
Smartwatch Face-Off: Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch8
July 18, 2025
Overview
Dive deep into the ultimate smartwatch showdown: Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch8. This comprehensive comparison explores the key features, performance metrics, and design elements of two of the leading wearable devices, equipping you with the insights you need to make an informed decision. We'll dissect everything from health tracking capabilities and battery life to smart features and user experience, helping you determine which smartwatch best fits your lifestyle and tech preferences. Uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each contender to find the perfect companion for your wrist.
Our picks
The Best Design: Apple Watch Series 11: Galaxy Watch7, $349.99
The Longest Battery Life: Samsung Galaxy Watch8: TicWatch Pro 5 Smartwatch, $139.50
The Best Watch for Fitness Fanatics: Apple Watch Series 11: Venu 3, $449.99
The Best Watch for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Watch8: Google Pixel Watch 3, $449.99
Health and Fitness Tracking Showdown
A deep dive into health sensors, workout modes, and fitness tracking accuracy.
5.5
Listful
Score
ScanWatch 2 42 mm Black
$369.95
During our review of the ScanWatch 2 42 mm Black, we found its standout feature to be the remarkable 30-day battery life, ideal for users who value longevity over smart functionalities. Despite its comprehensive health tracking capabilities, including Heart Rate, ECG, and Sleep Tracking, its lack of built-in GPS and limited notification features make it less appealing for tech enthusiasts seeking more advanced connectivity options. Scoring a modest 5.5/10, it's best for those prioritizing health monitoring over smart tech capabilities.
The Good
• Exceptional battery life lasting up to 30 days.
The Bad
• Lacks built-in GPS, requiring a smartphone for location tracking.
• Limited smart features with basic notifications and no app support.
Battery Life: 720 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications
7
Listful
Score
HUAWEI Watch GT 5 46mm Smartwatch
$209.00
In our experience, the HUAWEI Watch GT 5 stands out with its stylish design and vibrant AMOLED display, complemented by an impressive 14-day battery life, earning it a solid 7/10. Its comprehensive health tracking features cater well to fitness enthusiasts, though its lack of third-party app support and contactless payment functionalities limit its smart capabilities. Ideal for style-conscious users prioritizing fundamental health monitoring over a wide range of smart features.
The Good
• The watch boasts a stylish design with a vibrant AMOLED display.
• It offers comprehensive health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.
• The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 days on a single charge.
The Bad
• The watch lacks support for third-party apps, limiting its functionality.
• Contactless payment options are not available, despite the presence of NFC.
• Some features are restricted when paired with iOS devices.
Battery Life: 336 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Music Control
7.5
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Score
Fitbit Sense Smartwatch
$166.22
The Fitbit Sense impresses with its extensive health tracking capabilities, including ECG and stress management tools, achieving a score of 7.5/10. While its six-day battery life without always-on display and sleek design enhance its appeal, some advanced features require a paid subscription, potentially limiting its broader appeal. In our testing, its bright AMOLED display and reliable GPS make it a solid choice for health-focused users, though the unresponsive raise-to-wake function can disrupt its otherwise smooth user experience.
The Good
• Comprehensive health tracking features including ECG, EDA for stress monitoring, and skin temperature sensor.
• Sleek design with a bright, colorful AMOLED display.
• Battery life lasts up to six days without Always On display.
The Bad
• Some advanced health features require a paid Fitbit Premium subscription to access.
• Raise-to-wake functionality can be unresponsive, leading to a sluggish user experience.
• Proprietary charging port isn't compatible with other Fitbit devices.
Battery Life: 144 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
7
Listful
Score
Withings ScanWatch 2
$369.99
The Withings ScanWatch 2 continues its legacy of exceptional battery life, offering up to 30 days on a single charge in our review, earning a solid 7/10. Its elegant hybrid design and comprehensive health tracking, including ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, make it a stylish addition for those prioritizing health metrics. However, users seeking built-in GPS and wider smart feature support might find its limited connectivity a drawback, especially when looking for a more connected smartwatch experience.
The Good
• Exceptional battery life lasting up to 30 days on a single charge.
