Our recommendation? Apple for demanding iPhone users, Samsung for Android athletes looking for the best value for money.
Two philosophies compete. Apple persists with its iconic square dial (45mm × 38mm × 10.7mm). Samsung adopts a more classic approach: 44mm round dial, thickness contained at 10.5mm.
Photos side by side reveal the evidence: The Apple Watch assumes its status as a tech object. The Galaxy Watch 6 plays the traditional watch with its rotating telescope.
Comfort carried on 48 hours of intensive use: Apple digital crown crown remains more intuitive than the Samsung buttons. But the Samsung sport bracelet better distributes the pressure on the wrist (2h swimming test).
Materials: Recycled aluminum vs classic aluminum. Apple wins on ethics, Samsung on scratch resistance (after 100 voluntary contacts with rough surface).
Tests in real conditions for 3 weeks. Rigorous protocol: same routes, same arms, simultaneous measures.
GPS: Offices bunk on 15 urban/nature courses. Apple Apple difference: 2.3m. Samsung: 3.1m. The Apple advantage is explained by the dedicated S9 chip and iOS optimization.
Cardio: Comparison vs Polar H10 belt (our reference). On 50 sport sessions:
Detailed graphics show that Samsung wins on intensity peaks. Apple remains more stable on rapid variations in heart rate.
Altimeter: Mountain tests (elevation 800m). Samsung more precise: +/- 3M vs +/- 5m for Apple. Surprising but confirmed on 5 distinct outings.
| Sensors | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerometer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gyroscope | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cardiofrequency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spo2 | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECG | ✓ | ✓ |
| Temperature | ✓ (skin) | ✓ (body) |
| Bioimpédance | ✗ | ✓ |
Exclusive metrics: Samsung adds the body composition (fat mass, muscle mass) via its BIA technology. Apple is satisfied with the skin temperature for monitoring of menstrual cycle.
Compatible applications: Apple dominates with 20,000+ dedicated Watchos apps. Samsung catches with Wear OS but remains at 5,000 optimized apps.
Tests in mixed use (notifications, GPS 1h/day, Always-On Display):
Samsung crushes the competition. Its fast charge (30min = 80%) partially compensates for the advantage.
Cost Cost by functionality:
Samsung offers 33% more value. But this calculation ignores iOS integration, difficult to quantify.
Apple: Double TAP (new series 9), falling detection, emergency SOSSamsung: Body composition, rotary telescope, extended Android compatibility
Profile Tester 1: Julien, 32, amateur runner (3 outings/week)"The Galaxy Watch 6 amazed me on the stride analysis. Its recovery metrics are more extensive than Apple. Verdict: Samsung."
Profile Tester 2: Sarah, 28, hyperconnected consultant"IPhone integration is just perfect with the Apple Watch. Reply to messages from the wrist is fluid. The Galaxy Watch Rames on iOS. Verdict: Apple."
Land synthesis: Apple excels on the iOS experience. Samsung dominates on pure sport and autonomy. Choosing according to your main ecosystem remains the golden rule.
| Characteristic | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dial shape | Rounded square 45 × 38mm | Traditional round Ø44mm |
| Thickness | 10.7mm | 10.5mm |
| Weight | 38.7g (aluminum) | 33g (aluminum) |
| Bracelets | Owners, 100+ models | Standard 20mm, limited choice |
| Crown | Digital Rotative Crown | 2 side buttons |
Samsung is gaining the weight and universality of bracelets. Apple on the richness of accessories and navigation ergonomics.
| Characteristic | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | OLED LTPO | Super Amoled |
| Resolution | 484 × 396 pixels | 480 × 480 pixels |
| Max brightness | 2000 Nits | 1000 Nits |
| Always-on | ✓ Optimized | ✓ Standard |
| Protection | Sapphire (option) | Gorilla Glass 5 |
Apple doubles brightness: perfect readability in full sun. Samsung catches with more saturated colors and a superior contrast.
| Function | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate | 96.2% precision | Precision 94.8% |
| ECG | 30 seconds, FDA approved | 30 seconds, medically validated |
| Spo2 | Continuous (optional) | Manual or programmed |
| Temperature | Cutaneous (female cycle) | Body (fever) |
| Body composition | ✗ | ✓ (BIA) |
Almost perfect equality. Samsung innovates with bioimpédance, Apple refines precision.
| Sport | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Sport modes | 45 activities | 95+ Activities |
| Double frequency GPS | ✗ | ✓ |
| Stride analysis | Basic | Complete (6 metrics) |
| Recovery | Cardio zones | Score + IA tips |
| Coaching | Activity rings | Personalized program |
Samsung crushes Apple on sport. More modes, advanced analysis, intelligent coaching. Apple relies on the simplicity of the rings.
| Use | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard use | 6 p.m. | 40h |
| Always-on activated | 4 p.m. | 24h |
| Continuous GPS | 6 a.m. | 8h |
| Rapid load | 45min → 80% | 30min → 80% |
| Wireless load | ✓ Owner | ✓ Qi standard |
Samsung largely dominates. Apple compensates with an ultra-fast charge but remains handicapped by its consumption.
| Version | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 41/40mm | 429 € | 319 € |
| 45/44mm | 459 € | 349 € |
| Cellular | +150 € | +50 € |
| Frequent promo | -50 € max | -80 € regular |
Samsung displays 25% less at launch. The gap is widening with more aggressive promotions.
Ecosystem. Apple Watch excels with iPhone, Galaxy Watch 6 with Android. Samsung offers more autonomy and sport functions.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: 40h vs 6 p.m. for Apple. Practically double endurance.
Galaxy Watch 6 without hesitation. 95 Sport modes, advanced stride analysis, double frequency GPS.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: € 110 in equivalent savings, more frequent promotions.
Alternative : Garmin came 3 if the autonomy of a week and the Sport Pro metrics are priority on the pure smartwatch.
Comparison made by an expert certified watches connectedTransparent methodology: 200+ hours of cross testsAffiliated links: Commission without additional cost to finance our tests
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