Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: I compared this year's flagship smartwatches. Here's which wins - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Why you can trust ZDNET: ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. I compared the top Android smartwatches of the year arriving to the market only weeks apart. Article updated on August 12, 2026, 2:00 pm EDT Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Google just unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 5, and the new Android device joins the legion of smart wearables flooding the market this year. Comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 to the Google Pixel Watch 5 doesn’t feel like comparing apples to oranges. Instead, it’s more like comparing a Granny Smith to a Honey Crisp: they’re both tasty, crunchy fruits with distinct flavors and different uses. Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: I compared both Android flagships, here’s what I prefer The two watches hail from the Android ecosystem, are powered by Qualcomm processors, and offer around a day and a half of battery life, give or take. Plus, a Samsung watch can