The latest smartwatches from Apple and Samsung represent a clear choice for users in either ecosystem, but which one is better? The Apple Watch Series 11 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 both deliver robust health tracking, advanced features, and similar battery life, but cater to different preferences in design and operating systems. This breakdown will cover the key differences, helping you decide which watch is the best fit for your needs.
Design and Display: Form Follows Function
The most immediate distinction is aesthetics. The Apple Watch Series 11 sticks to its signature square design with a nearly edge-to-edge display, maintaining consistency for long-time Apple Watch users. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, in contrast, features a more traditional circular display, though with a subtle squarish base.
- Sizes: Apple offers 42mm and 46mm options, while Samsung provides 40mm and 44mm. For those with smaller wrists, the Galaxy Watch 8’s smaller sizes may be preferable.
- Brightness: Samsung’s Super AMOLED display reaches a peak of 3,000 nits, outshining the Apple Watch Series 11’s 1,000-2,000 nit OLED Retina display. This means better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Materials: The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in aluminum (black or grey). The Apple Watch Series 11 expands options to both aluminum (jet black, rose gold, silver) and titanium (slate, gold, natural).
Health and Safety: Beyond Basic Tracking
Both watches excel in core health tracking—ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen, and temperature. However, they diverge in specialized features.
The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces skin analysis for carotenoids and more advanced heart metrics. The Apple Watch Series 11 counters with hypertension warnings, a potentially valuable screening tool though not a replacement for medical devices.
- Sleep Tracking: Samsung’s Bedtime Guidance suggests optimal sleep schedules based on circadian rhythms. Apple’s Sleep Score grades sleep quality from 1-100, providing immediate feedback.
- Assistant Capabilities: The Galaxy Watch 8 leverages the Gemini AI assistant, currently more advanced in handling complex queries than Siri on the Apple Watch Series 11.
- Coaching: Samsung offers a Running Coach, while Apple’s Workout Buddy provides motivational support during exercise.
- Safety: Both offer fall detection and SOS alerts. The Apple Watch Series 11 adds vehicle-crash detection as an extra safety net.
Battery Life: All-Day Performance
Battery life is comparable between both watches, lasting over 24 hours, ideal for sleep tracking. Testing shows the Galaxy Watch 8 averaging around 30 hours, while the Apple Watch Series 11 achieves 27-32 hours per charge.
Price: A Slight Premium for Apple
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $350. The Apple Watch Series 11 is slightly more expensive, beginning at $399. The price difference reflects Apple’s ecosystem lock-in and brand premium.
Ultimately, the choice between these smartwatches comes down to your priorities. If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 11 is a natural fit. If you prefer Android or a more flexible smartwatch experience, the Galaxy Watch 8 provides a strong alternative.
