Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet are very similar in functionality. Which one is the most interesting? For what type of user? We tell you everything.
As NFC began to take over our smartphones, manufacturers and developers were quick to recognize its interest in mobile payments. Then came services like Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay. These services have since evolved into very complete Wallet digital wallets used to store important documents and of course contactless payment with virtual credit cards.
What is Google Wallet?
Google is present in almost all technology markets. Google Wallet, launched in July 2022, is technically just an extension of the service known as Google Pay, which has been renamed Android Pay in most markets. In the US and Singapore, Google Pay still exists alongside Google Wallet as an independent app. Google Wallet now serves as a payment processor and digital wallet in all other countries.
The features of Google Wallet cover everything you can imagine in a digital wallet. Payment and storage of cards, of course, but also the possibility of storing transport tickets, events, identity documents, permits and loyalty cards. If you have a smartphone with an NFC chip, paying with Google Wallet is as easy as selecting the correct payment method at checkout and holding your smartphone.
What is a Samsung Wallet?
Samsung Wallet was born in June 2022 as a result of the merger between Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. While Wallet was limited to just six countries at launch, its rollout has expanded significantly since then.
Samsung Wallet data is stored in Knox, a Samsung environment that centralizes encrypted information in non-volatile memory and is protected from malware and other malicious attacks. Samsung Wallet is available exclusively on Galaxy devices running Android 9 or later, up to and including the Samsung Galaxy S8. Some entry-level devices are incompatible due to lack of required hardware components. Ultimately, pace remains the most limiting factor: as of today, Samsung Wallet is only available in 21 countries. Like Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet can store loyalty cards, transit cards, car keys, health data, and more.
Samsung Wallet offers niche features
In terms of functionality, Samsung Wallet integrates a crypto wallet that is compatible with the Coinbase and Gemini exchanges. It can store bitcoins, ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. However, Google Wallet handles transportation maps better thanks to its integration with Google Maps. And while both apps can manage digital car keys from partner brands, Samsung Wallet can also support digital home keys for locks connected to SmartThings.
Another reason you might prefer Google Wallet over Samsung Wallet is smartwatch integration. While contactless payment with Google Wallet works with any smartwatch running WearOS 2.0 or later with NFC, Samsung Wallet is only supported on Galaxy Watch. Both Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet also offer two-factor authentication and biometrics as a security measure, but the storage procedure is different. Google stores data securely in the cloud for syncing, while Samsung stores data locally on each device, making it difficult to switch devices.
The Google Ecosystem Wins
The main benefit of Google Wallet remains its integration with your Google account, especially for Chrome users. Once connected to the Chrome browser, the latter can access and use your wallet information to facilitate payment procedures. Many sites support Google Pay, and even if they don’t, Google Chrome can use the information from the card stored in your Google Wallet and automatically fill out the form to save you time. It also makes it easier to protect and recover your data if your device is lost or stolen. However, Samsung Galaxy users who also have a Samsung account can do the same.
While many merchants accept Samsung Wallet and Samsung Pay (like Google Pay), these integrations are less common and only available on mobile devices. If you have cards saved in your Samsung Wallet, information may be automatically filled in on mobile sites if your password manager is Samsung Pass or Samsung Wallet. Your preferred ecosystem will be the most important factor when choosing between Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Top reasons to use Samsung’s solution: If you have a Samsung SmartThings smart lock, want to avoid cloud storage, or need cryptocurrency support.