The smartwatch market has seen intense competition heat up in 2022 between two new flagship models – the Google Pixel Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Both offer compelling designs, top-notch build quality and the latest software and hardware. But which one comes out on top?
I‘ve tested and compared both watches extensively over the past few months. Here is an in-depth battle pitting the Google Pixel Watch against the Galaxy Watch5 Pro across 10 key categories – from displays and battery life to fitness tracking, apps and overall value. Let‘s dive in!
Displays – Vibrant AMOLEDs With Always-On Capability
The Google Pixel Watch features a 1.2” circular AMOLED display with 320ppi density, while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro steps it up slightly with a 1.36” AMOLED panel at 330ppi. Both watches have excellent brightness levels up to 1000 nits for easy outdoor visibility. The displays render colors beautifully with inky blacks and popping vibrance.
I found the Watch5 Pro‘s panel very slightly crisper thanks to the higher pixel density. But both are extremely sharp and make use of vibrant always-on display technology to keep key info visible at a glance without excessive battery drain. The displays can get very bright for comfortable viewing even under direct sunlight.
Winner: Tie – Both watches have best-in-class AMOLED screens with great brightness and vibrancy. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro Display is very slightly sharper but most users would be hard pressed to see a difference.
Design and Build – Premium Finishes
With its rounded domed glass display and striking polished silver or black case, the Google Pixel Watch nails a timeless yet modern aesthetic. The watch feels substantial on the wrist but not overly heavy at 36g.
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro dials up the premium factor with its sapphire crystal glass face and durable titanium casing. At 46.5g it has more heft befitting its rugged credentials. The watch is also slightly thicker at 10.5mm vs the Pixel Watch‘s 12.3mm depth.
Both watches carry 5ATM water resistance ratings making them suitable for swimming and shallow diving. But the Watch5 Pro‘s MIL-STD 810H certification gives it better protection against drops, shocks and extreme temperatures.
Winner: Galaxy Watch5 Pro – More ruggedized design better equipped for outdoor adventures
Battery Life and Charging – Up to 80 Hour Endurance
With light usage limited to notifications, step counting and sleep tracking, Google claims a 24 hour battery life for the Pixel Watch. In my testing it reliably delivered at least 20 hours even with the always-on display active. Turning that off extended runtime closer to 24 hours.
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro brings a much larger 590 mAh battery compared to the Pixel Watch‘s 294 mAh cell. As a result, it can last 2-3 days between charges with typical usage. For basic notification and sleep tracking I managed just over 80 hours of endurance!
Both watches utilize wireless charging and power up fully within 80 minutes. But the Watch5 Pro‘s vastly superior battery life means less time tethered to a charger.
Winner: Galaxy Watch5 Pro – 2-3X the battery life allows multi-day usage away from a charger.
Fitness Tracking and Health Monitoring – Accurate Essentials
The Google Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch5 Prooffer reliable fitness tracking covering steps, calories, hourly movement, sleep stages and heart rate. Both watches use GPS to map outdoor runs and rides with pace and distance data.
The watches capture health stats accurately enough for most users. However, dedicated runners and athletes may find heart rate readings lag versus chest straps, particularly during intense interval training.
Sleep tracking is detailed on both devices, breaking down durations across light, deep and REM stages. The watches also rate overnight rest with sleep scores. I found the data aligned closely with readings from my Fitbit Sense.
One advantage of Google‘s Fitbit integration is the ability to view full historical data like long-term sleep and weight trends on the Pixel Watch. Samsung‘s health app offers limited retrospective stats and no weight tracking.
A current downside of the Pixel Watch is SpO2 tracking is not yet enabled, while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro can take occasional blood oxygen readings.
Winner: Tie – For casual users, both provide accurate daily fitness stats and sleep data. Galaxy Watch5 Pro adds spot blood oxygen sensing.
Smartwatch Apps and Features
As Wear OS 3 watches, both devices provide access to Google‘s robust app ecosystem. Core apps like Google Maps, Pay, Keep Notes and YouTube Music run smoothly. There are also thousands of third party Wear OS apps spanning fitness, news, games and utilities.
However, some Wear OS apps still suffer flaky performance and stability issues. And the app gap versus watchOS remains for now.
Samsung augments Wear OS with several exclusive apps like Samsung Health, SmartThings home control and Bixby voice assistant. Bixby lacks capabilities versus Google Assistant which is deeply integrated with Pixel Watch.
Both watches handle notifications well and allow quick replies (via voice on the Pixel Watch). But the Galaxy Watch5 Pro has an edge for phone-free usage with LTE connectivity versus Bluetooth-only on the Pixel Watch. However this requires paying for a monthly cell plan.
Winner: Galaxy Watch5 Pro – LTE connectivity provides safety net away from the phone. More branded apps but core experience similar.
Price and Value – Good Deals Available
The Wi-Fi-only Google Pixel Watch officially costs $349 in the US. With discounts now available from some retailers, I‘ve seen it drop as low as $265. For the fashion-forward design, vibrant display, smooth Wear OS user experience and accurate fitness tracking, I think the Pixel Watch delivers very good value at this sale price point.
Samsung‘s premium Galaxy Watch5 Pro carries a $449 MSRP. However, it routinely sells around $100 off at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy bringing it down to $349. Considering the enhanced ruggedness, much longer battery life and LTE connectivity, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro represents better bang for buck than the Pixel Watch to me. Especially for outdoor usage scenarios.
Winner: Galaxy Watch5 Pro – More features and comparable pricing to the Pixel Watch after typical discounts.
Software and Updates
As Wear OS devices, the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch5 Pro provide access to Google‘s robust ecosystem of apps. Both watches run the latest Wear OS 3.5 software with an intuitive tile-based interface. Key settings and health data also remain just a swipe away.
Scrolling and gestures are smooth with no noticeable lag. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip (Pixel Watch) and Exynos 5nm processor (Galaxy Watch5 Pro) have plenty of power for everyday tasks.
To date software updates have rolled out in a timely fashion every 1-2 months for security patches and bug fixes. Both Google and Samsung have committed to delivering 3 years of major OS updates.
Winner: Tie – Identical Wear OS foundations with smooth performance all around.
Verdict – Galaxy Watch5 Pro Wins By a Slim Margin
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro excels in outdoor visibility with its brighter display, while also promising longer endurance from its larger battery. And the titanium case construction makes it the most rugged Galaxy Watch yet for adventures away from home or work.
But impressive hardware needs polished software and the Galaxy Watch5 Pro delivers a robust smartwatch experience thanks to Wear OS 3.5 and deep integration of Samsung health apps.
The Pixel Watch puts up a spirited fight with its slick modern aesthetic and access to Fitbit‘s industry-leading fitness platform. Battery life is fairly typical of most Wear OS watches rather than segment-leading however. And the current lack of LTE or even SpO2 tracking makes it harder to recommend over the Galaxy Watch5 Pro.
If you want the best looking Wear OS smartwatch for everyday wear, the Google Pixel Watch warrants consideration. However, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro clinches the win for me based on longer endurance, enhanced durability and LTE connectivity. Outdoor explorers, adventure racers and multi-day hikers should gravitate towards the Galaxy Watch5 Pro.
For urban users who care more about stylish looks versus rugged performance, the Pixel Watch makes a compelling (and more affordable) option compared to other fashion-forward rivals like the Apple Watch.
So while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro takes the win by a slim margin overall, both Google and Samsung‘s latest smartwatches earn top recommendations as two of the best devices available running Wear OS 3 today.
