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Google unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 5, on Wednesday, and the new Android device joins the legion of smart wearables flooding the market this year. Comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 to the Google Pixel Watch 5 doesn't feel like comparing apples to oranges. Instead, it's more like comparing a Granny Smith to a Honey Crisp: they're both tasty, crunchy fruits with distinct flavors and different uses.
Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: I compared both Android flagships, here's what I prefer
The two watches hail from the Android ecosystem, are powered by Qualcomm processors, and offer around a day and a half of battery life, give or take. Plus, a Samsung watch can be used with a Google phone, and vice versa.
That makes the decision between the two ever more challenging. Luckily, I've tested the new Galaxy Watch 9 out for myself, and I'll be reviewing the Google Pixel Watch 5 in the coming days. Before I have them both in my hands, let's compare the similarities and differences in the specs of the top two Android watches of 2026.
Specifications
Pixel Watch 5 Galaxy Watch 9 Display AMOLED LTPO, 3,000 nits Super AMOLED, 3,000 nits Sizes 41mm/45mm 40mm/44mm Sensors Compass, altimeter, red and infrared sensors for SpO2, multipurpose electrical sensors, multi-path optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, electrical sensor for body response tracking, skin temperature sensor, barometer, magnetometer Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal Sensor + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor Processor Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated Snapdragon Wear Elite RAM/Storage 64 GB storage 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage Satellite Yes with LTE No Battery 325mAh/465mAh 390mAh/445mAh Colorways 41mm: Matte Black Aluminum Case with Obsidian Active Band, Polished Silver Aluminum Case with Fog Active Band, Satin Pyrite Aluminum Case with Olive Active Band, Champagne Gold Aluminum Case with Canyon Active Band. 45mm: Matte Black Aluminum Case with Obsidian Active Band, Polished Silver Aluminum Case with Fog Active Band, Satin Pyrite Aluminum Case with Olive Active Band, Stephen Curry Special Edition Satin Pyrite Aluminum Case with Rye Performance Loop Band. Cream, Graphite Pricing Starting at $399 and $429 Starting at $379
You should buy the Pixel Watch 5 if...
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