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Galaxy Watch 5 vs Apple Watch 8 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 8 & Galaxy Watch 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 8 rather than the Galaxy Watch 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 8

  • The Apple Watch Series 8 has the S8 SiP chipset for smoother app navigation and faster health-tracking responsiveness, while the Galaxy Watch 5 uses the Exynos W920 chipset.
  • Apple Watch Series 8 features a 1000-nit LTPO OLED Retina display for clearer outdoor visibility and easier reading in bright sunlight, whereas the Galaxy Watch 5 uses a 600-nit Super AMOLED display.
  • It includes a stainless-steel case option for greater durability and long-term wear resistance, whereas the Galaxy Watch 5 comes with an aluminum-only construction.
  • The Apple Watch Series 8 supports continuous wrist-temperature tracking for more accurate cycle insights and long-term health trends, while the Galaxy Watch 5 supports sleep-only skin-temperature tracking.
  • Apple Watch Series 8 comes with advanced Crash Detection for automatic emergency alerts in severe accidents, whereas the Galaxy Watch 5 has no dedicated crash-detection system.
  • It features the Taptic Engine for more precise and natural haptic feedback during navigation and notifications, while the Galaxy Watch 5 uses a standard vibration motor.
  • The Apple Watch Series 8 includes the Digital Crown for accurate scrolling and control without obstructing the screen, whereas the Galaxy Watch 5 relies on touch gestures and side buttons.
  • Apple Watch Series 8 supports faster USB-C magnetic fast charging to regain usable battery levels in a shorter time, while the Galaxy Watch 5 uses slower wireless charging.

Maybe the Galaxy Watch 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Series 8Galaxy Watch 5
Display TypeLTPO OLED RetinaSuper AMOLED
Display Brightness1000 nits600 nits
ChipsetApple S8 SiPExynos W920
Operating SystemwatchOSWear OS with One UI
Voice AssistantSiriGoogle Assistant, Bixby
Navigation MethodDigital Crown + TouchTouch + Buttons
Crash DetectionYesNo
Temperature TrackingContinuous wrist tempSleep-only skin temp
CompassUpgraded Compass with BacktrackStandard Compass
Battery Life~18 hours40–50 hours
Fast ChargingYesSlower wireless charging
Water RatingWR50 + IP6X5ATM + MIL-STD-810H
Strap ConnectorApple proprietaryStandard 20mm quick-release
BezelMinimal bezelThicker bezel
HapticsTaptic EngineStandard vibration motor
Display ShapeSquareRound
CompatibilityiPhone onlyAndroid only
Storage32GB16GB
Bluetooth5.35.2
WeightHeavierLighter overall
LTE OptionYes on both sizesLTE on selected variants
Sleep Stage AccuracywatchOS algorithmsSamsung Health algorithms
Charging Time~45 minutes to 80%Longer charge duration
PriceCheck Apple Watch 8 PriceCheck Galaxy Watch 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Always-On Display: Both watches feature an always-on display that keeps essential information visible without requiring wrist-raising or tapping. This makes them easier to use during workouts, meetings, or quick glances throughout the day.
  • AMOLED-based Screen: Both models use high-quality OLED-based displays that deliver deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent contrast. This ensures clear visibility in different lighting conditions and contributes to a premium viewing experience.
  • Heart-Rate Monitoring: Both watches include optical heart-rate sensors for continuous monitoring during rest and activity. This helps users track workout intensity and overall cardiovascular health more accurately.
  • ECG Feature: Each watch supports an ECG app capable of detecting irregular heart rhythms. This similarity provides users with clinically useful insights and allows early detection of potential heart-related concerns.
  • Blood Oxygen (SpO2): Both models include SpO2 measurement to monitor blood oxygen saturation. This is useful for sleep analysis, altitude activities, and general wellness tracking.
  • Sleep Tracking: Both devices can track sleep duration, stages, and quality. This allows users to understand their nightly patterns and make adjustments for better rest and recovery.
  • Fitness Tracking: Each watch supports a wide range of workouts, calorie tracking, and activity goals. This ensures comprehensive fitness data regardless of which ecosystem the user prefers.
  • GPS Built-In: Both watches include onboard GPS for accurate outdoor tracking without requiring a phone. This benefits runners, cyclists, and hikers who want reliable distance and route data.
  • Bluetooth: Both models support modern Bluetooth versions for efficient connectivity with compatible devices. This ensures stable pairing and fast syncing of health and app data.
  • Wi-Fi: Each watch supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing updates, cloud syncing, and app interactions without relying solely on Bluetooth or a phone connection.
  • Fast Charging Support: Both support fast charging technologies that significantly reduce the time needed to recharge. This makes quick top-ups easy during busy schedules.
  • Water Resistance: Both watches are designed for water-related activities such as swimming or showering. This offers peace of mind for active users who frequently encounter wet environments.
  • NFC Payments: Both support mobile payment systems via NFC—Apple Pay on the Series 8 and Samsung Pay/Google Pay on the Galaxy Watch 5. This allows secure, tap-to-pay functionality without needing a phone.
  • Fall Detection: Both models include fall detection to identify sudden impacts and alert emergency services if needed. This adds a layer of safety for older users or those with active lifestyles.
  • Wireless Charging: Both watches support wireless charging, simplifying daily recharging routines. This eliminates the need for physical ports and reduces wear and tear.
  • Stress Tracking: Both devices can analyze stress levels using heart-rate variability and other indicators. This gives users useful insights into mental and physiological stress throughout the day.
  • Compass: Each watch includes a digital compass for navigation and direction-based features. This helps during outdoor activities and apps that require orientation data.
  • Temperature Sensor: Both models include temperature-related sensors, enabling temperature tracking for wellness or sleep metrics. This gives additional health context beyond basic fitness data.
  • LTE Option: Both watches offer LTE versions that allow phone-free calls, texts, and streaming. This provides flexibility for users who want connected experiences without carrying their smartphone.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 8Galaxy Watch 5
Always-On DisplayYesYes
AMOLED-based ScreenYesYes
Heart-Rate MonitoringYesYes
ECG FeatureYesYes
Blood Oxygen (SpO2)YesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Fitness TrackingYesYes
GPS Built-InYesYes
Bluetooth5.x5.x
Wi-FiYesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
Water ResistanceYesYes
NFC PaymentsYesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Stress TrackingYesYes
CompassYesYes
Temperature SensorYesYes
LTE OptionYesYes
Price Check Apple Watch 8 Price Check Galaxy Watch 5 Price

