Galaxy Watch 5 vs Apple Watch 8 – Which Should You Buy?

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By Maya Collins • April 30, 2026
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Apple Watch Series 8 and Galaxy Watch 5 are powerful smartwatches today. The Apple Watch Series 8 is newer and comes with more advanced integration for iPhone users. The Galaxy Watch 5 is an Android-friendly option with improved durability and battery efficiency. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 has the S8 Chip for faster performance and smooth navigation within Apple’s controlled ecosystem.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 uses the Exynos W920 chip.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Display Size:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 features a larger 1.8-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
  • Galaxy Watch Series 5 has a 1.2-inch display.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Higher Resolution:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 delivers 396 x 484 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 has lower 396 x 396 resolution.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Speaker:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 has a louder speaker for better call and Siri interactions to ensure clearer communication.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 has standard speaker.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Optical Heart Sensor:

  • The Apple Watch 8 includes a third-generation optical heart sensor that delivers more accurate heart rate monitoring during workouts and rest.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 has standard heart sensor.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Fast Charging:

  • The Apple Watch 8 support fast charging that reduces downtime and gets your watch ready quickly when you’re in a rush.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 also charges quickly but typically fills up slower
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8 (See Also: Apple Watch Se 3 Vs Ultra 3 )

On-Device Siri:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 supports on-device Siri that allows to process commands and access health data directly on the watch without internet connection.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 requires an internet connection for Google Assistant.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Ultra Wideband Chip:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 features the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for improving Precision Finding and device integration.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 lacks UWB chip.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Storage:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 includes 32GB of internal storage that allows users to store more music, apps, and offline content directly on the watch.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 uses 16GB storage.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

QWERTY Keyboard Input:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 includes a full QWERTY keyboard that allows precise text input directly on the watch.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 relies on voice input and preset replies.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Operating System:

  • Apple Watch Series 8 runs watchOS 9 that integrates tightly with iOS and supports a wide range of optimized apps.
  • Galaxy Watch 5 uses Wear OS 3 with Samsung’s One UI Watch interface for Android compatibility.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 8

Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price
Check Galaxy Watch 5 Best Price

Specs at a Glance

FeatureApple Watch Series 8Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Display TypeAlways-On Retina LTPO OLEDSuper AMOLED
Screen Size1.9 inches1.2 inches
Display Resolution396 x 484 pixels396 x 396 pixels
Case MaterialAluminumArmor Aluminum
Glass TypeIon-X GlassSapphire Crystal Glass
ChipsetS8 SiP with 64-bit dual-coreExynos W920 dual-core
RAM1GB1.5GB
Storage32GB16GB
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 50 hours
Charging Time~45 minutes to 80%~75 minutes to full
Water ResistanceWR50 (50m) + IP6X dust resistance5ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H
ECG MonitoringYesYes
Blood Oxygen SensorYesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Fall DetectionYesNo
Cellular OptionAvailable (not in this model)No cellular version
App StorewatchOS App StoreGoogle Play (Wear OS)
OS CompatibilityiOS onlyAndroid only
QWERTY KeyboardYesNo

  (See Also: Apple Watch Se 3 Vs Ultra 2 )

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you:

  • Want deep iPhone integration with exclusive features like iMessage, Continuity, and Find My.
  • Need ECG, Blood Oxygen, and Fall Detection in one device.
  • Prefer a larger always-on display with QWERTY keyboard support.
  • Want faster charging and more app choices.
  • Need higher storage capacity for music, podcasts, and offline apps.

Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 if you:

  • Use an Android phone, especially a Samsung Galaxy model.
  • Want better battery life that can last more than a full day.
  • Prefer a smaller, rounder design with sapphire crystal durability.
  • Need a more affordable smartwatch with essential fitness features.
  • Do not require features like fall detection or a large app store.

Check Galaxy Watch 5 Best Price

Winner by Category

CategoryWinner
ProcessorApple Watch Series 8
Display ResolutionApple Watch Series 8
Always-On Display SizeApple Watch Series 8
StorageApple Watch Series 8
ECG MonitoringApple Watch Series 8
Cellular OptionApple Watch Series 8
Charging SpeedApple Watch Series 8
App EcosystemApple Watch Series 8
Build Quality OptionsApple Watch Series 8
Fall DetectionApple Watch Series 8

What They Have in Common

  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches feature advanced optical heart rate sensors, allowing users to track heart health and optimize workouts.
  • Sleep Tracking: Each model offers sleep tracking, helping users monitor sleep stages and improve rest quality.
  • Workout Modes: Both watches include a wide range of workout profiles, making them versatile for running, cycling, swimming, and strength training.
  • Water Resistance: Each device is water-resistant, so users can safely wear them while swimming or in the rain.
  • SpO2 Monitoring: Both models support blood oxygen measurement, which provides valuable insights into respiratory and overall health.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 8 is only compatible with iPhones running iOS 16 or later. It cannot be paired or used with Android devices.

Can the Galaxy Watch 5 be used with an iPhone?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 is not compatible with iPhones. It works only with Android phones and offers full features when paired with Samsung Galaxy devices.

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes both ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring, along with irregular rhythm notifications and heart rate tracking.

Is the Galaxy Watch 5 capable of ECG monitoring?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 has ECG functionality, but it requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone to use this feature through the Samsung Health Monitor app.

How long does the Apple Watch Series 8 battery last?
The Apple Watch Series 8 provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge under typical usage conditions. (See Also: Apple Watch Se 3 Vs Series 10 )

How long is the Galaxy Watch 5 battery life?
The Galaxy Watch 5 can last up to 50 hours depending on usage and settings, making it better suited for users who prefer multi-day battery life.

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 support fast charging?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 supports fast charging and can reach 80% battery in around 45 minutes with the appropriate USB-C charger.

Is the Galaxy Watch 5 screen more durable than the Apple Watch Series 8?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 uses sapphire crystal glass which is more scratch-resistant than the Ion-X glass used on the aluminum Apple Watch Series 8.

Can I use the Apple Watch Series 8 without my iPhone nearby?
Yes, if you purchase the GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 8, you can make calls, send texts, and stream music without your iPhone nearby.

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Does the Galaxy Watch 5 come with a full QWERTY keyboard?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 does not include a full QWERTY keyboard. It uses gesture-based input, voice typing, or preset replies for messaging.

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