Google Pixel Watch: Long term review – An outstanding first effort, but there is room for improvement

The lengthy awaited Pixel Watch was formally launched not too long ago, answering many questions on the gadget and assuaging among the considerations raised beforehand.

We’ve had one on evaluate for a few months now, with our first impression posted shortly after launch, however lastly, we put I’m the time to finish a extra thorough evaluate. There are nonetheless a couple of points that must be outlined as a part of the evaluate, however total, it’s an impressive first effort.

Design, feel and look

It’s a very nice trying watch, I’d argue one of many slickest trying watches round for the time being. Modern sufficient to slot in an expert setting but additionally not look misplaced in an informal or health atmosphere. This results in one of many actually spectacular design components the benefit of adjusting bands. I wouldn’t essentially suggest it due to the value, however altering bands is bodily very straightforward and fast to attain with the connection system Google has carried out. Whereas this provides versatility to the look, I’m personally very pleased with the plain black band throughout my every day residing wants.

Internally, there’s 2GB of reminiscence and 32GB of storage for apps. Driving the {hardware} is a Samsung Exynos 9110 SoC and Cortex M33 co-processor making the {hardware} moderately battery environment friendly. The dimensions of the watch face has actually hit the mark, which is smooth sufficient in presentation that it doesn’t look misplaced on nearly any wrist. It’s additionally mild sufficient that it isn’t a cumbersome gadget to put on all day, and night time, which is necessary for among the Fitbit options.

Packed into a tool measuring 41mm in diameter and 12.3mm excessive is the display screen, which is de facto crisp and affords a 450 x 450 decision, 320ppi expertise. Maybe essentially the most spectacular characteristic right here is the 1000 nits of brightness that makes it straightforward to learn, even in vivid daylight. That is all encased by domed Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which is fairly sturdy, however I’ve nonetheless skipped a couple of heartbeats after knocking it closely.

The mixture of the bodily measurement, the burden and the supplies chosen for the included band make this a tool that’s so snug I didn’t suppose twice about sporting all of it day and night time, apart from charging time.

I discovered myself skim-reading the primary few strains of emails on my watch commonly, simply to see if it’s one thing I must cope with now, whether or not it may possibly wait, or if I can merely swipe the notification away to cope with a lot later. However that fast contact response additionally makes name dealing with (by way of the onboard speaker and mic) very straightforward.

Software program: Fitbit and Watch apps

The software program on the Pixel Watch reveals that WearOS isn’t the recent mess that many suppose it to be. It’s quick to navigate, steady and intuitive in operation, which means that the issue has been a mixture of the {hardware} and optimisation.

To completely use all the pieces the Pixel Watch affords, you’ll must have the Pixel Watch app and the Fitbit app put in, however I’ll delve into the Fitbit aspect of issues shortly.

The setup is so fast and easy that I may do it whereas performing on just a few hours of sleep. You merely want to have the ability to observe the bouncing ball, because the directions on the display screen even embrace photos of what buttons to push on the gadget to connect with your telephone and even course of the primary replace you’ll get out of the field.

One thing price noting is that within the early levels of this evaluate, I did see quite a lot of disconnections from my telephone. However after the primary main software program replace, this appears to have been just about resolved, which is a superb consequence.

As a result of I’m effectively invested within the Google ecosystem, I didn’t have any drawback populating the pictures watch face with the requisite variety of out there pics. Nevertheless, there are lots to select from with quite a lot of knowledge units featured, from health to notifications. Coupled with this out there knowledge, you may add lots of tiles to swipe by way of to permit you fast entry to the information you need.

Navigating the software program may be very easy and will be carried out by way of a number of choices. The primary is the raised crown on the aspect of the gadget, which spins simply and rolls by way of the menus in your watch predictably. I’ve some considerations over the potential for this to get knocked round throughout the long run, however to date, it’s holding up effectively and nonetheless seems new. The second is the intuitive contact controls, merely swiping and tapping your means by way of the menu and at last, Google Assistant can do just about something by voice you may by contact.

A fast level of be aware: The Pixel Watch has been confirmed to obtain updates till October 2025. That’s three full years from the discharge of the gadget, and by then, we’ll hopefully have one thing newer and shinier to admire.

