Google Fit and Samsung Health are two of the most popular apps currently available. But which one should you choose and why? Also read: How to Add Multiple Photos to One Instagram Story Let’s find out in this comparison between Google Fit and Samsung Health.
User interface
Both apps have a smooth and easy-to-use user interface. They share a similar white background with all the important information displayed at the bottom of the screen. Google Fit feels a bit basic in this regard since it will show your profile picture first and then all the important information such as steps taken, calories burned, etc. You can also monitor your heart rate if your fitness tracker or smartwatch supports it. The app also provides you an option to add your weight using the plus icon. Samsung Health, on the other hand, will show you motivational quotes and new articles instead of your profile picture. It will also display all the fitness tracking data such as weight, heart, the number of steps, kilometers walked, etc., below it. Samsung Health will show all the important data on the first page itself, giving you more extensive information and insights as compared to Google Fit.
Steps tracking
The most basic feature that is important for any fitness app is step tracking. Both of these apps can count your steps in the background, but the algorithms used by them are different. Samsung Health will calculate all the steps, including fast and slow ones. Google Fit, on the other hand, is more focused on the fast-paced steps and adds it to the active time. So the step count will be similar in both apps, but the active time will be greater in Samsung Health.
Exercise tracking
The next important factor when choosing a health app is the number of exercises it can track. Both apps claim that they can track a large variety of exercises. Samsung Health can track 84 fitness-related activities while Google Fit can track 104 exercises. Both apps can automatically track your activities as well as provide an option to track these exercises manually. You need to carry your phone while doing most of these activities since it can track them based on the amount of time you have spent. Samsung Health provides a search option that makes it easier to find your favorite exercise, while Google Fit has no such option available.
Activity tracking
These apps, in addition to tracking workouts, can also track different parameters related to your personal health. Samsung Health has a clear edge here since it can track more things than Google Fit, such as food, water, stress, blood glucose, and more. Do note that you will require a Samsung Fitness tracker to collect some of the data. Google Fit, on the other hand, can monitor sleep, heart rate, weight, and blood pressure.
Sleep tracking
It is essential to have a good sleep after you get exhausted from a workout. Both these apps can track your sleep, and Samsung Health seems to have the upper hand here. The app will automatically track your sleep after you activate the feature. It does this by monitoring the time after you turn the screen off on your device. You will receive a notification with all the recorded information once you wake up. All you need to do is press the button to save your data. Google Fit, on the other hand, will not send you any notification, and you need to enter the data manually. The sleep tracking isn’t as good as Samsung Health and needs some improvement. It does not limit the recording of the data and can track your sleep for as long as 22 hours which isn’t realistic.
Food & calories tracking
Samsung Health can also track other things such as food data and water intake. The food data feature allows you to add hundreds of food items, and then it counts them to adjust all the calories-related information automatically. The app will suggest items from your history once you start adding things, and it also provides an option to save your favorite meals so you can add them quickly in the future. You can also check your nutrient intake summary in the app, so you plan your diet accordingly. You can also monitor your water intake to help you stay hydrated. While it does not send any notification for it but you can see the option on the main screen of the app. You can set daily targets and then keep track of your fluid levels. Google Fit does not currently provide any food (calories) tracking features to its users.
Challenges
Motivation is an important part of staying fit and healthy. Both apps offer challenges to help you stay motivated and hit some targets daily. Samsung Health has a together section that can help you connect with your friends and share challenges with them. There is also a leaderboard where you find users across the world with their data and your current position on the board. Google Fit, on the other hand, will reward you with points whenever you complete an activity. These points are added when you start running or go for a walk. You will be rewarded with more points as you complete more activities. Google has collaborated with World Health Organisation to design these points and to encourage you to complete the required exercises daily.
Third-party support
Both apps claim to support a large variety of third-party applications. You can view all the devices supported by Samsung Fit in the accessories section of the app. However, there is no list of supported apps available for Samsung Fit. Google Fit, on the other hand, supports more than 75 different fitness and wellbeing apps which include some of the most popular apps like Mi Fit, Strava, and Huawei Health.
Additional features
These apps also have some additional features that make them stand apart. The fitness tab in the Samsung Health app allows you to find and join programs where you can listen to calm music. All your achievements and rewards, such as the number of times target achieved, most steps, fastest speed, most floors climbed, etc., are visible in the left menu of the app. Google Fit keeps a record of all your activities using the Journal feature. You can check everything ranging from heart points to weight and exercises.
Samsung Health vs. Google Fit: conclusion
Both apps are great at tracking your health and fitness. Google Fit works functionality and is compatible with a large number of third-party apps and devices. Samsung Health, on the other hand, does pack more features, but it works best if you are deeply invested in Samsung’s ecosystem of devices. So choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Both apps are available for free and are great at doing their jobs.
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