Samsung Pay vs Apple Pay: Which Is Better?

Samsung and Apple have always come head-to-head for almost everything. Whether it’s mobile or home assistance, or even for mobile applications, their rivalry stories are endless. With competition, there goes a victory. But in the case of Samsung pay vs Apple pay, which of these easy mobile payments are better and more trustworthy is yet to be discussed.

Hence, we put them side by side for a thorough comparison, from its security, convenience to their advantages. Subsequently, in each category, we’ll deduce a winner.

But first, we need to understand what’s a mobile payment.

What is a Mobile Payment Platform?

With the rise in demand for easy payment solutions, Mobile Payment platforms have gained a footing in the digital payments market. To put it in simpler words, a mobile payment platform is a form of digital communications technology which helps users perform monetary transactions in a quicker and more convenient way. And due to its convenience and security, many merchants and consumers alike now have slowly transitioned into using this technology.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Electronics has provided its own mobile payment platform for the convenience of its many patrons worldwide in the form of Samsung Pay. This is the company’s own digital wallet and payment service made available to use with the company’s flagship devices. Initially launched in South Korea on August 28, 2015, and in the US on September 16 of the same year, the service is currently available in 25 countries worldwide.

Apple Pay

Apple holds a significant part of the smartphone market, most of whom use their phones exclusively. So, Apple provided its patrons with a digital payment service of their own through Apple Pay. The service initially launched on September 14, 2014, in the United States. Since then, the service has expanded globally, and now, it’s available in 52 countries around the world.

Head-To-Head Comparison

1. Convenience

What we are looking for from mobile payment is convenience. This means you can go shopping and skip the fuss without worrying about not having sufficient cash in your wallet. Though both of these mobile payment platforms boast the same goal, there’s still a hinge of difference to take note.

Samsung Pay has is an e-wallet and can function as a payment method. As a user, you can opt for an e-wallet that allows you to save your bank card at ease and systematically. Let’s say you have multiple credit and debit cards, Samsung Pay comes to fix your problem to safe-keep your card details with just a swipe on the mobile for payment. Besides, it has the capability to store details beyond just cards but details that range from your loyalty card to gym membership information.

Just in case it’s not convincing enough, Samsung Pay allows its users to collect points every time they use the app for payment. Eventually, the points are convertible for vouchers or any desired products on the catalog via the Samsung Rewards program.

As compared to Apple pay, it boasts similar functionality. But, what makes Apple pay distinctively different from Samsung Pay is its capability to allow Apple users to save more extensive information in the library. Beyond credit card details, you can also keep track of your boarding passes, movie tickets and even your school ID in your Apple Wallet.

When it comes to payments, both Apple Pay and Samsung pay let you make online transactions, in-person transactions, and even peer-to-peer transfers. Though Apple Pay doesn’t have an MST feature, it recently launched the Apple Card as an alternative for your purchases. However, the downside your transaction is subjected to a 3% transaction fee if you’re using the Apple Card.

Winner: Apple Pay

2. Technology

Let’s admit that the battle between Samsung Pay vs Apple Pay is ferocious. But, in the end, consumers like us is the one who’ll be benefited. And since there’s competition, there will be a winner. In comparing the technology being used for these mobile payment platforms, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay work quite similarly. For example, they both use near-field communication (NFC) technology for fast transactions and to power contactless payments. With just a tab on the mobile to a compatible terminal, your mobile will notify you when a transaction is successfully made.

However, as we mentioned earlier, Apply Pay doesn’t come with the MST feature. Hence, the Apple Card is implemented to curb the issue. The Apple Card works exactly like Apply Pay with all required details linked to the Apple Pay account and it helps you to tracks your purchases and visually reports them on your Apple Pay account.

Whereas with the magnetic secure transmission (MST) on Samsung Pay means a user can use this payment platform practically on any platform. Hence, merchants can save up some money to upgrade their sales systems. And that’s one of the reasons why merchants are far more supportive of the use of Samsung Pay over Apple Pay.

One thing for sure, both of these mobile payment platforms work even in an offline mode. That means, even without wifi or mobile data, a transaction can be made with just the app.

Winner: Samsung Pay

3. Security

Samsung Pay offers multiple layers of protection. Its first line of defense is the verification code you’ve inputted while setting up the app. This ensures that all transactions from your account are being deliberately done by you. Samsung Pay is also covered by their partner bank’s security measures and it uses tokenization technology. So, merchants only receive randomized encrypted codes instead of your actual card details.

What impresses us the most is Samsung took an initiative by adding another layer of security in the form of its Samsung Knox technology. What it does is it monitors your phone’s activity and information, making sure it’s secure all the time.

Apple Pay, on the other hand, also boasts on its security features in its device’s hardware and software. Similar to Samsung, all transactions need to be authenticated by TouchID, FaceID or passcodes. It also uses tokens when making transactions with NFC terminals so that merchants can’t see the information of your credit or debit card. The tokens used by Apple Pay are generated and stored in a security chip built into the device.

Additionally, Apple claims that it doesn’t store your personal information and transaction details on any of their cloud servers. However, details of recent transactions are usually saved in the Wallet app, which will be erased after a period of time. And if you lose your phone, all of the card details will be wiped out remotely.

