The smartwatch market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from ultra-premium devices to incredibly affordable options. We're pitting the Realme Watch 5, representing the budget end, against the Google Pixel Watch 2, a more fully-featured offering integrated into the Google ecosystem. This comparison aims to determine which smartwatch delivers the best value for your money, considering performance, features, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a seamless, feature-rich experience and integration with Google services, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the clear winner. Its Qualcomm 5100 chipset and advanced health tracking justify the higher price. However, if budget is the primary concern, the Realme Watch 5 offers a functional smartwatch experience at a significantly lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 19 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 28 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.97 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 600 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm 5100 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 460 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Titanium | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | RMW2501 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | € 59.39 / $ 41.50 | About 160 EUR |
Realme Watch 5
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Limited features compared to the Pixel Watch 2
- Less powerful processor
- Inferior display technology
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Powerful Qualcomm 5100 chipset
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, SpO2)
- Seamless Google ecosystem integration
- Higher price point
- Shorter battery life compared to budget options
- Requires daily charging for optimal use
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display information for the Realme Watch 5, we can infer it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel common in its price bracket. The Google Pixel Watch 2, however, benefits from a more advanced AMOLED display, offering superior contrast and color accuracy. While the Pixel Watch 2's size is fixed, the Realme Watch 5 may offer more variety. The Pixel Watch 2’s always-on display capability, powered by its more efficient chipset, is a significant advantage for at-a-glance information, something the Realme Watch 5 likely lacks.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This section is therefore not applicable to this comparison.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100 chipset represents a substantial performance leap over what’s typically found in budget smartwatches like the Realme Watch 5. The 5100 allows for smoother animations, faster app loading times, and more responsive interactions within Wear OS. While the Realme Watch 5 likely relies on a less powerful processor, sufficient for basic functions, it will struggle with more demanding tasks. The Pixel Watch 2’s chipset also contributes to better power efficiency, despite the always-on display.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers wired charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. While the exact battery capacity of the Realme Watch 5 is unknown, budget smartwatches often prioritize battery life over fast charging. The Realme Watch 5 likely offers multiple days of use on a single charge, whereas the Pixel Watch 2, with its more power-hungry features, will likely require daily charging. The trade-off is convenience versus longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch 5 if you need a basic, affordable smartwatch for notifications, simple fitness tracking, and long battery life without the complexities of a full-fledged operating system. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prefer a premium design, advanced health monitoring (ECG, SpO2), seamless integration with Google Assistant and other Google services, and a more responsive user interface powered by Wear OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Google Pixel Watch 2's Qualcomm 5100 chipset impact app performance compared to the Realme Watch 5?
The Qualcomm 5100 in the Pixel Watch 2 delivers a significantly smoother and more responsive experience when launching and using apps. The Realme Watch 5, likely using a less powerful chipset, will experience noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially with more complex applications.
❓ Is the Google Pixel Watch 2's 80% charge in 45 minutes charging speed practical for daily use?
Yes, 80% in 45 minutes is a reasonable charging speed for a smartwatch. While not as fast as some smartphone charging technologies, it allows for a quick top-up before a workout or important event. The Realme Watch 5 likely charges slower, but may not require daily charging due to its potentially larger battery capacity.
❓ What health features does the Google Pixel Watch 2 offer that the Realme Watch 5 likely lacks?
The Google Pixel Watch 2 boasts advanced health features like ECG (electrocardiogram) for detecting atrial fibrillation and continuous SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring. The Realme Watch 5 likely offers basic heart rate tracking and step counting, but lacks the sophisticated medical-grade sensors found in the Pixel Watch 2.
