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 health and fitness tracking, but which one truly delivers? As a seasoned fitness editor with over a decade of experience, I decided to put these smartwatches to the ultimate test: a 11,000-step challenge. But here's where it gets controversial—despite their advanced features, how accurate are they at counting something as fundamental as steps? Let’s dive in.
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 24/7 wearability and a suite of health-tracking features beyond just step counting. We’re talking heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, menstrual cycle tracking, and more. Yet, as someone who’s reviewed countless watches, I always start with the basics. After all, if you’re investing hundreds of dollars, you want it to nail the fundamentals.
To test their step-counting accuracy, I strapped both watches to my wrist and embarked on three separate walks around the city, totaling 11,000 steps. I manually counted each step for comparison. And this is the part most people miss—both watches rely on an internal accelerometer to measure arm swings, translating each swing into two steps. This means they should track your movement regardless of whether you’re wearing the watch on your dominant hand, walking with your hands in your pockets, or carrying something.
Here’s how they performed:
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
The results? Astonishingly close. The Google Pixel Watch 4 overcounted by 46 steps, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 was off by a mere 13 steps. But here’s the bold question—does a difference of 50 steps over five miles (roughly 2,000 steps per mile) even matter? Both watches are remarkably accurate, but the Samsung edges out slightly.
When it comes to choosing between them, it’s not just about step counting. Both start at $349 and pack a punch with their features. The Google Pixel Watch 4 integrates Fitbit, offering advanced health insights like a Personal AI Coach—though you’ll need a Fitbit Premium subscription for some perks. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 boasts an impressive array of fitness tools, from FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection to metabolic health tracking via the AGEs Index.
Here’s the controversial take—while both watches excel in health tracking, the decision might boil down to personal preference. Do you value the seamless integration of Fitbit’s ecosystem, or are you drawn to Samsung’s comprehensive fitness suite? Let’s spark a debate—which watch would you choose, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For more in-depth comparisons, follow Tom's Guide on Google News or add us as a preferred source. And if you’re curious about how these watches stack up against others, check out our related articles below. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a tech aficionado, there’s something here for everyone.
