Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 vs Fitbit Sense (2021): Comparing Flagship Wearables

Choosing a flagship wearable can be challenging when most models have plenty of features in common. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and the Fitbit Sense, focus and execution differentiate the two. If you want an everyday watch with LTE connectivity, the Galaxy Watch 3 might be a better option. For those who need advanced health and fitness features, Fitbit’s Sense makes, well, a little more sense to get. But if you’re still undecided, read our comparison below to get quick insights about both smartwatches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 vs Fitbit Sense Comparison Chart

Design

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 boasts a stylish yet traditional design, while the Fitbit Sense has a sportier and seamless aesthetic.

Smartwatches typically fall under two styles. A more traditional style typically comes with a circular display, while the modern design sports any variation of a square screen. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 falls into the first category. With its circular AMOLED display, physical buttons, and default leather straps, it’s a smartwatch with a classic look. This means you can wear it even on more formal occasions. Aside from the vibrant screen, the only other external feature that tells you this is not your typical watch is its rotating bezel.

On the other hand, the Fitbit Sense brandishes a squircle OLED display that gives it a more modern look and feel. Instead of leather straps, users get sweat and stain-proof silicone bands, ideal when working out. The Sense has a more seamless form, too. Inductive buttons are used instead of physical keys — similar to the Versa 3. In fact, it’s hard to tell both Fitbit devices apart. But if you want to know what differentiates the two, check out our Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 comparison.

Now, the Galaxy Watch 3 is still a chunky device. It’s a good thing the Korean tech giant offers two sizes of the wearable — 41mm and 45mm. Fitbit’s Sense, while sleeker, comes in only one size. If you’re worried about fit, the company does include two sizes of bands out of the box. Moreover, in both the Galaxy Watch 3 and Fitbit Sense, straps are interchangeable, especially if you want to break from their default looks.

Fitness and Health Features

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a capable fitness companion, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers more comprehensive and practical fitness and health tracking features.

Fitness Features

While it doesn’t look sporty (you can get more workout-friendly straps), the Galaxy Watch 3 does have the basics down pat. For instance, you get standard metrics like calories burned, steps, and distance. The wearable comes with all-day heart rate monitoring, too.

But there are refinements from its predecessor as well. The Galaxy Watch 3, for instance, offers more in-depth calculations when tracking running. It can also measure VO2Max, which puts it on par with the Fitbit Sense and wearables from Garmin and Apple. There’s even a digital running coach that gives feedback about your runs. Samsung shares you can track over 40 different types of exercises on the Galaxy Watch 3 as well, with auto-detection available for 7 of these activities.

Fitbit Sense does a lot of the same, albeit more reliably. Fitness, after all, is the company’s bread-and-butter. Equipped with PurePulse 2.0, the Sense allows users to set heart rate zones and monitor cardio fitness levels. You get your staple metrics as well, plus over 20 goal-based exercise modes. With the intensity map and active zone minutes, users get more insights into their workouts as well.

Health Features

The Fitbit Sense is the more advanced health smartwatch. While it doesn’t monitor blood pressure levels or detect falls like the Galaxy Watch 3, the Fitbit Sense is capable of scanning your body’s electrodermal activity and skin temperature. And for a slightly less expensive wearable, Fitbit’s flagship wearable is also equipped with ECG and SpO2 monitoring, much like Samsung’s flagship.

Of course, not everyone stands to benefit from these health tools. Nonetheless, there are practical features shared by both wearables. There’s stress monitoring, for instance, that works in tandem with guided breathing sessions. Menstrual cycles can also be recorded and tracked by the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Fitbit Sense. Lastly, what is a wearable without sleep tracking? If you need insights into your nocturnal habits, these smartwatches are more than capable of delivering.

Smart Features

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 has better smart features and smartphone integration than the Fitbit Sense.

Largely marketed for everyday use, the Galaxy Watch 3 is packed with smart features. Many of these capabilities, however, are found on the Fitbit Sense, too. Both wearables stream smart notifications, making them capable secondary devices to your smartphone. There are nifty features, too, including contactless payments and support for music control. The Galaxy Watch 3 and Fitbit Sense even work with voice assistants.

Where the Galaxy Watch 3 does have an edge is simply better integration. Much like how the Apple Watch is specially made for the iPhone, the Galaxy Watch 3 works best with a paired Galaxy smartphone. Apps are synced better, and switching between devices is more intuitive.

The Galaxy Watch 3 is also available in an LTE model, although it is limited to the stainless steel variants. With LTE, Galaxy Watch 3 users can take calls and reply to messages even without their phones around. It’s a thoughtful and convenient feature when you’re up and about, running, or working out. In contrast, the Fitbit Sense relies on a Bluetooth connection to pair with a phone. While you can answer calls on the watch, you will need to have your phone nearby.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 battery life is considerably lower compared to its predecessor —the Galaxy Watch — and the Fitbit Sense.

The Galaxy Watch 3 is a considerable downgrade from its predecessor when it comes to battery life. Since the Galaxy Watch 3 variants are smaller (41mm and 45mm) compared to the original models (42mm and 46mm), battery capacity took a hit. The 45mm Galaxy Watch 3, for instance, only has 340mAh capacity compared to the whopping 472mAh on the 46mm Galaxy Watch. If the latter could last over 3 days, the 45mm Galaxy Watch 3 has a battery life rated for up to 2 days only. Of course, actual battery life can even be lower depending on usage patterns.

In contrast, Fitbit has always taken pride in the impressive battery ratings of its wearables. Just like the Fitbit Versa 3, the Fitbit Sense can last over 6 days on a single charge. Depending on use and settings, the actual results will also vary. But for moderate usage and with GPS occasionally turned on, the Fitbit Sense is still bound to outlast the Galaxy Watch 3.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 uses a wireless charger to power up the device. Meanwhile, the Fitbit Sense comes with a slim magnetic charger for secure charging.

Verdict

If style and smart features are your priority, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. But if you put a premium on fitness and health, opt for the Fitbit Sense instead.

With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, the Korean tech giant continues its move to carve a niche in the market for smartwatches that also double as fashion pieces. It’s a feature-packed wearable that does well enough in terms of fitness and health, but excels in integration and connectivity. The Galaxy Watch 3’s default leather straps and circular display also lend it a more traditional appearance without losing on style. If you want a device that you can wear in formal occasions, this is the wearable for you.

But if you’re not a fan of the classic watch look and want a distinguishable high-tech device, consider the Fitbit Sense. It’s one of the most advanced fitness and health wearables and it looks the part. From its squircle display to its sleek form and sporty bands, the Fitbit Sense is a solid alternative to the likes of both Samsung’s Galaxy watches and the Apple Watch Series. While some of its capabilities may not be practical, you’re still getting a suite of features that’s vouched by fitness enthusiasts and health buffs alike.

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