Garmin Fenix 9 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has a newer model: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 →

Verdict

Key takeaways

  • Garmin Fenix 9 leads Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 overall by 11 points (76 vs 65 out of 100).
  • Key differences: battery life, where Garmin Fenix 9 has 384 vs 40 h; only Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has LTE/cellular; water resistance, where Garmin Fenix 9 has 100 vs 50 m.
  • Best value: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (from $350) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Garmin Fenix 9 leads overall
Garmin Fenix 9 · 90 overall, #2 of 42
76
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 · 68 overall, #20 of 42
65
Key differences
  • Battery LifeGarmin Fenix 9 384 vs 40 h
  • LTE/CellularSamsung Galaxy Watch 8 only
  • Water ResistanceGarmin Fenix 9 100 vs 50 m

Scores by Category

Evenly split — each wins 3 of 6 categories

CategoryFenix 9Galaxy Watch 8Lead
Battery
+55
Health & Sensors
+7
Display
+18
Connectivity
+31
Build
+25
Software
+54

Physical Comparison

Galaxy Watch 8
34g
Weight

Value for Money

Launch prices — enter today's prices (same currency for both).

Detailed Specifications

Display

Feature
Fenix 9
Galaxy Watch 8
Display Type
Display Size
N/A
1.47 in
Resolution
N/A
480 × 480 px
Peak Brightness
N/A
3,000 nits
Always-On Display
N/A
Yes

Health & Sensors

Feature
Fenix 9
Galaxy Watch 8
Heart Rate Monitor
Yes
Yes
ECG
N/A
Yes
SpO2 (Blood Oxygen)
Yes
Yes
Body Temperature
N/A
Yes
GPS
Yes
Yes
Dual-Band GPS
N/A
Yes

Battery

Feature
Fenix 9
Galaxy Watch 8
Battery Life
384 h860% more
40 h
Fast Charging
N/A
Yes

Connectivity

Feature
Fenix 9
Galaxy Watch 8
NFC Payments
Yes
Yes
LTE/Cellular
No
Yes
Speaker/Mic
Yes
Yes

Build

Feature
Fenix 9
Galaxy Watch 8
Weight
N/A
34 g
Water Resistance
100 m100% more
50 m

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

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