The competition in the smartwatch market is becoming increasingly fierce, and Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are undoubtedly two of the most popular brands. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 remain top flagship smartwatches in 2025, offering powerful health monitoring, smart features, and ecosystem support.
So, which smartwatch is better for iPhone and Android users? If you’re struggling to choose between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Galaxy Watch 6, I will provide a comprehensive comparison based on compatibility, design, display, health monitoring, fitness features, battery life, and ecosystem integration, ultimately helping you find the best smartwatch for your needs.
1. Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 | Wear OS 4 + One UI Watch 5 |
| Compatibility | iPhone only | Android only |
| Processor | S9 SiP | Exynos W930 |
| Display | LTPO OLED (up to 2000 nits) | Super AMOLED (up to 2000 nits) |
| Display Size | 41mm / 45mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, temperature sensor | Heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, temperature sensor, blood pressure monitoring |
| Fitness Features | Apple Fitness+, automatic workout detection | Samsung Health, more workout modes |
| Battery Life | 18-36 hours | 40-48 hours |
| Charging Method | Magnetic fast charging | Wireless fast charging |
| Smart Assistant | Siri | Google Assistant / Bixby |
| Price | Starts at £399 | Starts at £319 |
Both smartwatches have their strengths in hardware performance. The Apple Watch Series 9 excels in ecosystem integration and is the best option for iPhone users, while the Galaxy Watch 6 is better suited for Android users, particularly in health monitoring and battery life.
2. Compatibility: Which Smartwatch Works with Your Phone?
Apple Watch Series 9: Only for iPhone Users
Apple has always restricted the Apple Watch to work exclusively with iPhones, meaning Android users cannot use Apple Watch. If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best choice, offering seamless integration with iOS:
- Smooth interaction with iPhone (messages, calls, app synchronization)
- Supports Apple Pay
- Works seamlessly with AirPods, Mac, iPad, and other Apple devices
- Exclusive support for Apple Fitness+ training programs
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Only for Android Users
Although Samsung switched to Google’s Wear OS in 2021, the Galaxy Watch 6 is still best optimized for Samsung phones and is completely incompatible with iPhones. If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers the best experience, including:
- Health tracking with Samsung Health
- Support for both Samsung Pay and Google Pay
- Seamless integration with Galaxy Buds
- Customizable One UI Watch 5 interface
- iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 9 is the only option
- Android users: Galaxy Watch 6 is the better choice, especially for Samsung phone users
3. Design & Display: Which Is More Stylish and User-Friendly?
Apple Watch Series 9: Square Design with Digital Crown
The Apple Watch Series 9 continues with its iconic square design and features an LTPO OLED display with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. It primarily relies on a touchscreen, the side Digital Crown, and Siri for navigation, providing a smooth and responsive user experience.
Pros:
- Outstanding brightness, making it easy to see in all lighting conditions
- Square display is better for reading messages and notifications
- Variety of official bands for different styles and occasions
Cons:
- More of a modern, business-like look, not as traditional as a classic watch
- Slightly thicker, which may impact comfort for some users
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Classic Round Display with Rotating Bezel
The Galaxy Watch 6 features a traditional round watch face with a Super AMOLED display, also reaching 2000 nits peak brightness. It retains Samsung’s signature rotating bezel, making navigation more intuitive.
Pros:
- Round display resembles a traditional watch
- Rotating bezel provides an intuitive way to navigate menus
- Sleeker design, more comfortable for extended wear
Cons:
- Round display shows less text at a time compared to a square display
- Thicker bezels than Apple Watch
- If you prefer a modern, square smartwatch → Apple Watch Series 9
- If you want a classic watch design with a rotating bezel → Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
4. Health Monitoring & Fitness Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Y | Y |
| Blood Oxygen Monitoring | Y | Y |
| ECG (Electrocardiogram) | Y | Y |
| Temperature Sensor | Y | Y |
| Blood Pressure Monitoring | N | Y |
| Fall Detection | Y | Y |
| Sleep Tracking | Y | Y |
Apple Watch Series 9: Stronger Fitness Ecosystem
- Deep integration with Apple Fitness+ for personalized workouts
- Automatic workout detection (running, swimming, cycling)
- Health data syncs directly with the iPhone Health app
- No blood pressure monitoring
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: More Comprehensive Health Monitoring
- Supports blood pressure monitoring (requires a Samsung phone and calibration)
- More detailed sleep tracking than Apple Watch
- A wider variety of workout modes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- If you are invested in Apple’s fitness ecosystem → Apple Watch
- If you need blood pressure monitoring and better sleep tracking → Galaxy Watch 6
5. Battery Life Comparison
- Apple Watch Series 9: Standard 18-36 hours
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Standard 40-48 hours
If you need longer battery life, Galaxy Watch 6 is the better option.
6. Final Buying Recommendations
| User Type | Recommended Smartwatch |
| iPhone users | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Android users (especially Samsung users) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
| Users who need longer battery life | Galaxy Watch 6 |
| Users who prefer a square display and Apple ecosystem | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Users who prefer a classic round watch with a rotating bezel | Galaxy Watch 6 |
Final Thoughts:
- For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the only choice.
- For Android users, especially Samsung users, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a better fit.
- Need longer battery life? Choose Galaxy Watch 6.
- Want the best Apple ecosystem experience? Apple Watch 9 is the superior choice.
Ultimately, choose the smartwatch that best suits your phone and lifestyle!