Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch Comparison

After a long period of rumours and previews, Google released its first smartwatch in October. In this blog, we compare the Google Pixel Watch with an Apple Watch. Read on to find out which smartwatch suits you best.

Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch: Specifications

This specifications overview highlights the differences between the Google Pixel Watch and Apple Watch.

	Google Pixel Watch	Apple Watch (Series 8)
Size	41mm	41mm or 45mm
Display	Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 320 ppi with DC-P3 colour, always-on AMOLED display	45mm: 396 x 484 Pixel always-on Retina LTPO OLED 41mm: 352 x 430 Pixel always-on Retina LTPO OLED
Compatibility	Android 8.0 or newer	iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 16
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE (4G)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE (4G)
Battery Capacity	24-hour lithium-ion battery Charge time: 80 minutes	18 hours 36 hours in power-saving mode Charge time: 120 minutes
Durability	Water resistance: 5 ATM	IP6X dust-resistant, water-resistant up to 50 metres
Price	From £379.00	From £499.00

Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch: Design

The first thing you notice about the Google Pixel Watch is its round screen. The Pixel Watch has a minimalist 41mm design with unique thick edges around the dial. On the right side, there’s a crown for scrolling through menus. The design is quite simple and available in black, polished silver, and champagne gold. It features an AMOLED screen, enabling an efficient always-on function.

The Apple Watch 8 design remains consistent with previous models. Apple sticks to the square screen and crown on the right. The screen is available in slightly larger sizes than before, with the Apple Watch 8 offered in 41mm and 45mm options.

The Pixel Watch uses the outdated Exynos 9110 chip, also found in the Galaxy Watch Active 2 (2018), while the Apple Watch runs on an S8 chip. This makes the Apple Watch faster, noticeable in startup times, response to voice commands in messages, and app speed.

Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch: Health and Fitness Tracking

Both smartwatches feature the following sensors.

	Google Pixel Watch	Apple Watch 8 Series
Sensors	Compass Altimeter Blood oxygen sensor ECG sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Light sensor	GPS Altimeter Blood oxygen sensor ECG sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Light sensor Body temperature sensor Crash detection

The two smartwatches are nearly identical in terms of sensors. Both include sensors for heart rate (ECG) and sleep tracking. The Apple Watch 8 is slightly more advanced with body temperature measurement and crash detection.

The Apple Watch 8 is an all-rounder. It excels in smart features and health/fitness tracking, offering extensive possibilities with its sensors, such as calorie burn and step counting. Third-party apps also enhance health and fitness tracking.

Google and Fitbit

In 2021, Google acquired the activity tracking company Fitbit, and this is evident in the new Pixel Watch. Fitbit is renowned for its accurate health and fitness measurements, so it’s natural that Google leveraged Fitbit’s expertise for the Pixel Watch. With over 40 sport modes, a sleep tracker, and daily activity tracking, you get the Fitbit experience on the Pixel Watch.

However, the Fitbit integration isn’t entirely smooth, with some software glitches making the Fitbit app feel awkward at times.

To enjoy the full Fitbit experience, you need a Fitbit Premium subscription. With Fitbit Premium, you unlock all Fitbit features, including stress level monitoring, training schedules, and guided mindfulness exercises. When you buy a Google Pixel Watch, you get 6 months of free Fitbit Premium as a trial. After that, it costs £8.99 per month.

Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch: Battery Life

The battery life difference between the two models during normal use is minimal. Both require daily charging as they don’t last through the next day. However, the Apple Watch 8 offers a power-saving mode that doubles its battery life. You’ll need to charge the Pixel Watch more often than the Apple Watch.

• Battery life Google Pixel Watch: 24 hours
• Battery life Apple Watch 8: 18 hours (36 hours in power-saving mode)

Charging the Pixel Watch to 100% takes 80 minutes, while the Apple Watch takes 120 minutes.

Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch: Price and Availability

The Pixel Watch isn’t currently available in the Netherlands, but you can order it online from other countries. You can purchase Google’s first smartwatch in Germany or France at the following prices:

• Amazon Germany: from £351.00
• Fnac (French online store): from £360.00
• Amazon Netherlands: from £549.00 (higher due to import costs)

The Apple Watch, however, is available in Dutch stores at these prices:

• Apple Watch 8 Series £499.00 (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Apple Watch 8 Series £619.00 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE (4G))

Google Pixel Watch or Apple Watch?

Google’s first smartwatch is finally here and is a decent wearable. However, using the Fitbit app can feel awkward due to software issues. For complete health and fitness tracking, a Fitbit Premium subscription is required. The Exynos 9110 chip, also used in the 2018 Galaxy Watch Active 2, can’t match the speed of the new S8 chip.

The Google Pixel Watch is a versatile smartwatch with plenty to offer, but it lags in usability compared to the Apple Watch Series 8. This isn’t a major issue, as it’s Google’s first smartwatch, and it can only improve from here—a solid start.

Alternative to the Google Pixel Watch

If you’re looking for an alternative to the premium Google Pixel Watch, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a good option. The Versa 4 is a budget-friendly alternative that performs well for casual workout tracking. It lasts about a week with light use and 2-3 days with the always-on feature enabled.

The Versa 4 is a great substitute for the Pixel Watch and is available from £229.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Google Pixel Watch work with an iPhone?

No, the Google Pixel Watch is not compatible with Apple iPhones. It works with Android 8.0 devices and newer.

What is the battery life of the Google Pixel Watch?

The battery life of the Google Pixel Watch is 24 hours with normal use.

Where can I find replacement straps for the Pixel Watch or Apple Watch?

At Smartwatchbanden.nl, you’ll find a wide range of Apple Watch straps and, of course, straps for the Google Pixel Watch. All fit perfectly. Discover wristbands for every occasion, from sporty options to evening wear. Check them out now!