Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 5: Which One Wins?

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After Galaxy Watch 5’s release on August 26, 2022, consumers shifted their attention to Samsung’s most powerful smartwatch. But a few weeks later, Apple bounced back with the Apple Watch Series 8, making it a tough decision for buyers to pick between the two.

We must appreciate the modern features and technology incorporated in both smartwatches, such as fall detection and health tracking. Nonetheless, you need to determine the best to fulfill your needs. Our Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 5 comparison looks at the specs of both wearables and their design, features, performance, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 5: Side-by-Side Comparison

Apple Watch Series 8Galaxy Watch 5What it isLatest version of the Apple watches seriesLatest addition to Samsung Watch lineup after the Galaxy Watch 4Release dateSeptember 7, 2022August 26, 2022Resolution396 x 484 pixels (45mm model), 352 x 430 pixels (41mm model)396 x 396 pixels (40mm model), 450 x 450 pixels (44mm model)Battery Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 308 mAh.Li-Ion 410 mAh, non-removable Charging Wireless (USB-C charger)Wireless (USB-C charger)Battery life18 hours under single charge, and up to 36 hours when using Low Power ModeUp to 50 hours under a single chargeDimensions41 x 35 x 10.7 mm (41mm model) 45 x 38 x 10.7mm (45mm model)41 x 35 x 10.7mm (40mm model), 45 x 38 x 10.7mm (44mm model)Weight 32.2g (41mm model), 39.1g (45mm model)28.7g (40mm model), 33.5g (44mm model)

Best for Budgets

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 45mm]

$411.84

• Available in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes
• Battery lasts up to 18 hours or 36 hours on Low Power Mode
• Health features such as the ECG app, heart rate sensors, and blood-oxygen sensors
• Crash detection feature
• Numerous customization options

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Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 5: What’s the Difference

Both smartwatches have great performance. Let’s dig deep into each by looking at their key differences, so you know what you’ll get with either smartwatch.

Price

Galaxy Watch 5 is the cheapest option, starting at $240. On the other hand, Apple Watch Series 8 is costs a bit more, with a $399 price tag. Based on their prices, both smartwatches have been very considerate to their buyers. If you are working on a tight budget and need a smartwatch with significant health-tracking features, the Galaxy Watch 5 will be perfect. 

Unlike most single-model smartwatches in the market, the Galaxy Watch 5 has two models. You can choose the regular model (40mm) at $240 or the variant model (44mm) at $310. The Apple Watch Series 8 also has two models; the GPS model at $399 and the Cellular model at $499. 

Both watches have options that will definitely suit your needs. Their prices are in the same bracket, meaning you can purchase any smartwatch without breaking the bank. 

Design 

You can spot the difference between these smartwatches by their appearance. The Apple Watch Series 8 has a rectangular shape, a design they have maintained for all the Apple watch series. The Galaxy Watch 5, on the other hand, maintains a circular shape similar to its predecessors.

The Apple Watch Series 8 has a glass front, sapphire crystal back, and stainless steel, making it versatile. It’s designed with a digital crown, which also acts as the home button. This allows you to easily navigate your smartwatch by running through lists, zooming pictures and maps, and returning to the home screen. Apart from the digital crown, you also get a side button that provides quick access to favorite contacts and emergency SOS.

Another plus for the Apple Watch Series 8 is the three microphone arrays and a second speaker perfectly positioned to boost the signal-to-noise ratio during calls. 

Samsung has also made great advancements on the Galaxy Watch 5, such as using a sapphire crystal glass that is reportedly 1.6x stronger than the glass on the Galaxy Watch4. The back and home key remains the same. The best part is that you can customize your home key (power key) to get instant access to your favorite apps. 

Both smartwatches have a wide range of bands. So, you can find one for your daily activity or that matches your outfit. The bands are made of different materials, colors, and sizes, ensuring you get the best. 

If you are a sports person, you can pick the Nike Sport Band, Leather Link, or Trail Loop for your Apple Watch Series 8. Galaxy Watch 5 gives you options such as Geak Slim Silicone Strap, Meulot Stretchy Nylon Band, or Breathable Silicone Band. With either watch, you can find a band to suit your needs. Just make sure the band is compatible with your smartwatch. 

Features and Performance

Both devices have a Fall Detection feature that provides safety by alerting your emergency contacts in case of a fall. Apple has gone the extra mile to include car crash detection on the Apple Watch Series 8. It uses motion sensors, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a High g-force accelerator that can detect the impact of the crush and the precious moment of the impact. This way, it can immediately alert your emergency contacts and send accurate GPS locations.

Apart from the Fall Detection feature, both smartwatches have a health feature. The Galaxy Watch 5 provides a 3-in-1 BioActive sensor that controls three essential health sensors; Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor (BIA), Electrical Heart sensor (ECG), and Optical Heart Rate sensor. Each sensor plays a key role in giving accurate health analyses such as body fat percentage, heart rate, and cardiovascular health. Galaxy Watch 5 also has a sleep-tracking feature that monitors your health while asleep. All the health data is recorded on the Samsung Health app, meaning you can keep track of your health for many months. 

