Choosing the right smartwatch can feel overwhelming, especially when you're torn between two top contenders like the Google Pixel Watch 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. Both devices promise to revolutionize your wrist game, but which one truly delivers? Here’s the shocking truth: after putting them to the test with 11,000 steps, the results were closer than I ever expected.
If you're an Android user on the hunt for a new smartwatch, you’ve likely stumbled upon these two heavyweights. Both have earned their spot on our list of the best smartwatches, and for good reason. Designed for 24/7 wear, they go beyond basic step counting, tracking everything from heart rate and sleep to menstrual cycles. But as a fitness editor with over a decade of experience, I know that mastering the fundamentals is key. After all, if you're dropping hundreds of dollars, you want a device that nails the basics.
To put these watches to the test, I strapped both to my wrist and embarked on a 11,000-step journey, manually counting each step along the way. Once I returned home, I downloaded the data and compared their accuracy. And this is where it gets interesting…
Both watches rely on an internal accelerometer to count steps, measuring the swing of your arm (each swing equals two steps). Whether you wear it on your dominant or non-dominant hand, or even walk with your hands in your pockets, the accelerometer should theoretically capture your movement. But how did they perform in the real world?
I divided my steps into three separate walks around the city, and here’s what I found:
Walk One:
- Manual Count: 4,209 steps
- Google Pixel Watch 4: 4,218 steps
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 4,214 steps
Walk Two:
- Manual Count: 2,688 steps
- Google Pixel Watch 4: 2,702 steps
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 2,710 steps
Walk Three:
- Manual Count: 4,842 steps
- Google Pixel Watch 4: 4,865 steps
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 4,838 steps
Total Steps:
- Manual Count: 11,739 steps
- Google Pixel Watch 4: 11,785 steps
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 11,752 steps
The verdict? It’s a photo finish. The Google Pixel Watch 4 overcounted by 46 steps, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 was off by a mere 13 steps. Over five miles, that’s practically negligible—especially considering the average person takes 2,000 steps per mile. Both watches are remarkably accurate, but the Galaxy Watch 8 edges out slightly.
But here's where it gets controversial: When it comes to choosing between the two, it’s not just about step counting. Both start at $349 and pack a ton of features. The Pixel Watch 4 integrates Fitbit, offering advanced health insights—but only if you subscribe to Fitbit Premium. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 8 boasts a laundry list of fitness features, from FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection to metabolic health tracking. Is it worth paying extra for Fitbit Premium, or does Samsung’s all-inclusive approach win out?
From a health tracking perspective, both watches excel. Whether you’re a step-counter or a data enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with either. But the real question is: which one aligns better with your lifestyle?
What do you think? Is the Pixel Watch 4’s Fitbit integration worth the extra cost, or does the Galaxy Watch 8’s feature-rich design take the crown? Let us know in the comments!
For more in-depth comparisons and reviews, follow Tom's Guide on Google News or add us as a preferred source. And if you’re curious about how these watches stack up against others, check out our latest tests, like the Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Galaxy Watch 8 or the Apple Watch 10 vs Pixel Watch 4. Your perfect smartwatch might just be a click away!
