Apple Watch SE 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm)
The Apple Watch SE 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm) are priced $50.99 apart — $249 versus $299.99 — close enough that the choice between them comes down to features, not budget.
The Apple Watch SE 3 offers a 1.17" display, 1 day of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 50m water resistance.
Global reference price
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm) brings a 1.31" display, 2 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 5ATM+IP68 water resistance to the table.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
Battery life is a major gap here: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm) is rated for 2 days against the Apple Watch SE 3's 1, meaning far fewer trips to the charger. Screen size also favors the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm), at 1.31" versus the Apple Watch SE 3's 1.17", making it easier to read notifications and metrics at a glance.
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE 3
Pros
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Shorter battery life (1 days)
- Smaller 1.17" display
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm)
Pros
- Much longer battery life (2 days)
- Larger 1.31" display
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Costs a bit more
Which One Is Right For You?
- Apple Watch SE 3: Best for someone who wants to spend a little less.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm): A good fit for buyers who wants to charge as infrequently as possible and prefers a larger, easier-to-read display.
Conclusion
Neither watch is a strict downgrade from the other — each wins on a different practical dimension, so the right pick depends on which of those matters more day to day.
Summary
Apple Watch SE 3
Strengths
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life (1 days)
- Smaller 1.17" display
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm)
Strengths
- Much longer battery life (2 days)
- Larger 1.31" display
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Costs a bit more
There's no universal winner here — match the pick to whichever tradeoff (battery life, screen, or connectivity) actually applies to daily use.