From Engadget · Jack Peachey · · 1m 20s
Google vs. Samsung: Which digital wallet wins?
Samsung and Google wallets both work on Galaxy phones, but each excels in different areas.
In brief
Samsung and Google wallets both work on Galaxy phones, but each excels in different areas. Samsung Galaxy owners don't have to pick one wallet. Google Wallet works across more devices and supports more digital IDs, while Samsung Wallet offers better crypto support and hardware-level security. Originally reported by…
Two wallets, one phone
Samsung and Google both offer digital wallets on Galaxy devices that store cards, tickets, IDs, and keys. They share most features but differ in important ways.
Google's cross-device advantage
Google Wallet works on Android phones, smartwatches, and the web. Samsung Wallet only works on Samsung devices, limiting its reach.
Digital ID support favors Google
Google Wallet supports digital IDs in 11 states and Puerto Rico. Samsung Wallet works in only 8 states, though it has West Virginia where Google doesn't.
Samsung leads on crypto
Samsung Wallet lets you link crypto services like Coinbase to view and manage digital assets alongside your cards. Google Wallet doesn't offer this.
Samsung's security edge
Both wallets use strong encryption, but Samsung integrates with KNOX for hardware-level security. This gives Samsung a slight advantage for protecting sensitive data.
Use both, pick neither
Galaxy owners can set both wallets as defaults and use whichever fits the situation. There's no need to choose one over the other.
What matters most
Samsung Galaxy owners don't have to pick one wallet. Google Wallet works across more devices and supports more digital IDs, while Samsung Wallet offers better crypto support and hardware-level security.
