{"id":621272,"date":"2026-10-05T12:54:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T12:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/621272\/"},"modified":"2026-10-05T12:54:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T12:54:14","slug":"apple-watch-series-12-vs-google-pixel-watch-5-how-do-the-two-new-wearables-compare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/621272\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Google Pixel Watch 5: How Do the Two New Wearables Compare?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The $399 Apple Watch Series 12<\/a> and Google\u2019s $400 Pixel Watch 5<\/a> both start at a similar price, and they highlight new health and AI features when paired with the iPhone<\/a> or any Android<\/a> phone, respectively. While both watches<\/a> look identical to last year\u2019s Apple Watch Series 11<\/a> and Pixel Watch 4<\/a> on the outside, there are notable hardware changes that power a number of new health-tracking features.<\/p>\n

Apple\u2019s new sensors take more accurate readings, with the watch now adding a dynamic take on Readiness Score, which changes the score based on your day activities. On the other hand, Google is focusing on tracking vitals like blood pressure and insulin resistance with the Pixel Watch 5.<\/p>\n

While your choice between these watches depends entirely on whether you prefer an iPhone or an Android phone, it\u2019s still worth comparing them in case you\u2019re open to switching between iOS and Android. And for that comparison, I pit both of these watches against each other, comparing their pricing options, design and features to highlight which options help each stand out.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"GoogleGoogle Pixel Watch 5 in matte black, polished silver, satin and pyrite.Carly Marsh\/CNET<\/p>\n

Pricing<\/p>\n

Unlike Apple\u2019s iPhone line<\/a>, the Apple Watch Series 12 did not increase its starting price over last year\u2019s Series 11. The smaller 42mm model starts at $399 for the aluminum case (GPS only) and rises to $699 for titanium. And the Apple Watch Series 12 also comes in a $799 ceramic option, which hasn\u2019t been available since the Apple Watch Series 5. Opting for a larger 46mm model adds $50 to the price. The titanium and ceramic models include cellular functionality, and getting that added to the aluminum model will raise prices by $100.<\/p>\n

Google, on the other hand, increased the prices for its Pixel Watch 5 by $50 over last year\u2019s Pixel Watch 4. The Pixel Watch 5 only comes in aluminum cases, starting at $400 for 41mm and $430 for 45mm sizes. Cellular versions of both watches cost $100 more.<\/p>\n

Design and display<\/p>\n

\"PrakharPraakhar Khanna\/CNET<\/p>\n

The Apple Watch Series 12 has a rectangular OLED Retina display (with 2,000 nits of maximum brightness), and a rotating Digital Crown alongside a shortcut button on the right side.<\/p>\n

As for the Pixel Watch 5, it has a round design reminiscent of traditional wristwatches. I quite like it and sometimes prefer it over the Apple Watch, especially with a black watch face. It has a seamless curved display with no visible frame, which makes it look comparatively elegant on the wrist. It comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes and has a Super AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Both these watches are legible under direct sunlight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"SomeoneThe Pixel Watch 5 starts at $400 for the 41mm wifi only model. <\/p>\n

In terms of durability, the Apple Watch 12 has Ceramic Shield 2 on its front glass, in addition to the scratch-resistant coating introduced on the Series 11. If it\u2019s anything like my experience with Apple\u2019s Ceramic Shield 2 on the iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/a>, that should mean the display will easily resist most scratches and bumps. Like last year\u2019s model, it is dust-resistant and swimproof up to 50 meters (compared with the Pixel Watch 5\u2019s IP68 and 5ATM 50-meter rating for dust and water resistance).<\/p>\n

Google\u2019s Pixel Watch 5 uses the same Gorilla Glass 5 protection as its predecessor, which might be more prone to scratches comparatively speaking. In her review<\/a>, CNET\u2019s Vanessa Hand Orellana mentioned that her Pixel Watch 4 has \u201csome deep scratches on the glass from an unfortunate run-in with some rocks after I ate dirt on a trail run.\u201d However, the new Pixel Watch is relatively easy to repair. In fact, CNET\u2019s Katie Collins, replaced her Pixel Watch 4 screen by herself<\/a>, without any previous repair experience. You can\u2019t do the same with an Apple Watch.<\/p>\n

