Reviews You Can Rely On

Google Pixel Watch Review

The little display and remedial menu left us disappointed with this new product line
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Google Pixel Watch Review
Credit: Google
Price:  $280 List
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Manufacturer:   Google
By Jessica Riconscente and Jared Eastlick  ⋅  Jan 24, 2023
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 6
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.6
  • Smart Function - 30% 7.3
  • Display - 15% 7.7
  • Health - 20% 7.4
  • Battery - 20% 7.5

Our Verdict

Google's entrance into the smartwatch game is fairly good, but not great, with their newest Google Pixel Watch. This simplistic design features a 31mm display encased in a remarkably lightweight glass dome display. Navigating the various applications through the crown scroll or touch screen felt polished and effortless. The Pixel Watch boasts all the best google apps and health-tracking capabilities that Android and Fitbit users have grown accustomed to. Fortunately, maneuvering between these applications is a breeze as this watch's AMOLED display is one of the most responsive in our smartwatch lineup. However, we think this wearable should have other size options as the Pixel Watch is one of the smaller units we have tested.
REASONS TO BUY
Responsive touch screen
Screen quality
Charging setup
REASONS TO AVOID
Small screen
Remedial menu
Visibility in the dark

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Top Pick Award
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Price $280 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Google's first smartwatch has a lot going for it but lacks a competitive edgeAndroid users will not be disappointed with this product. Samsung improves upon previous models while maintaining what they have done wellA worthy choice if you are looking for a top-tier Android-compatible option, but definitely not the best model we have testedGenerally unimpressive and underwhelming with a poor battery life to bootThis wearable doesn't have much going for it, we recommend looking at other options
Rating Categories Google Pixel Watch Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Fossil Gen 6 Mobvoi Ticwatch E3
Ease of Use (15%)
8.6
8.5
4.6
7.0
4.4
Smart Function (30%)
7.3
8.1
6.4
6.0
6.0
Display (15%)
7.7
8.5
6.7
8.0
5.3
Health (20%)
7.4
7.6
6.5
4.5
4.5
Battery (20%)
7.5
7.5
7.7
4.7
5.3
Specs Google Pixel Watch Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Fossil Gen 6 Mobvoi Ticwatch E3
Water Resistance 5 ATM 5 ATM IP68 and pool swimming suitable 3 ATM IP68 and pool swimming suitable
NFC (contactless payment) Google Pay Samsung Pay Google Pay Google Pay Google Pay
GPS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-in Speaker Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Display AMOLED with DCI-P3 color AMOLED Dual Display LCD over Retina AMOLED AMOLED HD 2.5D curved
Resolution 450 x 450 pixels 396 x 396 pixels 454 x 454 pixels 416 x 416 pixels 360 x 360 pixels
HR Monitor Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Other Sensors Compass
Altimeter
Blood Oxygen
Multi purpose electrical
ECG
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Ambient Light
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Barometer
Ambient Light
Compass
ECG
Blood Oxygen
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Blood Oxygen
Low Latency Off-Body Sensor
Barometer
Ambient Light
Accelerometer
Altimeter
Ambient Light
Compass
Gyroscope
Blood Oxygen
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Blood Oxygen
Low Latency Off-Body Sensor
Processor Exynos 9110 SoC · Cortex M33 co-processor Exynos W920 (Dualcore, 5nm) Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 4100 Platform and Mobvoi dual processor system Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Wear 4100+ Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 4100 Platform and Mobvoi dual processor system
Operating System WearOS WearOS WearOS WearOS WearOS
Available Sizes 41mm 40mm, 44mm 48mm 42 mm (women), 44mm (men) 47mm
Size Tested 41mm 40mm 48mm 42 mm 47mm

Our Analysis and Test Results

There is no metric in which the Google Pixel Watch performed poorly. Google's new wearable does a good job of providing a quality smartwatch off the bat. Yet it also did not perform impressively, failing to outperform its competitors.

Performance Comparison


google pixel watch - the google pixel is a good start for this new line, but there is...
The Google Pixel is a good start for this new line, but there is still much to improve.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Smart Function


Our initial round of tests scored and ranked the smart capabilities of the Pixel Watch. We scored this smartwatch based on its app library, communication capabilities, music control, contactless payment (NFC) options, and cellular availability.

