The Google Pixel Watch 5: Overview and Features
The Google Pixel Watch 5 has been officially unveiled at this year’s Made by Google event, and much is already being made of its new Health Guardian features such as Breathing Emergency Detection and Insulin Resistance Trends, in addition to the accuracy of its dual-band GPS.
Priced starting from $399.99 / £369 / around AU$565 (TBC) for the 41mm model and $429.99 / £399.99 / around AU$600 (TBC) for the 45mm model, this smartwatch retains a design very similar to its predecessor, the Google Pixel Watch 4, maintaining the characteristic domed Actua 3D display and digital crown.
Comparison With Other Smartwatches
While the Pixel Watch 5 may not seem groundbreaking, especially in its aesthetics, it stands out for its health-centric tech. If the lack of dramatic innovation leaves you wanting more, consider some alternative smartwatches that also cater to Android users and sport the Wear OS.
The Stylish Option: OnePlus Watch 3
(Image credit: Future)
The OnePlus Watch 3, available in 47mm and a newer 43mm size, provides a unique twist on the smartwatch experience, integrating features that maintain a classic analog-watch aesthetic. Crafted from titanium and stainless steel, it cleverly transitions between Wear OS and a lower-power mode, allowing for up to 120 hours of battery life. However, it comes with some drawbacks: users will find themselves limited to older Wear OS 5 without LTE capabilities.
The Rugged Option: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
(Image credit: Future)
The recently launched Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is designed for adventurers, featuring impressive trail-running capabilities and upcoming diving applications from Mares, transforming it into a full-fledged dive computer. Though it offers robustness and advanced functionalities, it carries a steeper price tag of $699.99 / £649 and requires the Samsung Health app for the best experience.
The Cheaper Option: Google Pixel Watch 4
(Image credit: Future)
If you’re seeking value, the Google Pixel Watch 4 might be a suitable alternative. While similar in design, it offers many of the same features as the Pixel Watch 5, including Health Guardian tools and easy repairability. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t include the latest software upgrades and comes with only half the storage. Retailers may offer discounts as stock depletes, making it an attractive option if you’re budget-conscious.
Specifications Compared
Component | Google Pixel Watch 5 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | OnePlus Watch 3 | Google Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | Starting at $399 / £369 | $699.99 / £649 | $499 / £269.99 | Starting at $399 / £349 |
Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm | 47mm: 47.4 x 47.1 x 10.7mm | 43.2 x 43.2 x 11 mm / 46.6mm x 47.6mm x 11mm | 41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm |
Weight | 31g / 36.7g without straps | 61g | 37.8g / 81g with strap | 31g / 36.7g without straps |
Case/bezel | Recycled aluminum | Titanium | Titanium and stainless steel | Recycled aluminum |
Display | 320ppi always-on display AMOLED with up to 3,000 nits brightness | 498 x 498 Super AMOLED | AMOLED 1.5-inch LTPO flexible display | 320ppi always-on display AMOLED with up to 3,000 nits brightness |
Operating System | Wear OS 7 | One UI Watch 9 (Wear OS 7) | Wear OS 5 | Wear OS 6.0 |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with an ML coprocessor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite | Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with an ML coprocessor |
Memory | 2GB of RAM | 2GB of RAM | 2GB of RAM | 2GB of RAM |
Storage | 64GB | 64GB storage | 32GB | 32GB |
GPS | GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | (L1+L5 Dual Frequency GPS) | GPS (Dual-Frequency), GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS | GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS |
Battery life | Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled | Up to 60 hours with always-on display | Up to 120 hours | Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled |
Connection | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, Ultra-Wideband | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE |
Water resistance | WR50, IP68 | WR100 (diveproof) | 5ATM, IP68 | WR50, IP68 |
For more details on these options, you can check this resource.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
