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 kicker: I put them to the test with a 11,000-step challenge, and 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, boasting features that go far beyond step counting. We’re talking heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, and more. But as a fitness editor with over a decade of experience, I know that mastering the basics is where it all begins. After all, if you’re dropping hundreds of dollars, you want a device that nails the fundamentals.
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 the results. But here’s where it gets controversial: while both watches performed exceptionally, one emerged as the clear winner—but not by much.
Both the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 use an internal accelerometer to count steps, measuring the swing of your arm (each swing equals two steps). This technology works regardless of whether you wear the watch on your dominant or non-dominant hand, or even if your hands are in your pockets. And this is the part most people miss: the accuracy of these devices can vary, even if they use the same technology.
I divided my steps into three separate walks around the city, and here’s how they stacked up:
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
As you can see, the results were incredibly close. The Google Pixel Watch 4 overcounted by 46 steps, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 was off by just 13 steps. Is this a dealbreaker? Probably not, but it’s a detail that might sway your decision.
When it comes to features, both watches start at $349 and pack a punch. The Google Pixel Watch 4 integrates Fitbit, offering advanced health insights—though some features, like the Personal AI Coach, require a Fitbit Premium subscription. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 comes loaded with fitness features like advanced sleep tracking, FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection, and even metabolic health analysis. But here’s the question: Are these extra features worth the potential trade-off in step-counting accuracy?
Both watches excel in health tracking, and while step counting might seem like a minor feature, it’s often the first thing people look at. The good news? Both devices are highly accurate, so you can trust them to keep your daily count in check.
Now, I want to hear from you: Which watch would you choose, and why? Do you prioritize step-counting accuracy, or are advanced health features more important to you? Let’s spark a debate in the comments!
For more insights, follow Tom's Guide on Google News or add us as a preferred source to stay updated on the latest reviews, deals, and tips. And if you’re curious about how these watches compare to others, check out our head-to-head tests with the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Apple Watch 10.
Jane McGuire, Tom's Guide Fitness Editor, has been testing and reviewing fitness products for over five years. When she’s not testing the latest gadgets, you’ll find her running through the Surrey Hills or snapping photos of her puppy.
