The Apple Watch has long positioned itself as a leader in the smartwatch space, and the new Series 11 watch includes several key updates that provide improvements over previous models. These include 5G connectivity for the cellular model and new health features like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score analysis.
Yet, Apple does face plenty of competition from other companies, with Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch 8 providing a compelling alternative for people looking for a watch that pairs with an Android phone. The Galaxy Watch 8 has a lightweight design, access to the Gemini assistant and Samsung's own suite of health features like its new Running Coach.
If you're not tied to either the Apple or Android ecosystem, it's worth taking a look at both to see which one you prefer. We've compiled several comparison points below to help make your decision easier.
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The Apple Watch Series 11 now has Sleep Score analysis. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET
Design and display
Even before we delve into their features, the most obvious difference between the two watches is in how they look. The Watch Series 11 retains the same square frame that prior Apple Watch have always had, along with a thin profile and edge-to-edge display.
The Galaxy Watch 8, on the other hand, has a circular display that is more reminiscent of traditional watches and might appeal more to those who want a rounder shape. The Galaxy Watch 8 is not completely round, however. It has a square base, which makes the overall effect more of a squircle than a normal circle.
The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in two sizes: 40mm (pictured) and 44mm. It also comes in a silver and graphite aluminum finish. Joseph Maldonado/CNET
Size-wise, the Apple Watch Series 11 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is available in 40mm and 44mm. The difference might be minimal, but if you have a smaller wrist, you might prefer the smaller Galaxy Watch 8. In terms of their displays, the Apple Watch Series 11 has an OLED Retina display while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has a Super AMOLED. The Galaxy Watch 8's display gets brighter, with a peak of 3,000 nits while the Apple Watch Series 11's brightness can range from 1 to 2,000 nits.
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