The flagship smartwatches for their respective ecosystems. Both offer health tracking including HRV, but with different feature sets and ecosystem requirements.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Watch | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Tracking | Stress and HRV in Samsung Health | HRV in Apple Health |
| Both track HRV with similar depth | ||
| Health Sensors | PPG, ECG, BIA body composition | PPG, ECG, temperature, SpO2 |
| Both have comprehensive sensors | ||
| Sleep Tracking | Sleep score with detailed staging | Sleep stages and trends |
| Both offer good sleep analysis | ||
| Battery Life | 40+ hours typical ✓ | 18-36 hours |
| Samsung lasts a bit longer | ||
| Third-party Apps | Growing but limited HRV apps | More HRV apps available (Elite HRV, etc.) ✓ |
| Apple has better HRV app ecosystem | ||
| Ecosystem Lock-in | Works best with Android | Requires iPhone |
| Both tied to their platforms | ||
| Price | $280-450 ✓ | $250-800 |
| Samsung is generally cheaper | ||
The Bottom Line
Your phone determines your choice. Samsung Galaxy Watch for Android users who want solid health tracking with better battery. Apple Watch for iPhone users who want the best smartwatch integration and more third-party HRV app options.
Detailed Reviews
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Best for Samsung phone users who want a full smartwatch with HRV capabilities. The BioActive sensor is capable, but...
Full reviewApple Watch
Convenient if you already wear one, but not recommended as a primary HRV device. The native Health app provides...
Full review