Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: I walked 6,000 steps with both - but there's one clear winner for Android users

If you're looking to upgrade your favourite Android-friendly smartwatch before the new year, you've likely heard of the new Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

Stuck choosing between the two? You're not alone. These are easily two of the best fitness trackers. You'll find everything you need to log, track, and improve your wellbeing with either, but a few key differences will decide which one is best for you.

I wore both for two weeks, logging at least 6,000 steps daily, multiple workouts, nights of sleep, and more, to weigh up the Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

Specifications

A quick overview

I tested these watches at the same time, and I was floored by how similar they were. Released only a few weeks apart, the Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 focus on being everyday wellness companions. They provide data so you can pre-empt any problems and proactively look after your health, rather than log it and forget it.

Overall, I'd suggest buying the watch that matches your Android phone. If you use a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Watch 9 will be a better fit for smartwatch functions, connectivity, and integration, making sure you get full use of the £399 price tag. The same goes for Google Pixel users and the Google Pixel Watch, available for £369.

That said, if you don't have either of these phones, you have to decide. For me, the Google Pixel Watch 5 edges out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, thanks to better GPS, sleep features, and smartwatch functionality. You can also use the Google Health Premium platform for an extra cost, which I have loved since I tried it on the Google Fitbit Air.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: What are they like to wear?

The choice is between an architectural, square bezel with a round face (Samsung) and a futuristic, round one (Google). Both have an aluminium case and a thick, scratch-resistant glass screen, with a durable silicone band available in various colours. Both come in a larger and smaller size.

While I prefer the look and feel of the Google Pixel Watch 5, this comes down to personal preference. I liked how flush the Pixel Watch sat against my wrist, so it was barely noticeable while I walked and in my gym workouts. The screen has a default always-on mode, which I always turn off to save battery life. These days, you can just lift either device to wake the screen.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 has a soft square-edged bezel housing the round screen. The screen is about the same size as the Google Pixel, so this extra bezel space feels unnecessary. However, it's a uniquely creative design element. The strap also has an air pocket for better breathability and, overall, it's lighter than the previous Samsung Galaxy Watches.

Both watches are comfortable and have bright (3,000 nits) screens that are easy to read at a glance, even on the move.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5

Fitness tracking on the Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

The Google Pixel Watch 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 cover the essentials, like step count, heart rate, estimated calorie burn, and exercise profiles with equal options. At a glance, you can see your daily fitness data and manually start over 100 workouts, with sport-specific data (e.g. distance for running workouts) available on your wrist and clearly summarised in the respective apps. I've found both to be very accurate and reliable.

I've long been after a smartwatch that prioritises strength training as much as it does running, considering that it is one of the best exercises for longevity. Finally, the Google Pixel Watch 5 has it. You can log your individual reps and sets, and monitor your rest times. I'd love to see this feature on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 soon.

If you're looking for one of the best running watches, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is also a top pick. It connects to more satellite networks than Samsung (or Apple, for that matter) and matches some of the best Garmin watches for accuracy, especially in dense urban areas. That's according to Google, but I agree after wearing the watch on a recent 10km run through high-rise London.

I was very impressed that both the Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 have built-in running coaches, too. Normally, you have to invest in one of the best running apps for this. Each has custom plans for various distances.

They also offer insights into your Cardio Load (how well your body is handling the exercise you're doing and whether you're doing too much) and Readiness (whether you've recovered from the exercise you're doing) in an easy-to-read graph.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5

Sleep tracking on the Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

On the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Google Pixel Watch 5, you'll get basic sleep insights (duration and stages) and more advanced metrics. I monitor my sleep latency, overnight blood oxygen saturation, and skin temperature to spot any changes that might signal my body is under more stress than usual.

For example, if you're getting a cold, your skin temperature will be higher than normal. This feature can warn you that you're under the weather before any symptoms appear.

All the insights are laid out clearly and in detail in the respective apps, making it clear where your sleep could use some work - or where your sleep health is thriving.

One feature I love on the Google Pixel Watch 5 that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 doesn't have is the smart wake alarm. This wakes you up in your lightest sleep phase, within 30 minutes of your alarm, which I've found helps avoid grogginess some mornings.

Winner: Both are good options for sleep tracking, but the Google Pixel Watch 5 has more features

Health tracking

The list of similarities between the Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 doesn't stop at sleep and exercise. Both have a suite of advanced health monitoring features, including ECG, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and blood pressure monitoring. Whether you're keeping an eye on a specific condition or just want to play it safe, both have more advanced health metrics than most fitness trackers.

However, in the blood pressure monitoring feature, I found a difference between the two. The Galaxy Watch 9 requires periodic calibration with a traditional arm cuff alongside the sensor readings, which is a bit of a hassle but may be more reliable. You can, however, only use this feature if you have a Samsung phone.

The Google Pixel Watch 9 tracks blood pressure trends over time using on-wrist sensors and delivers a report every month - no need for a cuff and regardless of your connected phone.

Both watches have a 'vitals' page. Here, you'll see baseline metrics across key areas, including skin temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen, HRV, and respiratory rate. When one moves out of your normal range, you'll get notified - much like on the Oura Ring 5. This can help you spot signs that something's up, like an incoming cold.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5, but they are very similar

Smartwatch features on the Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

While the Pixel Watch has always had brilliant smartwatch features, with total Google integration so you can email, browse your calendar, or pay for coffee from your watch, the 5 has gone through some major upgrades. I noticed this most when I walked into a train station during testing, and my watch automatically brought up my train ticket on the screen. I could just tap through the gate.

I don't like when brands pack loads of AI functionality into watches, and it doesn't make life any easier. This upgrade to the Google Pixel Watch 5 genuinely feels like an on-wrist personal assistant who knows what I need before I do - and I never have to get my phone out.

I also made more use of the double-tap function on the Pixel Watch 5. This allows you to complete actions (like starting/stopping a timer or workout) with the tap of your forefinger and thumb. It was first released in the Google Pixel Watch 4, but I found it very useful.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 has great smartwatch features, too, including partnerships with third-party apps like Spotify and WhatsApp and built-in payment systems, all so you can leave your phone at home. It also has Gemini integration, so simply by raising your wrist, you can send messages and emails, control other Samsung devices, get directions, check the weather, or start a playlist. However, you have to ask for what you need, whereas Google's Pixel Watch 5 does a very good job of guessing before you have to.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Which one is better?

Overall, I found the Google Pixel Watch 5 has more to offer - from better GPS accuracy and a Smart Wake Alarm to smartwatch capabilities. Add Google Health's Premium insights, and you can turn up the volume on an already very capable and impressive fitness tracker.

That said, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is also an excellent choice. If the competition weren't so great, it would be really impressive. However, many other fitness trackers have had features for years that are new to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

While the Google Pixel Watch 5 is my favourite of the two, the best watch for you will be the same brand as your phone. At just under £400 each, these are premium products, and I'd advise getting the most for your money, which you can only do if you have a phone from the same brand as the watch.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5

Still stuck? If price is an issue, weigh up the Fitbit Air vs Google Pixel Watch 5. This screenless fitness tracker is under £100 and has many similar features.