Galaxy Watch v Apple Watch – Which comes out on top?

Samsung Galaxy Watch v Apple Watch

The Galaxy Watch is available in two case sizes; a 42millimetre and a massive 46millimetre (Image: Samsung • Apple • Getty)

Galaxy Watch was unveiled at the South Korean tech giant’s Unpacked event on August 9 and is set to release at the end of the month for US customers and the UK on September 6.

The wearable comes in two case sizes; a 42millimetre and a 46millimetre and is available in a new rose gold colour.

Samsung also unveiled a “Wireless Charger Duo” that is designed to charge the watch and a phone at the same time.

Galaxy Watch also touts built-in network support, meaning users can make calls without needing their phone as a companion device.

Such functionality appears to bring Samsung’s smartwatch close to the Apple Watch in terms of raw functionality, but with the American tech giant presumed to released a revamped Series 4 wearable later this year, can the Galaxy Watch really compete?

Design

Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch differ vastly in terms of design with the former opting for a circular-shaped wearable and the latter for a more square look.

Samsung’s previous Gear wearable line was notorious for being quite chunky, making it challenging for people with smaller wrists to wear.

In fact, when Express.co.uk reviewed the South Korean tech giant’s Gear S3 smartwatch we dubbed its design “king-sized”.

We said: “The Gear S3 Frontier is certainly bold but it’s king-sized design won’t be to everyone’s taste.

“This is a big watch and, if you’re after something subtle or have dainty wrists, this is not the smartwatch for you.”

The Galaxy Watch is available in two case sizes; a 42millimetre and a massive 46millimetre, meaning it might not provide a perfect fit for people with smaller wrists.

In contrast, the Apple Watch is offered in a smaller 38millimetre case size and a 42millimetre, meaning it will likely be more comfortable for most people.

Such sizing has remained consistent throughout the entire life of Apple’s smartwatch line, so it is presumed the Cupertino-based firm will keep the current cases in its lineup.

While the design of the Apple Watch is well established, notable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, for KGI Securities, previously declared the American tech giant’s newest watch will sport a new design.

The analyst insisted the screen size on the new set of Apple Watches will be 15 percent larger than they are currently.

However it was not explained whether Apple would achieve this by increasing case sizes overall or reducing bezels on the display.

While the Galaxy Watch comes in three colour options and a variety of straps are available for it, the Apple Watch is highly-regarded for its score of different straps that allow customers to customise their wearable in a more nuanced manner.

Such a trend will surely continue for the Apple Watch Series 4, meaning it could come in silver, gold, and space grey.

Case materials could also be selectable – Apple’s current lineup can be chosen in aluminium, stainless steel and ceramic varieties.

Samsung Galaxy Watch v Apple Watch

Samsung claims the larger version of the Galaxy Watch can last a week on a single charge (Image: Getty)

Features

In addition to providing built-in network support, the Galaxy Watch also touts increased battery life with Samsung claiming the largest version of the device can be used for a week on a single charge.

However the South Korean tech giant did not disclose how much the device was being used to achieve such laudable life.

Express.co.uk will be testing such a feature when we get our hands on a Galaxy Watch.

If Samsung can give customers battery life to last an entire week on a single charge it would provide a big reason to pick up the Galaxy Watch over other wearables.

Galaxy Watch can be dunked in up to 50metres of water thanks to brand new levels of resistance present.

The current Apple Watch Series 3 is also capable of being submerged in the same depth – it is also capable of making calls on its own without the need for an iPhone.

With the Galaxy Watch Samsung has leaned into fitness tracking even more than before.

If users start working out, the wearable will automatically start tracking a session within 10 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy Watch v Apple Watch

Apple’s current lineup can be chosen in aluminium, stainless steel and ceramic varieties (Image: Apple)

The device can also track 40 different exercises, meaning it looks set to be a great gym companion.

Samsung has also touted the sleep tracking capabilities present in the Galaxy Watch – the device can monitor how well you are sleeping and give recommendations to ensure you get enough rest.

Just like the Apple Watch, the hardware can also track stress levels and suggest when users should take a moment to breathe heavily.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo insisted Apple will deliver a better battery in the forthcoming Apple Watch in addition to better health sensors.

The American tech company has always made fitness and health tracking a huge part of every wearable unveiling and it is presumed this year will be no different.

This means the Apple Watch Series 4 could come with a multitude of new functions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch v Apple Watch

Galaxy Watch can be dunked in up to 50metres of water thanks to brand new levels of resistance (Image: Getty)

Price

Galaxy Watch will be available for purchase in the UK on September 6 and sell for £279 in the 42millimetre variants and £299 in the 46millimetre case.

Meanwhile the current Apple Watch Series 3 starts at £329 in the 38millimetre option and £359 in the 42millimetre.

But the version with cellular connectivity will cost you more.

A 38millimetre watch with built-in network functionality sells for £399 while the 42millimetre comes in at £429.

But Apple also offers a range of other case builds that can cost over £1,000.

The tech firm is presumed to follow a similar pricing structure for the forthcoming Apple Watch Series 4.