Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Which Android smartwatch should you buy?

A pretty PixelWith new finishes, customizable face designs you can generate yourself, and solid specs, the Google Pixel Watch 5 may just become the best new Android smartwatch of 2026. ProsCustom generated watch faces add a unique spinUltra bright screenGoogle Health Premium offers advanced AI insights and coachingConsSort of a bland upgrade in look from the Pixel Watch 4Same processor as Pixel Watch 4, only boostedYou need Google Health Premium for advanced insights An iterative updateThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is not a huge step up from the Galaxy Watch 8, though it offers a more powerful processor, bigger battery, and advanced AI metrics that make it worth considering. ProsMore powerful processorAdvanced AI health insights not locked behind a paywallUltra bright screenConsBattery life isn't greatNot a huge upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 8Designed isn't as sleek and refined The Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 debate is an interesting one. While you might think the Pixel Watch makes the most sense for a Pixel phone owner and the Galaxy Watch for a Galaxy phone owner, this isn't always the case. Some people prefer one phone brand and another watch brand. With that said, it's not such a cut-and-dried decision. Let's dive deeper to help you decide.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Design and battery life Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Google Pixel Watch 5 has the usual domed display, giving it a sleeker, more elegant look. But it's still the same usual look, and Shruti Shekar opines that her early hands-on is getting sort of bland. That said, she admits that Pixel Watch is still "one of the more gorgeous smartwatches on the market."The Galaxy Watch 9, meanwhile, is still a pretty sexy device. It has two side buttons, while the Pixel Watch 5 has a side button and haptic crown. Aside from being more comfortable than the Galaxy Watch 8, the Watch 9's design is largely unchanged.Both always-on screens are equally bright, and both smartwatches are durable and water-resistant. The Galaxy Watch 9 also meets MIL-STD-810H standards, giving it a slight leg up in durability.The Google Pixel Watch 5 is rated to last up to 40 hours with the always-on display, up to 72 hours with Battery Saver mode for the larger size, and up to 30 and 48 hours for the smaller size, respectively. By comparison, the Galaxy Watch 9 is rated for up to 30 hours with the always-on display. In my tests, having worn one for the last several weeks, it never lasts a full day. The good news is that it charges quickly.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Power and performance (Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)The Pixel Watch 5's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor is largely the same as the one in the Pixel Watch 4, but with increased processing power. It goes up against the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor in the Galaxy Watch 9, which should offer snappier performance.Since both run Wear OS, you get a similar experience, though each adds its own flavor. Samsung's One UI Watch 9 brings more customization, while Google includes features that leverage Gemini. For example, in addition to the standard themes and complication styles, you can use Nano Banana to generate a custom theme. It's easily one of the most fun new features of the watch.When it comes to health tracking, Google has a leg up. The Galaxy Watch 9 works with Samsung Health, but Google Health Premium has enticing features for Pixel Watch wearers. The caveat is that you need a subscription for the AI features. (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)You can unlock the helpful Google Health Coach, which walks you through training plans, nutrition, and more in a conversational manner. You get virtual coaching and guidance. Even if you don't sign up for Google Health Premium, fitness buffs will love the new weight- and rep-logging, rest timers, and a workout builder.Also coming to Pixel Watch 5 is Health Guardian, which can analyze and provide data about breathing trends and irregular heart rhythms, and even alert you of breathing emergencies. It can also measure blood pressure trends and assess insulin resistance.Samsung is no slouch in this department, though. Samsung Health adds new features to this watch, including a new Vitals dashboard, Trail Run mode, improved hydration management, and an energy score.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Category Google Pixel Watch 5 Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Compatibility Android 12.0 or higher Android 13.0 or higher OS Wear OS 7 Wear OS 7 (One UI 9) Colors Matte Black, Polished Silver, Satin Pyrite(41mm, 45mm), Champagne Gold (41mm only) Graphite, Cream (40mm), Graphite, Silver (44mm) Swappable Band Yes Yes Battery 332mAh (41mm), 465mAh (45mm) 390mAh (40mm), 445mAh (44mm) Battery Life 41mm: Up to 30 hours, 48 hours (Battery Saver)45mm: Up to 40 hours, 72 hours (Battery Saver) Up to 30 hours App Google Health Samsung Health Heart Rate Tracking Yes Yes Stress Tracking Yes Yes Blood Oxygen Yes Yes GPS Yes (built-in) Yes (built-in) Sleep Monitoring Yes Yes Water Resistance 5ATM, IP68 5ATM, IP68 Mobile Pay Google Wallet Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet Storage 64GB 32GB Screen Size 1.2 inches (41mm), 1.4 inches (45mm) 1.34-1.47 inches Screen Type Actua 360 Super AMOLED Screen Resolution 456 x 456 438 x 438 (40mm), 480 x 480 (44mm) Peak Brightness 3,000 nits 3,000 nits Dimensions 41 x 12.3mm (41mm), 45 x 12.3mm (45mm) 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm (40mm), 46 x 43.7 x 8.6mm (44mm) Weight 31 grams (41mm), 36.7 grams (45mm) 31.5 grams (40mm), 34 grams (44mm) Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: What else you need to know (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Google Pixel Watch 5 supports satellite SOS communications, and it comes with a two-year trial. This is crucial for outdoor adventurers. That said, if you fall into this camp, you might prefer a watch like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 instead. That brings up a good point: Shekar notes that Google is overdue to launch a Pixel Watch Pro to compete in this space, too.Both support gestures, a nice-to-have feature for quickly dismissing or picking up a call or performing another desired action if your other hand is otherwise occupied. In terms of sensors, both come with the usuals, including advanced sensors such as temperature, SpO2, and ECG.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Which should you choose? (Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)Choosing between the Google Pixel Watch 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is not as simple as choosing the model that matches your phone. Both work well with either brand's device, though you do get some benefits by matching. This includes advanced health metrics in the Samsung Health app on Galaxy phones and features like camera controls on Pixel.The Google Pixel Watch 5 is the better health companion if you plan to sign up for Google Health Premium. If not, it's a wash between the two, as they both do an equally good job. That said, the Pixel Watch 5's battery life is reportedly much longer, which might be a dealbreaker for some. It's also a sleeker design. But it's not a massive upgrade from the Pixel Watch 4.Overall, both smartwatches offer distinct but equally good experiences. I'd go with the Pixel Watch 5 because if it lives up to the Pixel Watch 4's reputation as one of the best Android smartwatches, it will easily be the best new Android smartwatch this year. Its style, functionality, and features are best suited to everyday users. And you can unlock plenty of familiar Google experiences right from your wrist. Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android Christine Persaud has been writing about tech since long before the smartphone was even a "thing." When she isn't writing, she's working on her latest fitness program, binging a new TV series, tinkering with tech gadgets she's reviewing, or spending time with family and friends. A self-professed TV nerd, lover of red wine, and passionate home cook, she's immersed in tech in every facet of her life. Follow her at @christineTechCA.