Could Samsung’s Galaxy Watch mean time’s up for Apple Watch’s dominance?
The South Korean technology company’s versatile and stylish offering has left users of rival brands, including Apple, a little jealous, writes Connie Chen
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.
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.
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.