Withings ScanWatch vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: smartwatch comparison

Looking for the perfect smartwatch to keep track of your health and fitness? In this detailed guide, we compare the Withings ScanWatch vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, two of the best smartwatches on the market. We'll also examine the time it takes for each device to charge and how long their batteries last under various usage scenarios. Whether you're interested in heart rate monitoring, sleep quality, or long battery life, this comparison will help you make the right choice.

ScanWatch 2 | Withings
ScanWatch 2

The watch at the heart of your health

349,95€

Battery

Up to 35 days

Activity tracking

Step tracking

Calorie tracking

Automatic activity detection

Average heart rate

Sleep tracking

Sleep duration

Sleep interruptions

Smart wake-up

Overnight HRV*

Breathing Quality Index

24/7 temperature tracking

-

Temperature notifications*

Temperature zones during workouts

Recovery time post workout*

Advanced health tracking

High/low heart rate notifications

ECG Monitor

Irregular heart rhythm notifications

Blood oxygen levels

Menstrual cycle guide

On watch & in-app log-in symptoms

Design

Sapphire glass

Stainless steel case

Swappable wristbands

Hybrid analog watch

38 and 42mm cases

Connectivity

Essential notifications

iOS & Android compatible

Galaxy Watch 5 | Withings
Galaxy Watch 5

Comprehensive health tracking, by Samsung

Starting from 299€

Battery

Up to 40 hours

Activity tracking

Step tracking

Calorie tracking

Automatic activity detection

Average heart rate

Sleep tracking

Sleep duration

Sleep interruptions

-

-

Snoring detection

24/7 temperature tracking

Overnight temperature tracking

-

-

-

Advanced health tracking

High/low heart rate notifications

ECG in a specific app

-

Blood oxygen levels during sleep

Menstrual cycle guide

In-app only

Design

Sapphire glass

Polymer and aluminium

Swappable wristbands

Digital screen

40 and 44mm cases

Connectivity

Distracting notifications

Android compatible only

*Launch in 2025

Design & display: classic elegance vs modern tech

When it comes to style, both smartwatches offer sleek designs—but they cater to different preferences.

Withings ScanWatch 2

• Hybrid smartwatch with a traditional analog watch face and a small OLED screen for notifications and health data. Note that this watch has no touch screen, mainly to offer a better design and battery capacity.

• Premium materials like stainless steel and sapphire glass, give it a classic yet durable look.

• Available in different finishes, including rose gold, and comes with a variety of silicone and leather bands.

• Water resistance up to 50m, perfect for day-to-day wear or in-water workout tracking.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

• Full AMOLED touch screen for an interactive experience.

• Built with aluminum and sapphire glass, offering decent durability.

• Sleek and sporty, but it leans towards a more tech-forward design.

• Water resistance rated at 5ATM + IP68, suitable for most fitness activities.

Health features & activity tracking: comprehensive wellness support

If health tracking is your top priority, here’s how they compare:

Withings ScanWatch 2

• Advanced heart rate monitor with continuous tracking and heart rate notifications.

• SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen level monitoring and ECG.

• Tracks heart rate variability*, sleep quality, and respiratory disturbances at night.

• Temperature tracking to detect fluctuations in body temperature.

• Works seamlessly with the free Withings app (ex Withings Health Mate app) to keep track of all your health and activity metrics in real time.

• Ideal for day-to-day health monitoring and workout tracking, including goal setting for activities like running, cycling, and more.

• No need to charge often—enjoy up to 35 days of battery life on a single quick charge of 2 hours, making it one of the best fitness trackers for long-term use.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

• Continuous heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and SpO2 during the night.

• Added body composition analysis (BIA) for fitness enthusiasts.

• Runs on Wear OS, offering deeper integration with Android services.

• Requires daily charging, with battery life lasting around 1 to 2 days, depending on usage.

• Syncs with Samsung Health and other apps for activity tracking, but no iOS compatibility.

Withings

Compatibility & battery life: one watch does it all?

Withings ScanWatch 2

• Works with iOS and Android, perfect for Apple lovers and Android users.

• Seamless syncing with the free Withings app (ex Withings Health Mate), so you don’t need different apps for different data.

• Longer battery life means fewer interruptions—up to 35 days of use. This extended battery life significantly simplifies its day-to-day use, so you can wear the device continuously without the interruption of frequent charging.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

• Compatible only with Android devices, works best with Google Pixel, Galaxy phones, and other devices running Wear OS, but not compatible with Apple iOS system.

• Shorter battery capacity, requiring frequent recharges.

• Better suited for users deeply embedded in the Wear OS Samsung ecosystem.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Is the Withings ScanWatch 2 compatible with iPhones?

Yes! The Withings ScanWatch works with both Android and iOS devices, including iPhones. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, on the other hand, does not support iOS and won’t work for an iPhone user.

Which smartwatch has better battery life?

The Withings ScanWatch wins with up to 35 days of battery life, compared to the Galaxy Watch 5, which typically lasts between 1 to 2 days.

Does the Withings ScanWatch detect sleep apnea?

The Withings ScanWatch does not detect sleep apnea. However, it monitors respiratory disturbances during the night, which can help you and your doctor assess potential breathing issues while you sleep. A specific product has been designed by Withings to actually detect sleep apnea, and it's our Sleep Analyzer.

Which watch is better for workout tracking?

Both watches offer workout tracking, but the Withings ScanWatch emphasizes health insights and long battery life, making it great for day-to-day activity and goal setting. The Galaxy Watch 5 adds body composition analysis and tracks 90 activities, ideal for fitness enthusiasts.

What’s the difference between Withings ScanWatch 2 and Withings ScanWatch Light?

If you want to know more about our ScanWatch range, feel free to go to this page. ScanWatch Light is our wellness watch that helps you to track your sleep, menstrual cycle, and activity, but this watch doesn’t have any medical features such as SpO2 or ECG.

Conclusion: Which smartwatch should you choose?

If you want a hybrid smartwatch that offers long battery life, advanced health tracking, and compatibility with both Android and iOS, the Withings ScanWatch 2 is a clear winner. For those who prefer a Wear OS experience and are already using Google Pixel or Galaxy devices, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 could be a better fit. Both are among the best smartwatches, but your choice depends on your priorities—whether that’s battery capacity, health tracking, or operating system.