Google Pixel Watch Review

After years of waiting, it’s finally here: The Google Pixel Watch. It’s set to arrive in the Netherlands soon, and we’ve already got one for review. Curious about what the first Google smartwatch offers? Read our Pixel Watch review!

Google Pixel Watch Review: Design

The design is one of the most impressive features of the Google Pixel Watch. It stands out compared to competitors and can be quickly described as ‘the round Apple Watch’. The design is fully rounded and highly minimalist.

The Google Pixel Watch carves out a unique market position, sitting between the Apple Watch (and its clones) and the rugged, round smartwatches like Garmin or Samsung models. It features one button on the side for operation, with the rest handled via the touch screen.

The Pixel Watch comes in just one size, 41mm. If you have a large wrist, it might not be ideal, but we find the simple design suits all body types well.

The rounded design is attractive but has a downside: a relatively large portion of the screen is unusable. While this reinforces the minimalist aesthetic, it’s a missed opportunity to add a rotating bezel like the one on the Galaxy Watch 5.

It’s no coincidence that the Pixel Watch heavily relies on ‘dark mode’ apps and visuals. This likely hides the unusable display area. Overall, the design is impressive with some drawbacks, prioritising form over function.

Google Pixel Watch Review: Price & Availability

The Google Pixel Watch has not yet been announced for the Netherlands, despite expectations alongside the new release of the Pixel 7, the first Google smartphone available in the Netherlands. You can get the Google Pixel Watch via a workaround, with the easiest option being ordering from Germany.

The price of the Google Pixel Watch sits somewhere between the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Apple Watch 8. It’s not a cheap smartwatch, but it’s a true design piece, significantly less expensive than the premium Apple Watch. We’ve based the prices below on German rates, as that’s likely how you’d purchase it.

• Google Pixel Watch price: From £379.00
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 price: From £299.00
• Apple Watch Series 8 price: From £499.00

Will the Google Pixel Watch Come to the Netherlands?

It’s still unclear whether or when the Google Pixel Watch will arrive in the Netherlands. No official announcements have been made. It was expected to launch alongside the Pixel 7 smartphone, which was also new to the Netherlands. You can easily order the Pixel Watch from Germany for now.

Google Pixel Watch Review: Specifications

So what can this Pixel Watch do? The specifications overview gives a good sense of its capabilities. The Pixel Watch offers most functions expected from this smartwatch segment, including Wi-Fi, GPS, and optional 5G with the LTE model (extra cost).

	Pixel Watch Specifications
Size	41mm
Weight	28g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE (optional)
Built-in GPS	✔️
Storage	32 GB
Water Resistance	Yes, 5 ATM
Battery Life	24 hours

Google Pixel Watch Review: Fitbit Software

Since Google acquired Fitbit in early 2021, the Pixel Watch now integrates with Fitbit technology. Fitbit has long been a leader in health-tracking software, so this partnership holds great promise. That said, Fitbit software also means a Fitbit Premium subscription, which you pay for monthly or annually to access all features.

With the Google Pixel Watch, you can choose from over 40 workout modes, plus a step counter and heart rate monitor. You can also use the Pixel Watch to perform an ECG (heart monitor) to monitor or detect heart issues.

The built-in GPS is a standard feature for this smartwatch category. The GPS on the Google Pixel Watch performs well and is comparable to the Apple Watch. You can also use Active Zone Minutes, a unique Fitbit feature.

Fitbit Premium

The downside of this partnership: to access all features, you need a Fitbit Premium subscription. Though you now get 6 months free, it’s becoming less optional. The most attractive health-tracking features are locked behind a paywall. Be prepared for a monthly fee of £8.99 (or £79.99 per year) to fully utilise the Pixel Watch.

Google Pixel Watch Review: Battery Life

The battery life of the Google Pixel Watch is not optimal, especially since the Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch 8 received larger batteries this year. While daily charging is common in this category, the Pixel Watch’s battery drains quite quickly. During our workout test, we used up 20% of the battery in just one hour.

Compared to the new Fitbit Sense 2, which offers similar health tracking, the battery life is disappointing. The Fitbit Sense can last up to 6 days. For a sports watch, you might be better off with a Fitbit.

Google Pixel Watch Review: Integration with Pixel Phones

One of the biggest advantages of the Google Pixel Watch is its integration with Google Pixel smartphones. Though these phones weren’t popular in the Netherlands before, that’s changing with the release of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Want a smartwatch that works seamlessly with your Pixel phone? The Pixel Watch is the best choice.

The Pixel Watch also works with other Android phones. The downside? The Pixel Watch cannot be paired with an Apple smartphone. You’ll need an Apple Watch for that.

Conclusion

The Pixel Watch is a promising smartwatch that’s finally available after years of development. Its design is highly appealing, and the Fitbit integration is well-executed. However, a subpar battery life and some teething issues typical of a first smartwatch slightly detract from its appeal. The need for a Fitbit Premium subscription is also a significant drawback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Google Pixel Watch come to the Netherlands?
It’s uncertain whether the Google Pixel Watch will come to the Netherlands. No official statement has been made yet.

When will the Google Pixel Watch come to the Netherlands?
It’s unclear whether or when the Google Pixel Watch will arrive in the Netherlands. You can already purchase it from Germany.

What’s the difference between the Pixel Watch and Apple Watch?
Curious about the differences between the Pixel Watch and Apple Watch? Check out our blog on the differences.

Can you replace the Pixel Watch strap?

Absolutely! There are various stylish strap options available, both original and non-original. We offer a wide range of the latter—non-original but just as good and much cheaper! Take a look at our collection Google Pixel Watch straps! They’re easy to replace and come with free shipping.