{"id":1035544,"date":"2026-08-31T20:20:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:20:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1035544\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T20:20:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:20:33","slug":"i-tested-the-pixel-watch-5-and-discovered-googles-best-smartwatch-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1035544\/","title":{"rendered":"I tested the Pixel Watch 5 and discovered Google&#8217;s best smartwatch yet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Has Google made the best smartwatch of 2026 with the Google Pixel Watch 5? While we\u2019re waiting for Apple\u2019s response, we\u2019ve already seen <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/samsung-galaxy-watch-ultra2-and-galaxy-watch-9-hands-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Samsung\u2019s challengers<\/a>, and the sad thing is, there aren\u2019t many other big-name brands tackling mainstream smartwatches anymore.<\/p>\n<p>It gives the Pixel Watch 5 a fantastic opportunity. Google hasn\u2019t changed the formula, but it didn\u2019t really have to. Instead, refinements, key upgrades, and new health features do the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve worn it for a few weeks to see if this really is the smartwatch to beat this year.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"420\" height=\"420\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Canyon - Front Facing\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/canyon-front-facing.png\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/canyon-front-facing.png\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                                                <img src=\"https:\/\/static0.anpoimages.com\/assets\/images\/ap-logo-icon-colored-dark.svg\" alt=\"Android Police logo\" title=\"Android Police\" width=\"20\" height=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/p>\n<p>9\/10<\/p>\n<dl>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Case size<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t41mm \/ 45mm<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Display<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1.2-inch \/ 1.4-inch<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>CPU<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Case Material<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAluminum<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<p class=\"display-card-description override\">Google continues to refine its smartwatch, and the Pixel Watch 5 is such a complete package, it&#8217;s hard to pinpoint anything you&#8217;ll really need that&#8217;s missing. Except maybe style.<\/p>\n<p>\t<strong class=\"sub-title\">Pros &amp; Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"pro-list\">\n<li class=\"icon\">Light and supremely comfortable<\/li>\n<li class=\"icon\">Two-days battery life easily achievable<\/li>\n<li class=\"icon\">Very fast charging<\/li>\n<li class=\"icon\">Google AI Coach makes active living more accessible<\/li>\n<li class=\"icon\">Choice of two case sizes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"con-list\">\n<li class=\"icon\">Screen glass lacks tactility<\/li>\n<li class=\"icon\">Design may be too plain for some<\/li>\n<li class=\"icon\">Requires Fitbit Premium subscription to use AI Coach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                        Price, specs, and availability<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The front of the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-weave-dial.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-weave-dial.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> The Google Pixel Watch 5 is available to buy now from Google\u2019s online store, Amazon, and other retailers.<\/p>\n<p>It comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and with the option of a 4G LTE connection in addition to the standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection.<\/p>\n<p>The 41mm Wi-Fi model costs $399 and the LTE version is $499. The 45mm Wi-Fi Pixel Watch 5 costs $429, and the LTE model is $529.<\/p>\n<p>There are four versions, all made of aluminum, but with different finishes and straps. A Stephen Curry special edition is also available, which comes with LTE and a special strap, for $529.<\/p>\n<p>It competes with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, which starts at $380, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/apple-watch-series-11-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Apple Watch Series 11<\/a> (for owners who want to switch), which also starts at $399. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/samsung-galaxy-watch-ultra-2-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2<\/a> is considerably more expensive at $700, and is for more active types.<\/p>\n<dl>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Case size<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t41mm \/ 45mm<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Case Material<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAluminum<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Display<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1.2-inch \/ 1.4-inch<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Display resolution<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t408 x 408 \/ 456 x 456<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>CPU<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>RAM<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2GB<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Storage<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t64GB<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Battery<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t332mAh \/ 465mAh<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Cellular connectivity<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4G LTE<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Connectivity<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWi-Fi Bluetooth \/ 4G LTE<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Bluetooth<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBluetooth 6.0<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Software<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGoogle Wear OS 7<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Weight<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t31 grams \/ 37 grams<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>IP Rating<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIP68<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Display glass<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGorilla Glass 5<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<p>                        Google Pixel Watch 5 design<\/p>\n<p>            Fuss-free, and supremely comfortable<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-side-screen.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-side-screen.