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Android Authority recommends alternatives to Google Pixel Watch 5 amid price hike

Citing limited upgrades and a higher price, Android Authority recommends five smartwatches as alternatives to Google's Pixel Watch 5, including the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 9.

For consumers disappointed by the price increase and limited changes, Android Authority has selected five alternative smartwatches that offer similar or better features. The top pick is the Google Pixel Watch 4 from 2025, which shares nearly all the hardware traits of the Pixel Watch 5, including dimensions, weight, band mechanism, display specs, waterproofing, and health tracking sensors. It also has multi-day battery life, fast charging, and dual-band GPS for runners. Starting at $350 for the 41mm Wi-Fi-only model, it is currently the most affordable smartwatch supporting Google's Gemini Intelligence features. Software support is promised at least until October 2028.

The second alternative is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, launched in July 2026. It is slightly cheaper than the Pixel Watch 5 but features a more modern SoC, a sapphire crystal display, a larger battery in the 40mm model, and slightly larger displays. It runs One UI 9 Watch based on Wear OS 7 and is the first non-Pixel smartwatch to offer Raise-to-talk for Gemini. Its Snapdragon Wear Elite platform promises up to 5x CPU performance, 7x GPU performance, and 30% longer battery life than the previous generation, making it more future-proof for AI processing. The slower 10W charging puck is noted as a drawback.

For a budget option, Android Authority recommends the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 from 2024, which will receive software updates until 2028. It has sapphire crystal glass, Galaxy AI features like Energy Score, and can receive some new features from the Galaxy Watch 9 via update. The 44mm non-LTE version typically costs between $220 and $280 online. The publication notes GPS tracking can be unreliable near tall buildings, and some health features require a Samsung phone.

Finally, the Amazfit Balance 3 is mentioned for users primarily interested in fitness tracking and training, though details are not provided in the report.