• Comprehensive health tracking features including ECG, heart rate, and blood oxygen monitoring.
• Elegant hybrid design combining analog aesthetics with smart functionalities.
The Bad
• Lacks built-in GPS, requiring a connected phone for location tracking.
• Limited smart features with basic notifications and no support for apps or voice assistants.
• Proprietary charger design can be cumbersome and requires precise alignment.
Battery Life: 720 / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications
8.5
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Score
Enduro 3
$899.99
Topping our charts, the Google Pixel Watch 3 excels with a sleek design and seamless integration with Google services, earning an impressive score of 9.5/10. During our review, its comprehensive health tracking features stood out, although the daily charge requirement might be inconvenient for some. Despite needing a subscription for certain Fitbit features, we found its user experience and high-resolution display make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking elegance and functional depth in their wearable tech.
The Good
• Exceptional battery life with solar charging, offering up to 320 hours in GPS mode.
• Lightweight design at 63 grams, enhancing comfort during extended use.
• Built-in LED flashlight for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
The Bad
• Lacks an AMOLED display, resulting in a less vibrant screen compared to some competitors.
• No built-in microphone and speaker, limiting voice-enabled features.
• Large 51 mm case size may not be suitable for users with smaller wrists.
Battery Life: 320 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen / Water Resistance: 10 ATM / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Music Control,Mobile Payments
6
Listful
Score
Instinct 3 Solar
$399.99
Built for the outdoors, the Instinct 3 Solar offers unlimited solar-enabled battery life coupled with a military-grade rugged design, earning a score of 6/10 in our testing. Its comprehensive health tracking features ensure reliable performance in harsh environments, though the lack of a touchscreen and limited smart capabilities might not satisfy users seeking more technological refinement. For those who prioritize durability and resilience, it's a commendable choice, albeit less advanced in connectivity.
The Good
• Exceptional battery life with solar charging capabilities.
• Rugged design built to military-grade standards.
• Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features.
The Bad
• Lacks a touchscreen interface.
• Limited smart features compared to competitors.
• Bulkier design may not suit all users.
Battery Life: Unlimited with solar charging / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: 10 ATM / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Music Control,Mobile Payments
7
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Score
Venu 3
$449.99
The Venu 3 is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts with its expansive 30+ sports modes and advanced health metrics. Our testing highlights its vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display and impressive 14-day battery life, perfect for extended use. However, it falls short with limited app support and reliance on a smartphone due to the lack of LTE. Despite these drawbacks, the Venu 3 earned a respectable 7/10, with a design that caters well to sport-centric individuals.
The Good
• Offers comprehensive fitness tracking with over 30 sports modes and advanced health metrics.
• Features a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display with optional always-on mode.
• Provides up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
The Bad
• Lacks multiband GNSS, affecting GPS accuracy in areas with tall buildings or dense tree cover.
• Limited app support compared to competitors like Apple and Samsung.
• No LTE version available, requiring a smartphone for full connectivity.
Battery Life: 336 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: 5 ATM / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
7.5
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Score
Fitbit Sense Smartwatch
$157.15
The Fitbit Sense Smartwatch excels in health tracking with features like ECG and stress management, scoring a commendable 7.5/10. Our review found its built-in GPS useful for phone-free workouts, and the dual voice assistant support adds versatility. However, be cautious of its screen, as it's prone to scratches, and the always-on display drains the battery quickly. Despite these caveats, its health-focused strengths make it a solid pick for those prioritizing wellness.
The Good
• Offers comprehensive health tracking features including ECG, stress management, and skin temperature monitoring.
• Built-in GPS allows for phone-free workouts.
• Supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
The Bad
• Limited third-party app support compared to competitors.
• Always-on display significantly reduces battery life.
• Screen and bezel are susceptible to scratches; a screen protector is recommended.
Battery Life: 144 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
7.5
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Score
Forerunner 55
$199.99
Striking a balance for endurance athletes, the Forerunner 55 shines with versatile sports modes and lasting battery life, earning a 7.5/10. The accurate GPS tracking and workout suggestions cater well to active routines, though our review found the basic display and lack of music playback a drawback. While the reliance on physical buttons might feel quaint, this watch remains a reliable companion for fitness-focused individuals.
