Pixel Watch 5 Shows Potential, Yet Still Needs Refinement

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has proven to be a tricky device to review accurately. In terms of hardware, not much has changed. The dimensions remain the same, the chips and battery see only a slight upgrade, and there’s a new pyrite satin finish on the case. The real game-changer this year lies in the software: the watch introduces ambitious health features that build on the revamped Google Health app and the AI coach that debuted with the Fitbit Air earlier this year.

However, the catch is that these health features aren’t available yet. The most intriguing additions — like blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking, nightly sleep breathing quality assessments, and strength training prompts — won’t be rolling out until next month. The breathing emergency detection feature, which alerts emergency services if it detects you’ve stopped breathing, is still awaiting FDA clearance. While it will launch in Europe, it’s not something you can easily test.

This situation leaves me in a bit of a bind as a reviewer. All these features sound promising, but I can’t determine if they justify the $399.99 price tag — a $50 increase from last year’s model — until they’re live. Since many of these metrics are designed to be reviewed monthly, it’ll be a while before I can provide a comprehensive assessment.

As for the other software updates, the Pixel Watch 5 includes Wear OS 7, offline Gemini, a more precise Raise to Talk feature, Proactive Assistance, enhanced gesture controls, AI watchfaces, improved bedtime automations, and better GPS maps for outdoor activities. Overall, I appreciate the direction Google is taking — aiming for a subtly helpful AI that delivers quick, glanceable information. However, aside from the GPS improvements, these updates feel more like refinements than groundbreaking changes that would make anyone shout, “Take my money!” At launch, these features will be exclusive to the Pixel Watch 5, but Google has a history of rolling out software updates to older models over time.

Wear OS 7 doesn’t represent a significant shift from Wear OS 6. The double pinch and wrist turn gestures are now more seamlessly integrated into the UI. During certain actions, like scrolling or selecting, you’ll see an animated prompt for the pinch gesture, which is a clever way to teach users when to use it. During live activities, such as workouts or timers, another prompt will appear on the main watch face. Flipping your wrist dismisses the current screen or an incoming call. While these ideas aren’t new — the Apple Watch has had them for a while — I appreciate their more prominent presence on the Pixel Watch.

Proactive Assistance, however, didn’t impress me as much. As noted by others, the Gemini-powered suggestions don’t always function as intended, and you might not even notice them. For instance, when a friend texted me about making plans, a prompt for my Google Calendar appeared. But that was a controlled scenario for testing. In real life, I usually coordinate plans over Slack or phone calls, where Gemini isn’t integrated. I see potential for improvement with future updates, but for now, results may vary.

Testing offline Gemini was surprisingly convenient. I didn’t plan to run with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold paired with my Watch 5, as I didn’t want to risk damaging an expensive phone. Still, Gemini managed to start a workout via voice command and quickly acquired a GPS signal even when out of Bluetooth range. There’s some latency with wrist-based Gemini, but it’s not enough to hinder basic tasks.

Speaking of GPS, Google boldly claims that the Pixel Watch 5’s GPS outperforms that of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. It achieves this by using 3D building models, weather data, dual-frequency GPS, and other sensor signals to correct inaccurate GPS data post-activity. When I pressed Google’s reps during demos, they stood firm in their confidence, stating they tested it in Manhattan, a notoriously challenging GPS environment. I still want to conduct more GPS tests across various terrains and activities, but I can confidently say the GPS has seen significant improvements and outperformed the Ultra 3 in my trials.

To evaluate the GPS, I recorded three separate 20-to-30-minute walks in Manhattan’s West Village. During these walks, I zigzagged, jaywalked, and even walked in circles around a friend. The Ultra 3 overcorrected, making it look like I was walking in a straight line, while the Pixel Watch 5 accurately captured some of my zigzags and intentional backtracking. I didn’t have a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro for comparison, but there are more in-depth GPS tests available for those interested.

I doubt that many fans of Garmin or the Ultra 3 will switch solely for improved GPS. The Pixel Watch’s design doesn’t exactly scream rugged durability, which is often a priority for outdoor enthusiasts. This is more about Google leveraging its strengths to address a long-standing issue with Pixel and Fitbit wearables. While it’s not perfect — no GPS tracking is — the accuracy is no longer a reason to hesitate if you’re considering a Pixel Watch.

Now, let’s talk about the most peculiar feature I tested: AI watchfaces. I understand why Google introduced this feature; it caters to smartwatch enthusiasts who want a variety of watchfaces without relying on a company’s artistic choices. The idea of using AI to generate a watchface based on your specifications is intriguing.

But it’s AI, and the results can be hit or miss. For example, I requested a manta ray watchface, and what I got was a collection of number-shaped blobs with eyes and cartoonish fins — definitely not a manta ray.

On a more successful note, I asked for a Kirby-inspired watchface with a playful pink and purple theme. While it was a bit unsettling to see Kirby-shaped numbers and his face incorporated, it worked. I also had success with a cross-stitch-themed watchface featuring cute forest creatures and a retro font. While some elements were more satin-stitched than cross-stitched, the overall vibe was there. My main complaint is the limited customization options; you can adjust the clock numbers, colors, and font, but not much else. Is this feature groundbreaking? Not really, but it’s whimsical enough to appeal to its target audience.

The hardware changes this year are subtle. Swiping through screens is responsive, but not drastically improved. The 45mm Watch 5 still lasts around 36 to 40 hours on a single charge. I still appreciate the watch stand charger, and the fast charging allows you to top it up while you shower, making it through the day or night.

Overall, I can confidently say the Pixel Watch 5 is a solid Android smartwatch. With OnePlus out of the game and Samsung coasting since the Galaxy Watch 6, this remains the Android smartwatch to beat. I’d recommend it to newcomers, and while the $50 price increase due to RAM issues isn’t ideal, it’s manageable.

If you own a recent Pixel Watch, this probably isn’t the year to upgrade. Even if you have a Pixel Watch 2 or earlier, it’s wise to wait for the new health features to launch and be tested before making a purchase. Alternatively, consider pairing a Fitbit Air with your current watch if you’re mainly frustrated with frequent charging for sleep tracking.

I don’t love feeling like my review is incomplete, but that’s the reality this year. I’ll be back in October for part two once the remaining health features are released.

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To use the Google Pixel Watch 5, you must pair it with an Android smartphone. This includes agreeing to the phone’s Terms of Service, privacy policy, and any permissions you grant, such as Bluetooth access and location services. You may also want to familiarize yourself with settings regarding opting in or out of your health data being used for AI training. Integrating other third-party health APIs means you’re also agreeing to each service’s terms and privacy policy.

By setting up the Google Pixel Watch 5, you’re agreeing to:
* Google Terms of Service
* Google Play Terms of Service
* Google Privacy Policy (included in Terms of Service)
* Google Health Additional Terms of Service
* Google Health Data and Privacy Policy (formerly Fitbit)

Final tally: Five mandatory policies and several optional permissions.