Withings ScanWatch 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic - Clinical Comparison
Compare Withings ScanWatch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic side-by-side with clinical performance scores, FDA status, pricing, and expert recommendations
Performance Metrics
Performance Metrics
ECG Accuracy
Measures how closely the device's rhythm recordings match clinical gold-standard ECG machines.
ECG Accuracy
Measures how closely the device's rhythm recordings match clinical gold-standard ECG machines.
Ease of Use
Evaluates the simplicity of the hardware interface and the physical process of taking a reading.
Ease of Use
Evaluates the simplicity of the hardware interface and the physical process of taking a reading.
Health Feature Set
Assesses the breadth and depth of available health monitoring tools, including sensors and alerts.
Health Feature Set
Assesses the breadth and depth of available health monitoring tools, including sensors and alerts.
Value for Money
Compares the device's features and clinical utility against its market price and subscription costs.
Value for Money
Compares the device's features and clinical utility against its market price and subscription costs.
Clinical Efficacy
Clinical Efficacy
AFib Detection Accuracy
The accuracy of the device in correctly identifying Atrial Fibrillation.
AFib Detection Accuracy
The accuracy of the device in correctly identifying Atrial Fibrillation.
Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy
The precision of heart rate tracking during rest and physical activity.
Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy
The precision of heart rate tracking during rest and physical activity.
SpO2 Measurement Accuracy
How closely blood oxygen readings match medical-grade pulse oximeters.
SpO2 Measurement Accuracy
How closely blood oxygen readings match medical-grade pulse oximeters.
Health Alert Reliability
The dependability of automated alerts for irregular rhythms or high/low heart rates.
Health Alert Reliability
The dependability of automated alerts for irregular rhythms or high/low heart rates.
Specifications
| Specification | Withings ScanWatch 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 | $450 |
| FDA Status | FDA 510(k) Cleared | FDA 510(k) Cleared |
| Clinical Evidence | Strong Clinical Evidence | Strong Clinical Evidence |
| Clinical Recommendation | Highly Recommended | Highly Recommended |
| Connectivity |
bluetooth
|
bluetooth
wifi
nfc
cellular
|
Value for Money
Withings ScanWatch 2
Strengths
- ✓ Incredible 35-day battery life reduces charging anxiety and improves data continuity
- ✓ FDA-cleared single-lead ECG with high clinical specificity (100.0%)
- ✓ Continuous 24/7 temperature monitoring for early illness detection
- ✓ Elegant analog design suitable for formal and professional settings
- ✓ Comprehensive PDF reporting for medical-grade data sharing with doctors
Limitations
- × Approximately 19.5% of ECG recordings may be deemed inconclusive in clinical settings
- × Small 0.63-inch grayscale OLED display may be difficult for some to read
- × Irregular heart rhythm notifications are currently not available for US users
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Strengths
- ✓ FDA-authorized Sleep Apnea detection (first of its kind)
- ✓ Iconic rotating bezel for superior haptic navigation
- ✓ FDA-cleared ECG and Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications
- ✓ Stunning 3000-nit Super AMOLED display for outdoor visibility
- ✓ Advanced BIA sensor for body fat and muscle mass tracking
Limitations
- × ECG and IHRN features require a Samsung Galaxy smartphone
- × Blood pressure monitoring still pending FDA approval in the US
- × Shorter battery life (~2 days) compared to hybrid health watches
Expert Review Summary
Our clinical assessment and verdict for each device
Withings ScanWatch 2
"A sophisticated hybrid watch that bridges the gap between traditional aesthetics and advanced medical-grade health surveillance, featuring an industry-leading 35-day battery life."
The Withings ScanWatch 2 (Model HWA10) is a premier hybrid smartwatch that integrates advanced clinical sensors into a timeless analog design. Its core medical utility centers on the Scan Monitor, which is FDA-cleared for recording single-lead ECG rhythms to detect Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Clinical validation in a study of 262 subjects demonstrated a 96.3% sensitivity for AFib detection and 100.0% specificity for normal sinus rhythm. Beyond its EKG capabilities, the device features the TempTech 24/7 module, which uses a heat-flux sensor and a temperature sensor to provide continuous baseline temperature variations. It also passively monitors for irregular heart rhythms via a multi-channel PPG sensor and tracks blood oxygen (SpO2) levels. Designed for health-conscious adults (22+ in the U.S.), the ScanWatch 2 offers a 'spot-checking' approach to health monitoring, providing professional-grade PDF reports for easy data sharing with clinicians. While its grayscale OLED screen is minimal, its 35-day battery life ensures near-continuous health data collection that few other smartwatches can match.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
"The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the most complete health-monitoring wearable for Android users, combining traditional watch aesthetics with groundbreaking FDA-authorized diagnostic tools."
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Model SM-L500) represents a significant leap in wearable health technology, reintroducing the beloved physical rotating bezel alongside a powerhouse of medical sensors. Its primary clinical feature is the Samsung BioActive Sensor, which supports an FDA-cleared ECG app and an Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) system. In clinical validation, the ECG algorithm demonstrated a 98.3% sensitivity for detecting AFib and a 99.6% specificity for normal sinus rhythm. Notably, the Watch 8 series is the first to offer FDA-authorized Sleep Apnea detection, which monitors blood oxygen (SpO2) and breathing disruptions over two nights to identify signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The device also includes Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for body composition, continuous heart rate tracking, and skin temperature monitoring. While its 3000-nit Super AMOLED display and 3nm Exynos W1000 processor ensure peak performance, its greatest strength is the seamless integration with the Samsung Health Monitor app, though users should note that ECG and IHRN features require a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Where to Buy
Verified purchase options and current availability
Withings ScanWatch 2
Withings Direct
$349.95Amazon
$349.95Best Buy
$349.99Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Top ChoiceSamsung Direct
$449.99Best Buy
$449.99Amazon
$389.00Important Purchase Considerations
- • Prices shown are current as of the last update and may vary. Always verify pricing at the retailer's website.
- • Some medical devices may require a prescription. Check with your healthcare provider before purchasing.
- • Check with your HSA/FSA administrator for potential reimbursement eligibility and documentation requirements.
- • Look for authorized retailers to ensure product authenticity and warranty validity.