Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: I compared the two best Androids, and here’s the winner

Google just unveiled its new Pixel Watch 4, and upon first glance, it’s pretty similar to the Galaxy Watch 8<!–> Samsung released last month. They’re both Android smartwatches with AI-powered health coaches, they have around the same battery life, brightness, and storage, and notably, they’re the same price. 

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

Of course, you’ll get different watch bands and different brand styles, with Google’s watch being slightly bigger, but the bones of these devices are almost identical. Nevertheless, as someone who loves to compare and contrast, I wanted to see how these two smartwatches differ, and which you should buy if you’re looking at both. 

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Specifications

You should buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if…

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1. You’re a Google Pixel phone owner

This is an obvious one, but if you’re a Google Pixel user, you should buy a Pixel Watch, and if you’re a Samsung Galaxy user, you should buy a Galaxy Watch. Both Android watches are compatible with either phone brand, but it’s often a smoother experience using smartwatch’s native device brand. 

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

2. You’re an outdoor enthusiast 

The Pixel Watch 4 has a unique satellite feature that separates it from competitors like Samsung. Unlike smartwatches that require a phone’s cellular connectivity to initiate satellite communication (like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra), the Pixel Watch 4 offers standalone satellite communications — the first of its kind. The feature is available on the Google Pixel Watch 4 LTE. 

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

Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor, it connects to geostationary satellites in the sky without requiring a carrier’s additional connection. You can just take your Pixel Watch 4 out into the great outdoors and know that, if an emergency arises, you’ll have all the connectivity tools around your wrist to be in touch with an emergency responder and send messages. 

3. You want additional colorways 

The Galaxy Watch 8 only comes in graphite and silver case colors. Google diversifies its case colors with five options across the board. If you opt for the 41mm smartwatch, you’ll choose from a Matte Black aluminum case with an Obsidian Active Band, a Polished Silver aluminum case with a Porcelain Active Band, a Champagne Gold aluminum case with a Lemongrass Active Band, or a Polished Silver aluminum case with an Iris Active Band. 

If you opt for the 45mm smartwatch, you’ll choose from a Matte Black aluminum case with an Obsidian Active Band, a Polished Silver aluminum case with a Porcelain Active Band, and a Satin Moonstone aluminum case with a Moonstone Active Band. 

You should buy the Galaxy Watch 8 if…

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1. You want free health features 

While the Pixel Watch 4 offers improved sleep staging and temperature sensing algorithms for further accuracy, most of Google’s new AI-powered health coach features are hidden behind Fitbit Premium–>, which costs $10 a month or $80 annually. 

Samsung’s health features, on the other hand, are free. Let’s say you’re training for your first marathon. Samsung’s new Running Coach feature tests your running ability with a 12-minute test, ranks it out of 10, and provides a tailored training program based on your ability and recovery. Samsung Health also suggests bedtimes based on your sleep needs — just like Google. 

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

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 also has a unique Antioxidant Index feature not present on the Pixel Watch 4 that measures your carotenoid levels. To activate it, just press your thumb on the BioActive sensor, and the watch lets you know if your levels are within adequate or inadequate ranges.

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2. You want a thinner watch 

The Galaxy Watch 8 is a thinner device that’s easy to wear. While I’ve only worn the Pixel Watch 4 for a few minutes during a device demo, I noted that it was quite a bit chunkier. Some people might appreciate this, but if you have smaller wrists, the Galaxy Watch 8 will likely be a better fit. 

Alternatives to consider