Category: mobile

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Galaxy Watch vs. Apple Watch: A User’s Perspective 2025

The Samsung Galaxy Watch has been gaining popularity, but does it truly stack up against the reigning champion, the Apple Watch? As a user who has experienced both, I’ve noticed some key differences.

Now before going to the actual differences, I would like to state that I’ve been using Apple Watch since around 2020 and also use the MI band 7 as well as other sport tracking variables.

And while the Apple Watch remains to be the best or as close to actual medical devices in terms of fitness and sleep tracking, the MI band 7 was also acceptable with decent results while other devices not so much.

So I was really looking forward to an official Apple Watch competitor from Samsung. A well-established brand that should have the necessary funds to rival Apple, as well as me using Android Galaxy phones for years.

Keep in mind that I’m not using the latest Galaxy Watch and rather the fourth version but it’s still getting updates and the tracking features are decent with not that much difference between the latest watch and my Galaxy Watch 4.

I have applied all the updates as of writing of this post. Keep in mind that this is not a review but rather a quick user perspective.

Size and Weight


One of the most noticeable differences is the bulkier size and weight of the Galaxy Watch compared to my Apple Watch 7. While some may prefer a larger display, the Galaxy Watch can feel significantly heavier on the wrist, especially during workouts or sleep.

App Ecosystem:


The app ecosystem is where the Galaxy Watch significantly lags behind. While Samsung has been expanding its app selection, it still pales in comparison to the vast and diverse app library available for the Apple Watch. This limitation can significantly impact the smartwatch’s overall functionality and usefulness.

In short, 99% of Apple Watch apps are Not available on the Galaxy Watch which is a shame as the hardware is more than capable with less restrictions than watchOS.

Strava Integration:


For fitness enthusiasts, Strava integration is crucial. While both watches can connect to Strava, the Apple Watch generally offers a smoother and more seamless experience. Non GPS activities are not synced to Strava despite having no such issue on the Apple Watch. Why Samsung?!

Health and Sleep Tracking:

Both watches offer health and sleep tracking features, but the accuracy and overall user experience can vary. Some users have reported that the Galaxy Watch’s health and sleep tracking data may not be as accurate or insightful as the Apple Watch’s.

The quantum scientist testes and compares the health features and the Galaxy Watch 4 did not score that well being out performed by the likes of MI Band.

What I did like about Samsung Health Rings is that you can change your goals and the way they are calculated unlike Apple watch where it’s set by Apple.

Conclusion


The Galaxy Watch offers a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch with its own unique features and design. However, its limitations in app selection, Strava integration, and potentially less accurate health tracking may be significant drawbacks for some users.

Especially that you can get cheaper brands like MI and Fitbit with significantly more accurate results and integration.

I am still testing and discovering features as I write this. Also Samsung have been pushing many updates that supposedly improve the accuracy and features.

Get a cheap used one if you’re using Galaxy phones obviously. Otherwise go for Apple Watch or cheaper brands.


Disclaimer: This is a personal opinion based on individual user experience. Your own experience may vary.
I hope this blog post is helpful! Let me know if you’d like me to expand on any of these points or add any additional information.

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Why I don’t play Mobile Games

Ironically plants vs zombies 2 is one of my favourite indi games. And I know that EA bought the company and ip but I still consider it indi.

Now why don’t I like mobile games? Few reasons. Most of the games are shovelware using old school as an excuse for poor gameplay mechanics. Yes there are great games and even ports of console games but those are the minority.

Another reason is controls. Yes you can now use Xbox and PlayStation controllers but realistically speaking what’s the point?

Availability. I remember buying alot of SEGA mobile games on my iPhone 4s. Most of them are no longer available to redownload for over reason or another. I already talked abut why I hate digital and subscription models so I don’t need more of this.

And finally business model. Most of these games are pay to win with endless micro transactions which end up costing more than a new console.

With that being said I still keep my eye on possible hidden gem like Sonic Jump which I also play and bought the extra characters with real money.

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The Galaxy S8 made me love big phones

I’ve been an iPhone user since the iPhone 4s. The size was good enough for me switching from Blackberry. Then came the Galaxy Note II. I hated the experience almost instantly but had to finish my contract only to get back to the iPhone 5s followed by 6s which was by far the best iPhone I used. I still regret selling it as it had been with me on both of my recent memorable trips but I traded it for the iPhone 7.

Back to the point. I got myself the Nexus 6p but also hated it for how big the phone felt comparable to my iPhone 6s. My iPhone felt just the right side until I got the Galaxy S8. I covered the phone up almost immediately as it was way too slippery for my liking slipping out of my pocket more than once.

After using the phone for 6 months I must say I got used to how big the screen was. Holding the phone felt great as it the curved screen made it feel smaller than it was. Going back to the iPhone 7 felt wired. The text size was unacceptable as well as the phone’s size in general. I would go for the plus size should I ever go back to the iPhone.

Of course, not all big phones are comfortable to hold and there are still limits on how big a usable phone is to me. The Nexus 6P shape, for example, is harder to squeeze due to its flat edges rather than the likes of the Galaxy S8 curved. The Note 8 seems impossible to use with one hand hence the reason I went to the normal size Galaxy S8. But overall I’m all for bigger phones. Bigger than the standard iPhone that is. All thanks to my S8.

The downsides of having a large phone are the inability to use it with one hand and issue of it constantly falling out of my pocket. I used a case for a better grip. Sure it made the phone little bulkier but it is a fair trade I guess. The one hand mode made it easier to navigate but nothing beats IOS double tap to minimize (one hand mode). Bottom line is, the screen looks amazing and everything displayed is pleasant to look at. If you are like me and hate big phones, get the Galaxy S8. You will love it.

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BBM is coming out with great features, but

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So Blackberry is finally rolling out some very useful features after a long lack of updates. Things like retract sent messages and timed chat much like snapchat. Problem is; they are premiere features that will require paid subscription. There are two ways to run a business: Good and Stupid. Sadly, this one is pure stupidity. Imagine me charging you as a reader a paid subscription in order to view 100% of each blog post as opposite of the free 60%? The BBM while a great chatting app is no where near the user base of whatsapp.

In order to attract consumers from the competition, you sell your app by providing features and better expirance NOT a paid plan. Now I understand, Blackberry as any other company need to make money, I have nothing against that. what I am against is the way they are trying to make money. Selling stickers and other non necessary stuff is fine. Some will argue that the new features are not needed and to that I answer with: while it is true that the new features are not needed to use BBM but are required to fully enjoy it.

I love BBM and will pick up the 9720 OS 7.1 Blackberry as a backup and chat device but paying for BBM updates is stupid. Dont get me wrong, I pay for apps across Windows, IOS and Mac so spending money is no problem, it is how and why I am spending this and that, that matters.

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Now the reason is that I am picking this up as opposite to the Q10 is that I simply love OS 7 more than BB10. Thats right, I have used a Q5 and old school devices and let me tell you; the legacy devices are way faster than BB10. That is the reason I will be picking BlackBerry 9720. Of course nostalgia plays a huge part but the device is simply a communication beast. If only OS7 continued to revice apps and updates I and many would have been loyal user.

Anyway, I really hope that BlackBerry reconsider the premium plan, at least until they gain back some market share. Not sure if the upcoming BlackBerry Passport will be the savor of BB but I hope they get back into the game. Do you agree that it is not the time for a paid subscription? Or you support BB on this?