The Google Pixel Watch 5 has landed, alongside a slew of compatible phones including the Google Pixel 11 and its Pro, Pro XL, and even Pro Fold variations. While the phones look great, it’s the watch that’s drawn my attention, and there’s a lot to like here.
Arriving in two sizes (41mm and 45mm), just like in previous years, the Pixel Watch 5 offers bands in Canyon, Obsidian, and Fog colors, as well as a special NBA-star Stephen Curry-themed edition. The watch is priced starting from $399.99 / £369 / AU$649 for the 41mm model, and $429.99 / £399.99 / AU$699 for the 45mm version, with additional costs for LTE-capable models.
What do you get for your money? The Pixel Watch 5 has seen numerous quality-of-life improvements over last year’s model. These enhancements include Google’s evolving wrist-based Gemini integrations, Google Health’s AI fitness coach, GPS that can reportedly rival the likes of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, and a new suite of background health features called Health Guardian, available on Pixel Watch 3 and above.
While I haven’t yet gone hands-on with the watch, the specifications suggest that the Pixel Watch 5 stands as a formidable competitor to the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.
While it’s challenging to compare devices across different ecosystems fully, a smartwatch’s quality might not be the primary factor for someone switching smartphones, tablets, or computers. However, the features of the Pixel Watch 5 could potentially influence decisions among users contemplating a switch between Google, Apple, or Samsung ecosystems.
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Let’s take a look at each flagship watch’s specifications side-by-side below (larger models for clarity: the 45mm Pixel Watch 5, the 46mm Apple Watch Series 11, and the 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 9). Then I’ll discuss all the unique features recently announced by Google.
Specs Comparison Table
Watch | Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm) | Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (44mm) |
Price | From $429.99 / £399 / AU$699 | From $429 / £399 / AU$699 | $409.99 / £379.00 / AU$699 |
Dimensions | 45mm x 45mm x 12.3mm | 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm | 46.0 mm × 43.7 mm × 8.6 mm |
Weight | 37g (no strap) | 38g (no strap) | 34g (no strap) |
Case/bezel | 100% recycled aluminum | Aluminum or titanium (100% recycled) | Armor aluminum |
Display | Actua 360 display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | LTP03 OLED | SuperAMOLED, Sapphire crystal |
GPS | Dual Frequency GPS: GPS, Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou, QZSS | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou | L1+L5 GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou |
Battery life | Up to 40 hours | 24 hours | Up to 40 hours |
Connection | Bluetooth 6.0, wifi, LTE available | Bluetooth 5.3, wifi, LTE available | Bluetooth 6.0, wifi, LTE available |
Water resistance | 5ATM, IP68 | WR50 and IP7X | 5ATM, IP68 |
As demonstrated above, this year’s lineup of smartwatches presents strikingly similar specifications in terms of pricing, dimensions, and features. However, certain aspects, both detailed in the comparison table and beyond, allow the Pixel Watch 5 to stand out from its competitors.
Repairability
(Image credit: Google)
An outstanding feature of the Pixel Watch 5 is its repairability. Users can utilize a standard Torx T2 precision screwdriver set to disassemble the watch and replace its battery and display. This approach is a welcome initiative for extending the lifespan of small, water-resistant devices like smartwatches, thereby reducing e-waste—a feature we hope to see become mainstream across the industry, including at Apple and Samsung.
Battery Life
(Image credit: Google)
The Pixel Watch 5’s battery life is comparable to that of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, with both devices exceeding the 24-hour guarantee provided by the Apple Watch Series 11, despite an increase from its previous 18-hour offering. At smaller sizes, both the Pixel and Samsung watches offer up to 30 hours of battery life. While these durations may not match the longevity of top-tier Garmin watches, they perform better than Apple’s iteration.
The Pixel Watch 5, akin to Apple’s wearable, supports fast charging, allowing it to reach a full charge in about an hour. Additionally, it features a unique dock that can convert the watch into an upright bedside alarm clock.
GPS Performance
GPS performance is another critical aspect. While the competition may not yield significant differences in GPS accuracy at first glance, the Apple Watch Series 11 lags behind in this area. The Apple Watch Series 11 provides single-band GPS, while both the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Pixel Watch 5 are equipped with dual-band L1+L5 GPS.
The Google Pixel Watch 5 connects to several satellite networks and claims GPS accuracy that aligns with premium devices, including the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Although this still needs verification through field tests, I’ll evaluate its performance on my usual running and cycling routes to compare it against these established models.
Satellite Communication Features
Focusing on satellite communication features, each smartwatch offers LTE-enabled models, which permit you to add them to your phone’s data plan at an additional cost. However, the Google Pixel Watch 5 includes a feature typically reserved for higher-end models: emergency SOS satellite communication messaging.
This feature allows the watch to connect with emergency services using the Skylo satellite network, facilitating two-way messaging and location sharing without the need for a phone, while keeping power consumption minimal.
New Health Features: Breathing Emergency Detection and Insulin Resistance Trends
(Image credit: Google)
The Pixel Watch 5 introduces new health features, including blood pressure monitoring, which has long been a coveted capability for optical LED heart rate sensors. It also incorporates a Breathing Emergency Detection system, which can automatically contact emergency services in the event of a significant drop in oxygen saturation.
Furthermore, the watch will eventually feature the Insulin Resistance Trends feature, projected to launch in September 2026. This non-invasive tracker aims to help monitor how efficiently the body manages blood glucose—an invaluable tool for diabetics, and beneficial for various users focused on weight management. This innovative addition has yet to be seen in competing devices from Samsung or Apple.
Google describes the Insulin Resistance Trends feature as a “personal efficiency meter” that assesses how effectively the body utilizes energy from food throughout activities. This will harness the watch’s Health Guardian suite to monitor vital health trends.
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To learn more about how the Google Pixel Watch 5 outperforms its competitors, check out the full comparison here.
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