Our assessment of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, the top smartwatch for Android users.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro from Samsung has a few upgrades in hardware and software compared to previous Galaxy Watch models, but can it replace a GPS sports watch?
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro by Samsung
(Image: © Future)
pros
- Lightweight titanium casing
- Sapphire glass AMOLED display
- Large enough battery for most users
- Google Wear OS 3 app support
cons
- Limited, manual GPX process
- Skin temperature not yet enabled
- Blood pressure remains elusive in the US
| NETWORK | Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
|---|
| BODY | Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) | |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame | |
| SIM | eSIM | |
| MIL-STD-810H compliant* 50m water resistant (IP68) Compatible with standard 20mm straps ECG certified Blood pressure monitor *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| DISPLAY | Type | Super AMOLED |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.4 inches | |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) | |
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | |
| Always-on display |
| PLATFORM | OS | Android Wear OS 3.5, One UI Watch 4.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | |
| GPU | Mali-G68 |
| CAMERA | No |
|---|
| SOUND | Loudspeaker | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | |
| NFC | Yes | |
| Radio | No | |
| USB | No |
| FEATURES | Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay |
When Samsung first debuted the Galaxy Watch 5 last year, it came in two different models: a normal model and one with a real spinning bezel. This year, however, Samsung eliminated the dial and instead offered a new “Pro” model.
(Image: © Future)
Samsung has put in its fair share of advertising time emphasising how much more suitable the Watch 5 Pro is for adventuring than the regular Watch 5. The sapphire glass display, titanium watch casing, and bigger battery capacity give it the potential to resist slightly more punishment.
Importing GPX files for use on hikes and bikes and having automated routing of return trips in case you forget to do it yourself are just two of the software features that flesh out the “Pro” label. Check out this comprehensive guide for information on using the updated Route tile and GPX files. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the longest-lasting flagship smartwatch, and although it won’t compete with your Garmin, Coros, or Polar on rigorous outdoor excursions, it will please most casual athletes.
Three weeks in, I feel like I have a good grasp on what Samsung is aiming for with the new Black Titanium Galaxy Watch 5 Pro from my time spent using it for various outdoor activities as well as when sleeping. Even though this is the company’s most recent smartwatch and their first to sport a Pro design, it still has a few issues that can be addressed in future software upgrades.
Wear OS by Google is powered by Samsung on the Watch 5 Pro, so you get all the usual Google goodies like Maps, Assistant, Pay, Messages, Keep Notes, and more. In addition, you may use Samsung’s own Pay, Messages, Health, Bixby, and other applications. After all, this wristwatch is a Samsung Galaxy.
Hardware
This year’s Galaxy Watches don’t provide a rotating bezel, but the Watch 5 Pro’s new sapphire glass screen gives it a distinctive look. A concave transition from the glass up to the edge of the case replaces the traditional spinning dial, allowing you to swipe up and down with a finger to simulate the sensation of turning the bezel. Although the entire mechanism is now software-enabled, I prefer the Galaxy Watch models with the finger guide design since it provides some closure to those who like using the traditional revolving bezel.
Due to its one-size-fits-all design, the Watch 5 Pro may not be suitable for people with smaller wrists. Because of the larger battery, the watch is bulkier than last year’s Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, but it’s easier to wear because to its reduced weight.
(Image: © Future)
If you like bulky watches like I do, you won’t be put off by the Watch 5 Pro’s appearance; it’s actually smaller than many of the Garmin and Coros models I use on a regular basis. Samsung also claims that the broader and more protruding base of the watch, which is made possible by the greater size, improves the readability and accuracy of the wrist sensors for monitoring your health.
Beautiful typefaces, vibrant colours, and a responsive touchscreen characterise the 1.4-inch Super AMOLED screen. Input lag and delays are commonplace on robust, outdoor smartwatches. Not with the 5 Pro; tapping and swiping have worked without a hitch, and I love the built-in watch face possibilities.
This year, choose from a titanium casing in either black or grey. More vibrant hues are only available on the standard Watch 5. The watch’s microphone is located on the right side of the device, between the navigation keys, and the speaker is curiously situated on the top of the watch, where the bands kind of conceal it.
