Apple Watch Series 8
2022 · Fitness + health
Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS
2024 · Fitness + health
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Series 8 lands at 86 and Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testDisplay
TieCompared on the display sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Fitness
TieCompared on the fitness sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Durability
TieCompared on the durability sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPSSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS more score per dollar ($299 vs $399).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2022 | 2024 |
Apple Watch Series 8
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Series 8 vs Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS
Which is better, Apple Watch Series 8 or Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch Series 8 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Is Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS worth the price? +
At $299, Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Does Apple Watch Series 8 or Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Apple Watch Series 8 or Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS? +
Galaxy Watch 7 · Compact · GPS — more score per dollar ($299 vs $399). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.