Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch Series 11: How Google competes against Apple

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Google’s latest smartwatch is here, and it’s better than ever. The Google Pixel Watch 5 debuts with blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking, alongside the usual metrics for heart rate, sleep, and activity. It is paired with Gemini Intelligence and Google Health Coach for a more personalized experience than before. If you’re eyeing the Pixel Watch 5, consider that it starts at the same price as the Apple Watch Series 11.

Also: Made by Google 2026: How to watch and what to expect from the Pixel 11 event

Both devices will set you back at $399, so which one should you buy? While I wait to test the Pixel Watch 5 more rigorously, here’s how it stacks up against its iOS rival.

Specifications

You should buy the Google Pixel Watch 5 if…

View now at Google

1. You want a more style and brighter screen

I loved the Pixel Watch 4’s design, and the new model doubles down on strong design elements. The Pixel Watch 5 comes in more color options, including Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon, and the Olive model features an all-new Satin Pyrite casing.

Also: Pixel Watch 5’s strength training feature could replace my top lifting app – no phone needed

Google’s wearable also has a brighter screen, delivering 3,000 nits compared to the Apple Watch 11’s 2,000 nits. While you are unlikely to notice the difference in daily use, the extra brightness comes in handy on hikes and outdoor activities in harsh sunlight.

2. You want insulin resistance trends

The Pixel Watch 5 has a new Health Guardian feature that can help you track insulin resistance trends without requiring a single drop of blood. Google says that its new wearable uses passive sensors on your wrist to track monthly shifts in your metabolic health.

While looks are subjective, the Pixel Watch’s advanced health-tracking metrics set it apart from competitors, especially the Apple Watch. ZDNET’s Nina Raemont described it best last year: “I’d describe [Apple Watch 11] as a health tracker first and foremost, as opposed to the Pixel Watch 4, which I’d describe as an AI smartwatch that just so happens to have advanced health-tracking capabilities.” 

Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: I compared both Android flagships, here’s what I prefer

If the Pixel Watch 5 detects sustained, elevated insulin resistance trends over the month, it alerts you with a gentle nudge. This notification can potentially help you pause and check your routines, so you can take control of your health. It’ll be available on the Pixel Watch 3, 4, 5, and Fitbit Air this fall.

3. You have a Pixel phone

If you already own a Google phone, the Pixel Watch 5 will complement it better than an Apple Watch. While it may be well known, it is worth reiterating that the Apple wearable is only compatible with iPhones, so you shouldn’t consider it if you own an Android phone. 

You can use the Pixel Watch 5 as a camera remote control for your Pixel phone to take selfies, group shots from the rear cameras, or long-exposure pictures. It can be used with Google Wallet to store your payment cards, boarding passes, event tickets, and membership passes on your wrist, or download offline Google Maps directions for navigating through no-internet zones. 

Also: Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Buy the old Android smartwatch or opt for the newest?

The Pixel Watch 5 can also double as a remote for Google TV, so you can easily access your favorite shows without hunting for a misplaced TV remote. Google says its Pixel Watch 5 can also proactively suggest relevant actions or information based on the context of your text messages. 

You should buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if…

View now at Apple

1. You want a thinner, lighter watch

Google’s Pixel Watch 5 has a more stylish look than the Apple Watch Series 11, but the latter is more comfortable to wear. The Apple wearable is thinner and lighter, at 9.7mm tall and 30.3g, compared to the Pixel Watch 5’s 12.3mm-tall frame and 36.7g.

Also: Should you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 11? Here’s how it compares to older models

This might not be a big difference on paper, but if you’re planning to wear a smartwatch 24/7 to track every metric, the Apple Watch could fare better in the long run. In comparison, the thicker case of the Pixel Watch 5 could be challenging to sleep with.

2. You want sleep apnea detection

While the new Google smartwatch is upgraded in several ways, it doesn’t offer sleep apnea detection. If you think you’d need this feature, the Apple Watch 11 would suit your needs better. It works by measuring wrist movements associated with breathing interruptions.

Also: I compared the best smartwatches from Samsung and Apple – here’s how the Watch Series 11 wins

The Apple Watch isn’t medical-grade equipment and can’t diagnose sleep disorders, but it can help you figure out whether you should at least speak with a doctor about this condition.

3. You own an iPhone

Stating the obvious: if you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 11 should be your wearable of choice. Like the Pixel Watch 5 for Pixel phones, the Apple smartwatch can double as a remote camera control, play musicvigation in no-internet zones

Also: I went running with the Galaxy Watch 9 in London, and it taught me something new

I’m looking forward to testing the new Gemini Intelligence and Siri AI in the upcoming watchOS update. These smart assistants could further differentiate the two smartwatches. However, I can’t say if one is better than the other yet. I’ll need to test them before coming to a conclusion. I’ll update this story once I’ve had more hands-on experience with the new Google smartwatch.

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