Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 8: All expected differences

• Both are available in a small and large size
• Impressive 3,000 nits of max brightness on both
• Faster charging on the Pixel Watch 4
• Longer battery life on the Pixel Watch 4
• Dual-band GPS on both
• Galaxy has some unique features like Antioxidant Index
• Neither have marathon coaching plans
• Same $350 starting price on both

Design & Sizes

Compact and classy

The Pixel Watch 4 sticks with its familiar round style with a domed glass, a classy look, no doubt, while the Galaxy Watch 8 has adopted a new “squircle” shape that looks odd on pictures, but has grown on us in real use. Plus, it has the added benefit of the metal “cushion” of the watch acting as additional protection.

Both watches come in a small and large sizes. For the Pixel Watch 4 the rumored sizes are 41mm and 45mm, while the Galaxy comes in 40mm and 44mm.

The Galaxy has one advantage, though: it’s thinner and noticeably so. Samsung’s timepiece measures 8.6 mm in thickness, compared to a rumored 14.3 mm on the Pixel Watch 4. Quite the difference.

Durability-wise, the Pixel Watch 4 is likely to use Corning Gorilla Glass 5 or similar, while the Galaxy Watch 8 features a sapphire crystal glass, which should be more resistant do scratches.

Both come with an IP68/5ATM rating, which is kind of the standard for a smartwatch.

In terms of buttons, we love having a physical rotating crown on the Pixel Watch 4, while on the Galaxy Watch 8 you have to swipe on the screen with your fingers, not quite as nice.

Display-wise, both the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 8 have OLED displays.

As for screen sizes, the Galaxy is expected to have a slightly bigger screen (but that’s not certain). The 40mm Galaxy Watch has a 1.3-inch screen, while the 41mm Pixel watch should have a 1.2-inch display. And then the 44mm Galaxy watch gets a 1.5″ screen vs 1.4″ on the 45mm Pixel watch.

The maximum brightness achievable by both gravitate around 3,000 nits in bright conditions, which is plenty bright.

Bands

Lots of customization options

The Pixel Watch 4 should arrive with the same default sporty fluoroelastomer band, named the Active Band. Google gives you two sizes of this strap in the box: a small one for wrists between 150mm and 185mm, while the larger accommodates 165mm to 215mm wrists. 

The Galaxy Watch 8, on the other hand, comes with a new proprietary quick-swap “Dynamic Lug” system that is – unfortunately – not compatible with earlier models. Still, it’s more convenient than before.

Samsung pairs the Galaxy Watch 8 with a sport band, but you can also purchase the comfortable fabric strap or the athleisure hybrid strap, which mimics a leather band.

Of course, with the help of an adapter, you can easily use third-party straps with both of those watches.

Software & Features

First, the good news. Gemini is available on both the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 8, so you will not be missing out on either one.

We’ve already mentioned that both these watches come with Google’s latest Wear OS 6 software, but the Pixel Watch is getting actively themed with the new Material Expressive 3 UI. Part of its charm is buttons and notifications that react when they reach the display edge, and buttons that grow larger when you tap them. Dynamic theming also matches colors from the watch face across other UI elements.

In terms of health and activity related features, leaks mention the Pixel Watch 4 gets a new “Breathing Emergencies” feature, which will use the SpO2 sensor to monitor blood oxygen levels and alert users of potential breathing issues. The Galaxy Watch has its own unique features like the Antioxidant index, for example.

The Pixel Watch 4 also comes with Fitbit Premium on deck. The Premium subscription is priced at $10 per month or $80 for a year. That money buys you detailed sleep data and guided programs, which are cool extras but definitely not something essential. Previously, Google’s Readiness Score was only available for Premium subscribers, but even that can be viewed by everyone now, so it makes little sense to buy premium.

The Galaxy Watch 8 supports dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS, which has so far not been available on Pixel Watches, but the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to finally get this feature too. Good news for people running in a big city like NYC.

Rumors suggest we will get a new charging cradle that will deliver 80% charge in just 30 minutes. It takes about an hour to achieve a similar charge level on the Galaxy Watch 8, a massive difference.

Both of these watches are slightly cheaper than the most popular smartwatch on the market, the Apple Watch, which starts at $400.