Compared to the standard band I got with my Watch 4 Classic last year, the new D-Buckle Sport band that came included with the Watch 5 Pro is a significant upgrade. The band is made of flexible silicone, and its size is adjusted by sliding open a clasp and then closing it again. How reliable is the new belt closure? None of my exercises or regular activities have resulted in the band breaking.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has two physical buttons—a Home button and a Back button—on the right side. Pressing the Home button once returns the watch to its factory settings. When I double-press the Home button, I go straight to Google Wallet, and when I hold it down for a while, I go straight to Google Assistant. Thanks to Google’s inclusion and support, using a Samsung Galaxy Watch is now an enjoyable experience for those who are passionate about using Android.
(Image: © Future)
However, not everything is optimised for use with Google products. Holding down the Back button launches Samsung Pay by default, and there doesn’t appear to be a way to alter this to Google Pay or any other app. Let’s hope Samsung releases a software patch that lets us alter the behaviour of this button as well.
When you flip the watch over, the Samsung BioActive sensor is on display. This sensor is used to record your heart rate, bioelectrical impedance for blood pressure (outside the US), ECG, and blood oxygen levels, among other things. The skin temperature sensor is located on the unit’s left side on the rear; however, this feature has not yet been enabled.
New Galaxy 5 from Samsung
(Image: © Future)
Pros
- +Sporty, yet versatile design
- +Stronger, scratch-resistant screen
- +Added skin temperature sensor
- +Longer-lasting battery life
Cons
- –Skin temperature reader not functional at launch
Specifications
| NETWORK | Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
|---|
| BODY | Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) | |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame | |
| SIM | eSIM | |
| MIL-STD-810H compliant* 50m water resistant (IP68) Compatible with standard 20mm straps ECG certified Blood pressure monitor Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| DISPLAY | Type | Super AMOLED |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.4 inches | |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) | |
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | |
| Always-on display |
| PLATFORM | OS | Android Wear OS 3.5, One UI Watch 4.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | |
| GPU | Mali-G68 |
| CAMERA | No |
|---|
| SOUND | Loudspeaker | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | |
| NFC | Yes | |
| Radio | No | |
| USB | No |
| FEATURES | Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay |
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 boasts improved features such as a skin-temperature reader, a display that is more resistant to scratches, and a battery that can last longer. The new smartwatch from Samsung is the most advanced model available.
(Image: © Future)
When it comes to smartwatches, Samsung finally hits its stride with the Galaxy Watch 5. Not much has changed from last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, but the few improvements make it a worthy upgrade.
The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is up to 10 hours longer, and the sapphire crystal glass display makes the gadget more resistant to scratches. The sensors’ precision is enhanced by a bottom curvature redesign that makes the device more comfortable for wrists and increases the area of contact with the skin.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 includes a new health sensor, a temperature reader for the skin. It is not yet functional, but when it is, it will contribute to sleep monitoring and be made available to app creators in the health industry.
With a full week under our belts, we can confidently say that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the best Samsung watch to date, and the finest smartwatch period, for anybody with a Samsung smartphone.
Check out my Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review nonetheless. It compares the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and lays out the significant distinctions between the two. Also, the rumours concerning Samsung’s rumoured Galaxy Ring wearable are interesting.
(Image: © Future)
The base price of the 40mm Bluetooth Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is $279. Prices for the 40mm LTE version begin at $329. The 44mm models cost an additional $299.99 for Bluetooth or $349.99 with LTE. If you compare this to the Galaxy Watch 4, you’ll see a steady $30 price increase. I’m not entirely shocked by this price increase; Samsung has been known to adjust the Galaxy Watch’s price tag annually.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, the year’s new “rugged” or outdoor sports watch, can be had for $449 with Bluetooth or for $499 with LTE. There is only one size available, 45mm. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is still available for purchase.
On August 26th, both timepieces were released to the public. When they are officially available, be sure to use one of our Samsung coupons to save money on your purchase.
You may remember that the regular Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 introduced a new design and feel over the previous year’s model, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. It retained its athletic appearance, calling to mind the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, but its polished casing and accompanying watch strap made it an attractive alternative. The Galaxy Watch 5 still has an athletic vibe, but I thought that changing the watch face gave it more style options than it otherwise would have.
