Compare Withings ScanWatch 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

P1 Withings ScanWatch 2
P2 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Comparison Takeaways

Withings ScanWatch 2

Where It Has the Edge

  • cross-platform compatibility is 4.2 vs 2.0. Cross-platform support is a strength, with reviewers citing iOS, Android, Apple Health, Google Fit or Health Connect compatibility.
  • battery life is 4.6 vs 3.0. Battery life was the most consistently praised attribute, with reviewers regularly getting multiple weeks and sometimes close to...
  • materials quality is 4.6 vs 3.5. Materials quality was consistently strong, with repeated praise for stainless steel, sapphire glass, premium build materials, and high-grade...
  • durability is 4.6 vs 3.7. Durability was praised thanks to sapphire glass, stainless steel, water resistance, and reports of no visible scratches after...

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Where It Has the Edge

  • third-party app support is 4.8 vs 1.0. Third-party app support is strong thanks to Google Play access and examples like Spotify and other smartwatch apps.
  • contactless payments is 4.5 vs 1.0. Contactless payments are clearly supported through NFC, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, or mobile payments, and reviewers treat them...
  • touchscreen responsiveness is 4.4 vs 1.0. Touchscreen responsiveness is strong overall, with reviewers noting instantaneous responses, very responsive gestures, and quick bezel-style swiping.
  • call handling is 4.5 vs 1.3. Call handling is well supported, with reviewers noting calls and texts from the watch and direct Bluetooth phone-call...
Average score
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.3
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0
activity auto-detection
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.3

Reviewers found auto-detection useful in concept but inconsistent in practice, with some praising automatic walking/running recognition and others reporting flaky, false, or missing detection.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.3

Automatic workout detection was generally prompt and useful for CrossFit, walks, bike rides, and common exercises, though one reviewer noted detection can take a few minutes.

antioxidant index
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
No score yet
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
2.9

Reviewers treated the antioxidant index as a novel but uneven health metric: one called it unique, while several questioned usefulness, verification, or anxiety risk.

app ecosystem
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.7

The broader ecosystem is strongest for people already using Withings or health-platform integrations, though app changes and paid layers made the experience less universally satisfying.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.6

The app ecosystem is a strength because Google Play and Wear OS provide major smartwatch apps alongside Samsung's own software layer.

band quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.3

Band impressions were split: several reviewers liked the fluoroelastomer or silicone strap, while others found it itchy, slippery, or poorly fitted enough to replace.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Bands are usually described as soft, comfortable, and easier to swap, but the new proprietary lug system and compatibility limits reduce enthusiasm.

battery life
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.6

Battery life was the most consistently praised attribute, with reviewers regularly getting multiple weeks and sometimes close to a month between charges.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.0

Battery life is the most consistent weakness: reviewers usually got about one day to a day and a half, with heavier use requiring daily charging.

blood oxygen tracking
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.0

Blood oxygen support was widely noted as a useful health feature, though reviewers varied from calling readings accurate to noting occasional inconclusive or basic behavior.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Blood oxygen tracking is repeatedly listed as available for sleep and general health monitoring, with reviewers treating SpO2 as a standard included health metric.

Bluetooth connectivity
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.2

Bluetooth-connected use is functional for phone pairing and connected GPS, but the watch depends on the phone/app rather than offering a fully independent connection experience.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Bluetooth support is present for models, headphones, speakers, and phone-call features, with later reviews also noting Bluetooth 5.3.

brightness
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.7

Brightness was generally adequate and sometimes praised, but one reviewer found the small screen harder to see in bright light.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.6

Brightness is a major upgrade, with multiple reviewers citing the 3,000-nit peak brightness as a useful step up.

build quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.5

Build quality was a clear strength, with repeated praise for the stainless case, solid feel, and premium analog-watch construction.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.1

Build quality is mostly positive thanks to sapphire glass, durability ratings, and the cushion case, although raised-screen confidence varies by reviewer.

button controls
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.0

The crown-based controls were usually seen as simple and tactile, though the one-button design can feel limiting compared with touch-first smartwatches.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.6

Button controls are useful but mixed: customizable presses and gestures help, while several reviewers prefer the Classic's tactile controls or find base buttons underused.

