Table of Contents
Before buying: fast checklist
- Your smartphone dictates 80 % of the choice: iPhone → Watch 11; Android → Watch 8.
- Check the ESIM/5G Watch option with your operator in France.
- Define your autonomy target: full day with AOD or not.
- Sports practice: split/HIIT? Plan a cardio belt.
- Favorite assistant: routines and health data (SIRI) vs flexible automation (GEMINI).
- Bracelets and materials: night comfort, solidity, accessories budget.
Sizes, materials, weight and thickness
Comfort is due to three factors: width of the housing, thickness, and mass on the wrist. Sleeping with the watch requires a constraint: favor the lightest version compatible with your use.
| Model | Sizes | Thickness (mm) | Weight without bracelet | Glass / waterproofing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch 11 | 42/46 mm | According to version | According to materials | Reinforced glass, WR adapted to swimming |
| Galaxy Watch 8 | 40/44 mm (46 mm classic) | According to version | According to materials | Resistant glass, 5 ATM / IP depending on model |
For a panorama of Samsung models by use, read the best Galaxy Watch Samsung.
Real autonomy: a typical day scenarios
Autonomy depends on three levers: AOD, GPS, and cellular. The two watches manage an active day. For two strict days with sport + sleep + AOD, aim for an ultra model.
“Work day” scenario
- AOD activated, frequent notifications, 30–45 min of GPS: short recharge often necessary at the end of the day.
- Without AOD, same use: the full day passes more serenely.
“Regular sport” scenario
- Race 60–90 min in continuous GPS, Bluetooth music: provide an express recharge after the session.
- Fractional drive: The battery goes down faster, the optical cardio sensor shows a slight latency.
Express recharging
- Fast load: a quarter of an hour is often enough to secure the evening + at night.
- Tip: Put the watch during the shower or breakfast, every day.
Assistants: Gemini vs Siri on a daily basis
Your productivity depends on the assistant that includes your habits. Siri shines in the Apple ecosystem. Gemini excels on long queries and free automation.
5 useful commands with SIRI (Apple Watch 11)
- “Add 20 min health race tonight.”
- “Remind me to take my tension at 7 p.m.”
- “What does my sleep say this week saying?”
- “Launch my playlist run and starts a 10 km.”
- “Send“ I go running ”to Marie.”
5 powerful scenarios with Gemini (Galaxy Watch 8)
- “Plan a 45 min release on Friday 7 a.m. and creates the alarm.”
- “When I finish a session, send my time to Paul.”
- “Create a note with my average look today.”
- “Offers cardio training of 30 min tomorrow noon.”
- “Summarizes my steps, my sleep and my FC of the week.”
For a global opinion on the Samsung range, read Galaxy Watch is worth it.
Operators France: ESIM and 5G, which must be checked
The “connected watch” options evolve according to the offers. Check ESIM compatibility and 5G/4G support for your model before purchasing.
| Operator | ESIM Watch (Galaxy Watch 8) | Cellular Apple Watch 11 | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Frequent watch option | Supported cellular, 5G according to offer | Check the “package sharing” and the local coverage |
| SFR | Frequent watch option | Supported cellular, 4G/5G according to offer | ESIM activation often simple from the operator app |
| Bouygues | According to offer and calendar | According to offer and calendar | Consult the ESIM page for compatible models |
| Free | According to offer and calendar | According to offer and calendar | Check the sharing and activation conditions |
Golden rule: Confirm the watch option, model compatibility, and network level (4G/5G) at the time of purchase.
Sport, GPS and Cardio precision
The two watches manage the double frequency GPS L1/L5. In town, multi -projects are better filtered. In the mountains, the grip remains solid, but the shadow of the trees always reduces precision.
The optical cardio progresses, but the latency remains on the HIIT. A belt remains the reference for short split. On everyday life and endurance, readings become reliable to pilot the effort.
Readability counts as much as precision: the very bright screen of the Galaxy Watch 8 reassures in full sun, while the Apple training fields remain clear and consistent in the form.
Strengths and limits, without detour
Apple Watch 11
- Strength: iPhone integration, Siri on-device, hypertension alert, 24 hours announced, cellular up to 5G depending on markets.
- Boundaries: iPhone Only, always “daily” autonomy if AOD + SPORT, 5G not available everywhere depending on operators.
Galaxy Watch 8
- Strength: very bright screen, Gemini, GPS L1/L5, LTE/ESIM Large, Rotary bezel in Classic.
- Boundaries: frequent extra recharge with AOD + Sport, better synergy with Samsung smartphones.
Faq
Apple Watch 11 vs Galaxy Watch 8 real autonomy 2025: Who is the most?
None do two full days with AOD + Sport + Sleep. Apple Watch 11 aims ~ 24 hours with fast load. Galaxy Watch 8 holds an active day; AOD is expensive. For endurance, aim for an ultra model.
Apple Watch 11 5G vs Galaxy Watch 8 LTE ESIM FRANCE: What to check?
Check the ESIM watch option, the compatibility of the model, and the network level (4G/5G) at your operator. The Apple Watch 11 can activate 5G depending on the offers; The Galaxy Watch 8 offers a largely supported LTE/ESIM.
Galaxy Watch 8 Gemini vs Siri Apple Watch 11: What assistant is most relevant?
Gemini excels on long queries and automation, including without a phone via Wi-Fi/LTE. Siri is more consistent if you live fully in the Apple ecosystem and the Health App.
Apple Watch 11 vs Galaxy Watch 8 Cardio Cardio GPS Urban: Notable differences?
Both manage the GPS L1/L5 and improve the hook in the city. In HIIT, the belt remains the reference. Choose according to your smartphone and the readability you need in motion.
Conclusion
The simple rule is one line: iPhone → Apple Watch 11,, Android → Galaxy Watch 8. You gain reliability and comfort by staying in your ecosystem. Need a physical command and maximum display? Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Need advanced health alerts and a cellular potentially 5G? Apple Watch 11. The rest is played out on comfort, readability and your habits. Choose the watch which is forgotten on the wrist and which helps you exactly when it takes.
Official sources consulted: Apple, Samsung, mobile operators in France.
