Galaxy Watch 6 vs Apple Watch 9 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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Galaxy Watch 6 & Apple Watch 9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch 9 rather than the Galaxy Watch 6. 

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch 9

  • The Apple Watch Series 9 has a powerful S9 SiP chip with a Neural Engine for faster performance, smoother animations, and enhanced on-device Siri processing, compared to the Galaxy Watch 6’s Exynos W930.
  • Apple Watch Series 9 has Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for enabling Precision Finding and improved device tracking, which is absent on the Galaxy Watch 6.
  • It features 64GB of internal storage for more apps, music, and podcasts, compared to the Galaxy Watch 6, which is limited to 16GB.
  • The Apple Watch Series 9 supports advanced cycle tracking with temperature sensing for better reproductive health insights, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6 lacks dedicated cycle tracking features.
  • Apple Watch Series 9 includes Crash Detection with emergency SOS calling to provide life-saving accident recognition, while the Galaxy Watch 6 lacks native crash detection.
  • It features deep iOS integration for seamless interactions with Apple Pay, Apple Health, and HomeKit, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6 has limited compatibility outside the Samsung ecosystem.
  • The Apple Watch Series 9 has a superior app ecosystem with exclusive third-party apps via the Apple App Store, while the Galaxy Watch 6 relies on Google Play.
  • It has a more refined and premium build with exclusive Stainless Steel options and high-end bands, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6 primarily uses Armor Aluminum.

Maybe the Galaxy Watch 6 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch 9Galaxy Watch 6
Operating SystemwatchOS 10Wear OS 4
Chipset/ProcessorApple S9 SiP (Neural Engine)Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4 GHz
Storage64GB16GB
Display TypeLTPO OLED Always-On Retina DisplaySuper AMOLED Always-On Display
Display Sizes45mm (1.9”)40mm (1.3”)
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, UWBWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Smart AssistantSiriBixby
Durability & Water ResistanceWR50 (50m water resistance), IP6X dustproof5ATM, IP68
Build MaterialsStainless SteelArmor Aluminum
Strap MechanismProprietary Apple Watch BandsStandard 20mm Straps
Mobile Payment SupportApple PaySamsung Pay
Music StreamingApple Music, Spotify, Audible, PodcastsSpotify, YouTube Music, Google Podcasts
Third-Party AppsApp StoreGoogle Play Store
Smart Home IntegrationApple HomeKitGoogle Home & Samsung SmartThings
PriceCheck Watch 9 PriceCheck Watch 6 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display & Brightness: Both smartwatches feature always-on OLED displays with high contrast, vibrant colors, and peak brightness of up to 2000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The Apple Watch 9 uses LTPO Retina OLED, while the Galaxy Watch 6 uses Super AMOLED—both offer similar visual clarity.
  • Screen Protection & Sizes: Both models use Sapphire Crystal for premium versions (Apple’s stainless steel models and all Galaxy Watch 6 models). The screen sizes are nearly identical, with Apple offering 41mm and 45mm, while Samsung offers 40mm and 44mm.
  • Battery Saving & Fast Charging: Both watches offer battery-saving modes that significantly extend battery life, reducing non-essential features. Fast charging is supported via USB-C connections—Apple uses Magnetic Fast Charging, while Samsung uses Qi-compatible Wireless Charging.
  • Health & Fitness Sensors: Both watches feature Optical & Electrical Heart Rate Sensors, ECG for heart monitoring, Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Tracking, and Skin Temperature Sensors for cycle tracking (Apple) or sleep monitoring (Samsung).
  • Fitness & Workout Tracking: Each watch includes automatic workout detection, multiple sports modes (over 90+ options), and advanced sleep tracking. They also offer breath training and stress management features to help users maintain well-being.
  • GPS & Location Tracking: Both support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou for precise navigation, making them ideal for outdoor workouts or travel.
  • Water & Dust Resistance: Both models have 50m water resistance (Apple: WR50, Samsung: 5ATM) and MIL-STD-810H certification for durability in extreme conditions.
  • Smart Assistants & Smart Home: Apple Watch 9 integrates Siri with on-device processing. Galaxy Watch 6 supports Bixby, but users can install Google Assistant. Both support smart home controls (Apple: HomeKit, Samsung: SmartThings & Google Home).

