Imagine slogging through 11,000 steps in a bustling city, your wrists adorned with two cutting-edge smartwatches vying for supremacy – the Google Pixel Watch 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. Which one would emerge as the step-counting champion? This isn't just about pixels and processors; it's a battle for accuracy in the very basics of fitness tracking. If you're an Android fan eyeing an upgrade, stick around because the verdict might surprise you – and spark a debate on what truly matters in a smartwatch.
If you're on the hunt for a top-notch smartwatch and find yourself torn between the sleek Google Pixel Watch 4 and the robust Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, you've landed in the perfect spot. Both newcomers have earned their stripes on our roster of the best smartwatches available, proving themselves as formidable options for anyone who favors Android ecosystems over iOS. These aren't mere accessories; they're designed for round-the-clock wear, monitoring everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to menstrual cycles and beyond. As a seasoned fitness editor with over a decade under my belt reviewing wearable tech, I always kick off my evaluations with step tracking. After all, if you're shelling out hundreds for a device, it better nail the fundamentals flawlessly.
To dig deeper, I wore both watches on my wrist simultaneously and racked up those 11,000 steps, meticulously tallying each one manually alongside. Back at home, I extracted the data for a side-by-side showdown. But here's where it gets controversial – is pinpoint step accuracy the ultimate decider, or do other bells and whistles tip the scales? Let's dive into the details.
After clocking 11,000 steps with the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, the results were eye-opening.
Both devices rely on an internal accelerometer – that's a tiny sensor that detects the motion of your arm as you walk. Essentially, each full swing of your arm registers as two steps. It works regardless of which wrist you wear it on (dominant or non-dominant), or if your hands are swinging freely, tucked in pockets, or even gripping items like a coffee cup or shopping bag. This motion-sensing magic captures your body's overall movement, making it a reliable method for step counting.
I divided my steps into three distinct city walks, squeezed between meetings and office commutes, to keep things varied and realistic. Here are the breakdowns:
First Walk
Manual Count: 4,209 steps
Google Pixel Watch 4: 4,218 steps
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 4,214 steps
Second Walk
Manual Count: 2,688 steps
Google Pixel Watch 4: 2,702 steps
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 2,710 steps
Third Walk
Manual Count: 4,842 steps
Google Pixel Watch 4: 4,865 steps
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 4,838 steps
Overall Totals
Manual Count: 11,739 steps
Google Pixel Watch 4: 11,785 steps
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: 11,752 steps
As the numbers reveal, this was an extraordinarily tight race. In my years of conducting these step tests at Tom's Guide, I've rarely seen results this neck-and-neck. The Google Pixel Watch 4 overcounted by just 46 steps, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 missed the mark by a mere 13 steps – essentially spot-on. And this is the part most people miss: over the course of about five miles (assuming an average of 2,000 steps per mile), those discrepancies are negligible. We're talking microscopic differences here, proving both devices deliver exceptional precision for everyday step tracking.
But here's where it gets controversial – does prioritizing sheer accuracy over other features make one watch 'better'? Some argue that step counting is just the baseline, and extras like AI coaching or sleep apnea detection add real value. What do you think: is precision paramount, or do bells and whistles win out?
Choosing between the two isn't straightforward. Both kick off at $349 and boast an array of smartwatch functionalities alongside health and fitness tools. On the health front, the Google Pixel Watch 4 integrates Fitbit's ecosystem, though unlocking premium perks – such as the innovative Personal AI Coach that tailors workout intensity using data from your sleep and heart rate variability – requires a separate Fitbit Premium subscription. Think of it as an extra layer of personalization that could revolutionize your routine, but only if you're willing to pay more.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 packs in features honed over time, including sophisticated sleep monitoring with chronotype insights (basically, categorizing your sleep style for better rest), FDA-approved sleep apnea screening, a daily energy score to gauge your vitality, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition breakdowns, temperature-informed cycle tracking, and even an Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) index to assess metabolic health. These are like having a comprehensive health dashboard at your fingertips, offering deeper insights without added costs.
Both excel in health tracking overall – and we'll explore more comparisons soon – so if daily step checks are your main focus, rest easy knowing both handle it impeccably, saving you from manual counts like mine.
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Check out more from Tom's Guide:
- I clocked 14,000 steps comparing the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Galaxy Watch 8 – and the outcome stunned me
- Apple Watch 10 versus Pixel Watch 4: Which smartwatch reigns supreme?
- Wearing the Google Pixel Watch 4 for two weeks revealed it's the most advanced smartwatch I've tried – here's the scoop
Jane McGuire serves as Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, overseeing all things related to wellness – from running gadgets to yoga essentials. A passionate runner, Jane has spent the last five years testing and critiquing fitness gear, honing her expertise in spotting standout running watches or shorts with ample storage for your phone. When not hitting the trails, you can find her exploring the Surrey Hills with her camera, capturing countless photos of her adorable puppy.
What side are you on – does the Pixel Watch 4's AI edge outweigh the Galaxy Watch 8's built-in health suite, or vice versa? Is step accuracy overhyped in the smartwatch world? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear your take and spark some discussion!