call handling
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
1.3

Call handling is minimal: reviewers repeatedly noted that the watch can show or alert for calls but cannot take or answer them from the wrist.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.5

Call handling is well supported, with reviewers noting calls and texts from the watch and direct Bluetooth phone-call support.

calorie tracking usefulness
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.3

Calorie data appears as part of workout or activity summaries, but reviewers treated it as basic supporting information rather than a standout coaching metric.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.6

Calorie usefulness is present but not a standout: reviewers mention Energy Score, calories burned, and manual food/calorie entry rather than deep calorie guidance.

charging convenience
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.5

Charging convenience was mixed: the newer cradle is more secure for some reviewers, while others found the proprietary dock flimsy, fiddly, or clunky.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.3

Charging convenience is mixed: the magnetic puck or cable is included, but there is no wall brick and reverse wireless charging is not supported.

charging speed
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.1

Charging speed was consistently acceptable, with reviewers generally reporting roughly 90 minutes to two hours for a full charge.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.6

Charging speed ranges from solid short top-ups to underwhelming full charges, with reviewers reporting roughly 30 minutes to around half and up to nearly two hours for full.

coaching features
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.0

Coaching features mostly live in the app or Withings+; reviewers liked some gentle prompts and sleep tips but often questioned the subscription's value.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Coaching features are a major theme, especially Running Coach and sleep guidance; reviewers found them motivating and actionable but not always deeply personalized.

comfort
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.2

Comfort was usually good for all-day wear, helped by the lighter hybrid design, though sleep comfort and strap fit were not consistent for everyone.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.5

Comfort earns the strongest praise, with many reviewers saying the thinner design, fit, and band make it easy to wear all day, during workouts, and overnight.

companion app quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.5

The companion app drew mixed reviews: it can show detailed health data and reports, but reviewers also criticized glitches, busy layout, and unclear insights.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.9

The companion app experience is split: Samsung Health is praised as useful and well designed, but needing multiple apps and setup attention is a recurring friction point.

contactless payments
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
1.0

Contactless payments are effectively absent, with multiple reviewers explicitly noting no payment support.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.5

Contactless payments are clearly supported through NFC, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, or mobile payments, and reviewers treat them as expected smartwatch functionality.

cross-platform compatibility
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.2

Cross-platform support is a strength, with reviewers citing iOS, Android, Apple Health, Google Fit or Health Connect compatibility.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
2.0

Cross-platform compatibility is a weakness because the watch targets Android/Samsung users and explicitly does not work with iPhone, with some features reserved for Samsung phones.

customization options
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.4

Customization is decent for bands, sizes, colors, menus, and app-controlled screens, but limited for watch faces and deeper interface changes.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.5

Customization is strong through customizable tiles, stacked widgets, app layout options, and easy access to running tasks through the Now Bar.

display quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.7

Display quality is sharp and readable for its size, but the tiny grayscale screen remains a major limitation for messages and rich fitness data.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.6

Display quality is widely praised, with reviewers describing the AMOLED screen as vivid, gorgeous, bright, and beautiful.

durability
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.6

Durability was praised thanks to sapphire glass, stainless steel, water resistance, and reports of no visible scratches after use.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.7

Durability is mixed: official ratings and extra case material help, but soft aluminum, raised glass, and scratch/ding concerns appear in several reviews.

ECG functionality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.4

ECG functionality was one of the strongest health features, repeatedly described as medical-grade, easy to use, FDA-approved, or shareable with doctors.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.2

ECG functionality is present and one reviewer calls ECG readings dependable, with others listing ECG among the retained health features.

fit
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.9

Fit depended heavily on wrist size and strap choice: some reviewers found it lighter and comfortable, while others found the case or supplied strap awkward.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.4

Fit is a meaningful upgrade, with dynamic lugs and a snuger wrist position improving comfort and sensor contact.

fitness tracking accuracy
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.6

Fitness tracking accuracy was mixed, with some strong heart-rate and pace comparisons but enough missing, incomplete, or high-intensity issues to keep it from sports-watch territory.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.6

Fitness tracking accuracy is good but not flawless: some reviewers saw Garmin-like agreement, while others found treadmill or distance tracking off.

