Samsung Galaxy Watch and Fitbit are two product lines that feature some of the most popular fitness trackers on the market. Both offer devices that can track your steps, sleep, and other activities. But which one is a better fitness tracker?
Smartwatch vs fitness tracker
Before we get into it, let’s talk about the biggest difference. Are you looking for a smartwatch or a fitness tracker? While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some important differences to consider. It really depends on your needs and priorities. Do you need a device that can basically do everything, or are you primarily focused on health and fitness?
A smartwatch is basically an extension of your phone that you wear on your wrist. Receive notifications, make calls, send texts, and even use apps all from your wrist. They often have larger displays, more advanced features like voice assistants, and customizable watch faces. Health and fitness features are also included, but that’s just one piece of the pie.
Fitness trackers, on the other hand, are designed with health and fitness in mind. Great for tracking steps, heart rate, sleep, and training. While some offer basic smartwatch features such as notifications, their primary function is to provide insight into your activity levels and overall health. They typically have a simpler design and also prioritize longer battery life.
Galaxy Watch health and fitness features
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We’ll start with the Galaxy Watch, but since the Galaxy Watch 7 is the latest model, we’ll talk about that. While this is firmly a smartwatch, Samsung has packed this product with features that go beyond basic step counting.
Health and fitness-related sensors include the Samsung BioActive Sensor, which combines a heart rate sensor, an electrical heart rate signal, and a bioimpedance sensor. There are also temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, barometric pressure sensors, gyro sensors, geomagnetic sensors, and light sensors.
One of its standout features is its comprehensive body composition analysis. Watch 7 can measure skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, body water, and more. As a Galaxy Watch 7 owner, I can confirm that this all works, but I have no idea what to do with it. I do not intend to replace this information with a personal trainer.
Galaxy Watch 7 doesn’t just measure your sleep time, it also offers advanced sleep tracking features. Gain insight into your sleep stages, sleep score, and even blood oxygen levels throughout the night. This can help identify potential sleep problems and improve your overall sleep quality.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a fitness tracker without tracking your workouts. Galaxy Watch 7 supports a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and even HIIT training. It automatically detects many exercises, even if you forget to track them manually.
Samsung uses all the information it can collect to give you a daily “Energy Score” that tells you how likely your energy levels are for the day. Overall, Samsung has put a lot of effort into its health and fitness suite.
Fitbit health and fitness features
Joe Fedewa / How-To Geek
On the Fitbit side, we’re talking about the Fitbit Charge 6. This small device is packed with features that are perfect for health-conscious people. The Charge 6 is a particularly interesting fitness tracker because it combines fitness tracking, health insights, and the convenience of a smartwatch.
One of the Charge 6’s standout features is its built-in GPS. Not all fitness trackers have it. Accurately track your outdoor workouts like running or cycling without having to carry your smartphone with you. This is a great addition if you want to leave your phone behind but need detailed route and distance information.
Fitbit is also doubling down on health metrics. Charge 6 includes an ECG app to assess heart rhythm and detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). It also offers SpO2 monitoring to track blood oxygen levels throughout the day and night, providing valuable insight into your overall health and sleep quality.
The Charge 6 also features Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score (obviously inspired by Samsung’s Energy Score feature). It analyzes your activity level, sleep data, and heart rate variability to determine how ready your body is for your workout. It’s also good to know how your body feels throughout the day.
The last thing to note about Fitbit devices, including the Charge 6, is Fitbit Premium. You can’t see details about sleep stages (light, deep, REM, etc.), heart rate, and breathing without Premium without a $10/month subscription.
Model and price
Joe Fedewa / How-To Geek
In addition to the models discussed in the section above, both Samsung and Fitbit offer several other options. These models are available at different price points to suit your needs.
As of this writing, Samsung offers three models. Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Watch FE in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The Watch 7 starts at $260, the Ultra is $600, and the affordable FE is just $170.
Fibit currently offers four fitness trackers: Charge 6, Inspire 3, Luxe, and Ace 3. Pricing goes down to $160, $100, $200, and $80. If you want to further blur the line between smartwatch and fitness tracker, you can opt for the $250 Sense 2 or the $200 Versa 4.
There’s little point in choosing a $200+ Fitbit device when you can get a full-fledged smartwatch from Samsung for about the same price. Of course, Samsung watches are only available on Android smartphones, but Fitbit also works on iPhones.
Which one is right for you?
So which fitness device is suitable for you? If you’re looking for a fitness tracker with built-in GPS, a larger display, and longer battery life, the Galaxy Watch is for you. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable fitness tracker that’s compatible with your iPhone, Fitbit is a good option.
Galaxy Watch and Fitbit are great fitness trackers. However, for those looking for a more feature-rich device, the Galaxy Watch is a better choice. Fitbit is a great option for those looking for a more affordable device.
At the end of the day, the best way to decide which fitness tracker is best for you is to try both and see which one you prefer.
