Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 significantly outpaces Apple's first-generation SE in nearly every meaningful category. While both offer GPS and NFC, Samsung delivers a superior Super AMOLED display with always-on capability, a sharper 480x480 resolution, and substantially longer 40-hour battery life versus Apple's 18 hours. Samsung's health tracking ecosystem is more comprehensive,ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature monitoring,compared to Apple SE's basic heart rate and sleep tracking. Performance-wise, the Exynos W930 with 2GB RAM handles Wear OS 4 more smoothly than Apple's aging S5 chip running outdated watchOS. Both devices offer cellular options and similar durability, but Samsung's MIL-STD-810H rating provides extra confidence. At only $20 more, the Galaxy Watch 6 justifies its premium with dramatically better longevity, richer health insights, and a more modern experience. The Apple Watch SE remains adequate for casual fitness tracking, yet the Galaxy Watch 6 is the clear winner for users prioritizing features and battery endurance.
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 6 if…
- →Thinner, lighter design than Galaxy Watch 5 with larger display
- →Comprehensive health tracking with ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature
- →Advanced sleep coaching with detailed sleep stage analysis
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 6
Pros
- Thinner, lighter design than Galaxy Watch 5 with larger display
- Comprehensive health tracking with ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature
- Advanced sleep coaching with detailed sleep stage analysis
- Wear OS 4 brings access to Google apps including Maps and Wallet
- Body Composition analysis via bioelectrical impedance
Cons
- No rotating bezel — relies on touchscreen and digital crown only
- Best features require a Samsung Galaxy phone
- Battery life is shorter than Garmin alternatives
- Wear OS app ecosystem remains smaller than watchOS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.49 g (40mm) / 36.2 g (44mm) | 33 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5 ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 40 hrs (normal mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 44 mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 480 x 480 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S5 SiP | Exynos W930 |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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 6.