Google’s most interesting
Google has doubled down on Fitbit with its latest smartwatch, including new well being sensors like a multi-path coronary heart fee sensor to offer you extra correct outcomes for sleep and health monitoring. The watch itself lasts longer, performs quicker, and feels lighter than the final mannequin.
ForBeautiful rounded showFitbit integrationTwice the storageSnapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipExcellent haptic crownAgainstOnly one measurement optionLess sturdy designDimmer, thick-bordered show
Ultimate Galaxy Watch
Depending on whether or not you purchase the Watch 6 or Watch 6 Classic, you may get a comfortably mild and sporty watch or a trendy timepiece with extra correct controls. Either method, Samsung has stored its place as probably the most dependable Android watch model for years for a motive.
ForTwo show sizes + Classic option2,000-nit displayMilitary-grade protectionLonger battery lifeFaster wi-fi downloadsAgainstTouch bezel as a substitute of crownOnly 16GB storageFewer health instruments
Google and Samsung could have co-developed the fashionable model of Wear OS, however every takes its personal {hardware} and software program method to creating an Android smartwatch. Comparing the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, you’ll be able to see these variations in motion.Last 12 months, the Google Pixel Watch rapidly grew to become certainly one of our favourite smartwatches regardless of its years-long improvement course of. Still, the Galaxy Watch 5 remained our favourite due to years of Samsung tweaking and enhancing upon its design. Now that Google has had a 12 months to enhance upon and modernize its design, the Pixel Watch 2 seems to be much more aggressive.While we nonetheless want extra time to check the Pixel Watch 2 absolutely, you’ll be able to learn our preliminary Pixel Watch 2 hands-on to see the way it matches as much as our Galaxy Watch 6 evaluate. Otherwise, we’ll break down the entire Pixel Watch 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 6 variations in design, specs, software program, health instruments, and extra.Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Design and displayWhy you’ll be able to belief Android Central
Our professional reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you’ll be able to select one of the best for you. Find out extra about how we check.The Google Pixel Watch 2 (Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The Google Pixel Watch 2 seems to be remarkably near the unique Pixel Watch, with the identical case measurement, thickness, 1,000-nit brightness, and 1.2-inch show with 384 x 384 decision. If you have been hoping for a second measurement possibility or that Google would shrink the show border, you may have to attend and hope that the Pixel Watch 3 delivers there.Samsung sells 4 variants of the Galaxy Watch 6: two normal fashions and two Classics. With both possibility, you’ll be able to choose a 1.3-inch or 1.5-inch show with double the brightness, making it simpler to view outdoor. Specifically, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 6 case is smaller than the 41mm Pixel Watch 2 however provides you 0.1-inch further area due to its minimal show border.Using that border, the Galaxy Watch 6 has a capacitive contact bezel that you simply rotate your finger throughout to scroll by means of data. It works properly sufficient in supreme situations — higher than the Galaxy Watch 5 bezel, in our exams — however is not probably the most dependable while you’re on the transfer or throughout a sweaty exercise.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Choose the Pixel Watch 2, and also you get a devoted haptic crown to scroll by means of knowledge as a substitute. In our hands-on, we famous that “the newly redesigned crown feels higher quality with improved tactility and a more clicky spin.”Of course, you’ll be able to select the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic to have a complete rotating bezel across the show to slip by means of widgets; it provides you a better grip than a crown but additionally provides some important weight to the watch itself.The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Google used chrome steel with the primary Pixel Watch however switched to lighter, fully-recycled aluminum supplies with this iteration. Thanks to that, the Pixel Watch has a extra aggressive weight, solely about 2.3g heavier than the bottom Galaxy Watch 6 and considerably lighter than the stainless steel Classic watches. Depending on which watch band you select, both watch will be lighter or heavier than the opposite.On that word, all your unique Pixel Watch bands carry over to work for the Pixel Watch 2, which has new Active Sport and Metal Slim bands however in any other case sticks to the identical choices. While now we have loads of Galaxy Watch 6 bands we suggest, Google’s first-party bands have a trendy look (paired with the extra fashionable watch) that we respect.Although the Galaxy Watch 6 is far thinner than the Pixel Watch 2 on paper, that is solely due to Samsung’s, er, inventive measurements that do not take the sensor housing under consideration. By our measurements, it is 12mm thick, simply 0.3mm thinner than the Pixel Watch 2.The greatest upside to the Galaxy Watch 6 is its extra sturdy design. Both watches have 5ATM and IP68 scores for mud and water resistance, however solely Samsung achieved a MIL-STD-810H ranking to guard towards shock harm. Google’s attractive round-edged show seems to be as implausible as ever, however it’s extra liable to select up scratches alongside the perimeters.The Pixel Watch 2’s Gorilla Glass 5 safety, too, will not be as dependable as Samsung’s sapphire glass constructed into the Galaxy Watch 6. You could wish to look into Pixel Watch 2 display screen protectors, must you select it.Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Hardware and sensorsSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGoogle Pixel Watch 2Samsung Galaxy Watch 6Display1.2-inch (384×384) AMOLED1.3-inch (432×432), 1.5-inch (480×480) Super AMOLEDBrightness1,000 nits2,000 nitsProcessorSnapdragon Wear 5100 + Cortex M33 co-processorSamsung Exynos W930 (1.4GHz)RAM2GB2GBStorage32GB16GBNavigationTouchscreen, haptic crown, aspect buttonTouchscreen, two buttons, digital bezel (GW6), bodily rotating bezel (Classic)Battery306mAh; as much as 24 hours with AOD300mAh or 425mAh; Up to 40 hoursWireless chargingYesYesSensorsAccelerometer, altimeter, ambient mild, cEDA, compass, ECG, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical coronary heart fee, pores and skin temperature, SpO2Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light SensorConnectivityLTE (optionally available), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, NFC, GPS L1, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSSLTE (optionally available), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, NFC, GPS/ GLONASS/ GALILEO/ BeidouCompatibilityWear OS 4 / AndroidWear OS 4 / AndroidDurabilityCorning Gorilla Glass 5; 5ATM; IP685ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810H, Sapphire GlassMaterialsAluminumAluminumDimensions41 x 41 x 12.3mm38.8 x 40.4 x 9.0 mm; 42.8 x 44.4 x 9.0 mmWeight (w/out strap)31g28.7g or 33.3gColorsMatte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne GoldGraphite, Gold (40mm); Graphite, Silver (44mm)In the final era, the efficiency battle between the Watch 5 and Pixel Watch was considerably sophisticated. Google relied on an outdated Galaxy Watch 1-era Exynos 9110 chip however paired it with a sturdy 2GB of RAM and a Cortex co-processor to deal with behind-the-scenes well being and watch face duties; Samsung had the newer Exynos W920 chip paired with simply 1.5GB of RAM.With this era, the Galaxy Watch 6 jumped to the W930 chip with 2GB of RAM, giving it an 18% clock pace increase, 25% shorter app switching, and common loading time enhancements. In apply, we have discovered it’s totally quick for nearly something you ask it to do.As for the Pixel Watch 2, it switches to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, paired with the identical Cortex M33 co-processor and 2GB RAM because the final mannequin. It additionally retains its 32GB of space for storing for music and apps, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6’s 16GB of storage is a last-gen weak level for an in any other case future-proofed watch.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)We did not get sufficient hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 2 to evaluate how a lot quicker it’s, however we do know a minimum of that it is considerably extra battery environment friendly with a battery that is solely 12mAh bigger, supplying you with 24 hours per cost with always-on show (AOD) energetic, in accordance with Google. We do not have a non-AOD estimate as of but.For comparability, the Galaxy Watch 6 has a 40-hour estimate however lasts simply 30 hours with AOD energetic. It does properly in standby mode for checking notifications and coronary heart fee knowledge however prompts instruments like always-listening Assistant or music streaming, and it is extra of a charge-once-a-day watch. The Pixel Watch 2 additionally requires each day prices, however its environment friendly chip provides us hope that it will probably deal with strong use with out dying in a single day throughout sleep monitoring.As for recharging both watch, the Pixel Watch 2 takes 43 or 75 minutes to succeed in 80% or 100%, respectively, whereas we discovered that the Galaxy Watch 6 takes about 45 minutes to hit 75% or 70–75 minutes to hit 100%. They’re comparable, in different phrases.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Pixel Watch 2 measure coronary heart fee, coronary heart fee variance, excessive and low coronary heart fee warnings, passive irregular coronary heart fee rhythm (AFib), energetic AFib detection (ECG), stress, respiration, blood oxygen, and pores and skin temperature.They even have a lot of the typical watch sensors you’d anticipate, like accelerometers, gyroscopes, altimeters, compasses, and ambient mild sensors, in addition to a lot of the identical international satellite tv for pc navigational techniques (GNSS) like GPS. Neither has dual-frequency GPS monitoring, sadly.As for connectivity, both watch permits you to improve to a 4G LTE model for $50 whereas providing NFC for tap-to-pay and Wi-Fi for quicker downloads, although no Ultra Wideband just like the Apple Watch. Samsung does win on this space with help for WiFi 5GHz downloads and Bluetooth 5.3 as a substitute of 5.0.