Google Pixel Watch 1

Google Pixel Watch 1 in Kenya

The Google Pixel Watch 1 in Kenya is Ksh 26,500. The Google Pixel Watch 1 runs on the Exynos 9110 (10 nm) processor with Mali-T720 GPU. The phone has 2 GB RAM and 32 GB of internal storage which is not expandable. The Google Pixel Watch has a 1.2-inch, 450 x 450 pixels AMOLED display with a pixel density of 530 ppi. It has Gorilla Glass protection as well. It has a micro USB port for data syncing and charging. There is a magnetic field sensor (compass) present on the Google Pixel Watch as well, along with a gyroscope sensor, heart rate sensor, and accelerometer sensor. It is a single SIM watch with support for 3G, NFC, Wi-Fi, and GPS too. The Google Pixel Watch runs on Android Wear OS 3.5 and all this is powered by a 294 mAh battery. It measures 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (height x width x thickness) with a total weight of 36 grams including battery.

Google Pixel Watch 1 Specs

Google Pixel Watch 1 Overview

The Google Pixel Watch is undoubtedly the smartwatch many Pixel phone users have eagerly anticipated. Its appealing design, intelligent software, and integration of Fitbit’s comprehensive fitness tracking make it a notable entry for a first-generation product. When it first came into the market, assessing the Pixel Watch’s true capabilities amid the buzz of a new flagship smartwatch proved challenging. 

The combination of Google’s innovations and Fitbit’s expertise seemed too good to be accurate, but it delivered on its promises. Google applications perform seamlessly, and Fitbit’s health monitoring remains thorough and effective.

Google Pixel Watch Performance

The Google Pixel Watch is driven by Samsung’s Exynos 9110 chipset (10 nm), featuring a dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720 GPU. This hardware configuration ensures smooth and efficient performance. The watch includes 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for storing music offline for workouts and other applications.

Google Pixel Watch Design

The Google Pixel Watch boasts a sleek, minimalist design and is available in a single size: 41mm. It fits nicely for most people, even though those with larger wrists might wish for a bigger size option. The watch features a rounded face with a 3D glass dome, which slightly detracts from the display’s prominent bezel. Although this design detail helps to mask the bezel’s bulkiness, a significant portion of the display remains unused.

The Pixel Watch’s “dark mode” design is intentional. The interface and Google’s watch faces have black backgrounds to minimise the bezel’s visibility. The only watch face that highlights the bezel is the Google Photos watch face, which I find appealing for personalization despite emphasizing the watch’s compact size.

There have been reports of OLED burn-in on the Pixel Watch’s display; however, Google suggests that these are cases of image retention and assures that the watch frequently shifts pixels to prevent burn-in. The digital crown on the side is reminiscent of the Apple Watch’s crown, featuring tactile grooves for easy use. 

Above the digital crown, there is a small button that allows quick access to recently used apps with a short press. This feature was only recently introduced on the Apple Watch. A long press of this button activates Google Assistant. The Pixel Watch is available in three colours: matte black, silver, and gold.  Also, It came in seven different types of interchangeable straps in various materials and colours, all designed exclusively for the Pixel Watch. 

Google Pixel Watch Fitness tracking

The Google Pixel Watch leverages Fitbit’s expertise for its fitness tracking capabilities, offering users both fundamental activity data and access to Fitbit Premium’s comprehensive health features. It supports over 40 workout types and continuously tracks steps and heart rate. One of the most impressive features is the heart rate monitor, which is updated in real-time on the watch face and features heart rate complications. It responds quickly during exercise. 

In addition to continuous heart rate monitoring, the Pixel Watch can perform ECGs to identify potential signs of atrial fibrillation.  The distance measurements for GPS tracking during walks and runs match those from the Apple Watch, whether on open roads or a local track. 

The workout interface effectively displays various metrics, including distance, elapsed time, steps (for walking), pace, and Active Zone Minutes. Introduced with the Fitbit Charge 4 in 2020, Active Zone Minutes tracks time spent in moderate or high heart rate zones, with a goal of 150 minutes per week based on WHO recommendations. While this may seem challenging to some, it’s intended to motivate individuals to increase their physical activity. However, reports suggest the Pixel Watch might overestimate calorie expenditure. Something to consider when evaluating the watch’s data.

