Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8
The Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple Watch SE (2022) 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 (2022) stands out for same s8 chip as series 8 at $150 less — best value apple watch, 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 (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 Watch8 if…
- →Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- →3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- →3000 nits peak brightness
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 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 (2022) | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Wear OS 6 with Gemini |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 28.8 g (40mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 480 x 480 (44mm) |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Exynos W1000 (3nm) |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| 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 (2022) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.