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Apple Watch Series 8 and Galaxy Watch 5 are powerful smartwatches today. The Apple Watch Series 8 is newer and comes with more advanced integration for iPhone users. The Galaxy Watch 5 is an Android-friendly option with improved durability and battery efficiency. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Series 8 has the S8 Chip for faster performance and smooth navigation within Apple’s controlled ecosystem.
- Galaxy Watch 5 uses the Exynos W920 chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Display Size:- Apple Watch Series 8 features a larger 1.8-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Galaxy Watch Series 5 has a 1.2-inch display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Higher Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 8 delivers 396 x 484 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Galaxy Watch 5 has lower 396 x 396 resolution.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Speaker:- Apple Watch Series 8 has a louder speaker for better call and Siri interactions to ensure clearer communication.
- Galaxy Watch 5 has standard speaker.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Optical Heart Sensor:- The Apple Watch 8 includes a third-generation optical heart sensor that delivers more accurate heart rate monitoring during workouts and rest.
- Galaxy Watch 5 has standard heart sensor.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Fast Charging:- The Apple Watch 8 support fast charging that reduces downtime and gets your watch ready quickly when you’re in a rush.
- Galaxy Watch 5 also charges quickly but typically fills up slower
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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On-Device Siri:- Apple Watch Series 8 supports on-device Siri that allows to process commands and access health data directly on the watch without internet connection.
- Galaxy Watch 5 requires an internet connection for Google Assistant.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Ultra Wideband Chip:- Apple Watch Series 8 features the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for improving Precision Finding and device integration.
- Galaxy Watch 5 lacks UWB chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Storage:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes 32GB of internal storage that allows users to store more music, apps, and offline content directly on the watch.
- Galaxy Watch 5 uses 16GB storage.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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QWERTY Keyboard Input:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes a full QWERTY keyboard that allows precise text input directly on the watch.
- Galaxy Watch 5 relies on voice input and preset replies.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Operating System:- Apple Watch Series 8 runs watchOS 9 that integrates tightly with iOS and supports a wide range of optimized apps.
- Galaxy Watch 5 uses Wear OS 3 with Samsung’s One UI Watch interface for Android compatibility.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|
| Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 1.9 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Display Resolution | 396 x 484 pixels | 396 x 396 pixels |
| Case Material | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
| Glass Type | Ion-X Glass | Sapphire Crystal Glass |
| Chipset | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core | Exynos W920 dual-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 50 hours |
| Charging Time | ~45 minutes to 80% | ~75 minutes to full |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (50m) + IP6X dust resistance | 5ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
| ECG Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | No |
| Cellular Option | Available (not in this model) | No cellular version |
| App Store | watchOS App Store | Google Play (Wear OS) |
| OS Compatibility | iOS only | Android only |
| QWERTY Keyboard | Yes | No |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you:- Want deep iPhone integration with exclusive features like iMessage, Continuity, and Find My.
- Need ECG, Blood Oxygen, and Fall Detection in one device.
- Prefer a larger always-on display with QWERTY keyboard support.
- Want faster charging and more app choices.
- Need higher storage capacity for music, podcasts, and offline apps.
Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 if you:- Use an Android phone, especially a Samsung Galaxy model.
- Want better battery life that can last more than a full day.
- Prefer a smaller, rounder design with sapphire crystal durability.
- Need a more affordable smartwatch with essential fitness features.
- Do not require features like fall detection or a large app store.
Check Galaxy Watch 5 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display Resolution | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Always-On Display Size | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Storage | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| ECG Monitoring | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Cellular Option | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Charging Speed | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| App Ecosystem | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Build Quality Options | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Fall Detection | Apple Watch Series 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches feature advanced optical heart rate sensors, allowing users to track heart health and optimize workouts.
- Sleep Tracking: Each model offers sleep tracking, helping users monitor sleep stages and improve rest quality.
- Workout Modes: Both watches include a wide range of workout profiles, making them versatile for running, cycling, swimming, and strength training.
- Water Resistance: Each device is water-resistant, so users can safely wear them while swimming or in the rain.
- SpO2 Monitoring: Both models support blood oxygen measurement, which provides valuable insights into respiratory and overall health.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 8 is only compatible with iPhones running iOS 16 or later. It cannot be paired or used with Android devices.
Can the Galaxy Watch 5 be used with an iPhone?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 is not compatible with iPhones. It works only with Android phones and offers full features when paired with Samsung Galaxy devices.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes both ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring, along with irregular rhythm notifications and heart rate tracking.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 capable of ECG monitoring?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 has ECG functionality, but it requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone to use this feature through the Samsung Health Monitor app.
How long does the Apple Watch Series 8 battery last?
The Apple Watch Series 8 provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge under typical usage conditions.
How long is the Galaxy Watch 5 battery life?
The Galaxy Watch 5 can last up to 50 hours depending on usage and settings, making it better suited for users who prefer multi-day battery life.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 support fast charging?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 supports fast charging and can reach 80% battery in around 45 minutes with the appropriate USB-C charger.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 screen more durable than the Apple Watch Series 8?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 uses sapphire crystal glass which is more scratch-resistant than the Ion-X glass used on the aluminum Apple Watch Series 8.
Can I use the Apple Watch Series 8 without my iPhone nearby?
Yes, if you purchase the GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 8, you can make calls, send texts, and stream music without your iPhone nearby.
Does the Galaxy Watch 5 come with a full QWERTY keyboard?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 does not include a full QWERTY keyboard. It uses gesture-based input, voice typing, or preset replies for messaging.