Most users carefully compare the specs and usability of Galaxy and iPhone devices when new smart gadgets are introduced by Samsung or Apple, before deciding to purchase them. Recently, as smartwatches have become widely used, many people are also considering the design, specs, and features of Galaxy Watches and Apple Watches when selecting a smartphone.
Choosing a smartphone today involves much more than simply picking a device that makes calls and sends messages. Many users now factor in a broad array of functionalities, especially those related to health and fitness, productivity, and connectivity with other devices. This has led to an increased focus on smartwatches, which, in many cases, serve as an extension of the smartphone. Galaxy Watches and Apple Watches, two of the leading wearable devices, reflect this trend by offering rich, feature-packed experiences for both iOS and Android users. Given how smartwatches have evolved into key lifestyle tools, understanding the differences between the Apple Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 6 is essential to making the best purchase decision.
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 8 (Apple Watch 8) are premium wearable devices representing Android and iOS, respectively. So, what are the features of these two devices, and what differences do they have? In this article, we will compare the Apple Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 6, focusing on their features.
This comparison highlights the design, display quality, battery life, fitness capabilities, and overall performance of the devices to help you determine which one suits your needs best. Both brands have made significant strides in integrating cutting-edge technology into their smartwatches, with unique advantages based on the user’s ecosystem preference.
Design & Display
The most noticeable difference between the Apple Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 6 is the design. The Galaxy Watch 6 has a simple, round, flat design, while the rectangular Apple Watch offers a unique visual distinct from most smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 6’s round design evokes a traditional watch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more classic look, while the Apple Watch 8’s square, sleek lines suggest modern minimalism. Both designs are stylish in their own right, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal taste.
Design preferences vary from person to person, but personally, I believe the Apple Watch 8’s smooth and unique style is superior. The seamless integration of the rectangular shape gives it a clean, futuristic look, while the round Galaxy Watch 6 feels more timeless and familiar.
Durability
However, there is a slight difference in durability. Both devices offer IP6X dust resistance and water resistance up to 50m for about 30 minutes, but the Galaxy Watch 6 features sapphire glass on both the front and back, making it more scratch-resistant. For reference, sapphire glass is 60% more scratch-resistant than regular tempered glass. This makes the Galaxy Watch 6 a more durable choice for those who are rougher on their gadgets or want a watch that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Display Comparison
The displays of both devices are excellent, but the Galaxy Watch 6 provides a brightness of 2,000 nits, which is about twice as bright as the maximum brightness of the Apple Watch 8. This high brightness is particularly beneficial when you are outside in direct sunlight, ensuring that the display remains readable even under harsh lighting conditions.
While both watches feature vibrant OLED screens that offer deep blacks and bright colors, the clarity of the Galaxy Watch 6’s display is remarkable. Additionally, the larger size options for the Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm and 44mm) provide users with more display real estate compared to the Apple Watch 8’s 41mm and 45mm models, making the Galaxy Watch 6 more suitable for users who prefer larger screens for viewing notifications and health data.
Control Methods: Capacitive vs Physical
There is also a subtle difference in control methods. The Galaxy Watch 6 uses a capacitive touch bezel, where users must rotate their finger around the edge of the display, while the Apple Watch 8 allows physical rotation of the crown for immediate feedback. The physical crown on the Apple Watch 8 gives a more tactile experience, which some users find more intuitive.
Although the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic supports a rotating bezel, which solves this issue, it’s not available on the basic model, which is a bit disappointing. The absence of a physical rotating bezel on the standard model means that users need to rely solely on the touch bezel for navigation, which may not feel as natural as the Apple Watch’s crown rotation.
Which Product is Better for Sleep Tracking?
Both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch 8 can track sleep duration. The Apple Watch 8 additionally tracks the time spent lying in bed, while the Galaxy Watch 6 can also track naps, which is a notable feature. Both watches accurately detect sleep onset and waking times when worn, making them both reliable sleep tracking tools.
