Compare Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

P1 Withings ScanWatch Nova
P2 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Comparison Takeaways

Withings ScanWatch Nova

Where It Has the Edge

  • cross-platform compatibility is 4.4 vs 2.0. Cross-platform support is strong, with Android and iOS compatibility plus Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit...
  • battery life is 4.6 vs 3.0. Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly reporting weeks of use and far less...
  • materials quality is 4.7 vs 3.5. Materials quality is consistently premium in the evidence, with stainless steel cases, sapphire glass, ceramic bezels, and polished...
  • calorie tracking usefulness is 4.5 vs 3.6. Calorie tracking receives limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer finding estimated calories more accurate than a previous...

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Where It Has the Edge

  • 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.
  • third-party app support is 4.8 vs 1.5. Third-party app support is strong thanks to Google Play access and examples like Spotify and other smartwatch apps.
  • music controls is 3.7 vs 1.0. Music controls are available through the watch and Now Bar, but one reviewer found control limited to Samsung...
Average score
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch Nova
3.7
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.0
activity auto-detection
Product 1: Withings ScanWatch Nova
4.0

Reviewers generally found automatic activity detection useful, especially for walking, cycling, and everyday movement, though a few false detections show it is not flawless.

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 Nova
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 Nova
4.4

The Withings ecosystem is a major strength when paired with the app and other Withings health devices, with integrations into major phone health platforms.

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 Nova
4.0

Band quality is mostly praised for included metal and fluoroelastomer options, but sizing and micro-adjustment complaints keep it from being universally positive.

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 Nova
4.6

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly reporting weeks of use and far less charging anxiety than standard smartwatches.

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 Nova
4.5

Blood oxygen tracking is consistently treated as a useful core health feature, usually easy to trigger and presented clearly in the app.

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 Nova
3.0

Bluetooth is only lightly discussed, with one review tying workout drain to an extended phone connection rather than offering broad praise or criticism.

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 Nova
4.1

Brightness is generally adequate thanks to automatic adjustment, though direct-sun visibility and reflections can still be an issue depending on the model.

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 Nova
4.7

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium, watch-like, and appropriate for the price, especially because of the case, bezel, glass, and finishing.

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 Nova
3.8

The crown-based control system is simple and often intuitive, but one reviewer found the crown placement awkward because it presses toward the arm.

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 Nova
2.8

Call handling is basic: callers can be shown or alerted by vibration, but the watch does not replace phone-based call interaction.

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 Nova
4.5

Calorie tracking receives limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer finding estimated calories more accurate than a previous Fitbit experience.

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 Nova
2.9

Charging convenience is mixed: the long battery life reduces how often charging matters, but several reviewers disliked the proprietary or cheap-feeling charger.

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 Nova
3.6

Charging speed is acceptable rather than exceptional, usually around two hours, with one reviewer reporting a faster recharge in real use.

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 Nova
4.1

Coaching is mostly app- and subscription-driven, with health scores, VO2 max context, and wellness programs providing guidance rather than deep on-watch coaching.

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 Nova
4.4

Comfort is widely positive, helped by lighter models, silicone strap options, and all-day wearability, although the metal band can feel heavy for some.

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 Nova
4.7

The companion app is a standout, repeatedly praised for clear presentation, useful explanations, seamless syncing, and dashboard-style health tracking.

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 Nova
1.0

Contactless payments are explicitly absent, reinforcing that this is not a full-featured smartwatch.

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 Nova
4.4

Cross-platform support is strong, with Android and iOS compatibility plus Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit integrations mentioned.

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 Nova
4.2

Customization is practical rather than deep, covering notification permissions, menu order, workout order, OLED functions, goals, and strap choices.

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 Nova
3.9

Display quality is mixed-positive: the small OLED is sharp and legible, but its tiny monochrome format limits detail and smartwatch interaction.

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 Nova
4.6

Durability is supported by premium glass, water resistance, and real-world comments about the watch staying pristine through travel and 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 Nova
4.4

ECG functionality is one of the strongest health features, with repeated praise for on-demand readings, medical framing, and AFib-related capabilities.

