Google Pay vs. Samsung Pay: Which tap to pay system is best?

As smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, the way we make payments has also evolved. The introduction of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to Android phones in 2011 marked a turning point in the world of mobile payments. Many carriers tried to stick their noses in NFC payments when the technology rolled out, but they failed.

Today, making contactless payments using your Android phone is not only possible but also easy, regardless of your carrier or the price of your phone.

ANDROIDPOLICE VIDEO OF THE DAYSCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

NFC works with payment platforms, and with quite a few options available, choosing which one to use can be overwhelming. If you own a Samsung phone, you have two options: Samsung Pay and Google Pay. Both platforms offer tap-to-pay NFC functionality, but the overall experience, from setting up to using the service, is quite different.

This article compares Samsung Pay and Google Pay in detail to help you choose the best one for your needs, regardless of whether you have a budget or a high-end Android phone.

History and evolution of Samsung Pay and Google Pay

Samsung Pay and Google Pay have undergone several somewhat complicated changes over the years, but Samsung is much easier to follow. Shortly after Google revealed that it would launch a new wallet app, Samsung followed suit and announced Samsung Wallet in June 2022. The new app replaced Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass to become a hub for everything related to payments, digital IDs, digital keys, and loyalty programs on Samsung Galaxy phones.

Google Wallet offered a similar experience, replacing the Google Pay app. However, it wouldn’t be a Google rebranding if things were so straightforward. While most countries got the new Google Wallet, both apps exist side-by-side and are fully functional in the U.S. and Singapore, making for a slightly confusing situation for users.

And if you’re wondering, the apps are not exactly the same. Google Pay offers everything: peer-to-peer payments, deals, rewards, and personal finance tools, while Google Wallet is more tailored to mobile payments.

Installation and device integration

The significant difference between Samsung Pay and Google Pay is the devices they support. If you have a Samsung phone, you can install any payment service.

However, if you own another Android device or iOS, you can only use Google’s payment platform, thanks to Samsung Pay being locked to Galaxy phones. While you can use Google Pay on iPhones, the tap-to-pay functionality doesn’t work as it’s restricted to only Apple apps. Meanwhile, Google Wallet is not available for iPhones at all.

samsung wallet homepage

Google Pay homepage

Regional availability and local card support

While both apps are only available in a few dozen countries, Google Pay supports more locations.

Google Pay is available in over 50 countries, while Samsung Pay is only available in 13. However, both companies are continuously increasing their reach and availability. Regarding actual usage, Google Pay works with almost any card in the U.S.

Most of the newly added banks are smaller local networks and credit unions, and they keep coming. At this point, there are so many supported banks that it’s becoming hard to find ones that aren’t listed. Google Pay also supports membership cards, gift cards, and transit passes in a few places.

Some airlines have added plane tickets, too. Although, the app’s reliance on your phone number for logins is a bit annoying.

Online and in-person payment options

Google Pay and Samsung Pay support NFC technology, allowing you to make physical payments by tapping your NFC-supported Android phone on a compatible card reader. Not all merchants have NFC-compatible payment terminals, so this isn’t always an option.

Samsung phones used to have a technology called MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) to push the magnetic stripe data from your card to non-NFC terminals, but not anymore. The latest Samsung Galaxy S23 series lacks the feature. You shouldn’t hold your breath for future support, either.

Samsung moved away from that with the S21 family when it dropped MST support in the U.S., eliminating one of Samsung’s major advantages over Google Pay. As far as online payments go, many retailers have both platforms as accepted payment gateways, and the number only continues to increase. However, Google Pay is the superior option as more merchants accept it.

Data security

NFC payments are, despite what you may hear, highly secure.

As long as your phone is protected with a code or biometric unlock method, NFC is more secure than using a physical credit card. That’s not just because of the extra authentication layer; your actual credit card number is not stored on your phone with NFC payments. Instead, a virtual card number is assigned to you, which the card reader sees when you use tap-to-pay, making your real card number harder to compromise at the point of sale level.

However, Samsung Pay might have a data security edge over Google Pay. While both services have data encryption and built-in authentication, Samsung’s solution is secured by Knox, the company’s mobile security platform and robust encryption solution. Knox is built into Samsung phones, from the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 to the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

It’s also available on several Galaxy Tab tablets, M series phones, and A series phones.

