Google’s new Pixel watch vs Apple Watch Series 8

Last week, Google unveiled the Pixel Watch, a Wear OS-based smartwatch that has a round display and a suite of health-tracking features. We picked up the Pixel watch and thought we’d compare it to Apple’s latest flagship on the wrist, Apple Watch Series 8.

Ever since the Apple Watch launched in 2015, Apple hasn’t deviated from the rectangular watch face, while other Android manufacturers have toyed with round designs that are more like traditional watch faces. Google opted for a round design, and the end result is one of the better round smartwatches we’ve seen.

Unfortunately, there are thick bezels on the Google Watch due to the round face, but Google has adopted a dark UI that greatly reduces their visibility. Apple has reduced the size of the bezel over the years, so you get more display area on the Series 8. The round shape works well most of the time, but it’s not great when notifications come in because it’s a rectangular notification box trying to fit into a circular display.

In terms of size, the Pixel Watch is delicate. Its diameter is 41 mm, so it seems smaller than the 44 mm ‌Apple Watch Series 8‌. It’s more similar to the 41mm Apple Watch, but smaller than the larger and more feature-rich Apple Watch Ultra.

The Pixel watch has a side button and crown for control purposes, and the buttons are reminiscent of the Apple Watch. Wristbands are too, and Google has come out with some Sport Band-like straps among other options. The bands click like on the Apple Watch, with a sliding and twisting motion.

The ‌Apple Watch Series 8‌ and Pixel Watch are direct competitors, offering many of the same features. Google incorporated features from Fitbit, and the Pixel Watch basically does the same thing as the Apple Watch.

It has heart rate monitoring, ECG capabilities and detailed training tracking with heart rate zones and support for around 40 types of training. Emergency SOS is built in, sleep tracking is included, and fall detection is coming later in the year. There is no temperature sensor, which is a new feature for the 8 Series, and while the blood oxygen sensor is included, it is not activated.

Some of the health tracking features require a Fitbit premium subscription, priced at $10 per month. You’ll have to pay this fee if you want options like the traditional Fitbit fitness score. Google does include six months free, but eventually some features will be locked.

Battery life varies a lot on the Pixel Watch. With an always-on display, it drains quickly, plus there’s a feature that constantly monitors your heart rate and can lower it. With those options turned off, it can last up to 24 hours, beating the Series 8.

Overall, the Pixel Watch is a decent smartwatch that might one day inspire Apple to offer another display design. You obviously won’t want to pick one of these up if you have one iPhonebut Android users can now choose a device similar to the Apple Watch.

What do you think of the Pixel watch? Let us know in the comments.