Testing Google’s first smartwatch: no Fitbit, no fitness on the Pixel Watch
18-10-2022
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
The Pixel Watch does many things right, but Google’s first smartwatch struggles with the same problems as many of its kin.
Google only had software for smartwatches. Fitbit only released fitness watches. Consequently, Google’s acquisition of Fitbit may have helped the Pixel Watch see the light of day.
A quick setup via the Pixel Watch app
I set up the Pixel Watch quickly and without any problems. To do this, I just needed to install the associated Android app (there isn’t an iOS version). With Bluetooth and GPS enabled, it found the smartwatch immediately. After that, I could use the app to load new watch faces onto the Pixel Watch, choose my main colour, change the order of the tiles, or even remove them altogether. Another important feature: I can also select which apps send notifications to my wrist. By default, the Pixel Watch displays all notifications from the smartphone and vibrates every time.
«Twist-and-Click» wristbands and a small touchscreen
The Pixel Watch wraps comfortably around my wrist. Sweater sleeves or shirts don’t stick to it. The included plastic sports wristband is sleek and functional. The materials and latch are taken from the Fitbit Sense and Versa. Google also offers other wristbands made of different materials and colours. There are five colours for the sports wristband. The elastic and woven bracelets are available in three colours, the leather bracelet only in two.
You attach the wristbands to the Pixel Watch using a mechanism called «Twist-and-Click». To do this, press down the safety button and then turn the wristband slightly to the left to lock it in place. For a quick release, press down the safety button and remove the wristband with a short movement to the right. Takes some getting used to at first, but it’s quite intuitive and has been stable so far.
The wide bezel around the Pixel Watch’s display was a major topic following the unveiling. It doesn’t bother me in everyday life. Google’s promise that you’ll forget it’s there has proved true.
Conversely, the tiny touchscreen is noticeable. In a bad way. Most of the control surfaces are sufficiently large – although I wouldn’t mind them being a bit bigger. However, the touchscreen is just too small. I can’t reply to messages directly using the keyboard. With my average-sized fingers, it’s hard to hit the right letters. Autocorrect helps – if you write in a standardised language, like I do. However, voice input is the better choice for composing text messages on the Pixel Watch. The number pad for entering your PIN is thankfully large enough.
Apps, Google Assistant and a hands-free phone system
Wear OS 3 as the operating system on the Pixel Watch opens up many possibilities to use your smartphone without picking it up. The LTE variant of the smartwatch even manages a whole host of things without a smartphone nearby.
For example, the Pixel Watch displays all notifications from your smartphone. Depending on the app, you can see almost all content on the watch itself – at least up to a certain number of characters – or even write a reply. This applies, for example, to messaging apps and e-mails. You can play audio and video content on your smartphone and subsequently control playback from the Pixel Watch. If you start playback on your smartphone, you’ll also be able to control it from your watch. Volume levels can also be adjusted right from your Pixel Watch.
Everything that Google Assistant can do on the smartphone, it can also do on the Pixel Watch. If you use the Home app to control your smart home gadgets, you can also enjoy the app’s integration with the smartwatch.
I’m dissatisfied with Google Maps navigation. However, Maps’ superimposed routes on the display and vibrations during direction changes do reliably bring me to my destination. But I still have to select a route via Maps on my smartphone – despite the Pixel Watch already knowing my location via GPS. I’d like the smartwatch to be more independent.
With its microphone and speaker, the Pixel Watch has the necessary components to serve as a hands-free device. This works flawlessly, but is only of limited use. The smartwatch’s speakers are quiet. So you need a quiet environment – although I wouldn’t really use the function in public anyway. In addition, you’re only barely audible to whoever you call, and are forced to speak at the very least in the direction of your wrist. Not exactly comfortable, now. Hands-free earbuds make more sense here.
On the other hand, the Pixel Watch works as a means of payment. Google Pay allows you to make purchases with the smartwatch. Just hold it up to any card reader. Google Pay is quickly accessed by pressing the Pixel Watch’s button twice or via the settings (swipe from bottom to top). No need to use your PIN, as the smartwatch remains unlocked as long as it’s on your wrist. If you take it off, it locks automatically and so does Google Pay.
No Fitbit, no fitness
However, the Pixel Watch app alone won’t suffice if you want to use the device to its full potential. You’ll also need to install the Fitbit app and create an account there. From 2023, this will only work with a Google account. No Fitbit, no fitness on the Pixel Watch.
The Pixel Watch offers the same features as the most expensive Fitbit devices – currently the Sense 2. This includes counting steps, calculating calories, tracking over 40 sports – some via automatic detection – measuring heart rate, monitoring sleep, determining stress. The stuff I tried so far worked the same as on other Fitbit devices.
GPS tracking even worked better than with Fitbit. With the Pixel Watch, I can start running after just a few seconds. Even on the latest Fitbit Sense 2, waiting times can range from one to several minutes. Unfortunately, the Pixel Watch doesn’t offer automatic breaks. You’ll need to pause tracking yourself at every traffic light and restart it when the light turns green. It’s the only way to prevent unwanted waiting times from messing up your pace. There probably won’t be a software update that adds this function either. Google lists the missing feature itself in its device comparison. The absence seems to be intentional.
An annoying battery
Google states the Pixel Watch’s battery runtime as one day. It manages that, but charging the watch still stresses me out. It only used about 65 per cent of its charge in 24 hours under low load, but it’s a much different picture after some activities. After 20 minutes of jogging with GPS activated, I’ve already lost seven per cent. Nevertheless, the battery should last the day even after a slightly longer run.
Charging is quick over the wireless connection. In ten minutes, the Pixel Watch fills up about 20 per cent. However, I find it hard to get by with just one charge per day on the Pixel Watch. In the evening, I find myself wondering if the charge level will last until morning. If I charge it in the evening, 20 to 30 per cent of the battery life is already gone by morning. I’d love to have those during my day, but there’s not enough time every morning to charge a nearly dead battery for the day. The only thing left to do is to charge before going to bed and after getting up. However, this problem is widespread among smartwatches and doesn’t only affect the Pixel Watch.
Verdict: a good first smartwatch with room to grow
Google’s Pixel Watch is a solid entry into the smartwatch world, but it isn’t quite perfect. The functions are good and helpful, it’s pretty comfortable and the small display is rarely a drawback. The battery life bothers me, but there’s hardly a smartwatch that doesn’t have charging issues. If you’re primarily interested in fitness functions, you’re better off with devices that are explicitly designed for this purpose, possessing auto-pause and longer battery lives. If you want to stay in Google’s cosmos, go for the Fitbit Sense 2 or Versa 4.
Wi-Fi
Sports watches + Smartwatches
EUR191,79
Google Pixel Watch
41 mm, Stainless steel, WLAN only, One size
LTE
Sports watches + Smartwatches
−23%
EUR176,47 was EUR229,–
Google Pixel Watch EU
41 mm, Stainless steel, 4G, One size
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.