The Good
• Offers accurate GPS tracking and multiple sports modes, making it versatile for various activities.
• Provides up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode.
• Includes workout and recovery time suggestions, beneficial for beginners.
The Bad
• Features a relatively low-resolution display, which may not be as sharp as higher-end models.
• Lacks a touchscreen interface, relying solely on physical buttons for navigation.
• Does not support music storage or playback, limiting entertainment options during workouts.
Battery Life: 336 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: 5 ATM / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS
7.5
Listful
Score
Forerunner 970
$749.99
Tailored for endurance athletes, the Forerunner 970 impresses with its bright AMOLED display and extensive analytics, achieving a score of 7.5/10. Our review underscored its premium build and fitness-centric features, though battery life suffers with constant display use. Lacking LTE, it focuses on high-end health monitoring for serious enthusiasts, but the additional costs and absence of cellular connectivity may deter recreational users.
The Good
• The Forerunner 970 features a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
• The watch includes an integrated LED flashlight, providing convenient illumination during low-light activities.
• The Forerunner 970 offers extensive training analytics and multi-sport support, catering to endurance athletes.
The Bad
• The bright AMOLED display significantly reduces battery life, especially with the always-on mode enabled.
• Some advanced running metrics require additional accessories, increasing the overall cost.
• The watch lacks LTE/cellular connectivity, limiting standalone communication capabilities.
Battery Life: 360 / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
Smart Features and App Ecosystems
Evaluate the user experience, app availability, and smart features.
5.5
Listful
Score
OnePlus Watch 2
$249.99
The OnePlus Watch 2 offers a commendable battery life of up to 100 hours in Smart Mode, making it a noteworthy choice for those prioritizing longevity. However, during our review, its bulky design and absence of an ECG feature left a lot to be desired, resulting in a score of 5.5/10. While it provides solid basic functionalities, other lower-priced smartwatches offer more balanced feature sets, catering better to those focused on comprehensive health monitoring and sleeker designs.
The Good
• The OnePlus Watch 2 offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 100 hours in Smart Mode.
The Bad
• The watch lacks an ECG feature, which is common in other high-end smartwatches.
• The large and bulky design may be uncomfortable for users with smaller wrists.
Battery Life: 100 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
8
Listful
Score
Galaxy Watch Ultra
$649.99
The Galaxy Watch Ultra makes a bold statement with its unique design and advanced health tracking features such as sleep apnea detection, achieving a strong 8/10. In our testing, its robust 60-hour battery life and comprehensive smart features stood out, although its bulky build might be uncomfortable for some users. While it's on the pricier side, the impressive design and tracking capabilities make it an enticing option for users looking for premium style and substance in a smartwatch.
The Good
• The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a bold, unique design that stands out among smartwatches.
• The watch provides extended battery life, lasting up to 60 hours with always-on display enabled.
• It features advanced health tracking capabilities, including sleep apnea detection and body composition analysis.
The Bad
• The watch's large and thick design may feel bulky and uncomfortable for some users.
• Despite its rugged design, the watch is not suitable for high-pressure water activities or diving.
• The Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced higher than many competitors, making it a significant investment.
Battery Life: 60 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
9.5
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Score
Google Pixel Watch 3
$449.99
The rugged Enduro 3 is built for endurance, boasting a remarkable battery life of up to 320 hours with solar charging, scoring an impressive 8.5/10 in our review. While its lack of an AMOLED display might disappoint those wanting vibrant screens, its lightweight design and durable build cater exceptionally well to serious athletes. Its built-in LED flashlight and accurate health metrics make it ideal for adventurous users, though its large size may not suit everyone.
The Good
• The Pixel Watch 3 offers a sleek, modern design with a bright, high-resolution display.
• It provides comprehensive health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking.
• The watch integrates seamlessly with Google services, enhancing user experience.
The Bad
• The battery life on the 41mm model requires daily charging, which may be inconvenient for some users.
• Some Fitbit features on the watch require a subscription, adding to the overall cost.
