Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Which wearable should you buy?

Google has just released its new Pixel Watch 5, so we’ve measured its specs against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

As both are WearOS devices, how do you really decide between the two? Does it ultimately come down to what smartphone you have, or are there other factors to consider?

Ahead of our Pixel Watch 5 review, we’ve compared its specs to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 below. Keep reading to see how the devices differ and whether the Pixel Watch 5 stands a chance at making it into our best smartwatch guide.

Price and Availability

At the time of writing, the Pixel Watch 5 is currently available for pre-order and will launch officially from August 20th. It starts at £369/$399, though its price can rise depending on whether you opt for a larger size and 4G support too.

The year-old Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 may have been succeeded by the Galaxy Watch 9, but it remains available to buy from Samsung’s official website. Not only does it have a cheaper starting RRP than the Pixel Watch 5, from £269/$349.99, but it’s also known to see price drops from time to time too.

Pixel Watch 5 runs on Snapdragon W5 Gen 2

Although Pixel phones run on Google’s own Tensor G-series of chips, the Pixel Watch 5 instead runs on Qualcomm’s wearable processor: Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. 

Google explains that with Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 under its hood, the Pixel Watch 5 packs 50% more RAM and a 12% CPU boost which should see the device feel up to 20% faster than the Pixel Watch 4. In addition, the chip promises the running of Gemini Intelligence and gesture control that allows you to interact with your watch hands-free.

While the newer Galaxy Watch 9 runs on the same chip as the Pixel Watch 5, the Watch 8 is powered by Samsung’s 3nm processor instead. We found that the Galaxy Watch 8 ran smoothly during our review period and never stuttered or struggled. So, while it may not be as flashy as Qualcomm’s alternative, it’s still a reliable processor that can see you through most tasks.

Finally, the Galaxy Watch 8’s 3nm processor still runs Google Gemini, which we’ve concluded is easily one of the most useful smartwatch assistants around.

Pixel Watch 5 promises Google’s most accurate GPS

Google claims that the Pixel Watch 5 offers the brand’s most “accurate GPS route tracking yet” and is hailed to even outperform the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro – though we’re yet to verify such claims ourselves. 

But what’s really behind the updated GPS? Google explains that it paired Google Maps, which includes three-dimensional models of buildings around the world, with AI to help reduce errors that are usually caused by GPS signals bouncing off buildings. If you’ve ever tried to navigate through areas like the City of London or Canary Wharf, then you’ll know that pinpointing your exact location can be pretty difficult. 

Of course, we’ll have to wait until we review the Pixel Watch 5 ourselves to see how well its GPS performs. 

Google Health vs Samsung Health app

Unsurprisingly, if you opt for the Pixel Watch 5 then your data will upload to the Google Health app, whereas the Galaxy Watch 8 uploads data to Samsung Health instead. Google Health has recently had a major overhaul and, though we’re yet to review it specifically with the Pixel Watch 5, we’ve concluded it to be brilliant with the Fitbit Air.

Although you don’t need to subscribe to its £7.99/$9.99 a month Premium plan, we would recommend making the splurge as doing so unlocks plenty of features, including Google Health Coach. Here you can build and customise your own workouts, receive personalised advice based on your health data and even achieve 15 more accurate sleep stage detection too.

In addition, Google Health includes new Health Guardian features that introduced breathing emergency detection – an industry-first feature. Powered by its sensors, the Pixel Watch 5 continuously monitors for severe, persistent drops in oxygen saturation that can result from drug toxicity accidents, severe pneumonia or choking. If any are detected and you are unresponsive, the device will alert the emergency services.

So how does Samsung Health compare? The app, which recently saw a revamp, houses all your data in a new and clearer interface. There’s the Vitals section which tracks and compares five biometrics including heart rate, respiratory rate, HRV, skin temperature and blood oxygen, while Heart Health Score provides you with a daily score based on your sleep, stress and activity levels.

Samsung also introduced antioxidant index with the Galaxy Watch 8 which supposedly tells you when you’re getting enough antioxidants in your body and eating enough fruit and vegetables. 

Neither can be paired with an iPhone

It might seem obvious but we should disclaim that neither the Pixel Watch 5, nor the Galaxy Watch 8 can be paired with an iPhone. Not only that, but to get the most out of the Galaxy Watch 8, you really ought to pair it with a compatible Samsung Galaxy handset. 

We’re surprised to see the Pixel Watch 5 doesn’t support iPhone as the best Fitbits do. It’s a shame, but perhaps unsurprising.

Early Verdict

With a Qualcomm chip under the hood, the promise of Google’s most accurate GPS yet and Gemini Intelligence, the Pixel Watch 5 looks set to be a solid smartwatch for Android users. However, the Galaxy Watch 8 remains a great choice for those seeking a more affordable wearable that doesn’t necessarily need a subscription. 

We’ll update this versus once we review the Pixel Watch 5.

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