## Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Apple Watch Series 8: Detailed Comparison
It’s hard to choose between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Apple Watch Series 8. Both devices are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 boasts a larger display with thin bezels and a wider screen area. The sapphire crystal and stainless steel case make the watch quite durable. The design of the watch is modern, elegant and comfortable to wear while sleeping. The mechanism for easy strap changing is a nice touch, and switching between cell phones is convenient without having to restart the watch.
The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, features a rugged design that is resistant to cracks, dust, and water. The display is always on, which is convenient for quick viewing. The design is similar to Series 7, with clean lines and minimalism. The fit is comfortable, but the aluminum screen is a bit prone to scratches.
The Galaxy Watch 6 features improved GPS lock time and a treadmill workout mode, and the seamless integration with Google Assistant was a breakthrough, providing fast and reliable voice control. However, heart rate tracking can be inconsistent, especially during interval training, and GPS accuracy can be problematic in harsh conditions. Battery life is also limited, and performance can be poor when rotating tiles. Some features are only available for Samsung phones and some countries, which is a drawback for some users. The inability to reprogram the bottom button on Google Wallet and limited button customization during a workout are also notable drawbacks.
Apple Watch Series 8 offers fast charging and advanced customizable workout and heart rate zones for advanced fitness tracking. The watch also offers health monitoring features such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and temperature; seamless integration with the iPhone is a big plus for Apple users. However, the temperature sensor data may not be immediately available or useful for all users. Battery life is short - about one day with normal use - and the digital crown can sometimes malfunction, causing the volume to change unintentionally. Some features, such as blood oxygen level monitoring and vehicle collision detection, may not be available to all users.
User Experience
Using the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is intuitive thanks to easy navigation and responsive Wear OS 4; integration with Google Assistant is excellent, and the display is bright and clear even in direct sunlight. However, erratic heart rate tracking and GPS issues can be frustrating, especially for serious athletes. Battery life is also a concern, as the battery drains quickly when exercising with GPS and listening to music.
Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a smooth and seamless user experience, especially for iPhone users. Integration with Apple Fitness+ is a major advantage, and the app ecosystem is very advanced. The always-on display is convenient, and fast charging is a plus. However, the limited battery life and scratchable screen are drawbacks. The temperature sensor, while innovative, may not be useful for everyone.
Pros and Cons
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Pros:
- Large display: Increases screen area and is easy to read.
- Durable construction: Sapphire glass display and stainless steel case provide scratch and shock resistance.
- Improved GPS lock time: Faster GPS lock time and jogging workout mode.
- Google Assistant integration: Fast and reliable voice control.
- Comfortable fit: Comfortable fit even while sleeping.
Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy Watch 6:
- Inconsistent heart rate tracking: especially during interval training.
- GPS accuracy issues: cutting corners, wobbly and shifting tracks.
- Limited battery life: GPS run time is about 5 hours and the battery drains badly overnight.
- Rotating tiles reduces performance.
- Limited functionality: Some features are only available on Samsung phones and in some countries.
Advantages of Apple Watch Series 8:
- Fast charging: Fast power on.
- Always on display: Provides easy access to information.
- Advanced fitness tracking: Customizable workout and heart rate zones.
- Comprehensive health monitoring: Measures heart rate, blood oxygen and temperature.
- Seamless iPhone integration: Notifications, calls, and Apple Pay support.
Cons of Apple Watch Series 8:
- Long battery life: Requires daily charging.
- Scratched screen: Aluminum screen scratches easily.
- Temperature sensor: Data may not be available and may not be useful for all users.
- Digital crown: May malfunction and cause unintentional volume changes.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 8 are great smartwatches, but they accomplish different tasks: The Galaxy Watch 6 is a stylish, feature-rich Android smartwatch. It’s a great choice for users who want a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch with convenient Google Assistant integration. However, erratic heart rate tracking and GPS issues can be a cause for concern for serious athletes. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for iPhone users who want a seamless experience with advanced fitness and health tracking features. However, you should consider the downsides: limited battery life and a screen prone to scratches. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.