Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 delivers superior health monitoring with ECG and SpO2 sensors absent on the SE, alongside a brighter Super AMOLED display with always-on capability and higher 396x396 resolution versus Apple's 324x394 LTPO OLED. Battery longevity favors Samsung at 40 hours claimed versus Apple's 18-hour rating, providing genuine multi-day usage. Apple counters with stronger ecosystem integration for iPhone users, faster S5 processor, and watchOS's refined interface,though the aging S5 chipset from Series 5 feels dated. Build quality appears comparable with both aluminum cases and strong water resistance ratings. At $249 versus $279, Galaxy Watch 4 offers measurably better specifications and longer battery life for less money, making it the superior choice for most users seeking comprehensive health tracking and extended wear time.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) if…
- →Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- →Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- →Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 if…
- →First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- →BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- →Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen)
Pros
- Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
- Compass and always-on altimeter for outdoor activities
- Family Setup enables use for kids without an iPhone
Cons
- No Always-On display — must raise wrist to see the time
- Older S5 chip — slower than the 2022 SE's S8
- No ECG, SpO2, or blood oxygen monitoring
- No fast charging — takes about 2.5 hours for full charge
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Pros
- First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
- ECG and blood pressure monitoring (Samsung phones only)
- Affordable entry into Samsung's smartwatch ecosystem
Cons
- Battery life of 20 hours typical requires daily charging
- Gorilla Glass DX+ scratches more easily than sapphire crystal
- Many health features locked to Samsung Galaxy phones
- Wear OS 3 was buggy at launch with limited app support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | Wear OS 3.0 (One UI Watch 4) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.49 g (40mm) / 36.2 g (44mm) | 25.9 g (40mm) / 30.3 g (44mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 40 hrs (typical ~20 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 396 x 396 / 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S5 SiP | Exynos W920 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.