Google last week unveiled the Pixel Watch, a Wear OS-based smartwatch with a circular display and a suite of health-tracking features. We picked up a Pixel Watch and thought we’d compare it to Apple’s latest flagship wrist device, the Apple Watch Series 8.
Since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015, Apple hasn’t strayed far from a rectangular watch face, while other Android makers have toyed with a circular design that’s more like a traditional watch face. Google opted for a circular design, and the end result is one of the better circular smartwatches we’ve seen. Unfortunately, the Google Watch has some thick bezels due to the rounded surface, but Google’s adoption of a dark UI has greatly reduced their visibility. Over the years, Apple has reduced the size of the bezels, so you get more display area on the Series 8. The circular size works fine for the most part, but it doesn’t work well when notifications come in because it’s a rectangular notification box trying to fit into a circular display.
In terms of size, the Pixel Watch is refined. It’s 41mm in diameter, so it feels smaller than the 44mm Apple Watch Series 8. It’s more akin to the 41mm Apple Watch, dwarfing the larger, more feature-rich Apple Watch Ultra.
The Pixel Watch has a side button and a crown for control purposes, which are reminiscent of the Apple Watch. The same goes for bands, with Google coming out with a few sports band-like straps, among other options. The strap snaps in like on the Apple Watch, with a slide-in and twist action.
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Pixel Watch are direct competitors, offering many of the same features. Google has integrated the functionality of Fitbit, and the Pixel Watch has basically the same functionality as the Apple Watch.
It features heart rate tracking, ECG capabilities, and detailed workout tracking with heart rate zones, and supports around 40 workout types. Built-in emergency SOS, including sleep tracking, and fall detection are coming later this year. There’s no temperature sensor, a new feature on the Series 8, and while a blood oxygen sensor is included, it’s not activated. Certain fitness tracking features do require a Fitbit Premium subscription, which costs $10 per month. You’ll need to pay this if you want options like the traditional Fitbit Readiness Score. Google does include six months free, but eventually, some features will be locked.
Pixel Watch battery life varies widely. With the always-on display, it drains power quickly, plus there’s a feature that keeps your heart rate down by continuously monitoring it. With those options turned off, it can last up to 24 hours, beating the Series 8.
All in all, the Pixel Watch is a decent smartwatch that may one day inspire Apple to offer another display design. If you have an iPhone, you obviously don’t want to choose one or the other, but Android users can now opt for an Apple Watch-like device.
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