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> The Google Pixel Watch 5 is as simply designed as a smartwatch can get. It has domed glass, a metal case, and an integrated (proprietary) strap design. There\u2019s a crown on the side which also rotates to scroll through menus, and a hidden button alongside it.<\/p>\n<p>Design is subjective, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/first-days-with-the-google-pixel-watch-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">while it\u2019s not for me<\/a>, I understand many others appreciate its simple look.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s sized so well. The 12.3mm thickness means it slips under a cuff, I\u2019ve not found it irritating to wear when tracking sleep, and at 62 grams with the strap, it\u2019s never noticeable on your wrist.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-side-wrist.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-side-wrist.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> The decision not to include any sharp or angular edges or lines is also inspired. Not only does it soften the design, it means it never gets caught on anything, won\u2019t scratch you, and the gentle curve of the aluminum and glass rear ensures supreme on-wrist comfort.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s great to see Google continue to offer two case sizes. It\u2019s the 45mm version in our photos, and I had the chance to see a 41mm, which is daintier on the wrist. For reference, the 45mm version is on my 6.5-inch wrist. The 41mm will suit those with wrists considerably smaller.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-crown.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-crown.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Google has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/pixel-watch-5-ditched-carcinogenic-forever-chemicals-band-strap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">changed the material for its straps<\/a>, and while it\u2019s a good thing, the result gets hotter and sweatier than before. It takes far too long to cool down, and I\u2019ve found I often want to take it off for a while. It can make sleep tracking a little uncomfortable on hot nights.<\/p>\n<p>The Pixel Watch 5\u2019s lack of style and identity puts me off, but leave my personal preferences aside, and the Pixel Watch 5 is easily one of the easiest, most comfortable, and inconspicuous to wear smartwatches you can buy.<\/p>\n<p>                        Google Pixel Watch 5 screen and performance<\/p>\n<p>            One is a big hardware fail<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Google Pixel Watch 5's curved case\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-curve.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-curve.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> The Pixel Watch 5\u2019s screen is adequate, but it falls behind the competition. The domed Gorilla Glass 5 should remain durable enough, but it\u2019s too reflective, lacks truly wide viewing angles, and feels like plastic under your finger.<\/p>\n<p>The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 11 \u2014 both the standard model and the sapphire crystal version \u2014 are smooth and tactile to touch, and in the case of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, considerably brighter.<\/p>\n<p>That said, if you\u2019ve never used the competition, you\u2019ll be pleased with the Pixel Watch 5\u2019s brightness in most conditions, plus its vivid colors with excellent contrast levels.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-wings-face.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-wings-face.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> The problem is, the glass does not have the beautiful sheen or ability to resist reflections like sapphire glass, and I think it\u2019s reasonable to expect better on a smartwatch at this price.<\/p>\n<p>I haven\u2019t experienced any performance issues with the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated, and Wear OS 7 is clear and logical.<\/p>\n<p>That said, I found the range and design of the Tiles lacking. They\u2019re very busy, and it takes a while to get them organized and remove the ones that aren\u2019t useful. Samsung\u2019s interface over Wear OS 7 is better looking, clearer, and faster to organize.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5 showing notifications\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-fit.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-fit.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Google has widely integrated the double-pinch gesture into Wear OS and the Pixel Watch 5. It\u2019s used to progress through cards and notifications, confirm actions, and open the notification panel, all without touching the screen.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s effective and fun, and you\u2019ll spot an animated icon letting you know it can be used throughout the software. I use it quite a lot, and it\u2019s accurate and surprisingly useful.<\/p>\n<p>Just like every other Google product on the planet, you can talk to Gemini on the Pixel Watch 5 using the app, or a raise-to-talk function.<\/p>\n<p>                        Google Pixel Watch 5 health and activity tracking<\/p>\n<p>            Commit to talking to AI<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5. showing the morning report\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-morning.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-morning.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> The Pixel Watch 5 uses Google\u2019s new Health app, which is the showcase for the Google Health AI Coach, which some will have already tried out on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/fitbit-air-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fitbit Air<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no difference between the experience there and on the Pixel Watch 5. You need to use it to get the most from Google Health, and if you\u2019re not prepared to interact with AI, it probably won\u2019t be for you.<\/p>\n<p>If you do want to chat to the Health Coach, it can prove really fun and useful. You can ask it to generate workouts, add in exercises, understand how to improve, and take a deeper dive into your stats.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5, showing the morning report\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-report.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-report.jpg\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> AI Coach is very supportive and motivating. By chatting to it, you can set boundaries regarding how hard it pushes you, and it remembers things like medication you take or recurring injuries. It also looks at your sleep and will suggest if it\u2019s time to do more or take a rest.<\/p>\n<p>Google Health is not as hardcore as Garmin\u2019s platform, or as data-heavy. Instead, it\u2019s friendlier and less focused on meeting tough goals like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/whoop-5-mg-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Whoop fitness band<\/a>. It\u2019s more lifestyle-based, and edges closer to the experience you get with the Oura Ring and Apple Watch.