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 8 compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 8 only works with iPhones and cannot be paired with Android devices.

Is the Galaxy Watch 5 compatible with iPhones?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 only works with Android phones and cannot be used with an iPhone.

Do both watches support ECG readings?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Galaxy Watch 5 include ECG functionality for detecting irregular heart rhythms.

Can both watches track blood oxygen levels?
Yes, each model includes an SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation.

Do both watches have GPS for phone-free tracking?
Yes, both watches include built-in GPS for tracking routes and distance without a smartphone.

Which watch has longer battery life?
The Galaxy Watch 5 generally lasts longer, typically around 40–50 hours, while the Series 8 lasts about 18 hours.

Can both devices be used for swimming?
Yes, both watches are water-resistant and can be safely used for swimming and water-related activities.

Do both watches support wireless charging?
Yes, each model uses wireless charging, although they use different charger designs and are not cross-compatible.

Can both watches track sleep stages?
Yes, both the Series 8 and Galaxy Watch 5 can track sleep duration and stages such as REM, deep, and light sleep.

Do both watches have fall detection?
Yes, both watches can detect hard falls and alert emergency contacts, although implementation details vary slightly.

Can I make payments using both watches?
Yes, the Series 8 uses Apple Pay while the Galaxy Watch 5 supports Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

Do both watches include stress monitoring?
Yes, both models provide stress monitoring features based on heart-rate variability and related data.

Are LTE versions available for both?
Yes, both watches offer LTE-enabled models for phone-free calling, texting, and data usage.

Do both watches support third-party apps?
Yes, the Series 8 uses the App Store for watch apps while the Galaxy Watch 5 uses the Google Play Store for Wear OS apps.

Can both watches measure temperature?
Yes, both devices include temperature-related sensors, though the Series 8 tracks temperature continuously while the Galaxy Watch 5 focuses on sleep-based temperature readings.