Andy Walker / Android Authority
Samsung’s smartwatches (and the Galaxy Ring) are compatible with most Android phones, but you’ll only get the full experience when paired with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This applies to older Galaxy Watch models up to the latest Galaxy Watch 8 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. But what are these features, and are they worth considering switching smartphones for?
Do you use a Galaxy Watch with a Samsung smartphone? 65 votes Yes, I do. 40 % No, I pair my Galaxy Watch with another Android phone. 34 % No, I use a Samsung phone paired with another smartwatch. 3 % No, I don't own a Galaxy Watch or a Samsung phone. 23 %
There are many features, but only a few truly make the partnership worthwhile, at least for me. I don’t own a Galaxy Ring, but I can comment on the synergy between my Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy S24 FE. While most benefits are health-related, several ecosystem features make owning Samsung products more attractive and worth considering.
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Additional health features
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
I use my Galaxy Watch primarily as a fitness tracker, so I prioritize features that monitor health issues. Most fitness tracking features are available across all Android phones, including basic heart rate tracking, step tracking, sleep, and SpO2 insights. However, if you want to use your wearable specifically to check your heartbeat or blood pressure, you need to pair it with a Samsung smartphone and download the exclusive Samsung Health Monitor app. This app is also limited to specific markets, so check availability if these features are essential to you.
Notably, the app enables the Galaxy Watch 4 and newer models’ ECG capabilities, or electrocardiogram, which samples your heart’s rhythm and offers guidance if it detects irregularities. Thankfully, my heart’s still strong, but I regularly use this feature when I feel unusually tired or stressed.
Health Monitor also unlocks the Galaxy Watch series’ blood pressure monitoring feature, which requires calibration with a standalone monitor before use. This feature is great for quick checkups if you’re away from home without a dedicated monitor.
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