Smart watches we love the most: Apple, Samsung, Garmin

Comparing the BEST mid-range smart watches: Apple v Samsung v Garmin
by Get Clued Up
on December 15, 2024

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It’s time for our top 3 mid-range smart watches roundup. Here we’ll be diving into a comparison of three standout smartwatches in the £/£100+ category.

To help you decide, we’ll compare it to Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the Garmin Venu 2. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, so you can choose the smartwatch that best fits your needs.

The best smart watches compared

1. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

Apple Watch SE review

Pros:

  1. Seamless Integration with iOS:
    • The Apple Watch SE works flawlessly within the Apple ecosystem. It syncs perfectly with iPhones, allowing you to receive calls, messages, and notifications directly on your wrist. If you’re already using an iPhone, the Apple Watch SE feels like an essential extension of your device.
  2. Advanced Health Tracking:
    • The Apple Watch SE offers a range of health features such as heart rate monitoring, ECG (electrocardiogram), and blood oxygen measurement. It also includes fall detection, which can alert emergency contacts if it detects a fall—an especially helpful feature for older adults or those with medical concerns.
  3. Fitness Tracking:
    • Apple’s fitness tracking capabilities are top-tier, including features like activity rings, workout tracking, and detailed performance reports. The Apple Watch SE can track multiple activities, from running and cycling to swimming, and integrates seamlessly with Apple Fitness+ for a comprehensive workout experience.
  4. Wide App Ecosystem:
    • With access to the Apple App Store, you can download a variety of third-party apps to enhance your watch’s capabilities, including music apps, fitness trackers, and even games. It’s a very versatile device.
  5. Sleek and Stylish Design:
    • The Apple Watch SE boasts a premium design with a sleek aluminum case and a large, high-resolution Retina display. It looks and feels like a luxury gadget on your wrist.

Cons:

  1. Limited Battery Life:
    • Despite its powerful features, the Apple Watch SE’s battery life is relatively short compared to other smart watches. You’ll typically get around 18 hours on a full charge, which means it will likely need charging every night. If you’re looking for a smartwatch with longer battery life, this may be a downside.
  2. Requires iPhone for Full Functionality:
    • The Apple Watch SE is designed to work best with an iPhone. If you don’t own an iPhone, you won’t be able to unlock its full potential. Features like text messaging and app installation require an iPhone.
  3. Expensive for the Features:
    • While the Apple Watch SE offers a lot of features, it may feel a bit overpriced compared to other smartwatches with similar functionalities, especially since it lacks some advanced sensors and features found in the more premium Apple Watch models.

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2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 review

Pros:

  1. Great AMOLED Display:
    • The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 features a vibrant and sharp AMOLED display, which is particularly nice when compared to some of its competitors. It’s bright and crisp, offering excellent readability in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dim interiors.
  2. Wide Compatibility:
    • One of the strengths of the Galaxy Watch 5 is its compatibility. While it integrates best with Samsung Galaxy devices, it works with both Android and iOS smartphones, though some features (like replying to messages directly from the watch) are more limited on iPhones.
  3. Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking:
    • The Galaxy Watch 5 comes equipped with all the essential health features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking. It also offers advanced stress management features, and its body composition analysis can give you more insight into your health than most other smartwatches in this price range.
  4. Battery Life:
    • The Galaxy Watch 5 has a strong battery life, offering up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is an improvement over the Apple Watch SE. This makes it a more reliable choice for those who don’t want to charge their smart watches every night.
  5. Wear OS & Customisation:
    • The Galaxy Watch 5 runs on Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI on top. This makes the smartwatch more customizable and feature-rich than Apple’s watchOS, with access to Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant.

Cons:

  1. Limited Features with iOS:
    • If you’re an iPhone user, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5’s features are somewhat limited compared to when it’s paired with a Samsung Galaxy device. While you can receive notifications and track basic fitness data, more advanced features like replying to messages or using Samsung Pay are restricted.
  2. Bulky Design:
    • The Galaxy Watch 5 has a slightly bulkier design compared to the Apple Watch SE, which may not be ideal for those with smaller wrists. While it’s well-built and durable, the size might be a turnoff for users seeking a more subtle, streamlined look.
  3. Price:
    • At £259, the Galaxy Watch 5 is on the pricier side, especially when considering that it doesn’t have the advanced features (like a high-end chip or full integration with iOS) found in higher-end models like the Apple Watch Series 8 or Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

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3. Garmin Venu 2

Garmin Venu 2 smart watches review

Pros:

  1. Unmatched Fitness Tracking:
    • Garmin is known for its fitness-oriented smart watches, and the Venu 2 is no exception. It tracks more than 25 sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and even golf. It also provides advanced sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and body composition analysis. Whether you’re a casual runner or an avid cyclist, the Venu 2’s tracking capabilities are top-notch.
  2. Long Battery Life:
    • With up to 11 days of battery life on a single charge (depending on usage), the Garmin Venu 2 easily outshines most smart watches. This makes it a perfect choice for those who don’t want to charge their smartwatch every night.
  3. AMOLED Display:
    • The Garmin Venu 2 has a beautiful 1.3-inch AMOLED display that offers bright and vivid colors, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. The display is also durable and scratch-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use.
  4. Comprehensive Health Metrics:
    • Garmin includes some unique health tracking features such as Body Battery (which tracks your energy levels throughout the day) and advanced stress tracking. These tools are especially useful for athletes and people focused on long-term wellness.
  5. Music Integration:
    • The Venu 2 allows you to store music directly on the watch and even stream music from services like Spotify. This is an excellent feature for runners and gym-goers who prefer to leave their phone at home.

Cons:

  1. Less Smart Features:
    • While Garmin’s fitness tracking is exceptional, its smart features are somewhat limited when compared to Apple or Samsung’s offerings. For example, you won’t find robust app ecosystems or the ability to reply to messages directly from the watch (without third-party apps).
  2. Bulkier Design:
    • Like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, the Garmin Venu 2 is a bit bulkier than the Apple Watch SE. While this gives it a more rugged feel, it may not appeal to those who prefer sleeker, lighter designs.
  3. Expensive for Casual Users:
    • At £299, the Garmin Venu 2 is one of the more expensive options, especially if you’re not planning to use it for intensive fitness tracking. If you’re just looking for a stylish smartwatch with basic health tracking, you might find better value elsewhere.

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Conclusion: Which Smart watches are right for you?

  • Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE is a great option for iPhone users who want a blend of smart features, fitness tracking, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Its sleek design, heart rate monitoring, and fall detection make it an ideal smartwatch for everyday use, but its limited battery life and higher price point could be downsides for some.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: A solid all-around smartwatch, especially for Android users. Its AMOLED display, long battery life, and wide compatibility make it a fantastic choice. However, if you’re an iPhone user, some features may be restricted, and it can feel bulky for some.
  • Garmin Venu 2: The best choice for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. With advanced tracking, long battery life, and a beautiful display, the Venu 2 excels in fitness and health monitoring. However, if you’re looking for a smartwatch that excels in smart features like app support and messaging, you may find Garmin’s offering a bit basic.

Ultimately, the best smart watches for you depends on your specific needs. If you want seamless integration with your iPhone and a stylish design, the Apple Watch SE is hard to beat. If fitness tracking is your priority, the Garmin Venu 2 offers unrivaled features. For a balance of style, performance, and health monitoring, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a fantastic option.

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