Pixel Watch 4 vs. Galaxy Watch 8: These new Android watches are nearly identical – here’s how to decide

Google simply unveiled its new Pixel Watch 4, and upon first look, it is fairly much like the Galaxy Watch 8 Samsung launched final month. They’re each Android smartwatches with AI-powered well being coaches, they’ve across the identical battery life, brightness, and storage, and notably, they’re the identical value. 

Additionally: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more

In fact, you will get totally different watch bands and totally different model types, with Google’s watch being barely larger, however the bones of those units are virtually similar. Nonetheless, as somebody who loves to check and distinction, I needed to see how these two smartwatches differ, and which you can purchase for those who’re taking a look at each. 

Get extra ZDNET tech protection: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.

Specs

You should purchase the Google Pixel Watch 4 if…

1. You are a Google Pixel telephone proprietor

That is an apparent one, however for those who’re a Google Pixel consumer, you can purchase a Pixel Watch, and for those who’re a Samsung Galaxy consumer, you can purchase a Galaxy Watch. Each Android watches are suitable with both telephone model, however it’s usually a smoother expertise utilizing smartwatch’s native system model. 

Additionally: The best smartwatches 2025: I wore these for weeks and found the perfect one for your wrist

2. You are an out of doors fanatic 

The Pixel Watch 4 has a novel satellite tv for pc characteristic that separates it from rivals like Samsung. In contrast to smartwatches that require a telephone’s mobile connectivity to provoke satellite tv for pc communication (just like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely), the Pixel Watch 4 gives standalone satellite tv for pc communications — the primary of its type. The characteristic is obtainable on the Google Pixel Watch 4 LTE. 

Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor, it connects to geostationary satellites within the sky with out requiring a service’s extra connection. You may simply take your Pixel Watch 4 out into the nice outside and know that, if an emergency arises, you will have all of the connectivity instruments round your wrist to be in contact with an emergency responder and ship messages. 

Additionally: I tried Pixel Watch 4 – and these are my 7 favorite upgrades in Google’s new watch

3. You need extra colorways 

The Galaxy Watch 8 solely is available in graphite and silver case colours. Google diversifies its case colours with 5 choices throughout the board. In the event you go for the 41mm smartwatch, you will select from a Matte Black aluminum case with an Obsidian Energetic Band, a Polished Silver aluminum case with a Porcelain Energetic Band, a Champagne Gold aluminum case with a Lemongrass Energetic Band, or a Polished Silver aluminum case with an Iris Energetic Band. 

In the event you go for the 45mm smartwatch, you will select from a Matte Black aluminum case with an Obsidian Energetic Band, a Polished Silver aluminum case with a Porcelain Energetic Band, and a Satin Moonstone aluminum case with a Moonstone Energetic Band. 

You should purchase the Galaxy Watch 8 if…

1. You need free well being options 

Whereas the Pixel Watch 4 gives improved sleep staging and temperature sensing algorithms for additional accuracy, most of Google’s new AI-powered well being coach options are hidden behind Fitbit Premium, which prices $10 a month or $80 yearly. 

Samsung’s well being options, alternatively, are free. For example you are coaching in your first marathon. Samsung’s new Operating Coach characteristic checks your working skill with a 12-minute check, ranks it out of 10, and gives a tailor-made coaching program based mostly in your skill and restoration. Samsung Well being additionally suggests bedtimes based mostly in your sleep wants — identical to Google. 

Additionally: I went hands-on with every Google Pixel 10 model – and was surprised by the one I loved most

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 additionally has a novel Antioxidant Index characteristic not current on the Pixel Watch 4 that measures your carotenoid ranges. To activate it, simply press your thumb on the BioActive sensor, and the watch lets you already know in case your ranges are inside satisfactory or insufficient ranges.

2. You need a thinner watch 

The Galaxy Watch 8 is a thinner system that is straightforward to put on. Whereas I’ve solely worn the Pixel Watch 4 for a couple of minutes throughout a tool demo, I famous that it was fairly a bit chunkier. Some individuals may admire this, however if in case you have smaller wrists, the Galaxy Watch 8 will probably be a greater match. 

Options to contemplate