• The underside of the watch is prone to scratches, affecting its durability.
Battery Life: 24 / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
8
Listful
Score
TicWatch Pro 5 Smartwatch
$139.50
The TicWatch Pro 5 is a value powerhouse, offering strong performance and an 80-hour battery life, scoring 8/10. Our experience shows its sports design is complemented by reliable smart features, though it could improve health monitoring accuracy. While its precision isn't perfect for avid fitness enthusiasts, it remains a desirable option for daily users banking on battery life and basic tracking efficiency.
The Good
• The TicWatch Pro 5 offers excellent battery life, making it suitable for daily use and outdoor activities.
The Bad
• Health monitoring could be more accurate with this model.
Battery Life: 80 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Music Control,Mobile Payments
6
Listful
Score
CMF Watch Pro 2
$69.00
With its budget-friendly price, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is a neat entry-level smartwatch. Our review found its comfortable design and 264-hour battery life impressive, though frequent notification disconnects can be annoying. GPS inconsistencies and the lack of contactless payments limit its appeal, but its customizable design makes it a decent starting point for casual users.
The Good
• Comfortable design suitable for extended wear.
• Interchangeable bezels allow for easy customization.
• Affordable price point with a range of features.
The Bad
• Unreliable notification system with frequent disconnects.
• Inconsistent GPS performance affecting fitness tracking accuracy.
• Lacks support for contactless payments.
Battery Life: 264 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control
5
Listful
Score
Galaxy Watch7
$349.99
The Galaxy Watch7 offers a striking Super AMOLED display with strong health tracking, yet its short 33-48 hour battery life and long charging times detract, as noted in our 5/10 scoring review. While ideal for Samsung aficionados, our experience found that its limited utility on non-Samsung devices might leave everyday users desiring a more consistent wearable solution. Its vibrant screen remains a major draw, however.
The Good
• Features a bright Super AMOLED display.
• Offers comprehensive health tracking capabilities.
• Includes dual-band GPS for enhanced location accuracy.
The Bad
• Battery life may not last a full day under heavy use.
• Charging time is relatively long, taking 90–100 minutes.
• Some health features are limited to Samsung smartphone users.
Battery Life: 33-48 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
9
Listful
Score
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) LTE
$299.99
The Google Pixel Watch 3 LTE stands out with a sleek design and robust health tracking tools, scoring a leading 9/10. During our review, its longer-than-expected 24-hour battery life and seamless Google integration highlighted its daily usability. While some regions face limited health features, our experience shows this smartwatch remains a top choice for those seeking comprehensive functionality and a polished look, albeit with premium nuances lacking.
The Good
• The 45mm size offers a sleek design suitable for small wrists.
• Accurate and comprehensive sleep-tracking data.
• Longer-than-expected battery life.
The Bad
• Some users find the watch feels less premium compared to competitors.
• Optional Fitbit Premium subscription required for full feature access.
• Limited availability of certain health features in some regions.
Battery Life: 24 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,ECG,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control,Mobile Payments
Performance and Processing Power
Analyze the speed, responsiveness, and overall performance.
7
Listful
Score
HUAWEI Watch GT 5 46mm Smartwatch
$227.97
The HUAWEI Watch GT 5 captivates with a sophisticated design and 14-day battery life, earning a respectable 7/10 in our review. Its accurate fitness tracking is a boon for active users, but the lack of contactless payments and limited iOS compatibility are notable downsides. While stylish and strong in basic health monitoring, its app support restrictions may deter those seeking more comprehensive smart capabilities.
The Good
• The watch offers a long battery life of up to 14 days.
• It features accurate health and fitness tracking with Huawei TruSense.
• The design is sophisticated and fashionable.
The Bad
• The watch lacks support for contactless payments.
• There is limited third-party app support.
• Some features may be restricted when paired with iOS devices.
Battery Life: 336 hours / Health Tracking Features: Heart Rate,Sleep Tracking,Blood Oxygen,Stress Monitoring / Water Resistance: IP68 / Smart Features: Notifications,GPS,Voice Assistant,Music Control
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