3 things the Pixel Watch does better and worse than the Galaxy Watch 5

The Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (and 5 Pro) share a lot in common. They’re both Wear OS devices running the newest software available. They both track users’ basic activity including steps, workouts, and sleep, and both offer a variety of smartwatch features and third-party app support. They’re both round, too! However, both watches also offer very different experiences and each excels in unique details. Find out three things the Pixel Watch does better vs the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, and three details that put Samsung ahead.

When it comes to shopping for a Wear OS watch, few wearables pull ahead of the pack. Google’s Pixel Watch gains the most fame for its thoroughly-Google user experience and unique Fitbit integration. On top of this, the Pixel Watch surpasses the latest from Samsung in a few key areas.

Lets you build better watch faces

The Google Pixel watch allows users to add any complication to any watch face. This seems like a no-brainer, but Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 series devices are quite finicky when it comes to customizing native faces. More specifically, the series allows users to add certain complications in some spots but not in others, with no clear rhyme or reason for the limitations. A round complication window in one watch face might allow you to add the weather details, but not allow these options on another. Likewise, a larger horizontal complication might let you add the calendar in one face, but not in another.

Following the lead of Apple’s wearables, the Pixel Watch boasts a rotating digital crown for on-device navigation. Rather than mucking up the screen with greasy (or sweaty) fingerprints, Pixel Watch users can scroll through menus and more with the highly responsive digital crown. Plus, the haptic feedback of rotating the crown is delightful.

Galaxy Watch 5 series users meanwhile are left scrolling and swiping their display without even a physical bezel to rely on like in past generations. Granted, Samsung’s touchscreens are reliably responsive, however, not everyone keeps a microfiber cloth on hand for rubbing off smudges.

Optimizes the always-on display

Though plagued by a markedly smaller display, the Pixel Watch does make the most of its screen during exercise. The Google Pixel Watch uses the always-on display to show users’ stats during exercise, so you can keep an eye on your heart rate zones and more without messing with gestures.

We consider Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series devices the best picks for Samsung phone users. On top of the line’s Samsung-specific features, multiple size options, and Pro model durability specs, there are more ways the Galaxy Watch 5 series offers a better experience than the Pixel Watch.

Auto-detects workouts

We were very surprised to learn the Pixel Watch doesn’t offer auto-detection for workouts. Devices from the Galaxy Watch 5 series, on the other hand, auto-detect popular workouts including running, walking, rowing machine, elliptical, swimming, and dynamic high-intensity movement. After ten minutes, the Galaxy Watch 5 will auto-start these exercises so users never miss credit for spontaneous workouts.

The Galaxy Watch 5 series allows users to personalize device navigation in two major ways. The first is the ability to customize buttons. Galaxy Watch 5 users can choose which app opens with a double press of their home key. Alternatively, users can set the action to open their most recent app. Likewise, users can modify the result of a long press on the home key or a short press of the back button.

Secondly, Galaxy Watch 5 users can also reorganize quick setting toggles and apps. This means keeping the tools you need most at the forefront. On the Pixel Watch, users are left to scroll.

Utilizes advanced health sensors

The Galaxy Watch 5 boasts two extra sensors not found on Google’s Pixel Watch. The first is a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) system for measuring body composition. The second is the line’s new skin temperature sensor. The Pixel Watch meanwhile, only offers a heart rate sensor and an SpO2 sensor, the second of which is yet to be enabled. The Pixel watch also doesn’t provide high and low heart rate notifications.