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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- I’m already impressed by the Pixel Watch 5‘s feature set.
- However, it’s still a clunky device to wear.
- You’ll have to wait to try out some of the best new features, like weight training or Health Guardian.
Today marks the first day you can buy the Pixel Watch 5, Google’s newest smartwatch. It comes in some swanky new colors with some intelligent upgrades under the hood that make it a faster and more useful device.
I haven’t gotten to put every new feature through the wringer, so keep an eye out for my full review in the coming weeks, where I test the heart rate sensor’s accuracy, that new GPS upgrade, and get an update on my blood pressure and insulin resistance status through the new Health Guardian tab. For now, here are a few first impressions of the Watch 5 after a week of wear.
The most exciting feature isn’t available yet
I’m a big strength trainer, so when I learned that Google was rolling out a special experience in the Google Health app that guides you through a weight-training circuit, I was jazzed to try it out.
The feature creates a training circuit for you, and then walks you through each rep, set, and rest time. It shows you how to perform certain exercises and provides a countdown timer in between sets.
Also: Pixel Watch 5’s strength training feature could replace my top lifting app – no phone needed
I’ve written about my love for the app Fitbod, which stores all my weight training workouts and progress data in one helpful place. It is one of the few app memberships I pay for, because it’s that useful to me. This new strength-training feature on the Pixel Watch 5 could be Fitbod’s closest rival, especially since it brings the experience from your phone directly to your Watch 5. That’s not a feature I’ve seen on the Samsung or Apple watches.
Unfortunately, the feature isn’t available yet. Google says it will come soon, and once it does, I’ll test it to see how it compares to Fitbod.
The Pixel Watch 5 is just as clunky as the Watch 4
I love the Pixel Watch series for their usability, breadth and depth of advanced software, and useful health features, but I hate how thick these watches are. Compared to the Galaxy Watch 9 or the Apple Watch Series 11, this is the clunkiest watch to wear — and the accompanying silicon band doesn’t make it feel any lighter.
Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 review: Health data overload, but built for the future
It’s 12mm thick, 4.6mm thicker than the Galaxy Watch 9. I’d recommend buying a breathable watch band when you buy this watch, if you’re as hyperaware of a tight, suffocating watch as I am.
Also: Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: I compared this year’s flagship smartwatches
I love the fresh colors
This watch has to be the most pleasant lineup to look at. I’ve been wearing the gorgeous Olive watch band, and I like how it naturally blends in to my neutral outfits. The Canyon watchband colorway is also quite sharp, as is the icy blue Fog color. Google knocked it out of the park with a wide array of pleasant colors on the Watch 5 lineup.
The battery is still going strong
Google didn’t invest in a major battery upgrade this year, but that’s fine. After a week of testing, the smartwatch’s battery lasts me around a day and a half of average use. That’s still a lot longer than the battery on Google’s iOS competition, the Apple Watch Series 11, which has 24 hours of life, and it’s on par with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.
Also: I’ve tested every Apple Watch model – this is my top pick
Health Guardian features leave me intrigued
One distinct and unrivaled feature Google has developed is its new Insulin Resistance feature through Health Guardian. Without using a continuous glucose monitor, Google’s algorithm can detect potential insulin resistance through the Watch 5.
As someone who regularly falls asleep after eating a piece of bread, I’m impatiently waiting to learn how my insulin resistance status is looking. The Health Guardian tab updates monthly, so I’ll learn my fate at the end of August. Another condition coming to Health Guardian is blood pressure patterns.
