Versus Matchup · Reviewed by Sanjiv Sathiah, Managing Editor
A head-to-head wearable comparison of critic scores, GPS & sensor accuracy, battery endurance, value pressure, and buyer fit.
Carries the stronger blended case on critic score (86), value score (100), and release longevity.
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3
The $59 Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 blurs the line between fitness tracker and smartwatch, housing a wide 1.6-inch rectangular AMOLED display inside an 18.5-gram sandblasted aluminum body with 13-day battery life and Fall Detection. It lacks built-in GPS (relying on your Android phone for route mapping), but for Samsung Galaxy owners wanting a featherweight sleep and gym band, it is effortless to recommend.
Apple Watch SE 2
Frequently discounted below $189 at major retailers, the Apple Watch SE 2 remains the lowest-cost ticket into genuine watchOS 11 compatibility, Apple Pay, optical heart-rate rhythm alerts, and Crash Detection. If you own an iPhone and simply want reliable wrist notifications, Apple Fitness+ ring tracking, and swimproof durability on a tight budget, its value is hard to fault.
| Metric | Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Critic MetaScore | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Value Score | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Typical Street Price | $59 | $249 |
| Category | Budget Smartwatches | Budget Smartwatches |
| Key Hardware / Sensors | 1.6-inch AMOLED / Aluminum body / 13-day battery | S8 SiP / Crash Detection / 50m Swimproof |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 days on a single charge (fast charge to 65% in 30 minutes) | Up to 18 hours all-day battery life |
| Sensors & GPS | Optical HR, SpO2, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, Fall Detection & Emergency SOS | 2nd-gen optical HR sensor, High/Low HR & irregular rhythm notifications, Crash & Fall Detection, Compass, GPS |
| Display | 1.6-inch (256x402) rectangular AMOLED touchscreen (302 ppi) | 40mm or 44mm Retina LTPO OLED display (up to 1,000 nits) |
| Case & Lens Glass | Sandblasted aluminum body (18.5g, 9.9mm thin) with 1-click quick-release band mechanism | 100% recycled aluminum case with color-matched nylon composite back, Ion-X front glass |
| Water & Dive Rating | 5 ATM (50m) + IP68 dust/water resistance | 50m water resistance (swimproof) |
| Platform & Storage | FreeRTOS (100+ workout modes, Sleep Coaching, camera remote & media controls) | Apple S8 SiP (64-bit dual-core processor, 32GB storage, Apple Pay) |
| Phone Compatibility | Android 10.0+ via Samsung Health | iOS 18+ (iPhone Xs or later) / watchOS 11 |
| Release Age | 2y 8m old | 4y 2m old |
| Consensus | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Buying Verdict | Best value | Best value |
Apple Watch SE 2 takes the overall recommendation on Smartwatchify (86 MetaScore vs 82), while Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 remains a strong option depending on street price ($59) and ecosystem preference.
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is listed around $59 (100/100 value score), whereas Apple Watch SE 2 is listed around $249 (100/100 value score). Check live Amazon and B&H Photo offers as wearable discounts frequently shift the value winner.
Choose Apple Watch SE 2 for the stronger all-around critic consensus and sensor longevity, or pick Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 if its battery life, form factor, or current deal price fits your priorities better.
Managing Editor
Sanjiv is a veteran technology journalist and the Managing Editor across our network. With over 15 years of experience writing and reviewing consumer electronics, his bylines have appeared in top-tier tech publications including MacNN, Electronista, SlashGear, and Notebook Check. His deep industry knowledge and authoritative, buyer-focused insights drive our "Editor's Verdict" recommendations, ensuring you cut through the noise and buy the right tech.