Comparing a 5,000-step trek between the Apple Watch 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 reveals a standout champion.
In a direct comparison walk test, the Apple Watch Series 10 demonstrated superior fitness tracking accuracy compared to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Both smartwatches, the latest flagship models in their respective brands, were put to the test during a 5,000-step walk.
During the test, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic added 223 extra steps to the total, indicating less accuracy. Conversely, the Apple Watch Series 10 added only 83 extra steps, showing closer alignment to the actual step count. This suggests that the Apple Watch Series 10's tracking is tighter and more precise in step counting during walking activities.
Both smartwatches offer built-in GPS, onboard altimeters, and optical pulse sensors for fitness tracking. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, however, boasts additional wellness tools such as Vascular Load monitoring, Antioxidant Index testing, and a daily Energy Score.
The Apple Watch Series 10, released in fall 2024, features an updated case design, faster charging, and a large touchscreen. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, announced in early July 2025, is the higher-end option in the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup and is available for preorder, priced at $499. It is expected to ship by the last week of July.
In terms of battery usage, the Apple Watch Series 10 used 7% during the walk test, while the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic used 9%. The Apple Watch Series 10 burned 409 calories during the roughly 45-minute walk test, while the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic burned 333 calories.
The average heart rate recorded by the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic during the walk test was 126 bpm, with a maximum of 158 bpm. The Apple Watch Series 10 recorded an average heart rate of 124 bpm, with a maximum of 168 bpm. The distance covered by the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic was 2.78 miles, while the Apple Watch Series 10 covered 2.76 miles. Both smartwatches recorded similar average moving paces, with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at 17 minutes 6 seconds per mile and the Apple Watch Series 10 at 17 minutes and 32 seconds.
Strava, a popular fitness tracking app, recorded 5,272 steps during the walk test, or 272 more than the actual count recorded by the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Strava did not record an average heart rate during the walk test.
These findings highlight the Apple Watch Series 10's strength in fitness tracking accuracy, although the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers additional wellness features. Potential buyers may want to consider these factors when deciding which smartwatch best suits their needs.
In the comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, while offering additional wellness features like Vascular Load monitoring, Antioxidant Index testing, and a daily Energy Score, showed less accuracy in step counting compared to the Apple Watch Series 10. Both smartwatches have built-in gadgets such as GPS, onboard altimeters, and optical pulse sensors, along with wearable technology designed for fitness tracking.
