Intro
Which is the more advanced smartwatch: Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Watch 6 or the Apple Watch Series 8? For most people, this question is purely hypothetical because the Galaxy Watch is only compatible with Android phones, while the Apple Watch only works with iPhones. However, if you’re curious about the capabilities of these watches or considering switching between Android and iPhone, it’s worth exploring. So, let’s dive in and compare the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 to the Apple Watch Series 8.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Apple Watch Series 8: Differences
Round vs Square
The most obvious difference between these two watches lies in their shape. The Galaxy Watch 6 has a round design, while the Apple Watch Series 8 features a rectangle shape. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, as both watches are comfortable to wear. Both watches offer a small size option (40mm for the Galaxy Watch, 41mm for the Apple Watch) and a medium/large size option (44mm for the Galaxy Watch, 45mm for the Apple Watch).
In terms of durability, the Galaxy Watch 6 has sapphire glass on both the front and bottom, offering a higher level of resistance to scratches. On the other hand, the base aluminum model of the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with regular glass, which is more prone to scratching. To get sapphire glass on an Apple Watch, you would need to purchase the more expensive stainless steel model, which costs over twice as much as the Galaxy Watch. Therefore, in terms of material quality and value for money, the Galaxy Watch has the advantage.
Bands
Apple’s quick swap band system is well-known, but Samsung is catching up. The Galaxy Watch 6 is expected to adopt a new quick swap band system, replacing the spring bars used in previous models. This change will make swapping bands on the Galaxy Watch 6 easier and more convenient. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, was designed with a quick swap system from the beginning, making band changes a breeze. It is yet to be determined which quick swap system is more convenient, but both watches should offer a seamless band swapping experience.
Apple Watch bands are known for their high prices. In this aspect, Samsung is likely to undercut Apple by offering slightly cheaper bands. However, both watches have third-party band options available in a variety of styles, sizes, and price ranges.
Software & Features
The software is a crucial aspect of smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 6 utilizes Google’s Wear OS platform, while the Apple Watch relies on its own watchOS platform. Currently, watchOS is more refined and offers a variety of apps, creating a well-established ecosystem. Wear OS, on the other hand, had been stagnant until Samsung started using it last year. While Wear OS is now growing, it still has some catching up to do.
In terms of navigation, both watches offer swipe and tap gestures. However, the Galaxy Watch 6 introduces an additional feature: a digital bezel around the screen that allows users to slide their finger for easier swiping. Both watches offer similar functionality, including heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, sleep tracking, blood oxygen measurements, and ECG functionality.
That being said, the Apple Watch Series 8 is known for having the highest accuracy in the industry when it comes to health and fitness sensors. Some users have reported accuracy issues with the Galaxy Watches, particularly with blood oxygen and sleep tracking metrics. Whether Samsung has made notable improvements in these areas with the Watch 6 remains to be seen.
Battery and Charging
Unfortunately, battery life remains a common issue for smartwatches. With average use, both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 8 are expected to last around a day, or maybe a day and a half. The Galaxy Watch 6, with its slightly larger battery, might offer a two-day battery life, particularly with the 44mm model.
The specific battery sizes for each model are as follows:
– Galaxy Watch 6 40mm: 300mAh
– Apple Watch Series 8 41mm: 282mAh
– Galaxy Watch 6 44mm: 425mAh
– Apple Watch Series 8 45mm: 308mAh
Charging is done through a wireless magnetic puck on both watches. A 30-minute charge will give you approximately 40% battery on the Galaxy Watch and 50% on the Apple Watch. A full charge takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes on the Galaxy Watch 6 and 1 hour and 15 minutes on the Apple Watch.
Size and Price Options
Both watches offer small and medium/large sizes, providing users with more choices. However, pricing is where the two watches differ significantly. The Galaxy Watch 6 is expected to start at $300 for the 40mm model and $350 for the 44mm version. If you want cellular/LTE connectivity, you would need to add an extra $50 to the price. As for the Apple Watch Series 8, it offers multiple versions. The base Aluminum Case model starts at $400 for the 41mm and $450 for the 45mm. The more premium Stainless Steel model, which includes sapphire glass, is priced at $700 for the 41mm and $750 for the 45mm.
Voice Calls and Haptics
Both watches support voice calls, but it is too early to determine which one offers better call quality. Stay tuned for updates on this aspect. Similarly, we will provide more information on the haptics and any differences in the vibration motor between these two watches.
Specs
Here is a summary of the specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 8:
Conclusion
The comparison between the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 8 is intriguing, even though their compatibility with specific smartphones limits the choices for most people. Nevertheless, understanding which watch is more advanced is still fascinating. The Apple Watch is known for its commitment to innovation, with the upcoming watchOS 10 update set to enhance its software even further. It is also recognized for having the most accurate sensors among smartwatches, particularly in measuring heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. Samsung has some catching up to do in these areas with the Galaxy Watch 6, and it remains to be seen if they deliver notable improvements. However, the Galaxy Watch does offer a larger battery size, potentially allowing the 44mm model to last up to two days on a single charge.
Ultimately, the decision between the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 8 will depend on your smartphone preference. iPhones are best paired with the Apple Watch, while Android phones work seamlessly with the Galaxy Watch.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