If you have any experience with previous WearOS devices, you will find that the Pixel Watch will have a similar app portfolio. Those accustomed to Android will find that all the basic Google applications are already installed on the watch.

google pixel watch - smart features work as intended for the google pixel.
Smart features work as intended for the Google Pixel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Like any other smartwatch, the Google Pixel can text and call. There is nothing remarkable about these features as they perform as intended. We think the call quality could be better as it did not suppress background noise well.

Youtube music, Pandora, and Spotify are available and can be paired to your smartphone. Additionally, there is a free NFC option via Google Pay and LTE for those willing to spend a bit more.

google pixel watch - smart features like google assistant are always a welcomed addition.
Smart features like Google Assistant are always a welcomed addition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Health


Our next set of tests evaluated the Pixel Watch performance in health tracking capabilities. The criteria for this metric were performance in step counting, heart rate (HR) monitoring, workout activities, safety features, and other health features.

google pixel watch - the pixel can give you reliable health data.
The Pixel can give you reliable health data.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fitbit powers the Pixel Watch, meaning users have access to superb tracking capabilities. Our step-counting and HR tests were remarkably consistent across our various trials. There are a variety of workout options that measure average HR, calories burnt, and duration.

Purchasing this wearable will automatically give you a complimentary six months of Fitbit Premium. Fitbit Premium gives the user a variety of dieting, workout, and advanced health features that make it work, paying an extra monthly fee. If you are not interested in expanded features, the Pixel Watch has all the basic safety and health features you need.

google pixel watch - fitbit premium adds additional health features to the pixel.
Fitbit premium adds additional health features to the Pixel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Battery


The kryptonite of a great smartwatch is its battery. No matter how excellent it performs, it may not be worth the hassle when you must constantly charge it. Accordingly, our testers put the Pixel Watch up to task. Measuring its performance in total battery life, quick charge, and total charge time.

For this metric, the Pixel Watch performed well, averaging 32 hours of battery life with a total charge time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. Quick charge is exceptionally fast, clocking 50% charge in 30 minutes.

google pixel watch - battery life for the google pixel is satisfactory.
Battery life for the Google Pixel is satisfactory.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


For our final metric, we analyzed the Pixel Watch performance in screen responsiveness, crown scroll, charging setup, and water resistance.

Ease of use is where the Pixel Watch shines the best. Every touch input is lightning fast and responsive. If interacting with a touch screen is not your cup of tea, the crown scroll is a great alternative for fast navigation. The charging setup is equally satisfying, utilizing a simple round charging adapter. Lastly, the Pixel Watch meets the standard water resistance requirements, so you can take it in shallow water.

google pixel watch - this wearable is fairly easy to use.
This wearable is fairly easy to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Display


For this next metric, we assessed the display of this wearable based on its screen quality, auto-brightness functionality, and visibility in the light.

The Pixel Watch is equipped with an enhanced 300 PPI AMOLED screen that is protected by a casing of Corning Gorilla Glass. Although not as strong and polished as sapphire glass, this display is as colorful and vibrant as other smartwatches. An emphasis on fine detail makes small characters pop, but the small display may be difficult to read for some. This problem is further compounded by slow auto-brightness and average light visibility.

google pixel watch - the pixel has a quality display.
The Pixel has a quality display.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should you buy the Google Pixel Watch?


Even though Google is late to the competitive smartwatch market, its newest Google Pixel Watch does not disappoint. This wearable will feel like home for those already acquainted with the WearOS and Fitbit ecosystem. From a competitive lens, there is not much that the Pixel Watch offers that others competitors do not. It may perform well overall, but you can get a better watch for a similar price.

What other Smartwatches should you consider?


The best Android smartwatch in the market is the Samsung Galaxy 5 Watch. You will find that this watch does everything the Pixel Watch can do but slightly better. If you are an iPhone user, try checking the Apple Watch Series 8 as this is the best overall watch on the market.

google pixel watch - charging the pixel watch is a cake walk.
Charging the Pixel Watch is a cake walk.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Jessica Riconscente and Jared Eastlick