Galaxy Watch 5 vs Apple Watch 8 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on how you plan to use it, whether for fitness tracking, connectivity, or style. The Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are two highly capable wearables, each built to serve a different kind of user. The Series 8 integrates seamlessly with iPhones and emphasizes health and safety features. The Galaxy Watch 5 is designed for Android users and brings strong fitness tracking and battery life. This article will highlight the key differences to help you decide which watch fits your needs best.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS 45mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.9″ LTPO OLED, Always-On Retina | 1.2″ Super AMOLED, Always-On |
| Resolution | 396 × 484 pixels | 396 × 396 pixels |
| Build Materials | Aluminum or stainless steel, sapphire (SS) | Armor aluminum, sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | WR50 + IP6X | 5 ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (typical use) | Up to 40 hours (typical use) |
| Fast Charging | 80% in 45 minutes | 45% in 30 minutes |
| Processor | Apple S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core | Exynos W920 dual-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| Operating System | watchOS 9 | Wear OS 3.5 with One UI Watch 4.5 |
| Phone Compatibility | iPhone only | Android only |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, HR, Fall Detection | BioActive Sensor (HR, SpO2, BIA), Fall Detection |
| GPS | Yes, with dual-frequency | Yes, standard GPS |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a sleek and premium design with rounded edges and a large, bright display. It comes in aluminum and stainless steel, with sapphire glass on the higher-end models. The Galaxy Watch 5 leans sporty and compact, featuring a smaller display and armor aluminum case. It also uses sapphire crystal for better scratch resistance. Those who prioritize durability in a smaller form factor may prefer the Galaxy Watch 5, while those looking for a bold screen experience will lean toward the Series 8.
Display Quality
Apple’s 1.9-inch LTPO OLED display delivers higher brightness and a larger canvas, making it easier to view texts, complications, and workouts at a glance. The Galaxy Watch 5 has a smaller but sharp AMOLED panel. Both support always-on display, but the Series 8 gives a more immersive experience due to its size and edge-to-edge design.
Performance and Speed
The Series 8 uses Apple’s S8 chip, which delivers smooth, fast performance when opening apps or switching tasks. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 runs on the Exynos W920, which performs well but is slightly behind in fluidity when compared side by side. In day-to-day use, both handle tasks well, but Apple’s integration with iOS enhances speed and efficiency.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Watch 5 clearly outperforms the Series 8 in battery longevity, offering up to 40 hours versus Apple’s 18-hour claim. While Apple prioritizes daily charging with fast top-ups, Samsung offers longer stretches between charges, making it more travel-friendly. Both support fast charging, though Samsung’s time-to-50% is a bit quicker.
Health and Safety Features
Apple Watch Series 8 shines with features like temperature tracking, crash detection, and advanced menstrual cycle predictions. It also includes an FDA-approved ECG app. The Galaxy Watch 5 offers body composition analysis, SpO2, and heart rate monitoring. Both have fall detection, but Apple’s safety suite is slightly more comprehensive.
Software Ecosystem
watchOS 9 brings deep iPhone integration, robust app support, and polished UI. Galaxy Watch 5 runs Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI Watch, which also offers excellent features for Android users. However, Wear OS apps are more limited in quality compared to Apple’s App Store options. Choice depends on your smartphone ecosystem.
Fitness and Tracking Capabilities
Both watches support auto-detection for workouts, sleep tracking, and GPS-based outdoor tracking. Apple focuses on ring-based activity tracking with a refined fitness app, while Samsung offers VO2 max, body fat percentage, and sleep coaching. Athletes who want deeper body metrics may prefer Samsung, while casual users may enjoy Apple’s motivating UI.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 8 is only compatible with iPhones. It requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or higher for setup and functionality.
Can the Galaxy Watch 5 be used with an iPhone?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 is designed for Android users. It does not support pairing with iPhones and needs an Android phone for full functionality.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have better health features than the Galaxy Watch 5?
The Series 8 offers additional health features like skin temperature sensing, crash detection, and an FDA-cleared ECG app. While both are strong in health tracking, Apple has a slight edge in comprehensive monitoring.
Which smartwatch lasts longer on a single charge?
The Galaxy Watch 5 offers up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Apple Watch Series 8 typically lasts around 18 hours.
Can I reply to messages on both watches?
Yes, both support message replies. Apple Watch Series 8 allows full replies through dictation, quick responses, or a keyboard. Galaxy Watch 5 offers similar options for Android users.
Do both watches support contactless payments?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 8 supports Apple Pay, and Galaxy Watch 5 supports Samsung Pay or Google Wallet depending on region and configuration.
Is there a difference in water resistance between the two?
Both offer good water protection. The Series 8 is WR50-rated for swimming and IP6X dust resistance. The Galaxy Watch 5 is rated 5ATM and IP68, and it also passes military-grade durability tests.
Which one is better for fitness tracking?
Both are highly capable, but the Galaxy Watch 5 offers additional data like body composition and VO2 max. Apple’s system is more intuitive, while Samsung’s is more data-rich.
How much storage do they offer for music and apps?
The Apple Watch Series 8 includes 32GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Watch 5 has 16GB of storage. Both can store music, podcasts, and apps.
Is fast charging available on both watches?
Yes, both support fast charging. The Apple Watch Series 8 charges to 80% in about 45 minutes, while the Galaxy Watch 5 reaches around 45% in 30 minutes.