GPS accuracy
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.3

GPS was a recurring weakness because most reviewers reported no built-in GPS and reliance on phone-connected GPS, despite some acceptable connected-GPS results.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.9

GPS is capable and dual-band, but reviews are mixed between fast/accurate route tracking and concerns that it falls short of top sports watches.

health tracking accuracy
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.8

Health tracking accuracy was broadly promising for core metrics, but confidence varied due to sleep, heart-rate, and app-data inconsistencies.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.1

General health tracking accuracy is solid overall, with reviewers calling data accurate or comprehensive, while not every experimental metric proves equally useful.

heart rate accuracy
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.2

Heart-rate accuracy was inconsistent: some tests matched straps or other devices closely, while others found daytime, swim, or high-intensity readings unreliable.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.6

Heart-rate accuracy receives strong marks, with reviewers reporting very accurate readings or differences of only a few beats compared with controls.

LTE connectivity
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
No score yet
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

LTE is available as an option and can support standalone use, but several mentions frame it as an add-on rather than a core tested strength.

mapping and navigation
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
No score yet
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.3

Mapping and navigation are useful when Gemini calls up Google Maps, but one reviewer found it still pushed actual directions to the phone.

materials quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.6

Materials quality was consistently strong, with repeated praise for stainless steel, sapphire glass, premium build materials, and high-grade construction.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.5

Materials are mixed: reviewers mention armor aluminum and sapphire, but some found the aluminum case relatively soft or less durable than stainless steel alternatives.

menu navigation
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.2

Menu navigation was understandable once learned, but reviewers often described scrolling, submenus, or crown-only navigation as clunky or tedious.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.2

Menu navigation improves through tiles and quick access, but reviewers still criticize the digital bezel, sensitivity, and lack of stronger tactile navigation on the base model.

music controls
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
1.0

Music controls are absent, and reviewers repeatedly mentioned the lack as part of the watch's limited smartwatch feature set.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.7

Music controls are available through the watch and Now Bar, but one reviewer found control limited to Samsung Music in testing.

onboard music storage
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
1.0

Onboard music storage is not supported; the only direct reviewer mention grouped offline music among missing smartwatch features.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Onboard music support is credible because reviewers cite 32GB storage and the ability to download music, though the Classic offers more storage.

operating system experience
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.0

The HealthSense software platform was presented as modern and health-focused, supporting the newer temperature and wellness tracking features.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.3

The operating system experience is improved, with Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 described as better, modern, colorful, and engaging.

outdoor visibility
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.6

Outdoor visibility was serviceable overall, with some reviewers calling the display readable outdoors and others finding bright-light viewing harder.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.5

Outdoor visibility is very strong thanks to the brighter display, with reviewers saying it is readable or easy to see outdoors and in direct sunlight.

pairing reliability
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.6

Pairing and connection reliability were praised in the reviews that discussed setup, including instant pairing, straightforward setup, and a rock-solid app connection.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Pairing reliability appears straightforward in the available evidence, with the wearable app walking users through setup after the pairing prompt.

recovery insights
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.0

Recovery insights are a meaningful upgrade, especially through HRV and temperature tracking, though some recovery-related features or analysis remain basic or subscription-tied.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Recovery insights are useful through bedtime guidance, recovery times, vascular-load context, and post-workout actionable suggestions.

reliability
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.3

Reliability was a concern in several reviews, especially around app syncing, missed notifications, sleep misclassification, and confidence in sensor output.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.5

Reliability is mostly good for tasks, but not perfect: one reviewer had no snags, while another noticed software gremlins.

safety features
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.1

Safety features are a strength, with reviewers citing temperature alerts, overheating warnings, sleep-apnea detection, AFib/ECG support, and related health alerts.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Safety features include an SOS shortcut through repeated button presses, though emergency functionality receives limited discussion.

size options
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.3

Size options were well covered, with repeated mentions of 38mm and 42mm cases, though reviewers differed on which size best fit smaller wrists.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Size options are straightforward, with the base watch offered in 40mm and 44mm sizes across reviewers.

sleep tracking accuracy
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.1

Sleep tracking accuracy was mixed: some reviewers found it comparable or useful, while others reported missed sleep, overestimates, or poor handling of wake periods.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.1