Google Pixel Watch Fitbit Premium

With a Fitbit Premium subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $80 annually, users unlock advanced features such as the Daily Readiness Score, sleep analysis, meditations, wellness reports, and more. Google offers Pixel Watch users a complimentary 6-month trial of Fitbit Premium, mirroring promotions for top Fitbit devices. Fitbit Premium has become integral to accessing the most appealing health tools. The subscription might seem optional for those content with basic activity metrics, but it significantly enhances the Pixel Watch experience.  One standout feature is the Daily Readiness Score. After four days of monitoring sleep and activity, Fitbit provides a daily score indicating your readiness for physical activity. If you sleep well, the score reflects a high readiness for activity; after a poor night’s sleep, Fitbit suggests taking it easy. Users appreciate this recovery feature.

Advanced sleep tracking is another key benefit of Fitbit Premium. It offers detailed insights into sleep stages and long-term sleep trends, making Fitbit’s sleep tracking the best available. The Google Pixel Watch also features Sleep Profiles, which categorize your sleep habits into corresponding animal profiles, aiding in understanding sleep patterns. Skipping Fitbit Premium limits the Pixel Watch’s full potential. Paid companion programs are standard in the wearables market, as seen with the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Amazon Halo, and Whoop. However, you still get basic activity tracking and health sensor readings even without the subscription.  Menstrual tracking features remain accessible without additional costs, which many users will find valuable.

Google Pixel Watch Wear OS Features

As expected, the Pixel Watch fully integrates with Google’s suite of services via Wear OS, providing practically every essential app for daily use. Which includes:

• Google Maps over LTE: Assists with navigation.
• Google Calendar (called Agenda in the apps menu): Sends meeting alerts 10 minutes in advance.
• Google Pay: Facilitates contactless payments.
• Google Home: Allows control of smart home devices, like Philips Hue lights.
• YouTube Music: Offers music streaming.
• Google Assistant: Handles queries and tasks, comparable to Siri on Apple Watch for setting timers or checking the weather.

You can also make phone calls on the Pixel Watch. While many of the best Android smartwatches run Wear OS, the Pixel Watch stands out.  Most other smartwatches only support a few Google services, and there is no clear pattern for what’s included. For example, the last Galaxy Watch promised Google Assistant, but took months to deliver.  Optimized for its wearable software, Google’s Pixel Watch ensures everything works seamlessly.

It features Wear OS’s smooth, tile-based navigation, distinct from the menus on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, showing Samsung’s unique take on Wear OS. Like the Galaxy Watch, the Pixel Watch supports third-party apps like Spotify and Strava via the Google Play Store, a notable advantage over this year’s Fitbit smartwatches. Opening settings on your phone from the watch and pinging your phone if misplaced are straightforward tasks. The watch app on your phone allows customizable watch faces, including one with Google Photos images.  The Pixel Watch also includes a remote feature for controlling the camera on a companion Pixel smartphone.

Google Pixel Watch Battery Life

The Google Pixel Watch is rated for 24 hours of battery life, which fell slightly short of many people’s expectations, especially given the recent battery upgrades for the Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch.  Things to note, though, are that the GPS usage drains the battery by 20% per hour. However, on days without workouts or activity tracking, the watch does manage to last 24 hours in total. 

Regarding charging, the Pixel Watch includes a simple magnetic USB-C charger that resembles a pebble. It takes about an hour to charge from nearly dead to full charge, which aligns with the charging speeds of most popular smartwatches.

Battery and Power Management

The Pixel Watch is equipped with a Li-Ion 294 mAh non-removable battery, recharged using Wireless (Qi) technology. Officially, the watch offers up to 24 hours of usage on a full charge. Google employs several software features to help conserve battery life:

• Always-On Display: The watch can last up to 24 hours with the Always-On Display enabled. Turning off this feature can further extend battery life.
• Charging Pause: To protect and prolong battery health, the Pixel Watch will automatically pause charging if left connected to its charger for four days or more.
• Battery Saver Mode: To conserve power, you can activate Battery Saver Mode instead of manually turning off features like the Always-On Display and Tilt-to-Wake.

These features collectively ensure efficient power management and extended battery life for the Pixel Watch.

Google Pixel Watch Connectivity and Communication Support

The Google Pixel Watch offers two connectivity options:

• Wi-Fi Only: This version utilizes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, providing fast and secure connectivity through available Wi-Fi networks.
• 4G LTE: The LTE model offers phone-free convenience with 4G LTE connectivity (eSIM), enabling you to make calls, send texts, and access data directly from the watch. Google Fi subscribers can set up LTE without incurring additional line fees on most plans.