However, there was a difference in how sleep stages were analyzed. Here’s the sleep data collected while wearing both watches on the same night:
| Item | Galaxy Watch 6 | Apple Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Duration | 6 hours 6 minutes | 6 hours 10 minutes |
| Deep Sleep | 7 minutes | 1 hour 2 minutes |
| Core Sleep | 3 hours 55 minutes | 3 hours 35 minutes |
| REM Sleep | 1 hour 56 minutes | 1 hour 33 minutes |
| Awake State | 8 minutes | 5 minutes |
Although both watches recorded similar sleep times, there was a significant difference in deep sleep duration (7 minutes vs 1 hour 2 minutes). It seems the Galaxy Watch 6 assigned a low score to deep sleep due to suspicious blood oxygen levels during sleep, indicating a difference in their algorithms. Even so, the fact that deep sleep was only recorded as 7 minutes out of 6 hours of sleep is somewhat puzzling. Users looking for more accurate sleep stage analysis may find the Apple Watch 8 to be more reliable in this aspect.
Which Product Measures Heart Rate More Accurately?
Many people mention that the Apple Watch has more accurate sensors, so I decided to verify this. I personally enjoy simple core exercises like squats, sit-ups, and push-ups at home, or light jogging in the park. When doing home workouts, the average heart rate for the Galaxy Watch 6 was 114 bpm, while the Apple Watch 8 showed 99 bpm. Both watches seem to provide accurate heart rate measurements within the error margin.
However, the Galaxy Watch 6 occasionally showed outliers, which may be due to the sensor or software issues. Some users report that the Galaxy Watch 6’s sensor occasionally produces spikes in heart rate readings during low-intensity activities. On the other hand, the Apple Watch 8 tends to provide more stable heart rate readings with fewer fluctuations, making it a more reliable choice for consistent heart rate tracking.
Which Product Has Better Battery Life?
The most inconvenient part of using a smartwatch isn’t inaccurate sensors, but battery charging. With wearable devices like smartwatches, it’s a hassle to remove them for charging and put them back on repeatedly.
Both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch 8 last over a day, extending to noon the following day. Disabling the Always On Display feature can further extend the battery life, allowing for longer usage without the need to charge.
The Galaxy Watch 6 offers a 300mAh battery for the 40mm model and 425mAh for the 44mm model, while the Apple Watch 8 offers a 282mAh battery for the 41mm model and 308mAh for the 45mm model. The Galaxy Watch 6’s battery is 30% larger than the Apple Watch 8’s, showing a significant difference. This larger battery means that the Galaxy Watch 6 can provide more usage time on a single charge, which is important for users who rely on their smartwatch throughout the day for fitness tracking, notifications, and other essential tasks.
Final Thoughts: Accurate Sensors and Features of Apple Watch 8 vs Excellent Hardware of Galaxy Watch 6
As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy Watch 6 doesn’t work perfectly with iPhones, and similarly, the Apple Watch 8 doesn’t work perfectly with Android phones. Therefore, neither the Apple Watch nor the Galaxy Watch should be seen merely as accessories; they should be considered when choosing a smartphone. Given that both products are compatible with certain smartphones, let’s consider reasons why you might choose each:
Why Choose the Galaxy Watch 6:
- If you want a durable watch: Sapphire glass is very scratch-resistant, and while both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch 8 use this material, the Galaxy Watch 6 comes with sapphire glass on all models by default, while the Apple Watch requires an upgrade to the stainless version.
- If you want longer battery life: The Galaxy Watch 6 has a larger battery capacity than the Apple Watch 8. Although Apple’s efficient OS helps extend battery life, the larger battery of the Galaxy Watch 6 makes it a better option for long usage without frequent charging.
- If you prefer a traditional design: The round design of the Galaxy Watch 6 appeals to users who are accustomed to classic watch shapes. The Galaxy Watch 6 also provides more size options, ensuring a better fit for a wider range of wrist sizes.
Why Choose the Apple Watch 8:
- If you want more accurate health tracking: Both the Apple Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 6 include the same sensors, such as heart rate, blood oxygen, altimeter, and ECG, and both show high accuracy. However, the Apple Watch 8 provides more consistent data, making it more reliable for users who prioritize precise health tracking.
- If you need more storage space: The Apple Watch 8 offers 32GB of storage, while the Galaxy Watch 6 offers 16GB. While you may not need much storage on a watch, if you want to listen to music while exercising without your smartphone, the Apple Watch 8’s larger storage is useful.
- If you are already in the Apple ecosystem: Apple users who are already invested in the ecosystem may find the Apple Watch 8 to be the more seamless choice. Its integration with iOS, macOS, and other Apple devices allows for a more streamlined experience across all Apple products.
In conclusion, both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch 8 offer incredible features, with each device catering to different needs. Whether you prioritize battery life, durability, design, or accuracy in health metrics, your choice will depend on which factors matter most to you.