Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 — 5 key differences you need to know

The Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 are both powerful, feature-packed Android smartwatches, with a few notable differences. One of the main distinctions between the two devices lies in their pricing. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 is priced slightly lower, starting at $379, while Google's Pixel Watch 5 begins at $399. However, both devices offer a range of improvements over their predecessors, with the Galaxy Watch 9 boasting a faster processor and extended battery life.

Another key difference between the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 is their case design. The Pixel Watch 5 maintains a circular case, available in 41mm or 45mm sizes, constructed primarily of aluminum with a 50-meter water resistance rating. Conversely, the Galaxy Watch 9 features a "cushion" case, available in 40mm or 44mm sizes. Both devices are water-resistant up to 50 meters, and their construction is robust, feeling equally well-built.

In terms of screen design, both watches have relatively similar brightness and panel size. The Pixel Watch 5 has a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen for its 41mm size and a 1.4-inch screen for the 45mm size, while the Galaxy Watch 9 features a 1.34-inch screen for its 40mm size and a 1.47-inch screen for the 44mm size. Notably, the Galaxy Watch 9's screen is completely flat and surrounded by a thick recessed bezel, while the Pixel Watch 5's screen is domed with slight distortion around the edges and a smaller bezel.

Safety features are another area where the two watches differ. Both devices offer basic safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS, but Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 includes FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 5 supports Loss of Pulse Detection and Google's new Breathing Emergency Detection feature, both of which can send for help in the event of an emergency.

Finally, when it comes to personalized fitness and training tools, the Galaxy Watch 9 offers free features, but users need a Samsung phone to unlock them. Conversely, Google's Pixel Watch 5 provides access to its Google Health Premium plan for a monthly or annual fee. Both watches offer personalized training plans and AI-backed coaching, but Google's plan requires a subscription.