Honestly, both of these platforms come hand-in-hand tightly in this match. But if we were to choose a winner, Samsung is leading given its effort for additional security.

Winner: Samsung Pay

4. Compatibility

Samsung Pay initially launched in 2015 in South Korea and the United States. Since then, the service has expanded and it’s now available in 25 different countries. Within those nations, Samsung Pay is seen to be used universally as it can transact using both NFC technology and MST technology.

Samsung’s flagship and mid-range Galaxy phones and gear are the only devices compatible with Samsung Pay. Despite Samsung being an Android phone, the platform is exclusive to the company’s devices. You can only use the app with Galaxy phones from Note 5 released in 2015 to the latest S10 Plus phone. The Galaxy Watch, Watch 2, Gear S2, Gear S3, and Gear Sport can also run the app.

Whereas Apple pay made its way to iPhones and other Apple devices starting in late 2014. It is now available worldwide in 52 countries. As compared to its compatibility, Apple Pay is available in most Apple devices released since the iPhone 6. This includes every iPhone offering since then, every iPad released since iPad 2, all Apple Watch versions, and even Mac Computers with TouchID. Apple Pay is also usable via the tech company’s own web browser, Safari. For this category, we are giving it to Apple since it caters to a wider range of its products.

Winner: Apple Pay

5. Longevity

When comparing Samsung Pay vs Apple Pay, there are a few similarities that can limit the operations of the two services in the future. Both platforms offer their full features to only a limited number of countries using only the gadgets each of them exclusively manufacture.

Yes, Samsung Pay seems to be more universally accepted, thanks to its MST compatibility. However, Apple Pay isn’t slow in offering solutions to adapt to its limitations, like how they recently released the Apple card. And with the speed of adaptability Apple has, it may surpass Samsung pay in terms of sustainability and longevity unless Samsung also manages to catch up.

Winner: Samsung

The Verdict

Given that you reside in an area where both Samsung Pay and Apple pay are widely accepted, the winner may depend on your wants and needs. If you want to make physical purchases in a more convenient fashion, with zero use of any physical cards, you may opt to use Samsung Pay. However, if you value the security or convenience of being able to use one payment platform for both in-person and online purposes through your web browser, then Apple Pay is the way to go.

Samsung Pay vs Apple Pay: How to set up?

Samsung Pay

Setting up your Samsung Pay is pretty straightforward. You simply need to download the app from the Play Store if it doesn’t come pre-installed on your devices. Once it’s installed, open it up and sign in with your Samsung account. Then, choose which verification feature you want to use during transactions. You can pick from adding a PIN code, a fingerprint, or an iris scan.

After setting up the verification feature, you can now add the details of the cards you want to use. You can either do this by manually typing in the form or making use of the app’s scan feature using your camera. Then, follow the instructions to verify your card.

Apple Pay

Setting up Apple Pay on an iPhone device is a breeze. You simply need to open the Wallet app, which is commonly already installed on an Apple device. Since your phone will most likely already be connected to your Apple ID, you don’t need to log in.

While on the app, tap on the add card icon and follow the prompts on the screen to add your card details. Type in your card’s security codes and then hit submit. Next, wait for and follow verification instructions from your card’s issuer and wait for confirmation. After this, you’re now free to use the card in transactions.

Samsung Pay vs Apple Pay: How to use?

Samsung Pay

Sending payment in person using Samsung Pay is also easy to do. While at the payment counter, swipe up on your phone’s home screen and open your application. Then, pick which credit or debit card you want to make a payment then choose a payment mode by inputting your chosen verification feature.

After this, hold your device next to the payment terminal and wait for it to be detected. Once the payment has been confirmed, you’ll get a notification about the transaction. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to input a PIN code at the terminal if you’re using a debit card. Also, do note that Samsung doesn’t charge fees when making a transaction.

Apple Pay

Paying in person is quick and easy using Apple pay. You have two ways to do this, and their main difference is how you authenticate the transaction. The first way is to use the Face ID using compatible phones. First, press the side button of your device twice. Doing this opens the Apple Pay app. Then, glance towards the front of your phone for your face ID to verify the transaction. Hold your phone near the terminal until you see a confirmation on your screen, and you’re good to go.

On the other hand, if you’re using TouchID to verify an Apple Pay transaction, double-tap on the home button. Keep your finger on it for a few seconds until you receive a prompt to hold your phone near the terminal. Then, simply follow the prompt and wait for a confirmation notification to pop up on your screen.

There are times when TouchID or FaceID doesn’t register correctly during a transaction. During those scenarios, you can choose to verify your purchase with a passcode instead.

Takeaways

The future is here, and the technology makes our lives easier. Since purchasing is a normal part of life, looking into which mobile payment platform can help you best is a must.

When it comes to Samsung Pay vs Apple pay, choosing to use one over the other depends on what features you want to prioritize and what limitations you have. While this is a relatively new piece of tech today, it can be the norm tomorrow. So it’s best to know what you’re looking for as early as now.

If you want to know more about Samsung Pay vs Google Pay, click here.