Rewards

Samsung Pay and Google Pay support gift and membership cards. Samsung offers numerous discounts and special deals (which can be a bit spammy). Although, odds are you won’t care about most of the retailers offering discounts in the app.

Meanwhile, Google Pay has more robust offers, rewards, cashback from several merchants, and various in-store and online coupons.

Samsung Wallet cashback page

Google Pay rewards page

The best aspect of Samsung Pay is Samsung Rewards. It allows you to earn points while shopping on the service and later redeem them through purchases on the Samsung app or official website. While its loyalty cards, vouchers, and other offers are great, Google Pay falls short in this regard, as it lacks its own rewards system.

Google Pay vs.

Samsung Pay: which should you use?

Samsung Pay being used at an NFC terminal

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone, Samsung Pay shouldn’t be the deciding factor. While it was once a standout service due to its MST technology, which allowed it to be used with older card readers, the feature has been dropped from the latest Samsung phones. In contrast, Google Pay offers a seamless and enjoyable payment experience for all Android phones with NFC capabilities.

Even if you own a Samsung phone, you might find that Google Pay is a better option. With Android 12, Google Pay has become even easier to use thanks to the addition of payment cards to the lock screen shortcuts. This makes it quicker and more convenient to make payments on the go.

If you currently use Samsung’s solution and want to switch to Google’s, you might want to disable the former first.

Because what’s the point of having both?

Here’s how to disable Samsung Wallet (and Pay) on your Galaxy phone.

Tags:

disney-store listed on couponmatrix.ukelf-cosmetics listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-gym-king listed on couponmatrix.ukkally-sleep listed on couponmatrix.uksoftwarepal listed on couponmatrix.uktwycross-zoo listed on couponmatrix.uk
disney-store listed on couponmatrix.ukImmerse yourself in the magical world of Disney at the Disney Store. Browse the massive selection of old favourites like Disney Princesses through to modern heroes like Marvel’s Captain America and villains like Kylo Ren. Take full advantage of the latest Disney Store discount code from us to spoil you and your family with films, toys and plenty more without coming close to breaking your budget. So whether you love classic fairy tales or prefer to fight with modern superheroes, scratch that fantasy itch at the Disney Store.
elf-cosmetics listed on couponmatrix.ukElf Cosmetics was created with the philosophy in mind that all beauty comes from within, and by using the perfect cosmetics, you can help to capture the true essence of who you are - on the inside and the outside. So why not indulge in quality ingredients for less with an elf discount code, and take your beauty regime to the next level. Designed to give you more confidence in yourself and in your look, you can let your beauty shine with Elf.
the-gym-king listed on couponmatrix.ukGym King is your go-to for super stylish athleisure wear. From super comfy tracksuits to form-fitting leggings, girls and guys alike will love these looks! Make the most of a Gym King discount code to cut the cost of your next haul - whether you’re hitting the gym, heading out for brunch or planning a big night in, there’s no reason you can’t look great doing it! Gym King clothing is the perfect combination of flattering and comfy - check out the range today for a wardrobe update.
kally-sleep listed on couponmatrix.ukLet your tumultuous nights become a thing of the past with Kally Sleep, the pillow and bedding experts who design specialist sleeping aids to address everything from pregnancy to sports recovery. With an inventory capable of tackling any sleep disruption you may have, all you’ll need is a Kally Sleep discount code to get yourself well-rested on a budget. Regardless of if you suffer back pain, anxiety or sleep awkwardly, trust Kally Sleep to provide the solution.
softwarepal listed on couponmatrix.ukSoftwarePal is your trusted destination for discounted download software like Windows 10, Microsoft Office and Kapersky. SoftwarePal not only offers competitive prices but also boasts a 24/7, 365-day online tech support team recognised as the best by their customers. With skilled problem solvers and hassle-free remote assistance, SoftwarePal takes the stress out of software-related challenges. Whether you need Windows 10 or expert advice, SoftwarePal is here to save you money while providing unmatched service. Explore exclusive SoftwarePal discount codes on Groupon today for a seamless tech experience!
twycross-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukLearn about amazing animals through the conservation efforts at Twycross Zoo. From penguins to rhinos, there’s a whole world of creatures to discover! Twycross Zoo is even regarded as a leading centre for primates, housing the only bonobo tribe in the UK, so there’s always loads to keep you entertained. Have a truly exceptional day out for less with your Twycross Zoo vouchers and treat the whole family to interactive learning experiences, soft play, and, of course, all the animals nestled in the stunning English countryside.