Google Pixel Watch 5

On the outside, the Pixel Watch 5 is the same watch as last year's model. The real changes are inside and in software. GPS accuracy is much better, though that seems to come mostly from Google's wider platforms rather than new watch hardware. Gemini is also much more central to the experience, running on a faster processor and even working offline.

This watch is clearly aimed at Android users who want a tightly integrated, AI-forward smartwatch with credible health and fitness tracking. If you already own the previous Pixel Watch, the identical design and largely unchanged battery life mean the case for upgrading depends almost entirely on how much you value the new AI features.

On the evidence available, the Pixel Watch 5 is one of the strongest choices for Android owners. It is a refinement rather than a reinvention.

• Smarts: Gemini acts proactively, for example by surfacing flight details or suggesting phone numbers. Offline support makes it feel more useful than a voice assistant bolted onto a watch.
• Health and fitness: Sleep tracking and exercise accuracy were consistently praised. The AI Health Coach's tailored workout feedback stands out. The improved GPS accuracy should please runners and cyclists.
• Battery: At more than two days in testing, battery life is respectable for a full-featured Wear OS watch. It is no better than before, though.
• Drawbacks: Some key health features are not available at launch. Some fitness advice sits behind a paywall. Durability reportedly trails competitors. The price has also risen while the hardware barely changed.

We could not confirm the exact price, so it is hard to judge value precisely. Even so, a price increase for a visually identical watch is hard to ignore. For a new buyer on Android, this is an easy recommendation. For existing Pixel Watch owners, it is a nice-to-have rather than a must-have.