<\/p>\n<p>However, because it\u2019s so adaptable, if you want to do more, track more intense workouts, track meals, and monitor weight, Google Health will do all this without a problem. I really like this versatility.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Loss of Pulse menu on the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-response.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-response.jpg\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Google\u2019s Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Trends features are not available to test at the time of writing. Features like Car Crash Detection and Fall Detection are onboard.<\/p>\n<p>Just before completing my review, Breathing Disturbance and Loss of Pulse arrived. Setting them up took a few moments, and they work in the background. This range of &#8216;silent&#8217; health features, which address important health concerns, are all strong reasons to wear the Pixel Watch 5 all the time.<\/p>\n<p>Data is well presented in the app, but crucially on the watch too. There\u2019s a Morning Brief card showing all your sleep data, which, along with the Focus Metrics card (which shows steps, sleep, and a host of other data points) makes it simple to understand your status.<\/p>\n<p>The main Health target for you to reach is based on cardio load, and it sets a weekly goal to meet. It\u2019s somewhat dynamic, but you really have to make an effort to meet it. Here, we circle back to the AI Coach for a good demonstration on how it\u2019s best to use it.<\/p>\n<p>Over the weeks wearing the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 5 I haven\u2019t met the Cardio Load target. I asked the AI Coach for some advice. It explained the goal is dynamic and how it&#8217;s established, then used my data to show why I\u2019ve found it hard to reach. Finally, it walked me through a personalized activity plan, so the goal would be more achievable.<\/p>\n<p>This is very helpful, and also very motivational, which is a rareity in many health apps. It also highlighted one of the downsides of tracking health and activity on the Pixel Watch 5 using Google Health. It\u2019s quite complicated, and for example, doesn\u2019t do a great job of explaining why you may need a dedicated weekly plan, even if you\u2019re just maintaining exercise levels, until you ask it.<\/p>\n<p>                        Comparing data with the Oura Ring 5<\/p>\n<p>            What to expect from tracking<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The back of the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-sensor.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-sensor.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> I tracked a 30-minute walk with GPS using the Pixel Watch 5 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/oura-ring-5-is-ouras-finest-smart-ring-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Oura Ring 5<\/a> to assess how each compares on stats.<\/p>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Device<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Duration<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Distance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Kcal average burn<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Average BPM<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Pixel Watch 5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>27 mins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>1.57 miles<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>235 kcal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>109 bpm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Oura Ring 5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>27 mins<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>1.54 miles<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>146 kcal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>106 bpm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p>I also tracked sleep with the pair.<\/p>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Device<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Sleep Score<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Resting Heart Rate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>HRV Average<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>SP02<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Pixel Watch 5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>82<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>63 bpm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>33 ms<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>95%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Oura Ring 5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>84<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>52 bpm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>33 ms<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>94%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p>The results match what I saw with the Fitbit Air, which is interesting. Not only are the sensors clearly closely aligned, but the algorithm doesn\u2019t seem to alter depending on the device you&#8217;re wearing. It&#8217;s notable because the Pixel Watch 5 naturally fits closer to the skin on your wrist than the Fitbit Air.<\/p>\n<p>                        Google Pixel Watch 5 battery and charging<\/p>\n<p>            A serious reason to buy<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Google Pixel Watch 5 on charge\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-charging.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-charging.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Both battery life and charging are Pixel Watch 5 strengths. The 45mm model&#8217;s battery has consistently lasted for two full days on a single charge, and that includes sleep tracking for two nights and tracking a single 30-minute workout with GPS.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s efficient too, with a single 30-minute GPS walk taking just 3% of the battery, and a night\u2019s sleep barely registering any battery consumption at all. Battery use time may vary if you buy the smaller 41mm version.<\/p>\n<p>The smartwatch uses the same charging plinth introduced with the Pixel Watch 4, where the screen is supported in an upright position so you can see it. The magnets are strong enough to keep the watch in position, but the charger itself is plastic and very light.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Google Pixel Watch 5's charging port\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-port-close.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-port-close.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Performance is excellent. I usually put the Pixel Watch 5 on charge when I see the 20% battery warning pop up, and it takes 35 minutes to zip back up to 100%. Google\u2019s estimation of 45 minutes to charge from 0% is also accurate.