Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Verdict
Apple's Watch SE 2022 delivers solid smartwatch fundamentals at an attractive entry price, powered by the capable S8 processor and featuring reliable heart rate monitoring alongside sleep tracking. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 justifies its $50 premium with substantially more comprehensive health sensors,including ECG, blood oxygen, and skin temperature monitoring,plus a superior always-on Super AMOLED display with higher resolution and significantly longer battery life (40 hours versus 18 hours). Performance-wise, both handle notifications and apps smoothly, though the Galaxy Watch 6's Wear OS ecosystem offers more third-party app availability. Comfort is comparable given their similar weights, and both provide excellent water resistance. For fitness enthusiasts prioritizing advanced health metrics and battery endurance, the Galaxy Watch 6 proves the better investment. However, iPhone users seeking seamless ecosystem integration with minimal complexity will find the Watch SE 2022 sufficiently capable and more budget-conscious.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (2022) if…
- →Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- →Crash Detection included at this price point
- →Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
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 (2022)
Pros
- Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- Crash Detection included at this price point
- Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
- Family Setup lets kids use it without an iPhone
- Full access to the Apple Watch app ecosystem
Cons
- No Always-On display — screen goes dark when wrist is lowered
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensors
- Thicker bezels than Series 8 make the screen feel smaller
- 18-hour battery still requires nightly charging
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 (2022) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 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 S8 SiP | Exynos W930 |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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 (2022) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.