Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch Series 8: Is Round Better?

Google recently presented the Pixel Watch, a smartwatch with a round screen and many health features. A good time to compare the functions of the Google Pixel Watch with the Apple Watch Series 8!

Different shapes

The very first thing you notice when you compare the Google Pixel Watch to the Apple Watch Series 8 is the Pixel’s round screen. Although it is an excellent screen, it does have relatively thick edges due to the round shape. In practice, this is hardly noticeable thanks to the dark user interface of the Pixel, where black is really black.

Apple has opted for a rectangular design since the first Apple Watch and has succeeded in making the bezels around the screen thinner and thinner in the years since. In this way, more and more information fits on the screen. The round screen of the Pixel works fine, but notifications that come in are rectangular. So that just doesn’t fit right.

Different formats

Compared to the Apple Watch Series 8, the Google Pixel Watch feels small, which may be a plus for some people. It is on the one hand due to the round shape, on the other hand because the diameter is slightly smaller.

The standard Apple Watch Series 8 has a diameter of 44 mm, the Google Pixel Watch remains at 41 mm. The smaller version of the Apple Watch Series 8 (also 41 mm) is therefore more similar in size.

Similar crown wheels and straps

Both smartwatches have a crown wheel (the Digital Crown at Apple) on the side with almost the same functions. You can use them, among other things, to scroll through menus. The straps of the smartwatches are also very similar. You also click them in the same way.

Similar health features

Google has integrated a number of features of Fitbit and that ensures that the health features of both smartwatches are very similar. For example, there is a heart rate sensor, an ECG function and the Pixel supports about 40 types of training. There is also sleep tracking on the Pixel and fall detection will be added later this year. Just like the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch is water resistant to 50 meters.

The only difference with the Apple Watch Series 8 is that there is no temperature sensor in the Pixel. This sensor is also new for the Apple Watch in the Series 8. A sensor that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood is included, but is not activated at the moment. A disadvantage is that you need a Fitbit Premium subscription for some features on the Pixel Watch.

Different battery life

The battery life of the Google Pixel Watch is very dependent on the functions you use. Do you have the always-on screen on and do you regularly use the heart rate monitor? Then it gets tough. But if you have disabled these functions, you can get up to 24 hours with one battery charge.

With an Apple Watch Series 8, you can get a maximum of about 18 hours on a single battery charge. On the other hand, there is a special ‘low power mode’ (energy saving mode). If you switch it on, your Watch will last for no less than 36 hours.

Not for iPhone users

The Google Pixel Watch is a very functional smartwatch with many health features and a beautiful design. The smartwatch is also slightly cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 8.

As an iPhone user, however, it is of no use to you, because the Google Pixel Watch only works with Android smartphones. If you have an iPhone, then an Apple Watch is definitely the best choice.

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