REASONS TO BUY
Responsive touch screen
Screen quality
Charging setup
REASONS TO AVOID
Small screen
Remedial menu
Visibility in the dark
Google Pixel Watch Review
The little display and remedial menu left us disappointed with this new product line
Credit: Google
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charging the Pixel Watch is a cake walk.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
—
Jessica Riconscente and Jared Eastlick
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