Google Pixel Watch, for lovers of simplicity

The Google Pixel Watch is Google’s first real smartwatch. Can this smartwatch compete with Apple and Samsung?

What is the Google Pixel Watch?

The Google Pixel Watch can best be seen as a kind of smartphone without a SIM card on your wrist. It only contains apps that are especially suitable for smartwatches and unlike the Fitbit, which runs Fitbit OS, this really runs a version of Android. This is the first real smartwatch developed by Google. In that respect, there is now finally a smartwatch version of the Pixel; Google’s phone on which the latest Android version is tested.

Sleek appearance

The hefty price for the Google Pixel Watch, between € 300 and € 400, can only be justified if you consider that this is a kind of mini smartphone. Google has also done its best to make this smartwatch pleasant to wear. The appearance, in the form of the round dial, is also sleek and elegantly designed. In that respect, this Google Pixel Watch is a fashion accessory that should be there. But of course you don’t just buy a smartwatch because of its beautiful appearance. More importantly, what you can do with it. More about that below.

Accurate, but with few sensors

First the good news: the Google Pixel Watch is extremely accurate at measuring the things you do. You can touch the screen. Which is also quite bright, so that you can also read your watch in full sunlight. Notifications on your smartphone arrive on the watch and then you can do something with it, such as indicating that you have read a notification. It is also possible to use the watch for wireless payments. You can also answer phone calls. A valuable feature is the ECG monitor, and a very precise heart rate monitor.

The negatives

A lesser side is that the screen is a bit on the tight side. You should also charge your watch every day, because a full battery only lasts 24 hours. To make matters worse, loading is also slow. The watch is not proactive enough to discover that you are engaged in sports exercises, which is the case with many competitors.

There is also no fall detection, which is a useful feature to protect you in emergency situations. In addition, there is no built-in oxygen meter yet. The number of apps available for this OS is quite limited. Another point of irritation is that the charger can only be used for this device.

Conclusion Google Pixel Watch

Google has clearly done its best on the design of the Google Pixel Watch. In that respect, this is a beautiful, pleasant to wear wearable. It fulfills the (limited) functionality it offers superbly.

Especially given the hefty price, we expected more apps and also fall detection. Are you looking for a smartwatch? Then it is better, at least technically speaking, to take a look at the models from Apple or Samsung. However, in terms of appearance, according to many, this watch is the most beautiful smartwatch that is currently for sale and it also works well technically. A good basis for Google to develop a strong successor.