Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Which Should You Choose?

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are some of the most popular smartwatches. Both were released in 2022 but by different manufacturers and, of course, unique audiences.

They offer similar functions, like fitness/health tracking, notifications, customisation, and contactless payment. They also come in different sizes and are both water resistant. So which should you choose, buddy?

However, Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are unique. The former has a round face, while the latter has a square face. Samsung Galaxy watches use an Android operating system, while Apple uses iOS. There are a lot more differences between both devices.

In this piece, I will compare the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 to help you make an informed choice.

Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Comparison Table

Features	Apple Watch Series 8	Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Release Date	September 2022	August 2022
Operating System	WatchOS 9	Wear OS 3
Compatible Phone	iPhones	Samsung Phones and other Android Phones
Resolution	450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density)	484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density)
Display size	1.9 inches	1.4 inches
RAM & Storage	1.5 GB RAM, 16GB	1 GB RAM, 32GB
Dimensions	41mm or 45mm	40mm and 44mm
Smart Features	Siri voice assistant	Google’s Voice Assistant. Samsung’s Bixby
Sensors	Two temperature sensors	Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (or BIA) sensor
Battery Life	308 mAh battery	410 mAh battery
Price	₦464,763 ($313.39)	₦380,000 ($256.24)

8 Differences Between The Apple Watch Series 8 And The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 differ in display, design, storage, smart features, fitness/health tracking, apps/customisation, and battery life.

1. Compatibility

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is an Android smartwatch that runs on Wear OS 3. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 8 runs on WatchOS 9 IOS and can be upgraded to WatchOS 10.5. 

While the Apple Watch Series 8 is only compatible with iPhones, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 can work with other Android phones (Android 8.0 and RAM 1.5 GB or higher). However, it is most compatible with Samsung phones.

2. Display And Design

The most prominent difference between these smartwatches is the design. Typically, Samsung prefers a round classic watch face, while Apple sticks to its sleek, square, curved-edged face.

In terms of materials, the watches are not the same. Samsung’s case is made of aluminium, while Apple’s is made of aluminium and stainless steel.

Display-wise, Apple leads with a display size of 1.9 inches, while Samsung’s is 1.4 inches. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has 40mm and 44mm wide faces, while the Apple Watch Series 8 has 41mm or 45mm.

Now, down to the screen resolution, which is responsible for how crisp the images appear, things are more evenly matched. Samsung has 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density), while Apple has 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density). Apple may have the advantage here due to its slightly larger display.

3. Storage

Both devices offer adequate storage space—not too large and not too small. They also provide ample RAM size for quicker response and optimal performance.

Samsung offers 16GB local storage space and 1.5 GB RAM, while Apple offers 32GB and 1 GB RAM.

4. Smart Features

Which smartwatch is smarter? Well, both devices offer unique smart features. While Apple smartwatches use Apple’s Siri voice assistant, Samsung watches use Google’s Voice Assistant and Samsung’s Bixby. 

Feature-wise, both devices boast a Touchscreen. Apple Watch Series 8 has one crown and button, while Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a two-button and digital bezel. 

These buttons provide an alternative to the touchscreen for interacting with your device or launching smart features like Google Assistant or Siri voice assistant. 

5. Fitness/ Health Tracking

Both devices have similar sensors, such as an accelerometer, electrical heart sensor, Pulse oximeter, and skin temperature sensor. 

Unlike the Apple Watch Series 8, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (or BIA) sensor that helps track fitness programs and check fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass. 

Apple Watch Series 8 has two temperature sensors (one near the skin and another under the display) to reduce bias from the external environment when determining your temperature. 

It also has extra health and fitness features, including Apple Fitness+, a paid feature that lets you choose from thousands of workouts and guided meditations.

6. Apps/Customisation 

The Apple App Store has more apps for wearable devices than the Google Play Store. 

Both products offer customisation features for apps and appearances. You can choose a different watch face and add complications, i.e., information from specific apps, to an Apple watch. 

For Samsung, you can download, install, and customise watch faces to match your style and preferences.

7. Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has superior battery life, with a 410 mAh battery, while the Apple Watch Series 8 has a 308 mAh battery. 

Samsung claims its battery can last 40-50 hours, while Apple speculates that the Apple Watch Series 8 can last up to 18 hours.

8. Cost

Apple Watch Series 8 is more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Its current price is ₦465,000, while Samsung’s is ₦380,000, of course, based on the current exchange rate. 

Upgrading an Apple Watch series is also more expensive than upgrading a Samsung Galaxy Watch. A Samsung Galaxy Watch might be better if you are on a tighter budget.

Where To Buy Apple Watch Series 8 And Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 In Nigeria

If you’re looking to shop the latest Apple or Samsung Galaxy Watch in Nigeria, look no further. Cardtonic sells various original gadgets, including smartwatches, all straight from the manufacturer. 

Customers need not worry about counterfeit items. The Cardtonic platform is trusted, offers competitive prices, and has a user-friendly interface.  

To start shopping, visit the website or download the Cardtonic app. Customers are guaranteed security and warranty on most purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple And Samsung Galaxy Watches

1. Which Smartwatch Is Better, The Apple Watch Series 8 Or The Samsung Galaxy Watch?

It depends on your tastes and preferences. Both products are unique, but they offer similar features obtainable in top-notch wearable devices, such as smartphone integration, fitness trackers, and customisation capabilities.

2. Will The Apple Watch Series 8 Work With My Android Phone?

No, the Apple Watch Series 8 cannot work with your Android device as it runs watchOS 9, a different OS from Samsung’s Wear OS 3 smartwatch operating system.

3. Will The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Work With My iPhone?

No, a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 cannot work with an iPhone as its operating system differs.

4. Does Either Watch Have A Built-In GPS?

Yes, both devices have a built-in GPS to track outdoor activities like running and cycling.

5. Can I Make Calls Or Reply To Texts With Either Watch? 

Once you connect your smartwatch to your phone, you can make calls, receive calls and reply to text messages straight from your Apple Watch Series 8 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 smartwatch.

6. Which Is Better Between The iPhone 15 Pro Max And The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

When comparing the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it all comes down to your personal preferences. The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 1600 MHz faster RAM speed, is 12 grams lighter, and has a screen that is 400 nits brighter. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 12.59% more battery power (5000mAh), 4GB more RAM (12GB), and a 24.56% higher resolution.

Conclusion

Apple smartwatches are suited for Apple users who fancy brand prestige, exclusivity,  a slicker design and a secure ecosystem of apps and devices. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Watches are reserved for users who want more flexibility, app availability and a longer battery life.

While top-notch smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 may possess similar features and functionality, they significantly differ in compatibility, key features and cost. These differences offer some guiding light when choosing between both products.

In this piece, I delved into the many differences between an Apple Watch Series 8 and a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 to help you make the right choice. By now, you can choose which one you feel is the better of both smartwatches.