Google Pixel Watch 5 are here. They've sped up and gained impressive health features

The new generation of Google watches is a textbook evolution. Those who hoped for a bold redesign will be disappointed – the Pixel Watch 5 look practically the same as their predecessors. Everything interesting is hidden under the display, with the manufacturer promising a fifth faster operation and several new health measurements. In the Czech Republic, they start at 9,990 CZK.

Outwardly indistinguishable from Pixel Watch 4

Google doesn’t even hide the fact that it played it safe. It admits that customers loved the Pixel Watch 4 design, so it carried its foundations over to the fifth generation without change. The circular convex Actua 360 display, Gorilla Glass cover, and recycled aluminum case remain the same, as do both sizes – 41 and 45 mm. We reviewed last year’s Pixel Watch 4 as an almost perfect Wear OS experience, and the new model doesn’t change that DNA.

Most of the changes are in the colors. The watches will arrive in four shades – Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon – with the “olive” version also getting a new Satin Pyrite case and the smaller 41mm model a brand new Canyon strap. Those who like to play will also appreciate the new watch faces, including the animated Weave look or the option to generate their own watch face using artificial intelligence.

How much faster are the Pixel Watch 5?

While nothing has changed externally, the main shift has occurred internally. The power is provided by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip with a Cortex-M55 coprocessor, and Google promises 20 percent faster processing than with the Pixel Watch 4.

This is also interesting because leaked records before the premiere suggested the opposite. We wrote that Google would stick with the older chip known from previous generations; however, the official specifications mention the more powerful Accelerated variant.

Navigation is also supposed to be more accurate. According to Google, dual-frequency GPS will maintain a signal even among skyscrapers and in densely built-up cities better than the previous generation, so running routes through the city center should be more accurate.

Health: blood pressure, insulin resistance, and sleep breathing

However, the biggest load of new features is aimed at health monitoring. According to the manufacturer, Pixel Watch 5 are designed to monitor blood pressure trends and alert users before they start to strain the heart, and also to newly track the development of insulin resistance over time. Google is preparing both functions for September and emphasizes that this is data for guidance, not a medical diagnosis.

Sleep Breathing Quality measurement is also added to sleep tracking. This compiles a picture from minute-by-minute fluctuations in blood oxygenation about how well you breathe overnight and how it relates to your energy and recovery. Of course, atrial fibrillation monitoring, ECG, and pulse loss detection, which Pixel Watch were the first watches on the market to manage, also remain.

The biggest leap in fitness for the entire series

The company talks about its biggest improvement for athletes to date. In the morning, your Readiness Score will guide you on whether you should push yourself today or rather give your body a rest. In the Google Health app, you can pre-set a strength or interval workout with specific sets, weights, and breaks and send it to your wrist – the watch will then guide you through each set and break with sound and on the display. There are over 50 tracked activities to choose from, and after your workout, you’ll find a new Key Metrics overview with key figures.

Gemini on your wrist and a personal coach

The software is driven forward by the Gemini assistant. You raise your hand and ask it anything, get directions for lunch, or dictate a timer or alarm to it even without an internet connection. Additionally, the watch itself displays useful snippets at the right moment at the bottom of the watch face – such as flight status or arrival time.

All of this runs on Wear OS 7.0, and a Google Health Premium subscription adds a personal coach based on Gemini – you get three months free.

Price and availability

Google Pixel Watch 5 in the Czech market start at 9,990 CZK for the 41mm variant, while the larger 45mm version costs 10,999 CZK. LTE models are not available.

The watches can be pre-ordered starting today, and will go on general sale on August 20.

Would you swap your watch for the Pixel Watch 5, even though they haven’t changed at all externally?

Source: PR/Google