There is no rotating bezel option for the Galaxy Watch 5, unlike the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. numerous time, the spinning bezel won numerous supporters, including a few of our very own authors. Though I have no problem with its eventual elimination, I anticipate strong opposition from many people, including my fellow Galaxy Watch 5 reviewers. Having no bezel helps keep the watch thin, but if you really want one, you should purchase the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
(Image: © Future)
On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 5’s reworked curve at the bottom provides more watch-to-skin contact, which, according to Samsung, improves the accuracy of data acquired by the biometric sensor. The watch has an IP68 classification, thus it can withstand water pressure of up to 5ATM. Samsung says that the sapphire crystal glass used in the screen is 60% more resistant to scratches than previous models.
Graphite, Silver, Sapphire (44mm only), and Pink Gold (40mm only) are the four colour options for the Galaxy Watch 5. The included silicone straps may be swapped out for any of the many available from Samsung. During this time, I experimented with a number of the more modern strap styles and found them to be quite appealing.
The inclusion of a temperature analysis sensor, which appears to be independent from Samsung’s 3-in-1 BioActive sensor, is the most noteworthy change to the Galaxy Watch 5’s internal architecture. In addition to measuring heart rate, SpO2, and body composition using BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis), the BioActive sensor debuted last year on the Galaxy Watch. The skin-temperature reader is located slightly off-center on the bottom of the casing.
The skin-temperature reader will, alas, be operational from the get-go. The function of the skin temperature sensor in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has been explained. I really wish I could test it out right now, but I know it will be worthwhile when it goes online.
There is some competition, since the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Fitbit Sense 2 also offer functions driven by a skin-temperature sensor.
My workouts with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 showed it to be a functional accessory for staying in shape. You may have seen more of my day-to-day fitness adventures with Samsung’s newest wristwatch on my Twitter account, but I’m happy to report that it’s still a great activity tracker for more than simply counting steps (though it can do that, too).
Push-ups and bicep curls are just two examples of the specialised training motions that it can measure alongside more general ones like jogging, cycling, and pilates. The gadget continuously monitors vital signs including heart rate, calorie expenditure, and elapsed time.
Auto-tracking for walking (and other activities) is one of my favourite fitness-tracking features on the Galaxy Watch 5. Being a city dweller, I choose to walk whenever possible. After 10 minutes of walking, the Galaxy Watch 5 began recording my data and kept going for another 10 minutes after I stopped. The auto-pause function while walking was helpful at stoplights as well.
Body composition analysis is naturally still available on the Galaxy Watch 5. Getting a BIA reading on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a lot less of a hassle than going to the doctor to have your body composition analysed. A bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) test performed on my wrist every a week or so would show me how my body changes as I work towards my fitness goals.
The Galaxy Watch 5 has an improved sleep coach that provides personalised recommendations for getting more (or less) shut-eye. I calibrated the Galaxy Watch 5 by sleeping with it for many days. The watch’s estimation of the time I was asleep seems reasonable, given that I adhere to a regular schedule.
(Image: © Future)
My snoring and sleep-stage data was shown on my wrist or on my associated Samsung phone. The Galaxy Watch 5’s blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor also allowed me to monitor my breathing rate throughout the night. However, the use of this sensor might significantly decrease battery life, as will be discussed further below.
Wear OS powered by Samsung is the operating system powering the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, which means that while Google’s smartwatch software serves as the underlying framework, the experience is overlaid with many of Samsung’s proprietary applications, watch faces, and menus. This implies that the wristwatch may easily connect to and sync with other Samsung products within the same user environment.
Google’s suite of products, including Gmail, Maps, and, most recently, Google Assistant on Galaxy Watches, are Wear OS 3’s greatest strength. All of these features will be available on the upcoming Google Pixel Watch, but as of right now, it looks like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is shaping up to be the finest smartwatch for Android.
Check out our comparison of the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Google Pixel Watch to see how the newest smartwatches hold up. In contrast to Samsung’s tweaked Wear OS, the Montblanc Summit 3 I tried lately seemed more like older versions of Wear OS. The difference caught me off guard, but it hints to the bespoke nature of the Galaxy Watch 5’s user experience.
The Galaxy Watch 5’s battery is 15% larger than that of the Galaxy Watch 4, allowing for an increased battery life of up to 50 hours. That’s around 10 extra hours compared to previously, and I found that they made a difference. After more than two days of use on a single charge, my Galaxy Watch 5 switched to a power-saving, time-only mode.
While testing, I found that the Galaxy Watch 5 lasted closer to 30 hours with the always-on display and SpO2 monitoring turned on. While AOD is my preference, I decided to disable it to save power on my Galaxy Watch 5.
