Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 vs Withings ScanWatch
The Verdict
Both watches deliver solid health monitoring with ECG and SpO2 sensors, but serve different user priorities. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 offers a vibrant 360x360 Super AMOLED display with always-on capability, Exynos 9110 processor for snappy performance, and comprehensive connectivity including GPS, NFC, and optional cellular for $399. Battery life sits around 1.5 days typically despite the spec claiming 2 days. Withings ScanWatch takes a hybrid approach at $299, pairing a classic analog dial with a small PMOLED display, prioritizing battery endurance at up to 30 days between charges. The tradeoff is meaningful: no GPS means relying on your phone for workout tracking, no NFC for contactless payments, and the smaller digital display limits app interactions. Samsung excels for those wanting a full-featured smartwatch experience with rich visuals and standalone capabilities. Withings suits fitness enthusiasts who prefer traditional watch aesthetics, rarely charge devices, and don't need independent cellular operation. The Galaxy Watch 3 is the more capable all-rounder, while ScanWatch wins on battery longevity and classic design appeal. Choose Samsung for features and performance, choose Withings for minimalist sophistication and convenience between charges.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 if…
- →Physical rotating bezel provides tactile, satisfying navigation
- →Premium stainless steel build with classic watch aesthetics
- →ECG and SpO2 monitoring were cutting-edge at launch
Buy the Withings ScanWatch if…
- →30-day battery life eliminates daily or weekly charging
- →Medical-grade ECG and SpO2 monitoring for clinical health insights
- →Classic analog watch design looks professional and stylish
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Pros
- Physical rotating bezel provides tactile, satisfying navigation
- Premium stainless steel build with classic watch aesthetics
- ECG and SpO2 monitoring were cutting-edge at launch
- Fall detection with automatic SOS alerts
- Thinner and lighter than Galaxy Watch (2018)
Cons
- Tizen OS is now discontinued — no new app development
- Battery life of 1.5 days typical requires frequent charging
- Older Exynos 9110 is noticeably slower than W920
- Heavy at 48-54 g — uncomfortable for sleep tracking
Withings ScanWatch
Pros
- 30-day battery life eliminates daily or weekly charging
- Medical-grade ECG and SpO2 monitoring for clinical health insights
- Classic analog watch design looks professional and stylish
- Sapphire crystal is highly scratch resistant
- Sleep tracking with breathing disturbance detection
Cons
- Tiny PMOLED screen limits smart features and notifications
- No GPS — relies on phone for location tracking
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Very limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- No third-party app support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Tizen OS 5.5 | Withings proprietary (Health Mate app) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 48.2 g (41mm) / 53.8 g (45mm) | 58 g (42mm) |
| Case material | Stainless Steel / Titanium | Stainless steel with sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G | 5ATM (50m) |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 2 days (typical ~1.5 days) | Up to 30 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 41mm / 45mm | 42mm |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Hybrid analog + PMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 360 x 360 | Analog dial with PMOLED digital display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 | Withings custom low-power SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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 Samsung products or all Withings products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 or the Withings ScanWatch.