Software and health features<\/p>\n

\"HeartPrakhar Khanna\/CNET<\/p>\n

The Apple Watch 12 can only be paired with an iPhone, whereas the Pixel Watch 5 works best with a Google Pixel phone but will work with any other Android phone. The former runs WatchOS 27<\/a> while the latter has Wear OS 7<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Apple\u2019s biggest software strength is in its no-subscription model. Once you buy the Watch Series 12, you get access to all the health features. The Pixel Watch 5, however, keeps certain features behind a Google Health Premium subscription for $10 a month (or $100 a year). But both watches will likely get new features in future WatchOS and Wear OS updates, regardless of whether a subscription is involved.<\/p>\n

The new Apple Watch has a revised sensor array, which enables more frequent heart-rate readings to power a dynamic Readiness score. (It adapts as your body recovers throughout the day.) It can change throughout the day by measuring your daytime vitals to give you actionable advice, including Recover, Pace Yourself, Ready and Go for It. In theory, you could see how a midmorning nap affects your score and adjust your workout accordingly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Apple\u2019s new sensors and 32 electrodes (dispersed like flower petals from the center) allow the Series 12 to give you a more complete picture of your heart rate throughout the day and night. In CNET\u2019s tests, which involve a 3-mile run, Apple Watch 12 tracked almost identically to the Polar H10 chest strap. In comparison, Google\u2019s Pixel Watch 5 averaged less than 2 beats per minute of difference, roughly a 1% error rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s another big new feature coming to the Apple Watch Series 12: Audio Intelligence<\/a>. The Watch 12 can automatically identify music playing in the background, show a transcription of the last 15 seconds of chatter or give high-level summaries of longer conversations in a feature called Siri Recap.<\/p>\n

Apple says none of the conversations are stored, and whatever is processed in the cloud can\u2019t be accessed by the company or anyone else. Not all of these features are available yet, but they do raise potential privacy concerns \u2014 we\u2019ll have to see how they roll out when Apple finishes getting them ready.<\/p>\n

\"WorkoutWorkout Builder demonstrated on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Watch 5 at Google\u2019s launch event.Carly Marsh<\/p>\n

Similarly, the Pixel Watch 5 has a few features that were a big talking point at launch but which are yet to roll out. The new Google wearable can track your blood pressure and insulin resistance trends over time. It can help you identify if you have elevated risks for hypertension and diabetes. However, we\u2019ll need to wait for FDA clearance and an official rollout to test these features. Google is also promising more Gemini features later this year. These include the ability to create custom widgets with your voice and to automate multistep tasks from your wrist.<\/p>\n

The Pixel Watch 5 has a new Health Guardian feature, which expands upon existing emergency safety features. You get Breathing Emergency Detection, which contacts emergency services if there\u2019s a life-threatening drop in oxygen saturation, even in the case of incidents like choking or drug toxicity.<\/p>\n

Battery life<\/p>\n

\"\"The Apple Watch Series 12 has a new health sensor and processor.Dillon Lopez\/CNET<\/p>\n

Despite the addition of new features, both the Apple Watch 12 and Pixel Watch 5 received an efficiency boost, thanks to their respective new chips. Apple doesn\u2019t share battery sizes, but the Series 12 is rated to last up to 24 hours in regular use, while Low Power mode can stretch the battery to 38 hours by disabling features such as the always-on display.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The company made no over-the-top battery life claims during its launch presentation, but in CNET\u2019s review, Vanessa got even better battery life. She wrote, \u201cIn my first round of testing, which included a 3-mile GPS-enabled outdoor run and one night of sleep tracking, the Series 12 lasted about 30 hours on a charge.\u201d The Watch 12 also supports fast charging and can go from 0% to 80% in 30 minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In comparison, the Pixel Watch 5 comes with a 332-mAh battery on the 40mm version, while the 45mm version has a 465-mAh battery. According to Google, both can last up to 30 hours of battery life with an always-on display.<\/p>\n

Which is best for you?<\/p>\n

\"\"Dillon Lopez\/CNET<\/p>\n

The watch that\u2019s best for you depends on the phone you\u2019re using. While iPhone users will opt for the Apple Watch Series 12, the Pixel Watch 5 is suitable for Android users. Compared head-to-head, however, both have their advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d personally opt for the Apple Watch Series 12 for its accuracy, no-subscription model and cleaner user interface. The Health app refresh and all-day battery life are great additions, too. However, I\u2019m skeptical about the upcoming Siri AI features. After all, if I didn\u2019t hear what someone just said to me, I\u2019d prefer asking them to please repeat themselves, instead of pressing buttons on my wearable to hear a recap.<\/p>\n

