Smartphone Compatibility

When it comes to choosing a smartwatch, the biggest factor that determines which option is best for you is your smartphone. If you’re an Android user, particularly with a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Galaxy Watch series will seamlessly integrate with your device, offering additional features and functionalities. On the other hand, if you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch is your go-to choice, providing a compatible experience designed specifically for iOS. It’s worth noting that a Galaxy Watch won’t connect properly with an iPhone, nor will an Apple Watch synchronize with Android phones.

Winner: Tie
What type of phone do you have?

Price

Price is another crucial element to consider when deciding between the two smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $349.99 for the 40mm model and $379.99 for the 44mm Wi-Fi-only model. If you want 4G LTE connectivity, there’s an additional $50 to consider, bringing the price up to a maximum of $429.99 for the larger model.

In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399 for the 42mm aluminum version, while the 46mm model is priced at $429. Adding 5G cellular to the 46mm bumps the price to $529. If you’re feeling extra luxurious, the titanium variant is available starting from $699.

Winner: Galaxy Watch 8
The biggest cellular model is just $31 more than the smallest Wi-Fi-only Series 11.

Design

Design is subjective and largely depends on personal taste. The Galaxy Watch 8 features a circular face, reminiscent of traditional wristwatches, while the Apple Watch Series 11 boasts a square display with rounded corners. The square design lends itself to easier text reading, especially for longer messages.

Materials also differ; the Galaxy Watch comes in aluminum, while the Apple Watch offers both aluminum and a higher-end titanium option. Both watches have touch screens, but the Apple Watch’s digital crown adds an extra layer of tactile feedback for scrolling. If you prefer that feature on a Galaxy Watch, you’d need to opt for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, which is pricier.

Additionally, in terms of thickness, the Apple Watch Series 11 measures in at 9.7mm, while the Galaxy Watch 8 is slightly slimmer at 8.6mm.

Winner: Tie
What kind of look are you going for?

Display

Both smartwatches utilize OLED displays, which is great for vivid colors and deep blacks, but they differ in specifics. The Apple Watch Series 11 features a wide-angle LPTO3 OLED technology with resolutions of 374 x 446 pixels for the 42mm and 416 x 496 pixels for the 46mm variant. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 8 sports a Super AMOLED screen, which, although smaller, offers a higher resolution of 438 x 438 pixels for the 40mm model and 480 x 480 pixels for the 44mm version.

In terms of brightness, the Galaxy Watch 8 claims a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, while the Apple Watch Series 11 maxes out at 2,000 nits. However, Apple states that their display maintains fidelity at off-angles, giving it an edge in usability depending on your activities.

Winner: Tie
Pick your pixel count.

Connectivity

In the connectivity department, Apple has made strides by offering 5G capabilities in the Apple Watch Series 11, alongside 4G LTE. The Apple Watch also features a second-generation ultra-wideband chip for precise location tracking. Conversely, the Galaxy Watch 8 supports only 4G LTE but does include dual-band GPS (L1 and L5), which is notably more accurate. For access to L5 GPS with the Apple Watch, you’d need to upgrade to an Apple Watch Ultra.

Both models support dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3, making them excellent options for connectivity.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 11
It’s the only one with 5G.

Fitness and Health

Fitness is one of the main selling points for smartwatches, and both options offer comprehensive health features. They come packed with sensors for heart rate tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG functionality, and sleep tracking, including sleep apnea notifications.

Notably, the Galaxy Watch 8 includes a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) sensor to help analyze body composition, akin to smart scales. The Apple Watch Series 11, however, can monitor blood pressure over time and alert users to potential hypertension. Samsung leans heavily into AI for health, enabling features like custom workouts and an Energy Score for activity monitoring, while Apple’s latest fitness offering revolves around their somewhat vague Apple Intelligence platform.

Winner: Galaxy Watch 8
AI does have its uses.

Battery Life

On paper, the Galaxy Watch 8 claims a battery life of up to 30 hours, while the Apple Watch Series 11 is said to last around 24 hours. When put to the test, however, the Galaxy Watch 8 lasted about 26 hours, which falls short of expectations. In contrast, the Series 11 easily surpassed its claim, offering up to 43 hours of usage.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 11
You’ll get at least a day and a half from it.

Which Watch Should You Get?

If you’ve been following along, your decision largely hinges on your smartphone. If you own an Android phone, especially a Galaxy, go for the Galaxy Watch 8. Alternatively, if you’re an iPhone user, you should opt for the Apple Watch Series 11.

For those sitting on the fence or contemplating a switch, each smartwatch has its merits. The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in at a lower price point and offers features like a slimmer profile and higher screen resolution. However, the Apple Watch Series 11 shines with its optional 5G connectivity and longer battery life, alongside different design aesthetics, which will ultimately come down to personal preference.