Pixel Watch 2 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Which is a Better Android Smartwatch?
By Naila Syifa
Updated August 2024
If you're looking for a smartwatch that integrates seamlessly with your Android phone, Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 7 are two top contenders worth considering. Both watches offer impressive features and capabilities, but the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
Let's see what distinguishes the Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 7 from each other!
Key Takeaways
Pixel Watch 2's main advantage lies in its focus on mindfulness and stress detection features, while the Galaxy Watch 7 excels in areas like body composition analysis, sleep apnea detection, and AI-powered workout optimization. Galaxy Watch 7 also wins in terms of battery life and durability, with more affordable pricing than the Pixel Watch 2.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Smartwatch for Mind & Body
✓ cEDA Stress-Tracking
✓ Built-in Microphone & Speaker
✓ Google Apps
✓ 24-Hour Runtime
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Smart & Robust Smartwatch
✓ ECG, BIA, Sleep Apnea
✓ 100+ Workouts
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ 60-Hour Runtime
#1 Price
Pixel Watch 2
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 starts from US$299 for the base model, which is a 40mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only variant. It is more affordable than the Pixel Watch 2, which has a starting price of US$349 for the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model.
At US$349, we can already get the 40mm LTE version for the Galaxy Watch 7, while the LTE variant of the Pixel Watch 2 retails at US$399.
However, the Galaxy Watch 7 is also available in more expensive configurations, with the 44mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model costing US$329 and the 44mm LTE variant priced at US$369.
#2 Design & Display
Galaxy Watch 7
Google Pixel Watch 2 features an aluminum case in 41mm size with a circular AMOLED display that supports an always-on mode. The display resolution is 450 x 450 pixels with a pixel density of 320 ppi. The display is also capable of reaching a maximum brightness of up to 1000 nits and is protected by a custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced durability.
Galaxy Watch 7 is also made of aluminum but comes in 40mm and 44mm size options. Both sizes feature a Super AMOLED display, with the 40mm model at 432 x 432 pixels (330 ppi) resolution and the 44mm model at 480 x 480 pixels (327 ppi) resolution, which are slightly higher than the Pixel Watch 2. The display is protected by Sapphire Crystal Glass.
Both watches have a 5 ATM water rating, allowing you to swim and shower with them. However, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers additional protection, being rated IP68 for dust-tight sealing and military standard MIL-STD-810H certification for enhanced durability.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Pixel Watch 2
Both watches can track basic health metrics like heart rate, HRV, blood oxygen, skin temperature, sleep, and stress. They also support ECG to monitor heart rhythm and get notified of any potential irregularities and signs of AFib.
The Pixel Watch 2 is set apart with a cEDA sensor, which can identify your body's response to stress and notify you of high-stress levels, allowing you to stay aware of your well-being. The watch is also equipped with mindfulness features like guided breathing for coping with stress and reflections for mood tracking, making the Pixel Watch 2 an all-around wellness companion for mind and body.
The distinctive advantages of the Galaxy Watch 7, on the other hand, fall in some other aspects. The watch has a BIA sensor, which can measure body composition metrics like body fat percentage, muscle mass, and body water percentage. Galaxy Watch 7 can also detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea, helping users monitor their sleep health more comprehensively.
Galaxy Watch 7
Both watches can automatically detect a range of workouts and provide valuable metrics to help you achieve your fitness goals, such as heart rate zones, pace, distance, and more.
Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Watch 7 offers additional capabilities to help optimize your workout routines and provide personalized wellness recommendations. For example, it can compare your current running/biking performance to your last session, provide Wellness Tips, and generate an Energy Score to help you understand your body's readiness for the day. Note that Galaxy AI is only supported on select Galaxy models.
Pixel Watch 2 has a similar feature known as Daily Readiness Score, which analyzes your activity, sleep, and heart rate variability to provide a personalized assessment of your body's preparedness for the day's activities. However, this feature requires a Fitbit Premium membership. Galaxy AI features are free on the moment but may require a similar subscription in the future.
#4 Smartwatch Features
Galaxy Watch 7
Both the Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 7 are powered by Wear OS, which provides access to a wide range of apps and services including Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Assistant, YouTube Music, and more.
The LTE variants of both smartwatches allow phone-free texting and calling, while their Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only variants require your paired smartphone to make calls and send messages.
The camera controller feature is available on both watches, but the list of compatible devices differs between the two. Galaxy Watch 7's camera controller is supported when the watch is paired with the Galaxy S9 series and later, while the Pixel Watch 2's camera controller is supported for Pixel devices.
#5 Battery Life
Pixel Watch 2
Galaxy Watch 7 wins when it comes to battery life. It claims up to 60 hours of normal use with the always-on display, 48 hours in exercise power saving (GPS on) mode, and 100 hours in power saving mode.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 2 is estimated to provide up to 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display, which is shorter than the Galaxy Watch 7.
Galaxy Watch 7 also has a more sophisticated charging method with wireless charging, while the Pixel Watch 2 uses a typical USB-C fast charging cable.
Pixel Watch 2 vs Galaxy Watch 7
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Watch 7
The Pixel Watch 2 is best for Google Pixel phone owners, while the Galaxy Watch 7 is best for Samsung Galaxy smartphone users. If you're neither a Pixel nor a Galaxy phone owner, then it is a question of which features appeal to you the most.
Pixel Watch 2's main advantage lies in its focus on wellness and mindfulness features, while the Galaxy Watch 7 excels in areas like body composition analysis, sleep apnea detection, and AI-powered workout optimization.
Design is a personal preference, but the Galaxy Watch 7 has passed more durability certifications, has a longer battery life, and is also more affordable than the Pixel Watch 2 for the base model.
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Fitbit Sense 2
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Fitbit Versa 4
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Pixel Watch 2
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2
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