According to Samsung, the wristwatch just needs 8 minutes to charge for 8 hours of sleep tracking, and a full charge takes only 30 minutes. I was able to get it to 48% from completely dead in 30 minutes, which according to the formula should indicate a full charge in one hour.
The improvements introduced by Samsung with the Galaxy Watch 5 are minor yet welcome. It doesn’t shake things up too much, but it does enhance the health tracking and battery life, two features that are often prioritised by smartwatch owners. Particularly intriguing is the temperature sensor, which is unfortunately not now accessible.
It’s a no-brainer that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the greatest wearable companion for Samsung phone owners. The beginning price of $279 is reasonable, considering its attractive design and useful fitness tracking features. Especially when set against Apple’s starting price of $399 for the Watch.
It’s difficult to avoid making parallels between the Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch, despite the fact that they’ve evolved into distinct devices for distinct product ecosystems. The Galaxy Watch appears to be copying the Apple Watch’s design philosophy. by releasing a slightly revised model every year of a highly successful smartwatch. And there is not the slightest problem with it.
Pixel Watch, by Google
(Image: © Future)
Pros
- +Minimalistic design
- +Full collection of Google services on-board
- +Best representation of Wear OS yet
- +Reliable Fitbit fitness tracking
- +Google Assistant works great
Cons
- –Bezel is a missed opportunity
- –Learning curve for switching bands
- –Lackluster battery life
| NETWORK | Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
|---|
| BODY | Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 36 g (1.27 oz) | |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), stainless steel frame | |
| SIM | eSIM | |
| 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68) ECG certified |
| DISPLAY | Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.2 inches | |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) | |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | |
| Always-on display |
| CAMERA | No |
|---|
| SOUND | Loudspeaker | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | |
| NFC | Yes | |
| Radio | No | |
| USB | No |
| FEATURES | Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2 |
|---|
The Google Pixel Watch is an excellent initial attempt at a wristwatch tailored to owners of the Pixel phone, thanks to its combination of Google’s assistance with the health tracking capabilities of Fitbit. Unfortunately, the gadget has several annoying flaws that could be fixed.
The Google Pixel Watch is the wristwatch Pixel phone owners have been waiting for, but it’s far from ideal. With its sleek design, intuitive software, and the assistance of Fitbit’s activity monitoring functions, the gadget performs admirably for a first offering.
It wasn’t easy to isolate the Pixel Watch’s actual performance from the hype around a brand new flagship wristwatch when writing this review. What if Google and Fitbit were to join forces? At first, it sounded too wonderful to be true, but ultimately, it delivers on its promises. Apps from Google work well, and Fitbit’s health tracking is as comprehensive as ever.
Time spent with the Pixel Watch, however, revealed a few annoying quirks that are out of place on a $349 wristwatch but expected from a version 1.0 product. The large bezel and short battery life are both disappointing design choices by Fitbit. Also, there was a scary moment when I thought I’d never figure out how to put the review unit’s watch strap back on, but I did.
(Image: © Future)
In spite of these caveats, the Pixel Watch provides a unique wearable experience in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the Apple Watch Series 8. This is because, unlike Samsung’s smartwatch software, Wear OS on the Pixel Watch distinguishes itself by striving to mimic the Apple Watch’s intuitiveness and connectedness. Because of this, I think it’s one of the greatest smartwatches this year.
Why You Should Buy a Google Pixel Watch
You’ve got a Pixel phone, and now Google has an Android wristwatch tailored to your needs. In our tests, using the Pixel 7 Pro on our wrist was a seamless addition to the device.
The Google Pixel Watch includes more Google applications than any other Wear OS wristwatch we’ve evaluated, making it ideal for heavy users of Google’s suite of products. Supported services include Google Maps, Google Home, Google Assistant, Google Pay, Google Calendar, and YouTube Music Premium.
If you’re looking for a wristwatch, the Google Pixel Watch is the best option currently available. While the Google Pixel Watch’s fitness tracking isn’t quite as comprehensive as that of the Fitbit Sense 2, it’s still a significant improvement over Google Fit.
Why you shouldn’t buy a Google Pixel Watch
You are concerned about battery life, and the Google Pixel Watch satisfies your expectations by lasting for 24 hours if you refrain from using GPS and restrict your activity monitoring. In general, the battery life isn’t great.
Outdoor sports fan? The Google Pixel Watch’s curved Corning Gorilla Glass 5 display isn’t as tough as the sapphire crystal displays on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra. It could break or get damaged easier.
