Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8
The Verdict
The Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) is the cheaper of the two at $249 versus $300, a difference of about $51. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) stands out for best value apple watch — all core features at a significantly lower price, while Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is praised for thinnest galaxy watch at 8.6mm. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) if…
- →Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- →Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- →Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 if…
- →Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- →3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- →3000 nits peak brightness
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE 2 (2023)
Pros
- Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
- Compatible with all Apple Watch bands
- Gets latest watchOS features including Siri and Maps
Cons
- No always-on display
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensor
- Same battery life as pricier models — still needs daily charging
- S8 chip is not the latest — misses Double Tap gesture
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Pros
- Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- 3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- 3000 nits peak brightness
- Wear OS 6 with Gemini AI assistant
- Dual-frequency GPS
Cons
- $300 starting price for base model
- Battery life varies heavily with AOD
- Limited third-party watch face selection on Wear OS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Wear OS 6 with Gemini |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 28.8 g (40mm) |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 40 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 480 x 480 (44mm) |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Exynos W1000 (3nm) |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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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 2 (2023) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.