Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)
Best for iPhone owners
Typically £349–£389
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkSamsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, Bluetooth)
Best for Android owners
Typically £279–£319
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkQuick comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, Bluetooth) |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £349–£389 | £279–£319 |
| Best for | iPhone owners | Android owners |
| Key feature | Best all-round smartwatch for iPhone, now with longer battery | Slim, bright watch with strong health tracking |
| Battery | Up to 24 hours | — |
| Water resistance | 50 m (WR50) | 5 ATM + IP68 |
| Sizes | 42mm and 46mm | 40mm and 44mm |
| Display | — | AMOLED |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Phone support
Apple Watch works only with iPhone; Galaxy Watch8 works only with Android.
Battery
Both last about a day to a day and a half with normal use.
Health
Both offer ECG, sleep tracking and heart-rate alerts; Samsung adds detailed sleep coaching.
Apps
Apple has the larger app selection; Samsung runs Wear OS with Google apps.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) if you
- use an iPhone
- want the biggest app selection
- want Apple Pay and iMessage on your wrist
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, Bluetooth) if you
- use an Android phone
- want Gemini on your wrist
- prefer a slimmer round watch
Which specifications matter?
Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best smartwatches in the uk.
Not sure about either? Consider these
Apple · Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)
Buy it if You want an Apple Watch for activity, notifications and safety features without paying for the flagship.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Value Apple Watch
- Typical price
- £209–£259
Pros
- Fast chip and always-on display
- Crash and fall detection
Cons
- Fewer health sensors
Google · Smartwatches
Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm)
Buy it if You use an Android phone, like Fitbit-style health tracking and want a clean, modern design.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Pixel and Fitbit fans
- Typical price
- £319–£369
Pros
- Bright domed display
- Fitbit health and sleep tracking
Cons
- Some features need Fitbit Premium
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Galaxy Watch8?
Your phone decides this one: buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if you use an iPhone and the Galaxy Watch8 if you use Android. Each is the best all-round smartwatch on its own platform.
Which is better value?
The Apple Watch Series 11 typically costs £349–£389 and the Galaxy Watch8 typically costs £279–£319. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.