You’re looking for a huge wristwatch, but Google only offers the Pixel Watch in one size (41mm). We tried it on and discovered that it fit our wrists well, although it is still on the tiny side. Those who like bigger smartwatches will find this to be a restriction.
The Pixel Watch with GPS and Bluetooth costs $349 (£339 / AU$549), while the LTE-enabled model costs an additional $80 (£379 / AU$649). The Pixel Watch is priced at $349, which is less than the $399 asking price of the Apple Watch Series 8, but more than the $279 asking price of the Galaxy Watch 5 and the $299 asking price of the newly announced Fitbit Sense 2. (Compare and contrast the Google Pixel Watch with the Fitbit Sense 2)
(Image: © Future)
On October 13, 2022, the Pixel Watch became available, and we’ve been keeping tabs on the best prices ever since. Keep in mind that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, also released by Google, are fantastic options for pairing with the wristwatch.
The Google Pixel Watch is a wristwatch that appears straightforward—I would go so far as to call it minimalism. The only available size is 41mm. Although some with bigger wrists might bemoan the absence of a larger size, I found the bracelet to be a great fit.
The rounded appearance and 3D glass dome on the front are immediately noticeable. The thick bezel around the screen is less noticeable, but the fact that a significant portion of the screen is inaccessible remains unchanged by the heightened impact. I blame my previous Samsung watch experience. It seems like a waste not to use that area for a digitally rotating bezel.
The Pixel Watch’s “dark mode” status is unmistakable. Google’s interface and the watch faces themselves are completely black to blend in with the watch and hide the bezel. Only the Google Photos watch face magnifies in the bezel, which is the only one I prefer, but it does draw attention to the watch’s little size.
While some have noted OLED burn-in on the Pixel Watch’s display, Google maintains that customers are experiencing picture retention and that the company frequently shifts pixels to prevent burn-in.
The digital crown on the side has tactile grooves like the digital crown on the Apple Watch. Only this year does the Apple Watch’s side button have the same functionality as the Pixel Watch’s tiny button above the digital crown, which launches frequently used applications with a quick touch. Holding down that button activates Google Assistant.
There are three colour options for the Pixel Watch: matte black, silver, and gold. When Google released the Pixel Watch, it came with seven different strap options made from a variety of materials and featuring a rainbow of colours. Band switching requires some practise because it uses a proprietary technique. I had a lot of trouble at first and was worried I wouldn’t be able to put the band back on. Although it took some practise, I finally mastered switching out the straps to suit my mood or the event.
The fitness monitoring on the Google Pixel Watch is fully driven by Fitbit, so users will have access to both Fitbit’s standard activity tracking and Premium’s more comprehensive health tracking capabilities.
In addition to tracking your steps and keeping an eye on your heart rate, the watch can keep tabs on more than 40 distinct forms of exercise. Not only did the heart rate readings on the watch faces with heart rate complications update in real time, but they also adapted swiftly to my heart rate changes while I worked out, which pleased me. While practising yoga with both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Google Pixel Watch, I noticed that the Pixel Watch’s heart rate readings updated at least a second sooner than those on the Apple Watch. The Pixel Watch can capture electrocardiograms, which can help identify atrial fibrillation if it occurs.
(Image: © Future)
Distance measurements from the Pixel Watch were consistent with those from the Apple Watch on open highways and at my neighbourhood track during walks and runs. The exercise UI continuously updated my stats such as total distance, total time, steps (for walking), steps per minute, and earned Active Zone Minutes.
The World Health Organisation recommends spending at least 150 minutes per week in the moderate to vigorous exertion heart zone, hence Fitbit debuted the Active Zone Minutes measure in 2020 on the Fitbit Charge 4 (which has since been superseded by the Fitbit Charge 5). It’s designed to be motivational for individuals who want to spend more time on fitness, but it might seem like a difficult aim depending on your current activity level.
It’s important to keep in mind that some users have claimed the Pixel Watch artificially inflated their calorie count. Don’t take everything you read at face value unless you keep it in mind.
Fitbit Premium costs $9.99 per month or $80 per year and grants access to premium services such as the Daily Readiness Score, in-depth sleep analysis, guided meditations, and wellness reports.
