The smartwatch market is booming, and two heavyweights are vying for your wrist: the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro and the Google Pixel Watch. Both offer a compelling blend of fitness tracking, smart features, and stylish design, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro excels in rugged durability, advanced fitness tracking, and extended battery life. The Pixel Watch shines with its seamless Google integration, sleek design, and Wear OS experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pro wins; for those deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, the Pixel Watch is the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 66, 71 - GWT9R |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 5, 7, 26 - GBZ4S |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 10 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 26 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) | 36 g (1.27 oz) |
| | 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 | 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68)
ECG certified |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 | Android Wear OS 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2 |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless (Qi) |
| Type | Li-Ion 590 mAh | Li-Ion 294 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold |
| Models | SM-R925F | GQF4C, GBZ4S, GWT9R |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged and durable design
- Advanced fitness tracking features
- Larger, brighter display
- Excellent GPS accuracy
- Bulky design may not suit all wrists
- Less seamless Google integration compared to Pixel Watch
- Higher price point
Google Pixel Watch
- Sleek and stylish design
- Seamless Google integration (Assistant, Maps, etc.)
- Smooth Wear OS experience
- Comfortable to wear
- Active Edge button for quick actions
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable than the Watch5 Pro
- Smaller display
- Limited third-party app selection compared to Tizen
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro boasts a larger, more rugged titanium case and sapphire crystal display, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The Pixel Watch features a smaller, circular AMOLED display with a domed glass design, prioritizing aesthetics and a premium feel. While both are vibrant, the Pro's size and durability give it an edge for active use.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Galaxy Watch5 Pro nor the Google Pixel Watch have a built-in camera. This is a common limitation in smartwatches.
Performance
The Exynos W920 in the Watch5 Pro offers a noticeable performance boost over the Pixel Watch's Exynos 9110. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother on the Pro. However, Wear OS on the Pixel Watch is highly optimized, minimizing any perceived lag.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro's larger battery and power-efficient chipset provide significantly longer battery life – often lasting several days on a single charge. The Pixel Watch, with its smaller battery, typically requires daily charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro? Fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and users prioritizing battery life and durability. Who should buy the Google Pixel Watch? Android users heavily invested in Google services, those seeking a stylish and minimalist design, and those who value a smooth Wear OS experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which smartwatch is better for fitness tracking?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers more advanced fitness tracking features, including route tracking, body composition analysis, and a more rugged design for outdoor activities.
❓ Is the Google Pixel Watch compatible with iPhones?
No, the Google Pixel Watch is primarily designed for Android devices and has limited functionality when paired with an iPhone.
❓ How long does the battery last on each watch?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro typically lasts 3-4 days on a single charge, while the Pixel Watch usually requires daily charging.
❓ Which watch has better Google Assistant integration?
The Google Pixel Watch offers a more seamless and deeply integrated Google Assistant experience.
