Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are here, but Samsung and Google have both launched new watches in the last two months. So which one should you buy? We compared the Series 12 and Ultra 4 with the Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Pixel Watch 5 on price, screen toughness, water resistance and battery, then added a few tips for keeping your new watch looking new.
The 2026 Smartwatch Lineup
Four watches are competing for your wrist this fall:
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, announced September 9 and on sale from September 18.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which went on sale on August 7, according to Gizmochina.
- Google Pixel Watch 5, which became available on August 20, according to Android Authority.
The biggest practical difference is your phone. Apple Watch works with iPhone only, while the Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch run Wear OS and are built for Android phones. If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the only one of these that gives you full integration.
Price and Specs Compared
Prices below are US starting prices from the sources linked in this article. Check each retailer for current pricing.
| Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | Galaxy Watch 9 | Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | Pixel Watch 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $399 | $799 | $379 | $699 (LTE) | $399 |
| Works with | iPhone | iPhone | Android | Android | Android |
| Case | Aluminum, titanium or ceramic | Grade 5 titanium, 49mm | Aluminum | Titanium, 47mm | Recycled aluminum |
| Display cover | Ceramic Shield 2 (aluminum); sapphire (titanium and ceramic) | Flat sapphire | Sapphire crystal* | Sapphire crystal | Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Water resistance | 50m | 100m, EN13319 dive certified to 40m | 5ATM / IP68 | 10ATM / IP68 / IP69K, EN13319 | 5ATM / IP68 |
| Peak brightness | See Apple specs | Up to 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | 5,000 nits | Up to 3,000 nits |
| Battery | Around a day (reviewers report about 24 hours) | Up to 50 hours | 390 mAh (40mm) / 445 mAh (44mm) | 800 mAh | Up to 30 hours (41mm) / 40 hours (45mm) with always-on display |
*Display glass for the Galaxy Watch 9 is listed as sapphire crystal in GSMArena's specs; other outlets don't specify it, so check Samsung's page before buying. Apple specs: Series 12 and Ultra 4. Series 12 battery estimate from the5krunner's review.
Screen Durability
This is where the lineup splits.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 has a flat sapphire display, and so does the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Sapphire is among the hardest materials used on watch screens.
- Apple Watch Series 12 depends on the case. The aluminum model uses Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says is 60 percent tougher than the Ion-X glass on previous aluminum models. Titanium and ceramic models use sapphire.
- Pixel Watch 5 uses a custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, according to Android Authority.
Harder glass resists scratches better, but no watch screen is scratch-proof. A watch sits on your wrist all day, and it brushes against door frames, desks, gym equipment and kitchen counters. Even the toughest display can pick up scuffs and marks with everyday wear, and a hard material doesn't help against a hard enough knock.
Water Resistance and Battery
For swimming and everyday use, the Series 12, Galaxy Watch 9 and Pixel Watch 5 are all rated to 50m. For diving and rougher outdoor use, the Ultra 4 (100m, EN13319 certified to 40m) and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (10ATM, EN13319) are the ones to look at.
Battery is where the Ultra 4 stands out, with up to 50 hours. The Series 12 is closer to a day of use, so plan on charging nightly. Samsung publishes battery capacity in mAh rather than hours, which makes direct comparison harder, so check independent reviews for real-world numbers.
Which One Should You Buy?
- You have an iPhone: Choose an Apple Watch. The Series 12 is the better value, and the Ultra 4 is for people who want longer battery life, a larger screen and extra water resistance.
- You have an Android phone: Choose between the Galaxy Watch 9 ($379), Pixel Watch 5 ($399) or Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 ($699). Apple Watch won't work with Android.
- You want the toughest screen: The Ultra 4 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 both use sapphire.
- You want the cheapest option: The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $379, $20 below the Series 12 and Pixel Watch 5.
Whichever you buy, the display is the part you look at hundreds of times a day, and it's the part most likely to show wear first.
Protecting Your Apple Watch Screen
If you picked an Apple Watch, you may be wondering how to keep the screen looking new. Many people don't like bulky cases because they hide the design, add thickness and change how the watch feels. We covered the pros and cons in our guide to Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 screen protectors.
A soft screen film is an easy alternative. Magic John Apple Watch screen protectors are soft films made for the Series 12 and Ultra 4. Choose the size that matches your watch. The film covers the screen all the way to the edges, so there's no uncovered border around the display. It doesn't affect touch response or the Always-On display, and it's easy to install. For the best result, we recommend watching our installation tutorial before you apply it.
To be clear about what it does: the film protects the display from scratches and scuffs. It doesn't cover the case, and it's not a replacement for a shock-absorbing case if you're rough on your watch.
Shop Magic John Apple Watch screen protectors →
FAQ
Is Apple Watch Series 12 better than Galaxy Watch 9?
It depends on your phone. The Series 12 works only with iPhone, and the Galaxy Watch 9 is built for Android. Both start at similar prices ($399 and $379).
Is Apple Watch Ultra 4 better than Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
Both have sapphire displays, titanium cases and EN13319 dive certification. The Ultra 4 works with iPhone and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 works with Android, so the better choice is usually the one that matches your phone.
Does the Pixel Watch 5 work with iPhone?
No. Pixel Watch is designed for Android phones. If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch is the option that works fully.
Which smartwatch has the toughest screen?
Sapphire displays, found on the Apple Watch Ultra 4, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and titanium Series 12, are the hardest of the group. Even so, none of them is scratch-proof.
Do Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 need a screen protector?
It's optional. A soft film adds a layer over the display so everyday scratches and scuffs land on the film instead of the screen, and you can replace it if it gets marked.
Will a screen protector affect touch or the Always-On display?
Our film doesn't affect touch response or the Always-On display.
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