Which flagship smartwatch is worth your money? We compare specs to help you decide.
Wondering how the just-announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 stacks up against Apple’s top smartwatch? Us too.
In this comparison we’re pitting Cupertino’s current flagship model, the 2021 Apple Watch Series 7, against the new Galaxy Watch 5 series from Samsung. We’re not picking winners since we haven’t actually gotten our hands on the new Galaxy Watches yet, but we expect to soon. For now we’re running through the list of specs and features to see how they stack up on paper.
We’ll reassess the Apple-vs.-Samsung smartwatch dynamic once Apple releases its Watch Series 8 wearable, which is expected in September.Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch 7: Battery Life
Battery life is not a strength of many smartwatches, but the Galaxy Watch 5 promises improvements on this front.
The large (44mm) Galaxy Watch 5 features a 410mAh battery, while the smaller (40mm) model is powered by a 284mAh cell. Samsung says the Watch 5 series lasts up to 50 hours on a charge, or 10 hours more than its predecessor, the Watch 4. Apple’s Series 7 features a 309mAh battery that offers just 18 hours of juice on a charge. That gives the Samsung a significant advantage. Samsung’s 2022 smartwatch lineup includes the Galaxy Watch 5 and the more expensive, outdoor-focused Watch 5 Pro
As for charging speed, Samsung says that snapping the Watch 5 onto its charger for just eight minutes before bed should give it enough battery life to track your sleep for eight hours. This capability was obviously inspired by Apple, which advertises the exact same battery performance for the Series 7.
There’s no word yet as to how long a full charge will take on the Watch 5, but Samsung says 30 minutes on the charger will bump its battery level up 45%. In comparison, the Series 7 can go from dead to 80% in just 45 minutes.Apple Watch Series 7
If battery life is a primary concern, you might be interested in the Watch 5 Pro. Samsung’s more rugged model is designed specifically for mountain bikers, runners, hikers, and others who spend their time outdoors. The Watch 5 Pro features a larger, 590mAh battery that promises up to 80 hours of power per charge, or 20 hours with the GPS enabled. That’s some serious smartwatch longevity.Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch 7: Durability
Like their predecessors, both of Samsung’s new smartwatches boast 5ATM and IP68 ratings, meaning they are waterproof to a depth of 164 feet for 10 minutes and can ward off dust, dirt, and sand. The Apple Watch 7 similarly features a WR50 rating for water resistant to 164 feet.
