ZDNET’s side-by-side review ultimately picks Google’s Pixel Watch 4, saying Gemini-powered Health Coach makes the 2025 smartwatch easier to use than Samsung’s newly unveiled Galaxy Watch 9.
That edge comes from AI-assisted logging of sleep, meals, workouts and symptoms, while Samsung still lacks a comparable assistant despite offering more raw health data.
Galaxy Watch 9 counters with stronger hardware in several areas: a thinner 8.6mm case, broader health metrics including an FDA-cleared sleep apnea score, and a 360mAh battery in the 40mm model versus Pixel’s 325mAh.
Pixel Watch 4 still keeps feature advantages of its own, notably standalone SOS satellite support on the LTE model and slightly higher starting pricing at $387 versus Samsung’s $379.
The comparison underscores a broader split in Android wearables: Samsung emphasizes sensors and battery upgrades, while Google leans on AI software and emergency connectivity.