The Google Pixel Watch 5 is the equivalent to the Apple Watch Series 12. Released in August 2026 — a month before the latest Apple Watch — the Google Pixel Watch 5 has a big focus on Gemini Intelligence and Google Health. Built on top of great features introduced with the Pixel Watch 4, which includes a long lasting and ultra-fast charging battery, on-device AI tools, and great repairability, the new Pixel Watch 5 offers more proactive help and health insights.
Interestingly enough, while the Apple Watch has been available for over a decade, Google’s Pixel Watch lineup is fairly recent. Google released the first Pixel Watch in 2022 with a circular, domed glass design, Fitbit health integration, and the company’s existing Wear OS operating system for Android smartwatches. Before Google, Samsung was already on board with the software platform, as it switched from its proprietary Tizen software a few years back.
Even though the Pixel Watch has not been around for that long, Google has plenty to be praised about. After all, with the Google Pixel Watch 4, the company completely revamped the design of its smartwatch to make it more user-friendly whenever it needs to be repaired, with a 9/10 repairability score from iFixit. Since the Pixel Watch 4, it’s easier than ever to replace the screen, battery, and bands of the Pixel Watch, in addition to repair-friendly gaskets, official parts, and guides to aid with repairs. That said, this is how the Apple Watch and the Google Pixel Watch compare.
Comparing both watches
It’s hard to compare the Apple Watch Series 12 to the Google Pixel Watch 5 as these watches were made to run with their own software. For example, you won’t be able to run an Apple Watch on a Google Pixel, the same way you can’t use a Google Pixel Watch on an iPhone. These smartwatches are simply incompatible with their opposing operating system. Still, there are some parallels we can make. For example, the new Google Pixel Watch 5 starts at $399.99, but Google is offering a $50 discount as of the time of writing. It comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes, and there’s a Stephen Curry special edition, meaning the wearable can cost as much as $579.99. Compare that to the Apple Watch, where the new Series 12 starts at $399. Users can choose between 42mm and 46mm cases, aluminum, titanium, and ceramic cases. There are also several different bands you can pick from and different Apple Watch models, including an Hermès special edition, the Apple Watch Ultra, or the Apple Watch SE, which can make this device cost a lot more than Google’s offering.
Regarding the health features, both watches measure similar vitals, including heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, and ECG. However, they use different hardware architectures, optical configurations, and sensor algorithms. With that in mind, it’s hard to say if one is better than the other, as each company develops its own patents and ways to address the challenges smartwatches can bring in everyday use. Still, both companies tackle similar features.
Pixel Watch 5 and Series 12 health and AI features
Both Apple Watch Series 12 and Google Pixel Watch 5 focus on health improvements and AI capabilities. While we praised Apple’s changes for the health sensor, which brings more accurate data, in our Apple Watch Series 12 review, Google has been leading the AI war as it powers its watches with Gemini Intelligence. With on-device AI tools, Google offers features like At a Glance, which brings updates to your watch face when you need them, like boarding passes when you get into the airport, remaining stops on public transportation, and even being reminded to message someone at a specific time.
Google Gemini on Pixel Watch 5 also features Raise to Talk, which offers a straightforward way to communicate with AI; with Proactive Suggestions, for example, Google says Gemini can help transform complex tasks into a one-tap action. For example, instead of tapping through the phone to know when it is time for dinner with the family, Gemini can tap that information for users instead.
In addition to AI improvements, Google has also revamped the health features on its smartwatch with more accurate GPS route tracking, which is, according to the company, 2x better than previous generations. With Google Health Coach, users can get customized strength workouts, understand how their metrics impact on the next workout, and take into account their sleep, stress, and more to suggest what users should do next. Google also says that the Health Coach algorithm is responsible for 15% more accurate sleep stage detection with improved sleep tracking capabilities. In a way, these features are also available with the Series 12, as both watches try to offer what’s best available for their respective customers.
