Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Withings ScanWatch
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Withings ScanWatch cater to distinctly different smartwatch philosophies. Samsung's offering delivers a full-featured Wear OS experience with vibrant 396x396 or 450x450 Super AMOLED displays, strong performance via the Exynos W920 processor, and comprehensive connectivity including GPS, NFC, and cellular options. Battery life reaches approximately 20 hours typical use, requiring daily charging. Withings ScanWatch takes a minimalist hybrid approach, pairing a traditional analog dial with a small PMOLED secondary display for notifications and data. Its custom low-power processor delivers exceptional 30-day battery longevity, though it sacrifices GPS and NFC capabilities. Both include ECG and SpO2 monitoring with sleep tracking. Galaxy Watch 4 suits users wanting a feature-rich smartwatch with third-party app support and always-on functionality, while ScanWatch appeals to those prioritizing extended battery life and analog watchmaking aesthetics over digital capabilities. Samsung excels in performance and software ecosystem; Withings dominates battery endurance and design refinement. At $249 versus $299, Samsung offers better value for tech-forward users, though Withings justifies its premium for minimal-charging convenience and luxury build quality with stainless steel construction.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 if…
- →First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- →BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- →Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
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 4
Pros
- First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
- ECG and blood pressure monitoring (Samsung phones only)
- Affordable entry into Samsung's smartwatch ecosystem
Cons
- Battery life of 20 hours typical requires daily charging
- Gorilla Glass DX+ scratches more easily than sapphire crystal
- Many health features locked to Samsung Galaxy phones
- Wear OS 3 was buggy at launch with limited app support
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 4 | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Wear OS 3.0 (One UI Watch 4) | Withings proprietary (Health Mate app) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 25.9 g (40mm) / 30.3 g (44mm) | 58 g (42mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ | 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 40 hrs (typical ~20 hrs) | Up to 30 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 42mm |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Hybrid analog + PMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 396 x 396 / 450 x 450 | Analog dial with PMOLED digital display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Exynos W920 | 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 4 or the Withings ScanWatch.
