Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Withings ScanWatch
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Withings ScanWatch target fundamentally different users. Samsung delivers a full-featured smartwatch with Wear OS 3.5, Super AMOLED display (396x396 or 450x450 pixels depending on size), and comprehensive health tracking including ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and sleep analysis. Battery life reaches approximately 24 hours typically, though Samsung claims up to 40 hours in specific conditions. Connectivity is extensive with GPS, NFC, WiFi, cellular options, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Exynos W920 processor handles apps and notifications smoothly. Withings ScanWatch takes a hybrid approach, pairing a traditional analog watch face with a small PMOLED display for health data. Its killer advantage is battery longevity: up to 30 days per charge, roughly 12 times longer than Samsung. Health features include ECG and SpO2 but omit skin temperature monitoring. The stainless steel construction (58g) feels more premium than aluminum, though GPS is absent. Choose Samsung if you want app ecosystem depth, notifications, payments via NFC, and don't mind daily charging. Select Withings if you prefer traditional watch aesthetics, rarely charge, and prioritize health metrics over smartwatch functionality. The $20 price difference is negligible; your choice hinges on lifestyle fit rather than value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 if…
- →Sapphire crystal display is 60% more durable than Watch 4
- →Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, skin temp, body composition
- →Dual-frequency GPS for accurate outdoor tracking
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 5
Pros
- Sapphire crystal display is 60% more durable than Watch 4
- Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, skin temp, body composition
- Dual-frequency GPS for accurate outdoor tracking
- Faster charging — 30% improvement over Galaxy Watch 4
- MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability rating
Cons
- Removed the beloved rotating bezel — now touch-only
- Battery rarely hits the advertised 40 hours in real use
- Requires a Samsung phone for ECG and blood pressure features
- Wear OS 3 app selection still lags behind Apple watchOS
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 5 | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Wear OS 3.5 (One UI Watch 4.5) | Withings proprietary (Health Mate app) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 28.7 g (40mm) / 33.5 g (44mm) | 58 g (42mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum with Sapphire Crystal glass | Stainless steel with sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H | 5ATM (50m) |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 40 hrs (typical ~24 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 | 5.2 | 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 5 or the Withings ScanWatch.
