Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs Withings ScanWatch 2
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Withings ScanWatch 2 serve distinctly different smartwatch philosophies. Samsung prioritizes a full-featured digital ecosystem with its Super AMOLED display (396x396 or 450x450 resolution), Wear OS 3.5 integration, and comprehensive connectivity including GPS, NFC, cellular options, and Bluetooth 5.2. Battery life reaches 40 hours in ideal conditions, though realistic daily use yields around 24 hours. Withings takes a hybrid approach, combining analog watch aesthetics with a modest OLED subdisplay, delivering exceptional 30-day battery longevity. Health tracking features are comparable across both devices: ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis. The Galaxy Watch 5 weighs 28.7g (40mm) or 33.5g (44mm) with aluminum construction and sapphire crystal, while the ScanWatch 2 is heavier at 39g with stainless steel but maintains premium durability. Critical differences emerge in practical use. Samsung excels for users wanting standalone apps, contactless payments, and frequent notifications. Withings suits those prioritizing battery life and traditional watch appearance, though GPS absence limits standalone running/cycling tracking. At $279 versus $349, Samsung delivers better value for tech-forward users, while Withings justifies its premium for those willing to sacrifice smartwatch features for exceptional battery endurance and classic styling. Choose Samsung for comprehensive wearable functionality; choose Withings for longevity and analog elegance.
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 2 if…
- →30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- →Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- →Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
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 2
Pros
- 30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
- Skin temperature tracking for early illness detection
- Stainless steel build is genuinely elegant
Cons
- No GPS — phone required for route tracking
- Tiny OLED sub-display limits notification readability
- No NFC for contactless payments
- No third-party apps — health tracking only
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 | Withings ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Wear OS 3.5 (One UI Watch 4.5) | Withings OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 28.7 g (40mm) / 33.5 g (44mm) | 39 g |
| Case material | Aluminum with Sapphire Crystal glass | Stainless steel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H | 5ATM |
| 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 | 42 mm |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Hybrid analog + OLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 396 x 396 / 450 x 450 | Hybrid analog with OLED sub-display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Exynos W920 | Withings proprietary |
| 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 2.