Google Pixel Watch 5 Review: Promised Features Still Missing
The new Pixel Watch 5 stands out with performance and battery life, but some features are still not available.
1Hardware and Design
The Pixel Watch 5 maintains the same design language as its predecessor. Its curved glass display with 3000 nits brightness and sleek appearance catches the eye. However, the slightly concave structure towards the center can cause minor content distortion. The watch's Wear OS 7 operating system delivers a smooth user experience thanks to Material 3 Expressive. Dynamic animations and resizing icons make the interface more lively.
2Performance and Processor
Google opted for an enhanced version of the previous model's processor instead of using the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip in the Pixel Watch 5. This decision provides more balanced performance and better battery life. Users can seamlessly utilize AI features. However, some users miss the potential performance boost that the new generation chip could have brought.
3New Gesture Controls
Gesture controls introduced with Wear OS 7 stand out as key features of the Pixel Watch 5. Users can check notifications, skip music, or view Google Maps routes without touching the screen by pinching their fingers. Features like dismissing panels with wrist movements simplify daily use. However, these features require correct wrist orientation settings to work properly.
4Gemini Integration
The improved Gemini assistant on Pixel Watch 5 signals its readiness with a blue light. The assistant successfully handles tasks like checking health stats, package tracking, or schedule queries. Its ability to work in limited capacity without LTE connection provides significant advantage for users. It also offers proactive notifications for creating reminders and other smart suggestions.
5Watch Faces and Widgets
New watch faces like Weave are available to users. However, the AI-powered watch face creation feature remains more limited than expected, functioning more like a customization tool for existing faces. Users wish Pixel Watch had Samsung's free widget stacking feature seen on One UI Watch.
6Fitness and Health Tracking
While the Pixel Watch 5 accurately records running distance, it sometimes fails to capture GPS data. It outperforms Galaxy Watch 9 in step counting tests and delivers heart rate measurements close to Garmin Cirqa's accuracy. The watch shows improvement in sleep tracking, even detecting restless moments. However, features like live workout guidance and blood pressure trends are not yet available.
7Battery Performance
Battery life stands as one of Pixel Watch 5's strongest aspects. It can operate for two full days without charging, even with sleep tracking, exercise recording, and Gemini usage. This performance creates a significant advantage over cheaper Galaxy Watch 9 models. Battery optimization allows uninterrupted tracking of daily activities.
8Verdict and Evaluation
The Pixel Watch 5 presents a strong alternative in the smartwatch market with its battery life and performance. However, its similarity to Pixel Watch 4 and the absence of some promised features leave potential buyers in dilemma. The timeline for Google's promised health features and workout guidance remains uncertain. Therefore, it might be reasonable for new buyers to wait for future updates or newer models.