Digital wallets have revolutionized the way we pay. In 2025, carrying physical cash or cards is becoming more of a rarity, thanks to mobile payment platforms like Samsung Pay and Google Pay. These services allow users to store credit, debit, loyalty cards, and even IDs directly on their smartphones.
At Remit Choice, a remittance company operating in 70+ countries, we closely monitor payment trends to help our users choose the most efficient and secure options for managing and transferring their money. This guide will compare two of the biggest mobile wallets available today: Samsung Pay vs Google Pay.
What is Samsung Pay?
Samsung Pay is a digital wallet and mobile payment service developed by Samsung Electronics. Launched in 2015, it has evolved into a robust, secure platform that supports contactless payments, rewards, and even digital keys.
Features & Capabilities
- Store and use debit/credit cards, loyalty cards, and gift cards.
- MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) allows payments at older terminals.
- Biometric security and tokenization technology.
- Samsung Pay Rewards: earn points for each transaction.
Supported Devices & Platforms
Samsung Pay is exclusive to Samsung devices. Supported models include Galaxy smartphones, smartwatches (like Galaxy Watch series), and select tablets.
What is Google Pay?
Google Pay is a digital wallet developed by Google, offering fast, simple, and secure payments online, in-store, and peer-to-peer.
Key Functions & Advantages
- Store bank cards, transit passes, and boarding passes.
- Use for tap-to-pay purchases, online checkout, and in-app payments.
- Integrated with Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Assistant.
Compatibility Across Devices
Unlike Samsung Pay, Google Pay is available on all Android devices and even on iOS with limited functionality. It works seamlessly across smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets.
How Samsung Pay Works
Samsung Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) and Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) to process payments.
- NFC allows contactless payment at modern POS terminals.
MST enables Samsung Pay to function at older magnetic stripe terminals, offering a major advantage in countries with outdated infrastructure.
How Google Pay Works
Google Pay uses NFC technology to transmit payment information securely.
- Works at any terminal that accepts contactless cards.
- Syncs with your Google account and stores payment info securely in the cloud.
Allows payments online and in stores, plus peer-to-peer transfers.
Security Comparison – Which Is Safer?
Both platforms offer strong security, but with slightly different approaches.
|
Feature |
Samsung Pay | Google Pay |
| Biometric Authentication | Yes (Fingerprint/Face/IR Scanner) | Yes (Fingerprint/Face Recognition) |
| Tokenization | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | Local (KNOX secure environment) | Google Cloud |
Samsung’s KNOX security provides hardware-level protection. Google, on the other hand, integrates payment security with its broader ecosystem.
User Experience & Interface
Samsung Pay features a swipe-up interface that appears from the home screen, lock screen, or when the phone is off. Google Pay offers a cleaner, Google-like interface that feels modern and minimalist.
Both apps are intuitive, but Google Pay may feel more familiar to Android users due to its consistent design language.
Availability Across Countries
As a global remittance company, Remit Choice serves customers who travel and work across different nations. So, global wallet availability is crucial.
- Samsung Pay: Available in 27+ countries, with limitations in Africa and parts of Asia.
- Google Pay: Available in 40+ countries and expanding rapidly, especially in regions where Android dominates.
Supported Banks & Cards
Samsung Pay and Google Pay both support a large number of global banks and financial institutions. However, compatibility can vary by country.
- Samsung Pay: May have regional banking restrictions.
Google Pay: Has wider support and is integrated with many fintech platforms, including partnerships that simplify remittance and money transfer tasks with services like Remit Choice.
Online & In-Store Purchase Options
Google Pay excels in online transactions due to its deep integration with Chrome and Android apps. Samsung Pay is ideal for in-store purchases thanks to its MST support.
If you shop online often, Google Pay might be more convenient. For brick-and-mortar shopping, Samsung Pay offers broader terminal compatibility.
Extra Features That Matter
Samsung Pay
- Built-in rewards system.
- Samsung Pass for storing passwords and credentials.
Google Pay
- Integration with Gmail for tracking purchases.
- Google Assistant for voice-activated payments.
Split payments and request money from friends.
Samsung Pay vs Google Pay for Remittance Users
At Remit Choice, we focus on fast, secure, and affordable international money transfers. Both payment methods can assist users when topping up wallets, paying fees, or linking to financial institutions.
- Google Pay is better integrated for linking to bank accounts and payment portals.
Samsung Pay can work well in areas with older terminals due to MST, helping where newer tech isn’t adopted yet.
Performance & Reliability
Google Pay often updates more frequently and benefits from Google’s extensive cloud infrastructure, making it more reliable in global connectivity and speed. Samsung Pay performs excellently on Samsung hardware but may lag behind on updates and third-party app support.
Customer Support & Help Resources
- Google Pay offers 24/7 chat and email support, plus help centers and community forums.
- Samsung Pay includes support through Samsung Members, live chat, and in-store assistance.
Both platforms offer solid support, but Google’s ecosystem gives it a slight edge in availability.
Which One is More Widely Used in 2025?
As of 2025:
- Google Pay leads in global usage due to broader compatibility across Android devices.
Samsung Pay holds a strong presence in South Korea, India, and the Middle East.
Pros and Cons Summary Table
| Feature | Samsung Pay | Google Pay |
| Device Compatibility | Samsung only | All Android & iOS (limited) |
| Terminal Compatibility | NFC + MST | NFC only |
| Rewards System | Yes | No |
| Global Reach | Limited | Extensive |
| App Integration | Basic | Advanced (Google ecosystem) |
FAQs: Samsung Pay vs Google Pay
- Can I use both Samsung Pay and Google Pay on the same phone?
Yes, if you have a Samsung phone, you can install and use both apps. - Which one is better for online purchases?
Google Pay is more widely accepted for online checkouts. - Can I send money internationally with either wallet?
Not directly, but both can be used to fund remittance apps like Remit Choice. - Is Samsung Pay safer than Google Pay?
Both are very secure. Samsung offers hardware-based security (KNOX), while Google leverages cloud protection. - Which wallet supports more banks?
Google Pay generally supports a wider range of banks across more countries. - Can I use Samsung Pay on non-Samsung phones?
No. Samsung Pay is exclusive to Samsung devices.