<\/p>\n<p>The long battery life and fast charging remove a lot of the friction from smartwatch ownership, and I have not worried about either during my time with the Pixel Watch 5. Both are strong reasons to buy.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s much faster charging than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, while the battery life itself isn\u2019t all that different.<\/p>\n<p>                        The Fitbit Air problem<\/p>\n<p>            A money-saving alternative<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Fitbit Air with the Elevated Band\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fitbit-air-elevated.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fitbit-air-elevated.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Before you go ahead and buy the Pixel Watch 5, take a moment to think about whether you really, absolutely need a screen on your wrist. If you don\u2019t, but do still want to enjoy the Google Health AI Coach, then the Fitbit Air may be for you.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve got a lot of value from the AI Health Coach\u2019s feedback, and it has genuinely kept me motivated to continue a morning exercise routine. I wonder if I didn\u2019t have the AI Coach whether I would have remained so consistent.<\/p>\n<p>However, I love wearing non-smartwatches, and that\u2019s where the Fitbit Air comes in. It lives on my right wrist, leaving my left wrist free for whatever watch I want, without losing the AI Coach\u2019s input. It\u2019s also far less noticeable for sleep tracking too.<\/p>\n<p>I can live without notifications on my wrist, especially on the weekend, and there doesn\u2019t appear to be any difference in results or data between the two. The Fitbit Air will also get the new blood pressure and insulin trend features. It misses out on things like Car Crash Detection though.<\/p>\n<p>The other consideration is live information when you\u2019re working out. I\u2019ve been trying to spend more time in heart rate zones two and three when exercising, and the Pixel Watch 5\u2019s workout screen shows this information all the time. You have to look at your phone to see the same information when using the Fitbit Air.<\/p>\n<p>While you still need to pay the $10 per month subscription to Fitbit Premium to get the AI Coach on both the Pixel Watch 5 and the Fitbit Air, it\u2019s far cheaper to buy the $100 Fitbit Air than the $400 Pixel Watch 5.<\/p>\n<p>Both devices let you enjoy Google\u2019s headline health features, but one may suit your lifestyle better, so it\u2019s worth considering each one before making a final decision.<\/p>\n<p>                        Should you buy the Google Pixel Watch 5?<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The front of the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-minimal-dial.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-minimal-dial.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> Yes, you should buy the Google Pixel Watch 5. Battery life is a nonissue due to the superb charging performance, the Health AI Coach makes tracking your activity and lifestyle simple and rewarding, and the performance and software are both excellent.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a shame the glass over the screen isn\u2019t very pleasant to touch and suffers from a lot of reflection, and I can\u2019t live with the plain design all day, every day.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"1650\" height=\"928\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 5\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-leg.JPG\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pixel-watch-5-leg.JPG\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p> It\u2019s also unfortunate the headline health features aren\u2019t available to test yet. Yes, they\u2019re coming, but they\u2019re also coming to the much cheaper Fitbit Air. For some, this will be a reason to hold off buying, as if the Fitbit Air performs identically, it\u2019ll save someone quite a lot of money.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve also got to commit to the $10 per month Fitbit Premium subscription to get the most from Google Health and use the AI Coach.<\/p>\n<p>I can put all this aside and embrace what is a superb smartwatch, which I&#8217;ve found genuinely improves my everyday life through motivation to move more, useful notifications, and never worrying about battery life. You&#8217;re going to love it.<\/p>\n<p>        <img width=\"420\" height=\"420\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Canyon - Front Facing\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/canyon-front-facing.png\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/canyon-front-facing.png\" class=\"img-brightness-opt-out\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                                                <img src=\"https:\/\/static0.anpoimages.com\/assets\/images\/ap-logo-icon-colored-dark.svg\" alt=\"Android Police logo\" title=\"Android Police\" width=\"20\" height=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/p>\n<p>9\/10<\/p>\n<dl>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Case size<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t41mm \/ 45mm<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Display<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1.2-inch \/ 1.4-inch<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>CPU<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<p><dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Case Material<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<dd>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAluminum<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<p class=\"display-card-description override\">The Google Pixel Watch 5&#8217;s long battery life and very fast charging make it effortless to own and use, the growing suite of health features makes it more useful than ever, and the AI Coach has the unusual ability to motivate and encourage people to move more. It&#8217;s a fantastic buy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Has Google made the best smartwatch of 2026 with the Google Pixel Watch 5? While we\u2019re waiting for&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1035545,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[18],"tags":[705,158,67,132,68],"class_list":["post-1035544","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gadgets","tag-gadgets","tag-technology","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/117191984818582420","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1035544","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1035544"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1035544\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1035545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1035544"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1035544"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1035544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}