Google, on the other hand, focused on better health tracking features this year. I\u2019m looking forward to tracking vitals like blood pressure and insulin resistance with the Pixel Watch 5. At the time of writing this story, the two Google features are still rolling out. Overall, the Pixel Watch 5 remains one of the best-looking smartwatches on the market. It also offers all-day battery life, a plethora of health-tracking features, and offline Gemini support.<\/p>\n

Apple Watch 12 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Specs<\/p>\n

Apple Watch Series 12Google Pixel Watch 5ShapeRectangularRoundWatch size42mm, 46mm41mm, 45mmMaterials, finishesAluminum: Dark bronze, Light gold, Black, Space Gray Titanium: Radiant gold, Natural, Ceramic: Pearl white, Night blueAluminum, Matte black, polished silver, satin pyriteDisplay size, resolution, brightness42mm: 446 \u00d7 374 pixels; LTPO3 OLED Retina display (wide-angle) 46mm: 496 \u00d7 416 pixels; LTPO3 OLED Retina display (wide-angle)320 ppi AMOLED LTPO display, 3000 nits (peak brightness)Dimensions and weight46mm: 9.7mm; 39.5g (aluminum GPS), 38.6g (aluminum GPS+Cellular), 44.9g (titanium); 46mm ceramic: 9.85mm; 51.3g (pearl white), 52.9g (night blue);42mm: 9.7mm; 32.2g (aluminum GPS), 31.5g (aluminum GPS+Cellular), 36.5g (titanium); 42mm ceramic: 9.85mm; 41.7g (pearl white), 42.8g (night blue)45 mm X 12.3 mm; 41mm: 31 g (without band); 45mm: 36.7 g (without band)SensorsHealth sensing system, second-generation electrical heart sensor, always-on optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, water temperature sensor, depth gauge and depth app to 6m, speaker, microphone with voice isolation, always-on altimeter, high dynamic range gyroscope, compass, waypoints, backtrack and elevation view, ambient light sensorCompass, altimeter, SpO2, ECG app, multipath optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, skin temperature, barometer, magnetometerBattery and charging24-hour battery life; up to 38 hours in Low Power mode; Fast-charge capable 0% to 80% in 30 minutes40 hours (45mm) with always-on display; Fast charging with 30-watt adapter (sold separately): 50% in 15 min, 100% in 60 min (45mm)Emergency featuresEmergency SOS, Fall detection, Crash detection, Check-in and BacktrackEmergency satellite connectivity, loss of pulse detection, fall and crash detection, safety signal, safety checkWater\/Dust resistanceIP6X dust resistant, water resistant to 50 metersWater resistant up to 50m (5ATM), IP68 (dust)Voice assistantSiri AIGemini (raise to talk)SoftwareWatchOS 27Wear OS 7ProcessorS11 chip with 64-bit dual-core processorQualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 accelerated, Cortex-M55 co-processorMemory and storage64 GB storage64 GB storageUS price$399 to $949 (ceramic)41mm: $400 (Wi-Fi\/Bluetooth)41mm: $500 (LTE)45mm: $430 (Wi-Fi\/Bluetooth) 45mm: $530 (LTE)<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Prakhar\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrakhar Khanna is a Writer at CNET with bylines in ZDNET, Forbes, and other major outlets. A digital nomad at heart, he thrives in chaos–mixing deadlines with travel, often writing stories on planes, trains, and cafe tables while hunting down the best pizza spots wherever he lands. His backpack usually carries one phone too many, and his playlists are stacked with 2000s Bollywood. Find him across social media @ParkyPrakhar.
\nContact: parkydoesstuff(at)gmail(dot)com
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee full bio\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The $399 Apple Watch Series 12 and Google\u2019s $400 Pixel Watch 5 both start at a similar price,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":621273,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[356,111,139,69,145],"class_list":["post-621272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gadgets","tag-gadgets","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=621272"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621272\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/621273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=621272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=621272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=621272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}