Sleep tracking is generally strong and often described as accurate or detailed, though at least one reviewer still saw disagreement on sleep-stage details.

smartphone notifications
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.6

Smartphone notifications are limited by the small scrolling display and inconsistent delivery, useful for quick glances but poor for long messages or interaction.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.5

Smartphone notifications are functional and reply-capable, but reviewers disagree on prominence, with some finding alerts easy to miss.

smartwatch features
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.1

Smartwatch features are intentionally sparse, with reviewers repeatedly describing the ScanWatch 2 as more watch or tracker than full smartwatch.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.4

Smartwatch features are broad, spanning apps, Gemini, calls, texts, payments, health tools, and phone-extension functions.

software smoothness
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.8

Software smoothness received limited direct evidence, with one reviewer finding the app decent but inconsistent enough to need fixes.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.2

Software smoothness is mostly strong, with snappy, responsive, modern performance repeatedly noted, though wake-up slowness appears in one review.

step counting accuracy
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.6

Step counting was generally acceptable but not perfectly aligned with other devices, with reviewers describing it as precise, conservative, or occasionally uneven.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Step counting looks reasonably accurate, with manual alignment and only small variances reported.

stress tracking
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.0

Stress tracking is indirect rather than a full stress platform, relying on HRV, recovery, and breathing data while lacking richer readiness-style stress features.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.7

Stress tracking is present through stress-level views, breathing exercises, high-stress alerts, and manual monitoring options.

style and design
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.5

Style and design were the strongest consensus positives, with reviewers repeatedly praising the traditional analog look, premium elegance, and subtle hybrid design.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.9

Style and design are polarizing but often praised: reviewers like the refreshed, minimalist cushion look, while some strongly dislike the standard model's appearance.

third-party app support
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
1.0

Third-party app support is essentially absent on the watch itself, even though the phone app can share health data with outside platforms.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.8

Third-party app support is strong thanks to Google Play access and examples like Spotify and other smartwatch apps.

touchscreen responsiveness
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
1.0

Touchscreen responsiveness scores low because the ScanWatch 2 does not have a touchscreen; interaction relies on the crown and small display.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.4

Touchscreen responsiveness is strong overall, with reviewers noting instantaneous responses, very responsive gestures, and quick bezel-style swiping.

user interface
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.7

The user interface is simple and elegant for basic health data, but constrained by the small screen and crown-only interaction.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.3

The user interface is one of the bigger upgrades, with Now Bar, better tiles, quick toggles, and smoother layouts drawing repeated praise.

value for money
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
2.9

Value for money was mixed to weak: reviewers liked the premium health-watch concept but often questioned the price versus smarter or cheaper alternatives.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
3.7

Value for money is mixed: some reviewers gave strong recommendations, while others questioned the price increase or upgrade value.

voice assistant quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
No score yet
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.5

Voice assistant quality is a standout because Gemini is repeatedly described as useful, faster, better than older assistants, and well integrated.

watch face quality
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.5

The watch face quality was praised for its traditional analog appearance, secondary step dial, and discreet hybrid integration.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.3

Watch face quality is good, with customizable faces, new designs, phone editing, and broad watch-face access mentioned.

water resistance
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
4.3

Water resistance is a clear plus, with reviewers repeatedly citing 5ATM protection, swimming, shower, or 50-meter suitability.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.2

Water resistance is solid, with 5 ATM, IP ratings, and real swim/lake use appearing in the evidence.

wellness insights
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.9

Wellness insights are broad and health-focused, but reviewers split on whether the free app and Withings+ make the data actionable enough.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Wellness insights are broad and often useful, especially Energy Score, Vascular Load, sleep coaching, and bedtime guidance, although some reviewers found the data overload or limited impact mixed.

Wi-Fi connectivity
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
No score yet
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0

Wi-Fi connectivity is supported, including 5GHz Wi-Fi in one review, but reviewers mostly mention it as a spec or requirement for connected AI use.

workout tracking variety
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch 2
3.6

Workout variety is respectable for casual users, with 30 to around 50 activities mentioned, but the depth and athlete-focused metrics remain limited.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.2

Workout tracking variety is broad, with many activity modes and automatic activity detection mentioned across reviews.