The Apple Watch Series 8 has special health tracking features like sleep tracking, heart rate, and stress level, similar to Galaxy Watch 5. But the menstrual cycle tracking is unique with the Apple Watch Series 8. It uses the temperature sensor to detect ovulation and when the menstrual cycle will likely begin. So you can always keep track of your menstrual cycle. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 8 keeps your health data private using end-to-end encryption through iCloud. 

Smartwatches are handy in pursuing your fitness goals. Both devices have workout apps that expose you to different exercises and keep track of your fitness goals. Galaxy Watch 5 can also measure your sweat loss, ensuring you don’t dehydrate while working out.

Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, provides more than enough workout exercises, ensuring you don’t miss your favorite workout. Apart from the normal workout exercises such as Walking, running, and cycling, you will find yoga, core training, and Tai chi. 

Battery Life

More often than not, you’ll use your smartwatch outdoors. Both devices have impressive battery life. However, we will give more credit to the Galaxy Watch 5 for the Wireless PowerShare function, which lets you charge your smartwatch using your phone. It has a 410 mAh battery, which Samsung claims can last 40-50 hours on a single charge. In addition, you get fast charging speed with the Galaxy Watch 5. Its USB-C charger can top off your smartwatch to 45% in 30 minutes.

On the side of the Apple Watch Series 8, you also get fast charging using the Apple USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable. Apple claims the smartwatch’s battery can go from 0 percent to 80 percent in about 45 minutes. Apart from fast charging, the Apple Watch Series 8 has a Low Power Mode that limits power consumption. When you activate the Low Power Mode, core features like activity tracking and Fall Detection will be maintained, while other features, such as the Always-On display and Auto workout detection, are temporarily disabled until you recharge your phone. 

Display

Apple Watch Series 8 has an Always-on Retina display. You can use it to check the time, widgets, and wallpaper without necessarily waking up the screen. It has a 1.9 inches screen size with a high image and video display resolution. 

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 5 has 1.19 inches of Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED (40mm) and 1.36 inches of Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED (45mm). The AMOLED and Super AMOLED displays provide more vivid image quality while consuming less power.

Durability

Samsung promises that the sapphire crystal glass provides 60% more protection on the Galaxy Watch 5. It is also water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating. On top of that, the Galaxy Watch 5 is certified to 5ATM standards, meaning it can stay under 5 feet of water for close to 30 minutes. Finally, the Galaxy Watch 5 is certified for the MIL-STS-816 standard. This means your Samsung smartwatch can withstand extreme cold, heat, shock, and drops. 

Apple Watch Series 8 won’t allow you to go scuba diving and Water Skiing. It has WR50 water resistance, which can support depths of up to 50 meters. The smartwatch is also dust resistant with an IP6X rating, guaranteeing 100% protection against dust and water.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 5: 10 Must-Know Facts 

• Apple Watch Series 8 has GPS and Cellular models, while the Galaxy Watch 5 offers two different sizes (40mm and 44mm).
• Apple Watch Series 8 has an Always-on Retina display.
• Both smartwatches offer fast charging and are wireless. 
• The Apple Watch Series 8 has an IP6X rating for dust and water resistance, while the Galaxy Watch 5 has an IP68 rating.
• Both smartwatches have Fall Detection features. However, the Apple Watch Series 8 is more advanced with the introduction of car crash detection.
• The Apple Watch Series 8 includes menstrual-cycle tracking on the health app, which can give estimated ovulation dates.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a sapphire crystal glass that is reportedly 1.6x stronger than the glass used on its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch4.
• Both watches offer health and fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking.
• The Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by Apple’s new S8 chip, which is faster and more power-efficient than the previous generation.
• The Apple Watch Series 8 includes a new feature called “Mindfulness,” which offers guided meditations and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve mental wellness.

Advanced Health and Fitness Features

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 40mm Smartwatch (Purple Band)

$275.00

• Advanced sleep tracker and coaching
• Curved Samsung BioActive Sensor
• Get body composition data on your wrist
• Auto workout tracking feature for 90 exercises
• Improved battery life for busy days

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Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 5: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

Both smartwatches are impressive in performance and suitable for all your daily activities and health tracking. However, if you seek special health features like menstrual-cycle tracking, Apple Watch Series 8 is your best bet. Another plus for the Apple Watch Series 8 is the many exercises its workout app offers. Apart from the basic fitness exercises, you are exposed to more workouts ensuring you achieve your body goals quickly.

So, if you plan to buy a smartwatch for your health and fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Series 8 has all the essential features. However, if you are working on a very tight budget, consider the Galaxy Watch 5, as it offers essential health-tracking features and workout exercises at an affordable price.

Best for Budgets

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 45mm]

$411.84

• Available in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes
• Battery lasts up to 18 hours or 36 hours on Low Power Mode
• Health features such as the ECG app, heart rate sensors, and blood-oxygen sensors
• Crash detection feature
• Numerous customization options

Buy Now on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Advanced Health and Fitness Features

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 40mm Smartwatch (Purple Band)

$275.00

• Advanced sleep tracker and coaching
• Curved Samsung BioActive Sensor
• Get body composition data on your wrist
• Auto workout tracking feature for 90 exercises
• Improved battery life for busy days

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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