The other Wear OS pick
Google Pixel Watch 4
- Domed bright screen
- Gemini built in
Cheaper alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Three cheaper watches. Two last far longer, one keeps full smartwatch apps.
Updated 13 November 2026
Days, not hours
Fitbit Versa 4
- 6+ days claimed
- Works with iPhone
For runners
Garmin Forerunner 165
- Around 11 days
- Accurate GPS
The original
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Worth it if: You own a Samsung Galaxy phone
- Thin, light design
- Detailed health data
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What are you actually paying extra for with the Galaxy Watch8?
What the extra money buys
- Thin, light design
- Detailed health data
- Tough: MIL-STD-810H
Worth it if
- You own a Samsung Galaxy phone
- You want the full Wear OS app store
Not worth it if
- You'd rather charge weekly
- You use an iPhone
Good to know
Why each one made the list, and our final recommendation.
Google Pixel Watch 4
Les Numériques praised the finish and heart-rate accuracy but saw occasional lag and weak GNSS in town; TechRadar called it a strong Android companion. It suits Pixel and other Android owners who don't need Samsung's extras.
Fitbit Versa 4
A simple Fitbit watch that lasts several days. TechRadar found it underwhelming for workouts and Les Numériques a small step on. It suits Galaxy Watch8 shoppers who mostly want sleep, steps and heart rate, and would rather charge twice a week than every night, even if that means losing Samsung's apps.
Garmin Forerunner 165
Android Central called it barely a compromise for serious runners; Les Numériques liked its OLED screen and altimeter. It's a sports watch, not an app platform. It suits runners who want battery for a week and more.
Final recommendation: On a non-Samsung Android phone, the Pixel Watch 4 is the closest swap. The Versa 4 wins on simple health tracking, while runners should look at the Forerunner 165. Keep the Galaxy Watch8 with a Galaxy phone for the full Samsung experience.
Side by side
Specs from each maker. Price levels come from shop prices we checked recently; tap through for today's price.
| Model | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price level | Affordable | Affordable | Affordable | Affordable |
| Battery (claimed) | Up to 40 hours with AOD off | Up to 30 hours AOD on | 6+ days | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode) |
| GPS | Yes (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) | Yes (dual-frequency: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS) | built-in (GPS + GLONASS) | Built-in, up to 19 hours (GPS-only) |
| Screen | Super AMOLED, 1.3in 438x438 (40mm) or 1.5in 480x480 (44mm) | Actua 360 domed AMOLED LTPO, 320ppi, up to 3000 nits | AMOLED | AMOLED, 1.2-inch |
| Maps | – | – | – | No |
| Water resistance | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H | 5 ATM + IP68 | Water resistant to 50 m | – |
| Works with | Android | Android | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
| Shop | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
Questions people ask
How long does the Galaxy Watch8 battery last?
Samsung quotes up to 40 hours with the always-on display off. Les Numériques got under two days.
Is the Pixel Watch 4 better than the Galaxy Watch8?
It's better with Google's apps and non-Samsung phones. The Watch8 has Samsung's deeper health tools.
Which Watch8 alternative works with iPhone?
The Fitbit Versa 4 and Garmin Forerunner 165. The Pixel Watch 4 needs Android.
Related guides
How we reached this
We compared the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 with the alternatives most often recommended by independent reviewers, then checked each against the makers' own specs and current prices.
We haven't tested these products ourselves. Our picks weigh independent expert reviews against each maker's published specs and the prices we checked. Opinions are ours; facts link to where they come from. How we choose.
Sources: Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 specs, TechRadar: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 review: A triumph, Les Numériques: Test Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 : le juste équilibre entre design, sport et santé, Google: Google Pixel Watch 4 specs, TechRadar: Google Pixel Watch 4 review: Big design changes make for a great smart companion, Les Numériques: Test Google Pixel Watch 4 : la montre gagne en autonomie et en IA, Google: Fitbit Versa 4 specs, TechRadar: Fitbit Versa 4 review, Les Numériques: Test Fitbit Versa 4 : la montre de fitness évolue timidement, Garmin: Garmin Forerunner 165 specs, Android Central: Garmin Forerunner 165 review: Barely a compromise, Les Numériques: Test Garmin Forerunner 165 : une montre running d'entrée de gamme convaincante.