Two days with the Pixel Watch 5: It’s all about the software: A Practical Look

The Google Pixel Watch 5 goes on sale tomorrow and we are allowed to bring you our full review. I haven’t tested the flagship smartwatch long enough for that, but the short amount of time it’s been on my wrist makes it clear that software is the main lure.

I thought about saying the device was an ‘understandable dud’, but I think that would have been one step too far. It’s likely to get a solid review and accompanying score, but it has the same problem so many new bits of tech have in 2026… it’s not that different from the last one.

Sure, there are some hardware upgrades including a brighter screen (at 3000 nits), a slightly faster processor, along with more RAM and storage. However, nothing which is noticeably a big jump from the Pixel Watch 4 – which I also reviewed.

That means it’s already clear to me that this wearable is all about the software. After all, the Pixel Watch 5 has a surprisingly long list of exclusive features. I’m enjoying the new watch faces, particularly Chronograph, as well as new additions such as At a glance.

Chris Martin / Foundy

However, so far, I can take or leave most of the rest. Smart Replies is now version 2.0, but I’m yet to be convinced by it and it’s too early to comment on Gemini Intelligence Proactive Suggestions.

You can raise to wake Gemini, but I didn’t get off to a good start with this either, simply asking to turn a light off and the AI assistant would listen then disappear time after time. I opened the Google Home app on the watch only to find this needed setting up first – why it doesn’t sort all this out during initial setup is beyond me.

There are also improvements to one-handed gestures and auto bedtime, but are any of these things deal breakers? Not if you ask me.

Chris Martin / Foundy

Even the upcoming features – which sound rather interesting – in Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Resistance Trends will be added to the Pixel Watch 4, as well as the Watch 3 and Fitbit Air.

Considering I called the Pixel Watch 4 “Pebble perfection”, Google had a hard job following it up. It still beats the competition on things like design if you ask me, as well as objectively in fast charging, but I’m not sure it’s enough when you consider the price rise.

Chris Martin / Foundy

Coming from a Pixel Watch 4? It feels like you may as well stick for now.

Coming from a Pixel Watch 3 or older, or a rival? The Pixel Watch 5 is likely to serve you well, but the huge price contrast between it and last year’s model should make you think for a minute.

The near-identical Pixel Watch 4 is reduced to £249 in the UK (a US price cut is surely on the way soon) and this could be its new normal RRP before long. It certainly looks like a much better value buy right now, but stay tuned for my full Pixel Watch 5 review very soon if you want my in-depth thoughts.