Google Pixel Watch review: unpacking, setting up and first conclusion
A TEST REPORT from David Wurm 
on October 26, 2022, 8:00 am | Write a comment
Next to the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7Pro Google also launched the Pixel Watch. In the meantime, the first smartwatch from Google has reached us - and we are curious to see how the watch performs in everyday life. In this article we unpack the Pixel Watch together, set it up and give our first impression.
A smartwatch is nothing new these days, but a smartwatch from Google is. There have been rumors about the Google Pixel Watch for years, and now it's really here. Google has finally unveiled it at a launch event. Together with the Pixel 7 Pro, which we here already had in the unboxing and first impression, let's take a closer look at the Pixel Watch here.
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Unpack the Google Pixel Watch
Picture: TechnikNews
The Google-typical packaging can also be seen on the Pixel Watch. The smartwatch is printed on the top in the color selected at the time of purchase. Otherwise, the small box also contains a charging cable with a charging cradle on one side and a USB-C port on the other. To compensate for the different arm sizes, a size S bracelet (for wrists with a circumference of 130-175 mm) is also included. This can easily be replaced with the standard fixed L-bracelet (for wrists with a circumference of 165-210 mm). Unless otherwise selected at the time of purchase, the strap typically provided is a fluoroelastomer sport strap. More bracelets are in Google Store .
Set up Google Pixel Watch
After switching on the watch and bringing a Pixel smartphone close by, the Google Pixel Watch is found immediately thanks to quick pairing and pops up on the display. The smartwatch is then paired with the smartphone. In order to continue with the setup, however, the new watch app from the Google Play Store is required. Incidentally, the watch is not compatible with iOS, but only with Android devices with version 8.0 or higher. With regard to transmission, only Bluetooth 5.0 or – depending on the variant – Bluetooth + LTE is used. With the latter, the smartphone does not need to be nearby. Notifications are transmitted from the smartphone to the clock or in the other direction using Google Cloud Sync via WLAN or LTE, regardless of location.
The last step is usually a software update. Then, after a short tutorial, Watchface can be set up and further settings can be made in the app or on the watch. In order to be able to use all fitness functions, the Fitbit app must also be loaded and the account linked. To do this, simply open the Fitbit app on the watch and click on connect account. The further coupling process is carried out via the smartphone directly in the app.
Preliminary conclusion: Too expensive for the price?
The Pixel Watch is something new, not just for Google, but for me too. I have never worn such a small smartwatch that is also really light. If you like this unobtrusive design, you will enjoy it - I like it. For others, however, the smartwatch might be too small for larger arms. The display is rounded towards the outside, resulting in a thick display edge. A lot of space is lost here and you have to scroll quite a long way for long texts. However, it can be assumed that Google is aware of the problem and will improve it in the successor. However, this is not annoying, as all menus and interfaces next to the text always have a black background color, making the edge invisible.
The edge of the Google Pixel Watch's display is thick, but is hardly noticeable in the software due to the black background. (Picture: TechnikNews)
Otherwise, the operation is smooth and the integration with Pixel smartphones works wonderfully. We will still test how the Pixel Watch behaves with other Android smartphones. The heart rate monitor works reliably, the number of steps tracked seems a bit too high to me. The only thing that is a no-go and not acceptable for this price is the long charging time of over an hour and the short battery life. After all, the Pixel Watch costs 379 euros for the Bluetooth version and 429 euros for the Bluetooth + LTE version. To have a battery life at 8 a.m. with 100 percent charge and only 20 percent at 20 p.m. is not enough. No training tracking, no GPS, no LTE, but a permanent Bluetooth connection to the smartphone - noted for the sake of completeness.
Mixed feelings remain.
We will test further details and a final conclusion will appear here in the upcoming test report in a few weeks TechnikNews.
Buy Google Pixel Watch
- Buy Google Pixel Watch on Amazon (WiFi version/LTE version)