Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Which Smartwatch Wins in 2026?

Choosing between Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch isn't just about features—it's about which phone you carry. These watches are designed to work best with their respective ecosystems, and that matters more than any spec sheet comparison.

That said, both have evolved into genuinely impressive health and fitness devices. If you're on the fence or considering switching ecosystems, this breakdown will help you decide.

Let's compare what actually matters.

The Ecosystem Reality

Apple Watch Requirements

• Requires: iPhone 8 or later with iOS 17+
• Works with Android: No
• Best with: Other Apple devices (AirPods, Mac, iPad)

Samsung Galaxy Watch Requirements

• Requires: Android phone with Google Play Services
• Works with iPhone: No (officially)
• Best with: Samsung Galaxy phones (exclusive features)

If you have an iPhone, get an Apple Watch. If you have Android, get a Galaxy Watch. Cross-platform use isn't worth the compromises.

Hardware Comparison: 2026 Models

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Galaxy Watch 7

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra

Health Features Compared

Heart Health

Both watches offer:

• Continuous heart rate monitoring
• Heart rate alerts (high/low)
• Irregular rhythm detection (AFib)
• ECG recording

Apple Watch advantage: FDA-cleared ECG, longer track record, more physician familiarity

Galaxy Watch advantage: Blood pressure monitoring (with Samsung phone, requires calibration)

Sleep Tracking

• Apple Watch: Sleep stages, respiratory rate, blood oxygen (where available)
• Galaxy Watch: Sleep stages, blood oxygen, sleep coaching, snore detection

Winner: Galaxy Watch—more comprehensive sleep features and better battery for overnight wear

Fitness Tracking

• Apple Watch: Workout app, Activity rings, Apple Fitness+ integration
• Galaxy Watch: Samsung Health, workout detection, body composition

Winner: Tie—both excellent, depends on which app ecosystem you prefer

Body Composition (Galaxy Watch Exclusive)

Samsung's BIA sensor measures:

• Body fat percentage
• Skeletal muscle mass
• Body water
• BMI

Not medical-grade but useful for tracking trends. Apple Watch doesn't offer this.

Blood Pressure (Galaxy Watch Exclusive)

Galaxy Watch can measure blood pressure, but:

• Requires Samsung phone
• Needs calibration with real cuff every 4 weeks
• Not available in all countries

Software & Apps

watchOS (Apple Watch)

• Strengths: Polished UI, massive app library, excellent third-party support
• Weaknesses: Limited customization, no always-on complications for all apps

Wear OS (Galaxy Watch)

• Strengths: Google integration, more watch face options, customizable
• Weaknesses: Smaller app selection, some apps Samsung-exclusive

App Availability

Battery Life: The Big Difference

This is where Samsung wins decisively:

• Apple Watch Series 10: 18 hours typical, 36 hours low power
• Galaxy Watch 7: 40+ hours typical
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: 36 hours typical, 72 hours low power
• Galaxy Watch Ultra: 100+ hours in power saving

If you want multi-day battery without charging, Samsung is the clear choice. Apple requires daily charging for most users.

Apple's battery life is fine if you charge nightly. But if you want sleep tracking without morning charging anxiety, Samsung has the edge.

Fitness & Sports Features

Running & Cycling

Both offer:

• GPS tracking with maps
• Pace, distance, heart rate zones
• Cadence and stride length
• Auto-workout detection

Apple Watch advantage: Better third-party app support (Strava, Nike Run Club)

Galaxy Watch advantage: More detailed running metrics built-in

Swimming

• Apple Watch: Pool and open water, stroke detection, SWOLF
• Galaxy Watch: Pool and open water, stroke detection, SWOLF

Winner: Tie—both excellent for swimmers

Outdoor Adventure

• Apple Watch Ultra: Depth gauge, dive computer, precision GPS, emergency siren
• Galaxy Watch Ultra: Extended battery, rugged design, dual-frequency GPS

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra for serious outdoor/diving use

Smart Features

Payments

• Apple Watch: Apple Pay (widely accepted)
• Galaxy Watch: Samsung Pay, Google Wallet

Voice Assistants

• Apple Watch: Siri
• Galaxy Watch: Bixby, Google Assistant

Winner: Apple Watch—Siri is more capable on-wrist, Google Assistant on Galaxy Watch is solid

Messaging

• Apple Watch: Full iMessage, dictation, scribble, keyboard
• Galaxy Watch: SMS, dictation, keyboard (Samsung keyboard)

Winner: Apple Watch for iMessage users, tie otherwise

Design & Customization

Case Options

• Apple Watch: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium (Ultra)
• Galaxy Watch: Aluminum, Titanium (Ultra)

Band Compatibility

• Apple Watch: Proprietary bands, huge third-party market
• Galaxy Watch: Standard 20mm bands, easy to find

Watch Faces

• Apple Watch: Curated selection, limited third-party
• Galaxy Watch: More variety, third-party faces allowed

Winner: Galaxy Watch for customization, Apple Watch for premium band options

Price Comparison

Samsung offers better value at every tier, but Apple Watch holds resale value better.

Which Should You Choose?

Get Apple Watch If:

• You have an iPhone
• You want the largest app ecosystem
• You use Apple Fitness+
• You prefer daily charging routine
• You want best-in-class integration

Get Galaxy Watch If:

• You have an Android phone (especially Samsung)
• Battery life is a priority
• You want body composition tracking
• You want blood pressure monitoring
• You prefer more customization

Got Questions About Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch? Let's Clear Things Up.

Can I use Apple Watch with Android?

No. Apple Watch requires an iPhone for setup and daily use. There's no workaround. If you have Android, look at Galaxy Watch or other Wear OS options.

Can I use Galaxy Watch with iPhone?

Technically possible with workarounds, but not recommended. You'll lose most features and Samsung doesn't officially support it. iPhone users should get Apple Watch.

Which has better health tracking?

Both are excellent. Apple Watch has longer FDA clearance history and more physician recognition. Galaxy Watch offers blood pressure and body composition that Apple doesn't. For most users, the difference is negligible.

Which lasts longer?

Galaxy Watch battery lasts 2-3x longer per charge. For device longevity, both typically receive 4-5 years of software updates. Build quality is comparable.

Is the Ultra version worth it?

For most people, no. The standard models cover 95% of use cases. Ultra versions are for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, or those who want maximum battery life and durability.

The Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch debate ultimately comes down to your phone. Both are excellent smartwatches that will serve you well. For more smartwatch options, check our best smartwatch guide, or if you want simpler health tracking, see our fitness tracker recommendations.