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)In phrases of distinctive well being sensors, the Watch 6 measures your physique composition with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), although our reviewer discovered that its outcomes have been fairly inconsistent in comparison with sensible scale outcomes.The Pixel Watch 2 took the Fitbit Sense 2 cEDA sensor for physique response utilizing coronary heart fee, coronary heart fee variability, and pores and skin temperature; Samsung additionally has a stress-tracking widget however would not say what metrics it makes use of particularly.Both watches have well being knowledge limitations to think about. Google locks loads of its well being knowledge behind the paywall of Fitbit Premium, and the Pixel Watch 2 would not allow you to actively verify some well being knowledge like blood oxygen — solely checking it passively in a single day.Samsung makes most of its knowledge obtainable in Samsung Health, however its ECG knowledge particularly should be considered within the Samsung Health Monitor app that is unique to Samsung telephones. And it would not have a paid choice to take your knowledge and analyze it for well being traits, as Fitbit and Google provide.Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Software and health(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The Pixel Watch 2 comes with Wear OS 4 out of the field, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6 makes use of One UI 5 Watch primarily based on Wear OS 4.The Pixel Watch 2 is getting new apps like Gmail and Google Calendar with Wear OS 4, together with new watch faces, a backup and restore characteristic, and revamped Google Assistant that solutions questions primarily based in your tracked well being knowledge.While these all depend as causes to get excited for Google’s watch, the Galaxy Watch 6 ought to ultimately get many of those instruments in a One UI 5.5 Watch replace, and it is had entry to Backup and Restore for years. Generally talking, each watches provide you with comparable first- and third-party apps, although Samsung is extra prone to push you in direction of its personal and make you dive into settings to modify to Google Assistant or Wallet.In phrases of health instruments, each watches have dozens of sports activities modes and some key actions with automated detection for a couple of common actions like operating and biking. Each has custom-made coronary heart fee zones, VO2 Max knowledge, and the flexibility to observe set exercise parameters that buzz your wrist in case you’re off tempo.The key distinction, in fact, is Google’s Fitbit Premium integration. The Pixel Watch 2 gives 6 months of free membership, supplying you with entry to a Daily Readiness rating primarily based in your sleep knowledge, well being knowledge traits, wellness studies, skilled exercises, and loads of different helpful data and exercise instruments.Once your subscription runs out, you may should pay $10/month or $80/12 months to entry loads of this knowledge. That’s the important thing draw back to the Pixel Watch 2 that it pushes you to pay for a subscription by integrating Fitbit so deeply into the watch’s working system.Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Which must you purchase?The Galaxy Watch 6 pricing ranges from $300 for the smallest mannequin to $430 for the biggest Watch 6 Classic. The Pixel Watch 2 falls squarely within the center at $350…however your watch worth will tick upwards if you find yourself staying subscribed to Fitbit Premium.Currently, the Galaxy Watch 6 claims the highest spot for greatest Android smartwatch on the power of its efficiency, sturdy design, and strong battery life. But relying on our Pixel Watch 2 evaluate, Google might problem Samsung for this high spot regardless of a couple of key downgrades just because it serves as each an Android watch and a health smartwatch.That final level could decide which you select. If you need a smartwatch that provides you loads of health instruments and simply digestible well being knowledge, Google has put extra effort into this space than Samsung by way of its Fitbit acquisition. If you are extra within the apps and do not wish to pay for a health subscription, Samsung could serve you simply high quality.Otherwise, your alternative could come all the way down to which Android telephone you personal, for the reason that Pixel Watch 2 will pair greatest with the brand new Pixel 8, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6 has unique instruments discovered on Galaxy S23 telephones. Or, in case you care extra about aesthetics or sturdiness, the trendy Pixel Watch 2 or extra rugged Galaxy Watch 6 will serve your wants extra.
Google’s most interesting
Choose the Pixel Watch 2 for Fitbit integration, a glossy edge-to-edge design, further music storage, and dependable crown controls. Don’t select the Pixel Watch 2 in order for you a bigger, a brighter show, or a extra sturdy design.
Ultimate Galaxy Watch
Choose the Galaxy Watch 6 in case you prioritize longer battery life, bigger shows, and extra reliably rugged designs. Don’t select the Watch 6 in order for you probably the most space for storing for music or deep health integration inside the OS.