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 Nova
3.8

Fit depends heavily on the band: some reviewers achieved an easy, secure fit, while others struggled with bracelet sizing or looseness affecting tracking.

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 Nova
3.7

Fitness tracking accuracy is good for casual use and workouts, but reviewers consistently caution that the Nova is not aimed at serious athletes.

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 Nova
2.8

GPS is a recurring weakness because the watch lacks built-in GPS, relying instead on connected phone GPS that limits phone-free workouts.

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 Nova
4.6

Health tracking accuracy is broadly praised, with reviewers comparing favorably against other devices and highlighting accurate sensor results.

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 Nova
4.5

Heart rate accuracy earns strong marks in the reviews, including direct comparisons to other devices and even a chest strap.

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 Nova
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 Nova
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 Nova
4.7

Materials quality is consistently premium in the evidence, with stainless steel cases, sapphire glass, ceramic bezels, and polished finishing repeatedly cited.

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 Nova
4.0

Menu navigation is simple and crown-driven, generally praised as intuitive despite the tiny display.

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 Nova
1.0

Music controls are explicitly missing, making the Nova a poor fit for users who want watch-based media control.

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 Nova
No score yet
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 Nova
No score yet
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 Nova
3.4

Outdoor visibility varies by reviewer and model, with sunlight readability praised in one review but reflections and direct sun criticized in others.

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 Nova
4.5

Pairing and sync reliability are generally strong, with setup and app syncing described as simple or seamless.

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 Nova
2.0

Recovery insights are weak or future-facing in the evidence, with one review noting recovery-related features were expected later rather than present.

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 Nova
3.6

Reliability is mostly good for daily wear and forget-it use, but connection loss and false activity detection appear as caveats.

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 Nova
4.8

Safety features center on heart-health alerts, AFib detection, ECG, and illness-related temperature signals, making this a strong health-first wearable.

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 Nova
3.1

Size options are limited on the regular Nova but improved by the smaller Brilliant model, so the evidence is mixed by variant.

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 Nova
3.7

Sleep tracking is useful and often accurate enough for trends, but reviewers report missed split sleep, rosy or anxiety-provoking analysis, and limited sleep-stage detail.

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 Nova
3.0

Notifications are basic and polarizing: they can alert users, but the small display and lack of replies make them limited.

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 Nova
2.4

Smartwatch features are intentionally minimal, with reviewers repeatedly framing the Nova as a health-first hybrid rather than a phone-on-wrist device.

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 Nova
4.8

Software smoothness is strong around app syncing, although some activity/map issues suggest the software is not perfect.

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 Nova
4.3

Step counting is one of the more reliable daily metrics, with reviewers praising the subdial and accurate step results.

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 Nova
No score yet
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 Nova
4.7

Style and design are the most consistent praise point, with reviewers emphasizing the luxury analog look and traditional-watch appeal.

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 Nova
1.5

Third-party app support is a clear limitation, with direct evidence that users wanting such access should look elsewhere.

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 Nova
1.0

Touchscreen responsiveness scores low because the watch has no touchscreen; all interaction is crown-based.

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 Nova
3.7

The user interface is intentionally minimalist: reviewers like its simplicity, but the small display makes notifications and richer interactions constrained.

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 Nova
3.4

Value for money is mixed: reviewers admire the quality and health features but repeatedly flag the high price and subscription angle.

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 Nova
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 Nova
3.5

Watch face quality is positive overall, with analog hands, glow-in-the-dark indexes, subdial, and hidden display giving it a real-watch identity.

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 Nova
4.2

Water resistance is a strength, especially on the 10 ATM standard Nova, though Brilliant models are rated lower at 5 ATM.

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 Nova
4.1

Wellness insights are strong in the app, especially for health scores, trends, ECG review, dashboards, and actionable explanations.

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 Nova
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 Nova
3.7

Workout tracking variety ranges from limited basic modes in some reviews to more than 40 sports in others, so it is useful but not elite.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
4.2

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