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Could Samsung’s Galaxy Watch mean time’s up for Apple Watch’s dominance?

The rose-gold version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch, which has impressed since its launch and is seen as a serious rival to the Apple Watch’s dominance.

Despite the constant pressure from my friends to convert to Apple, I like my Samsung phone. Occasionally, however, I’ve experienced some iPhone envy, at least with respect to its tight and seamless integration with the Apple Watch.

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After the Samsung Galaxy Watch was released in the second half of 2018, Apple owners started eyeing us with a new tinge of jealousy.

A great all-around smartwatch, it boasts numerous features to keep you up-to-date on the notifications you care about, track your health, and much more – plus it has a battery life of longer than a day and a sleek, stylish look that doesn’t scream “smartwatch”.

I’ve tried wearables such as Fitbit fitness trackers as well as budget smartwatches under US$100, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch is by far the best I’ve tried up to now, and I understand why people would pay around US$300 for a good wearable.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch can be used with both Android and IOS phones, but it is more compatible when paired with an Android phone and, more specifically, a Samsung phone.

Although the smartwatch is technically compatible with both Android and iOS phones, you’ll have the best user experience if you pair it with an Android phone and, more specifically, a Samsung phone (I have the Galaxy S9).

After I connected the watch to my phone via the Galaxy Wearable app, features such as my messages, calendar and Samsung Health app synced easily, but reviewers with iPhones or other Android phones reported some difficulties or glitches with syncing these basic features.

Since it’s not always convenient or appropriate to pull out my phone, I enjoyed the ability to access my digital life from my wrist, from replying to (or deciding to ignore) texts and calls, to skipping a song on Spotify, to reminding myself of the events I have going on that day.

The Samsung Health integration was also helpful in nudging me – almost annoyingly so – to tear myself away from the computer screen and take a lap around the office floor, and to be more consistent about working out.

Other cool uses of the Samsung Health app include stress tracking, sleep tracking and guided meditation exercises.

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Making the smartwatch an even more powerful device are Samsung Pay and SmartThings compatibility. With Samsung Pay, you can travel light and simply use your watch to pay for purchases.

Meanwhile, you can control smart home devices such as security cameras and kitchen appliances from anywhere using the SmartThings app.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch allows you to easily connect to your digital life, such as listening to music on Spotify, without having to pull out your phone.

A big draw of this smartwatch is the way it is so easy to customise. I can’t tell you the exact combination of apps to use or what watch face to choose (and there are a lot of beautiful and sleek ones to choose from!), but I can say you’ll never feel like there aren't enough options or that it’s missing an important feature.

While heavy use will affect the battery life, the battery is still surprisingly long-lasting. From what I hear from Apple Watch owners, they have to charge their watch every day, but I have to charge my Samsung watch only every few days.

The 46mm version, with its 472 mAh battery, lasts even longer, for four to five days. If battery life is one of your biggest concerns and you like the silver style, go for the 46mm.

The rotating bezel bordering the screen also sets this smartwatch apart from the competition, letting you navigate through apps and screens without touching the screen. Concerning the clear and smooth display screen itself, you needn't worry about scratches because it’s made from damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.

The entire watch is water-resistant and its overall military-grade durability makes it a practical accessory to wear for everyday life.

What makes a practical accessory even better is when it doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics. You can buy three different styles, such as the pretty rose gold one (below left), none of which gives away its advanced capabilities within.

The watches also come with silicone straps that can be switched with other styles and materials.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch comes in three different styles, while the silicon watch straps can also be changed for other materials.

It might have taken some time for Samsung to come out with a worthy Apple Watch competitor, but it looks like the effort has paid off because you will not find another Samsung-geared smartwatch of this performance and style.

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This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

First Person

The South Korean technology company’s versatile and stylish offering has left users of rival brands, including Apple, a little jealous, writes Connie Chen