Apple Watch 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: How to choose the best smartwatch for you
Samsung
The Apple Watch 7, available from Amazon and Walmart, is a popular smartwatch right now. But the watch has new competition. Samsung just unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Both smartwatches offer a wide range of impressive design, fitness and streaming features. If you’re having trouble deciding which one to buy, we’re here to help. Read on to find the right smartwatch for you.
Top offers in this article:
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41mm), $299 (regularly $399)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with free charger and $50 Samsung credit, $280
If you’re currently buying a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 should be at the top of your list. Both smartwatches are designed to work seamlessly with your smartphone to track notifications, play music, track your workouts, and more.
Find out which top-rated smartwatch is right for you with our comparisons of the two smartwatches below.
Why the Apple Watch Series 7 could be the best smartwatch for you
Apple
If you’re an Apple iOS-friendly household, then the Apple Watch Series 7 is a no-brainer. You are already set up to integrate your smartwatch with your Apple devices. This should make tracking your fitness goals through your iPhone a breeze. (Pairing your new Apple Watch with an iPhone is also a simple and quick process.)
The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. Size generally depends on personal preference. Note, however, that some women’s designer straps are only compatible with the smaller 41mm size. (For more information on Apple Watch sizing, see our guide to How to choose the right Apple Watch size for you.)
Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm)
Apple via Amazon
The Apple Watch Series 7 with a 41mm case offers 20% more screen real estate than the Apple Watch Series 6. It functions as an activity tracker and can monitor your sleep. The Apple Watch also includes heart rate monitoring and an EKG feature that checks your heart rhythm in the Apple Health app. You can also use yoga, meditation and other exercise programs through Apple Fitness+. (Apple Fitness+ is a subscription service. It costs $9.99 per month; Apple Watch buyers get the first month free.)
The 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 retails for $399 and up at Apple, but you can usually find deals at Amazon and Walmart. Prices vary by color.
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41mm), $299 (regularly $399)
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular (41mm), $429 and up (normally $499)
Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm)
Apple
The 45mm version of the Apple Watch Series 7 does basically everything the 41mm version does, except it’s bigger: it’s the largest Apple Watch yet. Both the 41mm and 45mm versions are compatible with a range of cool looking ones sold separately Apple Watch straps. (Click here for our guide to our most popular Apple Watch bands and deals.)
The 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 retails for $429 and up at Apple, but be sure to check Amazon and Walmart for deals. And yes, prices may vary by color.
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (45mm), $329 and up (normally $429)
Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) GPS + Cellular, $429 and up (regularly $529)
Why the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 could be the best smartwatch for you
Garmin
If you are an Android owner, buying a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 makes the most sense. Unlike the Apple Watch, which can only be paired with an Apple iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 smartwatch works with iOS and Android devices. (There are compatibility requirements for the app.)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is an upgrade of the popular Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. It has 10W smart charging capabilities, a notable upgrade over the previous model’s slower 5W charging. It also features an advanced training algorithm and sleep tracking technology.
The Galaxy Watch 5 features an advanced bioactive sensor that collects more accurate data. This data can be managed and tracked in the Samsung Health app.
This is the first time Samsung has offered its sapphire crystal for its non-premium smartwatch options. (Sapphire crystal isn’t actually glass. It’s a ceramic that mimics the transparency of glass and offers longer life.)
Like previous Galaxy Watch models, the Galaxy Watch 5 is available in 40mm and 44mm display sizes. It is also available in five colors. If you preorder the watch through the CBS Essentials link below, you’ll receive a free wireless charger and $50 in Samsung credit.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with free charger and $50 Samsung credit, $280
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Samsung
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers a bigger and more powerful smartwatch option. The watch face and battery are larger on the Pro model. The Pro model features a titanium case and sapphire crystal. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro also features improved navigation with Track Back mode to help you find your way back to where you started.
The Watch 5 Pro is available in two colors. It comes in one size, 45mm. If you preorder the watch through the CBS Essentials link below, you’ll receive a free Duo wireless charger and $50 in Samsung credit.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro with free charger and $50 Samsung credit, $450
Apple Watch 7 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Which Should You Buy?
Since the Apple Watch 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offer fairly similar features, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. Here are the important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing your next smartwatch.
OS and phone compatibility
For most buyers, the choice comes down to which operating system you are more familiar with and which phone you have. iPhone users will enjoy how seamlessly Apple Watch 7 syncs with iPhone and other Apple products. Since the Apple Watch 7 does not sync with Android phones, it is not an ideal choice for Android users. This also affects app availability; The Apple Watch uses the Apple App Store while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 supports apps available in the Galaxy Store. (Most major apps are available on both platforms.)
Accessory Availability
Another aspect is the accessories. Since the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 was only unveiled on August 10, there are fewer third-party accessories available right away. That should change soon as manufacturers catch up and release new straps and accessories for the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro.
Most older Apple Watch accessories are compatible with current Apple Watch models, giving you a wide range to choose from.
Smartwatch durability
Both the Apple Watch 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are made of sturdy materials that are built to last. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro both contain sapphire crystal, a durable screen material. The Apple Watch 7 features a shatterproof crystal display on the front. Both are durable and safe to submerge in water.
health characteristics
Both smartwatches are well equipped to support you on your health or fitness journey. Both include sleep tracking, EKGs, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, and exercise tracking. One notable difference is that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a skin temperature measurement feature. The Apple Watch hasn’t introduced this feature yet (although it’s rumored to be coming in the Apple Watch 8).
If you’re an avid runner or outdoor workout then the Samsung Galaxy 5 Pro might be a better option for you. It includes stronger GPS workout features like workout routing and trackback to help you plan your runs and find your way back to where you started when you get lost.
Battery life
This is an area where there is a standout winner. According to Apple, the Apple Watch 7 should offer 18 hours of battery life with normal use. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, on the other hand, offers up to 50 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Pro has a larger battery for even longer battery life.
Of course, battery life depends on your usage habits, but if you want to last longer between charges, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a better choice.