Pros and Cons of Google Pixel Watch

Pros

• Minimalistic Design: The watch features a sleek and minimalistic design, appealing to those who prefer understated aesthetics.
• Variety of Band Colors: You can choose from a range of bright and unique colours, such as Matte Black, Polished Silver, and Champagne Gold.
• Google Ecosystem Integration: It seamlessly integrates with your Pixel phone, offering a comprehensive suite of Google apps.
• Enhanced Wear OS Experience: The Pixel Watch provides an improved Wear OS experience, improving usability and functionality.
• Ample Storage: With 32 GB of internal storage and 2 GB of RAM, you have plenty of space to store a music collection and other data.
• Reliable Fitbit Fitness Tracking: Fitbit’s health-tracking features are well-supported, providing holistic insights into your well-being.
• Effective Google Assistant: Google Assistant works seamlessly on the watch, making tasks easier.
• IP Ratings: The watch boasts IP68 dust/waterproof capabilities and 5ATM certification, allowing you to dive up to 50 meters and monitor underwater activities.
• Crown Navigation: The digital crown enables quick and seamless navigation through apps and settings on the watch.

Cons

• Bezel Missed Opportunity: The large bezel around the display could have been better utilized for additional features or aesthetics.
• Learning Curve for Band Switching: Interchanging bands may take some getting used to due to the proprietary mechanism.
• Lacklustre Battery Life: The battery life falls short of Fitbit’s usual standards, requiring daily charging.
• High Price: The watch is priced higher than many competitors in its category, with a range of competitive alternatives available.

Alternative Smartwatches

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

• Design: Features a premium design with a rotating bezel for easy navigation and a larger display.
• Display: It comes with a super AMOLED screen offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Performance: Powered by an advanced Exynos W920 processor with 1.5 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage.
• Battery Life: Offers improved battery life with fast charging capabilities.
• Health Tracking: Includes advanced health tracking features like ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and body composition analysis.
• Operating System: Runs on Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI Watch interface for a smooth experience.
• Water Resistance: 5ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming.
• Connectivity: Available in both Bluetooth and LTE versions.

OnePlus Nord Watch

• Design: Stylish and affordable smartwatch with a simple yet elegant design.
• Display: Features a large AMOLED display for clear visuals.
• Performance: Equipped with a reliable processor and 1 GB of RAM for smooth operation.
• Battery Life: Impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days on a single charge.
• Health Tracking: This app offers basic health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis.
• Operating System: Runs on a custom OS optimized for performance and battery efficiency.
• Water Resistance: IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Connectivity: It has Bluetooth connectivity for seamless pairing with smartphones.

Apple Watch Ultra

• Design: Rugged design with a larger, brighter display for outdoor visibility.
• Display: Features a Retina display with always-on functionality.
• Performance: Powered by the S8 chip for high performance and efficiency.
• Battery Life: Enhanced battery life, lasting up to 36 hours with regular use.
• Health Tracking: Comprehensive health features, including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and advanced workout metrics.
• Operating System: Runs on watchOS, offering a wide range of apps and features.
• Water Resistance: Suitable for diving with water resistance up to 100 meters.
• Connectivity: Available in both GPS and Cellular versions for added convenience.

Google Pixel Watch 2

• Design: Similar minimalist design as the original Pixel Watch, but with improved build quality and aesthetics.
• Display: Upgraded display with better brightness and clarity.
• Performance: Enhanced performance with a newer chipset and increased RAM for smoother multitasking.
• Battery Life: Improved battery life with faster charging capabilities.
• Health Tracking: Advanced health tracking features powered by Fitbit, including enhanced heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.
• Operating System: Runs on the latest version of Wear OS with seamless Google app integration.
• Water Resistance: Improved water resistance for better durability.
• Connectivity: Available in both Wi-Fi and LTE models for connectivity on the go.\

Outlook

Google Pixel Watch created alot of buzz when it first came, and it still does. The integration of Google services and Fitbit health tracking strikes an excellent balance between connectivity and fitness tracking.  It’s, without a doubt, the best implementation of Wear OS so far. The Pixel Watch also reaffirms Fitbit as a leading wellness platform. If you’re a Pixel user, this is a great smartwatch to consider.

Check out more Smartwatches on our website