The smartwatch market is booming, and two heavyweights are battling for your wrist: the Google Pixel Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Both offer a wealth of features, but cater to different needs and preferences. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro takes the crown for ruggedness, battery life, and advanced fitness tracking. The Pixel Watch shines with its seamless Google integration and sleek design, but falls short in battery and durability. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities: adventure or elegance.
| 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, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 5, 7, 26 - GBZ4S | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 06 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), stainless steel frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 36 g (1.27 oz) | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) |
| | 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68)
ECG certified | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Sapphire crystal |
| 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 | 5.2, 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, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 294 mAh | Li-Ion 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | GQF4C, GBZ4S, GWT9R | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Google Pixel Watch
- Sleek and premium design
- Seamless Google integration (Assistant, Maps, Wallet)
- Excellent display
- Comfortable to wear
- Short battery life
- Less durable than the Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Limited third-party app support compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged and durable design (titanium case, sapphire crystal)
- Advanced fitness tracking features (route tracking, training analysis)
- Bright and readable display
- Less stylish design compared to the Pixel Watch
- Samsung ecosystem lock-in (best with Samsung phones)
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
The Pixel Watch boasts a vibrant, edge-to-edge AMOLED display with a unique domed glass design, offering a premium look and feel. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a more traditional, albeit still excellent, AMOLED display, prioritizing readability in bright sunlight with its increased brightness. While both are sharp and colorful, the Pixel Watch's design is arguably more visually striking.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Pixel Watch nor the Galaxy Watch5 Pro have a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, relying instead on smartphone integration for photography.
Performance
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro'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 improved on the Galaxy Watch5 Pro. The Pixel Watch is still capable, but the difference is evident, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
This is where the Galaxy Watch5 Pro truly shines. Its larger battery and power-efficient chipset deliver significantly longer battery life – often exceeding 3 days with typical use, and even longer in power-saving mode. The Pixel Watch struggles to make it through a full day with moderate to heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Google Pixel Watch is ideal for Android users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem who prioritize design and seamless integration with Google services. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, serious athletes, and those needing exceptional battery life and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Pixel Watch compatible with iPhones?
While the Pixel Watch works with iPhones, functionality is limited compared to Android phones. You'll miss out on key features like Google Assistant integration and seamless notifications.
❓ How long does the Galaxy Watch5 Pro's battery last?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro typically lasts 2-3 days with normal use, and can extend to 8 days in power-saving mode. Heavy GPS usage will reduce battery life.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers more advanced fitness tracking features, including route tracking, training analysis, and a more robust suite of workout modes. However, both watches provide accurate heart rate monitoring and activity tracking.
❓ Does the Pixel Watch have cellular connectivity?
Yes, a cellular version of the Pixel Watch is available, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without your phone nearby.