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch 9Galaxy Watch 6
Display TypeOLED Always-On DisplaySuper AMOLED Always-On Display
Maximum Brightness2000 nits2000 nits
Screen ProtectionSapphire CrystalSapphire Crystal
Battery Saving ModeLow Power Mode extends battery lifePower Saving Mode extends battery life
Fast ChargingYes (USB-C Magnetic)Yes (USB-C Wireless)
Heart Rate SensorOptical & Electrical Heart Rate SensorOptical & Electrical Heart Rate Sensor
Blood Oxygen SensorYesYes
ECG (Electrocardiogram)YesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Crash DetectionYesYes
GPS & Location ServicesGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
LTE/Cellular OptionYes (Optional LTE model)Yes (Optional LTE model)
Speaker & MicrophoneYes (for calls & Siri)Yes (for calls & Bixby/Google Assistant)
Emergency SOS FeatureYesYes
Automatic Workout DetectionYesYes
Blood Oxygen MonitoringYesYes
Price Check Watch 9 Price Check Watch 6 Price

FAQ

Can you use the Apple Watch Series 9 with an Android phone?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 is designed exclusively for iPhone users and cannot be paired with an Android device. Apple restricts its watchOS ecosystem to iOS, meaning features like Apple Pay, Siri, and Health tracking are tightly integrated with iPhones. If you use an Android phone, the Galaxy Watch 6 is the better option.

Can the Galaxy Watch 6 be used with an iPhone?
No, the Galaxy Watch 6 is designed specifically for Android phones, with full functionality available when paired with a Samsung device. While it can work with non-Samsung Android phones, features like Samsung Pay, Blood Pressure Monitoring, and ECG tracking may be restricted. iPhone users should opt for the Apple Watch instead.

Which smartwatch has a better display quality?
Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Galaxy Watch 6 feature always-on OLED displays with up to 2000 nits of brightness, making them equally bright and easy to see in direct sunlight. The difference is in the display protection—Apple’s Stainless Steel models come with Sapphire Crystal, while all models of the Galaxy Watch 6 include Sapphire Crystal protection. The Classic model of the Galaxy Watch 6 has slightly lower brightness at 1500 nits.

Which watch has a longer battery life?
The Galaxy Watch 6 has a longer battery life, lasting up to 40 hours in standard use and 30 hours with Always-On Display enabled. The Apple Watch Series 9 has an 18-hour battery life, extending to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. If battery life is a priority, the Galaxy Watch 6 is the better choice.

Do both watches support wireless charging?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Galaxy Watch 6 support fast wireless charging. The Apple Watch charges via USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger, while the Galaxy Watch 6 uses USB-C Wireless Charging with Qi compatibility. However, Apple’s charger is proprietary, whereas Samsung’s watch can charge using some third-party Qi chargers.

Which smartwatch is better for fitness tracking?
Both watches offer excellent fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, and ECG monitoring. However, the Apple Watch 9 includes AFib history, cycle tracking with temperature sensing, and better integration with Apple’s Fitness+ ecosystem. The Galaxy Watch 6 has Body Composition Analysis (BIA), Blood Pressure Monitoring, and Sleep Coaching, making it more focused on holistic health metrics.

Does the Apple Watch Series 9 or Galaxy Watch 6 have better durability?
Both smartwatches are highly durable, featuring water resistance (WR50 for Apple, 5ATM for Samsung) and dust resistance (IP6X for Apple, IP68 for Samsung). They also meet MIL-STD-810H military durability standards, ensuring they can handle extreme conditions. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is slightly more robust due to its rotating bezel protection.

Which smartwatch has better GPS tracking?
Both watches support multi-system GPS, including GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS, ensuring accurate tracking in various locations. The Apple Watch 9, however, includes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support for Precision Finding, allowing users to locate lost items or another Apple device with greater accuracy.

Do both watches support LTE for phone calls?
Yes, both smartwatches offer optional LTE versions, allowing you to make and receive calls, send messages, and stream music without needing a phone nearby. However, you’ll need a compatible carrier plan for LTE connectivity on either device.

Can both watches be customized with different bands?
Yes, but Apple Watch Series 9 uses proprietary bands, meaning you must buy Apple-certified straps or third-party options designed specifically for Apple Watches. The Galaxy Watch 6, on the other hand, uses standard 20mm quick-release straps, making it easier to swap bands with a wide variety of choices.

Which smartwatch has better smart assistant support?
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes with Siri and supports on-device processing, meaning it can process some commands without an internet connection. The Galaxy Watch 6 uses Bixby by default but allows users to install Google Assistant, offering more flexibility. Apple’s Siri is more deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, while Google Assistant provides more versatility for Android users.

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