The smartwatch market is booming, and Google and Samsung are key players. The Pixel Watch offers a sleek, minimalist design and tight Google integration, while the Galaxy Watch4 Classic boasts a rotating bezel and a more established ecosystem. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right wearable.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic edges out the Pixel Watch thanks to its superior chipset, longer battery life, and more robust health tracking features. However, the Pixel Watch's seamless Google integration and refined design make it a compelling option for Android users deeply invested in the Google ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 66, 71 - GWT9R | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 5, 7, 26 - GBZ4S | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 06 | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), stainless steel frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 36 g (1.27 oz) | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 oz) |
| | 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68)
ECG certified | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Rotating bezel
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.2 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android Wear OS 3.5 | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 294 mAh | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition |
| Models | GQF4C, GBZ4S, GWT9R | SM-R880, SM-R890 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Google Pixel Watch
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Seamless Google integration (Assistant, Maps, Wallet)
- Comfortable fit
- Premium build quality
- Short battery life
- Less powerful chipset
- Limited third-party app support compared to Samsung
- Higher price point
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Longer battery life
- Powerful Exynos W920 chipset
- Rotating bezel for easy navigation
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, blood oxygen)
- More third-party app support
- Samsung's One UI can feel cluttered
- Less seamless Google integration compared to Pixel Watch
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch4 Classic's larger screen size (1.4-inch vs 1.2-inch) provides more real estate for information and easier navigation. The Pixel Watch's display is slightly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The rotating bezel on the Galaxy Watch4 Classic is a significant advantage for quickly scrolling through menus.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Pixel Watch nor the Galaxy Watch4 Classic have a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic's Exynos W920 chipset (5nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the Pixel Watch's Exynos 9110 (10nm). Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is superior on the Galaxy Watch4 Classic. The Pixel Watch can occasionally feel a bit sluggish.
Battery Life
Battery life is a significant differentiator. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic typically lasts 2-3 days on a single charge, while the Pixel Watch struggles to make it through a full day with moderate usage. This is largely due to the more efficient chipset in the Galaxy Watch4 Classic.
Buying Guide
The Google Pixel Watch is ideal for Android users who prioritize a clean design, tight Google integration (Assistant, Maps, Wallet), and a premium feel. The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic is best for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch with advanced health tracking, a classic watch aesthetic, and broader compatibility across Android devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic offers more comprehensive fitness tracking features, including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking. While the Pixel Watch has basic fitness tracking, it doesn't match the Galaxy Watch4 Classic's capabilities.
❓ Is the Pixel Watch compatible with iPhones?
No, the Pixel Watch is primarily designed for Android devices and has limited functionality with iPhones. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic offers better compatibility with iPhones, although some features may be restricted.
