Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm)
At $399 and $329.99, the Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) sit close enough in price to be genuine alternatives — here's how they actually compare.
The Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) brings a 1.77" display, 1 day of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 50m water resistance to the table.
Global reference price
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) offers a 1.47" display, 2 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 5ATM+IP68 water resistance.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
Battery life is a major gap here: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) is rated for 2 days against the Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm)'s 1, meaning far fewer trips to the charger. Screen size also favors the Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm), at 1.77" versus the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm)'s 1.47", making it easier to read notifications and metrics at a glance.
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm)
Pros
- Larger 1.77" display
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Shorter battery life (1 days)
- Costs a bit more
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm)
Pros
- Much longer battery life (2 days)
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Smaller 1.47" display
Which One Is Right For You?
- Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm): Best for someone who prefers a larger, easier-to-read display.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm): A good fit for buyers who wants to charge as infrequently as possible and wants to spend a little less.
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 Series 11 (42mm)
Strengths
- Larger 1.77" display
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life (1 days)
- Costs a bit more
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm)
Strengths
- Much longer battery life (2 days)
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Smaller 1.47" display
There's no universal winner here — match the pick to whichever tradeoff (battery life, screen, or connectivity) actually applies to daily use.