The Google Pixel Watch is the long-awaited union of Google and Fitbit, and it seems to be the one Android users have been waiting for. With an attractive design, smart software, and an array of fitness-tracking features, the first-generation Pixel Watch makes a strong case for itself. However, as with any new product, there are some areas where it falls short, but is it enough to take the shine off this exciting new wearable?
When it comes to design, the Pixel Watch sports a minimalistic, elegant look, available in a single 41 mm size option. I personally love how the watch fits, but the size may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who are used to large watches. I personally love a watch that can be worn all day without it feeling in the way, but if size is a factor, I would suggest checking it out in a store before purchasing, just to be safe.
The watch face features a rounded design with a 3D glass dome that attempts to distract from the thick bezel, but it doesn’t change the fact that a good chunk of the display is unusable. It’s hard not to compare it to Samsung watches and their digital rotating bezels, which seem like a missed opportunity here. It is one reason I still use my Samsung Wear from a few years ago. It just feels natural on a watch.
The Google Pixel Watch comes in three colour options: matte black, silver and gold. Alongside the watch, Google has released a range of interchangeable bands in a variety of materials and colours, all exclusively compatible with the Pixel Watch. While there is a bit of a learning curve with the proprietary band-swapping mechanism, it does offer a way to customize the watch based on style or occasion.
“When it comes to design, the Pixel Watch sports a minimalistic, elegant look, available in a single 41 mm size option.”
While using the Pixel Watch, I did find that the band would come off when moving boxes or moving around the office far more than standard watch bands, and while a minor issue, it almost resulted in the watch hitting concrete, so it is something to consider.
The digital crown on the side of the Pixel Watch bears a striking resemblance to what we saw on the Xiaomi S1 and the Apple Watch, complete with tactile grooves. Above the digital crown, there’s a small button that opens recently used apps with a short press, a convenience only recently added to the Apple Watch’s side button.
A long press on this button wakes up Google Assistant, which is a significant perk, providing an experience similar to the Apple Watch’s Siri for tasks like setting timers or asking about the weather. Coming from a Fitbit, the actions and crown also took a bit of getting used to, but after a few days, I found that it all worked well. With the many button presses feeling natural and intuitive, the watch is also incredibly responsive, so that does help things.
As I mentioned above, performance-wise, the Pixel Watch offers a smooth experience with Wear OS, providing seamless integration of Google services such as Google Maps, Google Calendar, Google Pay, Google Home, YouTube Music, and Google Assistant. The watch also supports third-party apps like Spotify and Strava through the Google Play Store.
All of this adds up to an experience that feels different enough from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and similar enough to the Apple Watch Series 8, making it one of the best smartwatches of the year. Also, compared to Google’s own Fitbit range, the Pixel Watch feels infinitely more versatile, with many more options for apps and features that allow it to be more than a simple fitness device and more of a second screen on your daily tasks.
While everything sounds great so far, the battery life of the Pixel Watch is a notable downside. With a rating of only 24 hours, it falls short when compared to competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. GPS usage tends to drain the battery even faster, with it dropping 20% per hour of use during testing. This is especially disappointing for users who have experienced the Fitbit Sense 2 or Versa 4’s battery life of up to six days.
“…the Pixel Watch offers a smooth experience with Wear OS, providing seamless integration of Google services such as Google Maps, Google Calendar, Google Pay, Google Home, YouTube Music, and Google Assistant.”
At least charging the Pixel Watch from nearly dead to full only takes about an hour, which is on par with most popular smartwatches, but the fact it is hard-pressed to make it more than two days makes it a hard option for people who plan to use it for travel or while out and about.
Thankfully Google packed enough features to make up for the shortcomings. When it comes to features, the Pixel Watch is packed with fitness-tracking capabilities. It can track more than 40 workout types, count your steps, and continuously monitor your heart rate. The heart rate measurements are impressive, updating constantly on watch faces with heart rate complications and adjusting quickly during workouts. The Pixel Watch can also be used to take ECG’s to detect possible signs of atrial fibrillation, although one can only test this feature so much while testing it for review.
In terms of GPS tracking during walks (or runs if you are into that sort of thing), the Pixel Watch’s distance readings are consistent with those of the Apple Watch, whether on open roads or on a local track. The workout interface displays several metrics, including distance, time elapsed, steps, pace, and Active Zone Minutes earned—a metric introduced by Fitbit that encourages users to spend 150 minutes per week in moderate or vigorous activity zones based on their heart rate.
This feature helps users stay motivated and track their progress toward their fitness goals. It all works as expected, and while it feels less focused compared to dedicated Fitbit devices, it still manages to work incredibly well, and everything loads quickly and fluidly.
Like most modern Fitbit devices, the Pixel Watch includes sleep tracking. The device provides detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including deep, light, and REM sleep stages, as well as your overall sleep score. The watch also features a silent, haptic alarm that allows users to wake up without disturbing others in the room. While I only tested it for the time I used the watch, I have to say that everything worked well and was very easy to set up and use.
I personally like the way the Pixel Watch presents the data, and it feels like a fantastic addition, even if it is not something that is essential for most people. I am also concerned with the watch’s battery life; wearing it to bed leaves little time to recharge in the morning, although depending on your personal routine, this may not be a major issue.
“The Google Pixel Watch is an impressive first-generation smartwatch that delivers a smooth user experience and a wide array of features.”
I was generally impressed with the Pixel Watch, particularly its personalized daily wellness updates. These updates amalgamate data from sleep, activity, and stress levels to offer valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing well-being. However, I encountered some peculiar or unhelpful tips while using the watch, leaving me uncertain about the feature’s true utility. As Google refines its algorithms, it’s probable that these wellness updates will become increasingly relevant and beneficial, but time will tell.
The Pixel Watch also supports mobile payments through Google Pay, allowing users to make purchases on the go without having to pull out their phone. This feature is quickly becoming a standard for smartwatches, and it’s great to see it included in the first-generation Pixel Watch. I haven’t tested the feature extensively at the time of writing, but for the few times I’ve tried it, everything seemed to work as expected, and the overall setup was incredibly easy.
As for smartphone notifications, the Pixel Watch delivers a seamless experience, with notifications appearing on the watch as they arrive on your phone. Users can customize which notifications they receive, as well as choose to mute or dismiss them directly from the watch. I enjoyed the simplicity of how well the Pixel Watch integrated into my daily life, quickly becoming something I relied upon while going about my day.
As Google works to update the Pixel Watch, features like fall detection and other notable features are making their way to the watch, making it an even more impressive offering, especially when compared to the competition. In all honesty, the Pixel Watch feels like it’s 80% there, delivering one of the best smartwatch experiences on Android you can find, but the battery is a nagging issue that needs to be addressed. Compared to Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi, the Pixel Watch is a great option that combines fitness, smart features, and all of Google into a device that looks stunning.
The Google Pixel Watch is an impressive first-generation smartwatch that delivers a smooth user experience and a wide array of features. Its seamless integration with Google services, fitness tracking capabilities, and customizable design make it an attractive option for those who are already invested in the Google ecosystem.
Sadly, its battery life and lack of some expected features may deter some potential buyers. As Google continues to refine the Pixel Watch, it has the potential to become a serious contender in the smartwatch market. For now, it’s an excellent choice for Google enthusiasts and those looking for a solid alternative to the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.
