Wallet). Both have LTE options. Apple offers better app selection, while Samsung benefits from deeper Google app integration.
Durability and Water Resistance
Galaxy Watch 5 is built tough with 5ATM water resistance, IP68 dust protection, and MIL-STD-810H certification. Series 7 is swimproof with WR50 rating but lacks military-grade durability. If you need a watch for rugged environments or outdoor activities, the Galaxy Watch 5 has an edge.
FAQ
Can the Apple Watch Series 7 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 7 only works with iPhones. It cannot be paired or used with Android devices in any capacity.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 compatible with iPhones?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 only supports Android phones. iPhone users will not be able to pair or use the Galaxy Watch 5.
Which watch has better battery life?
The Galaxy Watch 5 offers significantly better battery life, lasting up to 40 to 50 hours on a single charge, while the Apple Watch Series 7 typically lasts about 18 hours.
Which device charges faster?
Apple Watch Series 7 charges faster, reaching around 80% in 45 minutes, while the Galaxy Watch 5 takes longer to reach similar levels despite using USB-C.
Which is better for fitness tracking?
Both are excellent, but the Galaxy Watch 5 includes more body metrics like temperature and bioimpedance for composition analysis, while Apple focuses on seamless activity tracking and integration with Apple Fitness+.
Does the Galaxy Watch 5 have ECG and SpO2?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 includes both ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, along with heart rate tracking and sleep analysis.
Can I use either watch without a phone?
Yes, if you buy the LTE versions of either watch, you can use basic features like calls, texts, and streaming independently from your phone.
Which one is more durable?
The Galaxy Watch 5 has an advantage in durability with its MIL-STD-810H rating, sapphire crystal display, and IP68 rating. The Apple Watch Series 7 is durable but more polished and elegant than rugged.
Is one watch better for apps?
Apple Watch Series 7 offers a more mature app ecosystem with better-quality apps. Galaxy Watch 5 now supports more Google apps, but Apple still leads in app variety and optimization.