A type of knowledge units is from Fitbit, and the mixing may be very clean. Given the dimensions of the Fitbit person base, anybody in that market phase goes to really feel fairly snug with the health monitoring aspect of the Pixel watch. That is additionally the place needing a second app — Fitbit — comes into play for the Pixel Watch; truthfully, it hasn’t been a giant problem for me.

What’s been spectacular is the accuracy and velocity of the exercise monitoring, significantly should you’re doing out of doors actions, the velocity of GPS lock on. Everyday, although, I really feel just like the step rely is probably a bit on the beneficiant aspect. In actuality, although, should you’re searching for 10,000 steps a day, this in all probability isn’t a tool you may be taking a look at.

The monitoring of actions has been pretty in step with earlier units I’ve used for monitoring. The calorie rely can be slightly larger, and in honesty, I’d in all probability belief this greater than the Cost 5, primarily based on value and the variety of sensors on the gadget.

The issue that lots of customers are going to have with that is that you simply get six months of Fitbit Premium with the gadget. However after that, you’re up for $14.99 per yr to take care of that, in any other case you’ll lose entry to lots of the Fitbit options like sleep monitoring and readiness scores. That is truthfully the place I consider the Fitbit expertise excels over different choices, because it’s not simply concerning the exercise and weight reduction; it tracks your normal exercise, relaxation and restoration.

So what’s lacking?

One of many greatest issues which were highlighted by so lots of the opinions I’ve learn is the battery life. I’m not going to color the image that it’s good, but it surely’s very workable. As talked about in our first look, what has labored for me is solely establishing a routine of charging the gadget whereas I’m preparing for mattress and within the morning whereas I’m within the bathe. Since doing that, I can solely suppose of some moments I’ve been caught quick on battery.

Because of the second charging cable that lives in my every day carry equipment, that wasn’t a very huge drawback, primarily as a result of the watch fees fairly rapidly. So quarter-hour on cost was enough to get me an excellent increase in battery life and thru the remainder of the day.

Being actually choosy about it, there are a few different objects I’d prefer to see added. One is solely a degree of comfort as there isn’t an automated bedtime/sleep/DND mode. With the ability to set off this mechanically could be higher than forgetting and getting woken by notifications whilst you sleep.

Whereas I’m pleased with the bodily measurement, I’d argue that there’s a case for a bigger mannequin, too for individuals who need that additional display screen measurement. Whether or not it’s simply that they need the display screen measurement, their eyes aren’t pretty much as good as they was once or they’re 6’5 and smaller watches merely look comical on them. This might effectively be one thing for a future technology of Pixel Watch, but it surely isn’t one thing we’re conscious of being in improvement right now.

Provided that it’s Google’s first run at a smartwatch, it is a minimal listing of gripes.

Must you purchase one?

There are lots of little inquiries to be answered to provide you a straight reply to that. First, you’ll want to beat the boundaries with the gadget, primarily the battery life and price. At $549.00 for the bottom mannequin or $649.00 for the LTE model, it’s not an inexpensive gadget. If you happen to’re searching for a Health Tracker, then there are many different, cheaper units — together with from Fitbit — that may fit your wants.

Then there’s the battery life, and, as talked about, to beat this, you’ll in all probability must spend money on a second charging cable including one other $49 to the price.

If you happen to’re in a position to overcome the price and alter your routines to go well with the battery of the gadget, then it’s a very engaging possibility. The watch seems nice and may be very snug in your wrist all day and night time. There are an array of sensors to trace your normal and health actions all through the day, in addition to your sleep and different necessary well being metrics.

Functionally, the Pixel Watch hit each mark I wished and anticipated it to with loads of management, notifications, straightforward navigation and connectivity besides. While you chuck in entry to Google Pockets, Google Maps in your wrist and Google Assistant, I’m able to admit, I’m hooked on this factor. If the subsequent technology takes an extra leap ahead, then it’s going to be spectacular.

The Pixel Watch is on the market by way of an enormous variety of on-line and retail shops, in addition to the Google Retailer.