As with all of the greatest Fitbit devices, Google is giving away six months of Fitbit Premium to Pixel Watch owners for free. Unfortunately, it appears that Fitbit Premium is now required, as the most useful health features need a paid membership. You might not need it if you’re only interested in basic activity numbers, but I can’t imagine how much more enjoyable my Pixel Watch experience would be without it.
One key factor contributing to this is the Daily Readiness Score. After four days of tracking your sleep and exercise with your Pixel Watch to calibrate, Fitbit will offer you a score each morning indicating whether or not you are physically prepared to begin your day. After a good night’s sleep, my readiness level rises, and I feel ready to take on a lot. My Fitbit tells me to take it easy if I didn’t get enough sleep the night before. As someone who has experienced the negative effects of overtraining firsthand, I can appreciate the Oura Ring Gen 3’s Daily Readiness Score and wish that it were included on the Apple Watch.
Fitbit Premium’s advanced sleep tracking features are another mainstay. A summary of your sleep stages and information based on your historical sleep patterns are provided to you. Fitbit, hands down, provides the most accurate sleep monitoring features available. In addition, Sleep Profiles, which match your sleeping patterns to an animal, are now available on the Google Pixel Watch. In my experience, this function is useful for deciphering nighttime routines.
I suspect, once more, that the Pixel Watch experience will be diminished without Fitbit Premium. The Apple Watch, the Oura Ring, the Amazon Halo, and the Whoop are just few of the wearables that provide paid companion programmes. Even if you opted out of paying a subscription fee each month, the watch’s activity tracking and health monitoring features would still be available to you. Many users will appreciate that the menstrual monitoring capabilities are not hidden behind a barrier.
The Pixel Watch, as could be expected, incorporates the full gamut of Google’s services by way of Wear OS, providing access to virtually any app one might need. This entails the use of Google’s many services, such as Google Maps on LTE, Google Calendar, Google Pay, Google Home, YouTube Music, and Google Assistant.
I used Google Maps to travel about, Google Calendar (named Agenda in the applications menu) to remind me of upcoming appointments, and the Google Home app on my wrist to switch on my Philips Hue lighting. I also made heavy use of Google Assistant questions. The inclusion of Google Assistant is a huge plus in my book; yes, it was to be expected, but it’s excellent and on level with Apple Watch’s Siri when it comes to setting timers and checking the weather. The Pixel Watch also allows for phone calls to be made.
Wear OS is used by some of the top smartwatches for Android, both new and old. From what I can recollect, these smartwatches only support a subset of Google’s services, and there isn’t always a clear rationale for which ones are included and which ones aren’t. For instance, the last Galaxy Watch promised Google Assistant support, but it took months before the feature became available. It’s high time Google released a wristwatch designed just for its wearable software.
(Image credit: Future)
The Google Pixel Watch uses Wear OS, so it has the tile-based navigation I’m used to, and it works better than ever on this watch. Although the Pixel Watch’s menus differ from those of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, demonstrating that Samsung puts its own unique twist on Wear OS, the Pixel Watch, like the Galaxy Watch, supports select third-party apps like Spotify and Strava through the Google Play Store. Fitbit smartwatches from this year don’t include this crucial feature, but that’s a tirade for another time.
You can easily access the necessary phone settings from your wristwatch, and you may even ping your missing phone from your wrist. Custom watch faces, such as those that pull photos from Google Photos, may be made with the watch app on your phone. My dog’s picture was used, naturally. With a compatible Pixel smartphone and Google Photos, you may remotely operate the camera. This is one of my most used functions on the Apple Watch, so its inclusion in the Pixel Watch was a welcome surprise.
The Google Pixel Watch has a 24-hour estimated battery life. In light of this year’s advancements to the batteries in the Galaxy Watch and the Apple Watch, I was expecting for a bit more. In my experiments, I barely made it that long before the GPS started eating up the battery at a rate of 20% each hour. However, the watch lasted for a full day even when I didn’t use it for any activity monitoring or physical exercise at all.
While a daily charge is not unprecedented for wearables, going from the Fitbit Sense 2, which can last six days without being recharged, to a watch that only lasts a few hours was definitely unsettling. If the Pixel Watch didn’t function so similarly to a Fitbit, perhaps its battery life wouldn’t be so disappointing.
The Pixel Watch’s included charger is a basic magnetic USB-C adapter that resembles a pebble. From almost dead to full, it charged in approximately an hour, which is in par with the charging times of other popular smartwatches.
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