Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch Sequence 7: Smartwatch Smackdown

Questioning how the just-announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 stacks up in opposition to Apple’s most sensible smartwatch? Us too. 

On this comparability we are pitting Cupertino’s present flagship type, the 2021 Apple Watch Sequence 7, in opposition to the brand new Galaxy Watch 5 sequence from Samsung. We aren’t selecting winners since we have not in fact gotten our fingers at the new Galaxy Watches but, however we predict to quickly. For now we are operating throughout the record of specifications and contours to peer how they stack up on paper.

We will reconsider the Apple-vs.-Samsung smartwatch dynamic as soon as Apple releases its Watch Sequence 8 wearable, which is predicted in September.

Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch 7: Battery Lifestyles

Battery lifestyles isn’t a power of many smartwatches, however the Galaxy Watch 5 guarantees enhancements in this entrance. 

The massive (44mm) Galaxy Watch 5 includes a 410mAh battery, whilst the smaller (40mm) type is powered through a 284mAh mobile. Samsung says the Watch 5 sequence lasts as much as 50 hours on a rate, or 10 hours greater than its predecessor, the Watch 4. Apple’s Sequence 7 includes a 309mAh battery that gives simply 18 hours of juice on a rate. That provides the Samsung an important benefit. 

Samsung’s 2022 smartwatch lineup comprises the Galaxy Watch 5 and the dearer, outdoor-focused Watch 5 Professional
(Credit score: Samsung)

As for charging pace, Samsung says that snapping the Watch 5 onto its charger for simply 8 mins ahead of mattress must give it sufficient battery lifestyles to trace your sleep for 8 hours. This capacity used to be clearly impressed through Apple, which advertises the very same battery efficiency for the Sequence 7. 

There is not any phrase but as to how lengthy a complete rate will take at the Watch 5, however Samsung says half-hour at the charger will bump its battery stage up 45{ad04e458d8a67bb381461aa5bab353250a5c3a294cd93826b3ec944a191540bb}. When put next, the Sequence 7 can pass from lifeless to 80{ad04e458d8a67bb381461aa5bab353250a5c3a294cd93826b3ec944a191540bb} in simply 45 mins.

Apple Watch Sequence 7
(Credit score: Angela Moscaritolo)

If battery lifestyles is a number one fear, you could be within the Watch 5 Professional. Samsung’s extra rugged type is designed particularly for mountain bikers, runners, hikers, and others who spend their time outdoor. The Watch 5 Professional includes a greater, 590mAh battery that guarantees as much as 80 hours of energy consistent with rate, or 20 hours with the GPS enabled. That is some severe smartwatch longevity.

Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch 7: Sturdiness

Like their predecessors, either one of Samsung’s new smartwatches boast 5ATM and IP68 rankings, which means they’re water-proof to a intensity of 164 ft for 10 mins and will thrust back mud, filth, and sand. The Apple Watch 7 in a similar way includes a WR50 score for water-resistant to 164 ft. It additionally meets IP6X certification, which means it’s completely dustproof. 

Each corporations have touted the sturdiness of the glass on their newest wearables. The Watch 5 is Samsung’s first smartwatch to characteristic a sapphire crystal glass show, which the corporate says makes it 60{ad04e458d8a67bb381461aa5bab353250a5c3a294cd93826b3ec944a191540bb} more potent in opposition to scratching as opposed to the Watch 4. 

Apple Watch Sequence 7
(Credit score: Angela Moscaritolo)

Apple says the Sequence 7 includes a extra crack-resistant entrance crystal than any of its predecessors, which means it is tougher to shatter the display screen. At its tallest level, the Sequence 7’s Ion-X glass is over 50{ad04e458d8a67bb381461aa5bab353250a5c3a294cd93826b3ec944a191540bb} thicker than that of the Sequence 6. Apple additionally gave the crystal on its type a flat base, which is helping to extend sturdiness.

Samsung’s Watch 5 Professional includes a extra rugged titanium case (as opposed to aluminum on the usual Watch 5) and an “much more sturdy sapphire crystal glass show” for greater scratch resistance, Samsung says. Apple’s Sequence 7 is available in aluminum, chrome steel, or titanium. 

Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch 7: Temperature and Well being Monitoring

When it comes to options, the largest improve at the Galaxy Watch 5 is the addition of an infrared temperature sensor for pores and skin temperature monitoring. 

“Pores and skin temperature research opens up new alternatives for builders to make bigger their well being and wellness choices,” a Samsung spokesperson mentioned all the way through a briefing with newshounds. 

A number of different wearable gadgets—together with the Fitbit Price 5, Oura Ring Era 3, and Whoop 4.0—already monitor pores and skin temperature diversifications, a metric that signifies whether or not you might be operating warmer or chillier in comparison together with your baseline. Apple’s Sequence 7 smartwatch does not be offering this selection, however rumors recommend that the following Apple Watch, anticipated q4, will certainly characteristic a frame temperature sensor.

Taking a frame composition scan at the Watch 5
(Credit score: Samsung)

As for different well being options, Samsung mentioned it reshaped the curvature of the again glass at the Watch 5 sequence, expanding the touch floor house of the BioActive Sensor. This alteration guarantees extra correct frame composition, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements. The Sequence 7 correctly tracks your SpO2 and likewise helps ECG readings, however is not in a position to measuring frame fats or different frame composition metrics like Samsung’s watches.

Sleep monitoring is any other house the place Samsung has a leg up on Apple. Like the former era wearable, the Watch 5 circle of relatives can monitor noisily snoring when paired with a suitable smartphone, a sound asleep metric now not to be had at the Sequence 7. 

Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch 7: Design and Worth 

At the design facet, the obvious distinction between Samsung and Apple’s wearables is the form: The Watch 5 has a spherical case whilst the Sequence 7 has an oblong one. Some other people choose Apple’s oblong design for studying textual content at the display screen, whilst a spherical case is arguably extra aesthetically gratifying. 

Galaxy Watch 5
(Credit score: Samsung)

Debates about case form apart, lovers of Samsung’s smartwatches is also bummed to listen to that each new fashions lack a bodily rotating bezel, a characteristic to be had on many Samsung smartwatches, together with final yr’s Watch 4 Vintage, that permits for fast motion throughout the person interface. As an alternative, the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Professional each characteristic a virtual bezel constructed into the display screen that does not bodily flip, however nonetheless lets you navigate through merely operating your finger alongside the outer fringe of the display screen. 

All Apple Watch fashions, compared, characteristic a Virtual Crown at the proper facet that bodily rotates to permit you to zoom, scroll, or regulate what is at the display screen. 

All Apple Watch fashions characteristic a Virtual Crown at the proper facet that bodily rotates to permit you to scroll
(Credit score: Angela Moscaritolo)

As for worth, Samsung’s Watch 5 begins at $279.99 for the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi type, and $329.99 for the LTE model. The Watch 5 Professional begins at $449.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE. Samsung says final yr’s Watch 4 Vintage will stay on sale for individuals who need a rotating bezel. 

Apple’s Watch 7 begins at $399 for GPS most effective, or $499 if you wish to upload cell connectivity. The Apple Watch SE begins at $279, whilst the Sequence 3 continues to be on sale as a extra reasonably priced choice at $199. 

Watch 5 Professional
(Credit score: Samsung)

One of the crucial issues I appreciated about Samsung’s 2021 smartwatch lineup is that the extra reasonably priced Watch 4 presented the similar features because the pricier Vintage type—with just a moderately much less top class design. Apple’s extra reasonably priced Watch SE, then again, lacks a number of key options to be had at the Sequence 7, equivalent to an always-on show and ECG and SpO2 sensors. 

Samsung’s new Watch 5 Professional will be offering a couple of outdoor-specific options, together with turn-by-turn mountaineering and biking instructions and a brand new route-tracking instrument known as Monitor Again that can take you again the way in which you got here when cycling or touring through foot. Samsung hasn’t but mentioned whether or not those options shall be to be had on the usual Watch 5, in order that they is also unique to the Professional type. 

Samsung’s 2021 smartwatches scored top marks in our critiques, with the Watch 4 incomes our Editors’ Selection award because the extra value-rich choice. We predict to get our fingers at the new Galaxy Watches quickly, so keep tuned for complete critiques.