The first generation of any new piece of tech is exciting and opens up a new world of reviews. The same applies to the Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch. Google and Apple, two tech giants, are competing in the smartphone and tablet realm. Google has leaped forward and introduced Google Pixel Watch as a competitor to the already well-established Apple Watch Series.
Do its elegant design, brilliant screen, and health of Fitbit integration drop the satiable desire for The Apple Watch 8? Are Apple’s newly introduced tracking sensor technologies keeping this new generation on top, or will Google dominate the smartwatch market? Let’s find out.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch: 6 Must-Know Facts
- Google Pixel Watch comes in one size to fit all, while the Apple Watch 8 is sized in different-inch displays to fit your wrist.
- Apple Watch 8 is identical to its previous design, while Google Pixel Watch is the first of its kind by Google, so the design might be different for potential buyers.
- The Apple Watch 8 has a built-in car-crash sensor, while the Pixel watch has none. However, you can use it for emergency calls after a crash.
- Google Pixel Watch has noticeable bezels, while Apple Watch 8 has an edge-to-edge display.
- The Google Pixel Watch measures heart rate throughout the day, providing unparalleled precision. Apple Watch 8 measures the heart rate periodically, allowing it to have a longer battery life.
- Google Pixel Watch charges from 0-100% in 60 minutes and can go from 10-45% in 15 minutes, while Apple Watch 8 requires 45 minutes to get charged from 0% to 80%.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch: Side By Side Comparison
©<a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/” title=”Attribution License”>Some rights reserved</a> by <a href=”/photos/dennissylvesterhurd/”>Dennis S. Hurd</a> – License
| Specs | Google Pixel | Apple Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $349 | $399 |
| Colors | Matte Black Stainless Polished Silver Champagne Gold | GPS+ Cellular Aluminium(Midnight, Starlight, Silver, (PRODUCT)RED10) Stainless Steel (Graphite (PVD), Silver, Gold (PVD) GPS (Aluminum) Midnight, Starlight, Silver, (PRODUCT)RED10. |
| Chip | Exynos 9110 SoCCortex M33 co-processor | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processorW3 |
| Operating System | Wear OS 3.5 | WatchOS 9. |
| Durability and Water Resistance | C Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 55 ATM12 | IP6X dust and water resistance. |
| Battery life | 18 to 24 hours | 18 to 24 hours |
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch: What’s the Difference?
Apple Watch 8 and the Google Pixel Watch generally differ in display, build, and optimization. In detail, let’s explore some of the most significant differences between both devices.
Prices and Models
The Google Pixel is available in two models: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to keep your phone close for texts and calls at $349.99. The second model is 4G LTE + Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay fully connected even when your phone is not nearby. This one is a little pricier at $399.99.
At the same time, the Apple Watch series comes in three models: Series 8, SE, and Ultra. Series 8 is priced from $399 – $499; SE is priced from $249 – $299, while ultra is priced at $799. The Ultra model offers enhanced features, durability, and stylish design if you want the most premium option.
- Available in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes
- Battery lasts up to 18 hours or 36 hours on Low Power Mode
- Health features such as the ECG app, heart rate sensors, and blood-oxygen sensors
- Crash detection feature
- Numerous customization options
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 45mm]](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/41lez0Kg9jL._SL500_.webp)
Design
The Google Pixel Watch is a minimalist smartwatch, perfect for every hour. It only comes in one size: 41mm. Therefore, it might not fit people with larger wrists. The dial has a rounded shape with a 3D glass dome. The Pixel Watch appears to be a “dark mode” device due to its black background. Additionally, the digital crown on the side comes with tactile grooves.
The Pixel Watch has a small button above the digital crown used to open recent apps, a feature that the Apple Watch’s side button only got this year. A long press of that button summons Google Assistant to help you with voice-activated tasks like marking your calendar or changing the song on your music device. One of the downfalls is the placement of this central button. It gets too close to the wrist due to the dome-shaped display, which could irritate consumers.
The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a curvier frame and thinner display bezels with a screen that is 20% larger than the screen on the older Apple Watch Series 6. It is optimized for features such as an Always-On display and a QWERTY keyboard for messaging.
Display
The Pixel Watch appears to have a circular face, which is common in non-smart watches. The bright OLED display is sharp and sits inside a round casing that is neat, svelte, and classy. It has a gentle dome on top and a matching one on the back. The one on the back ensures that the heart monitor sensor makes good contact with your skin. The watch is stylish and appealing, but the round shape of the screen means you can’t display as much text as you can on an Apple Watch, which makes screen reading difficult.
In the Apple Watch Series 8, everything is the same as in previous years. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad design; it fits comfortably on the wrist, the screen (an OLED affair) remains clear and bright, and it easily flips around under the finger. But this is what we’ve experienced before in Apple watch series 7 and 5, so there is nothing new to remark here. However, the bezels are much thinner, and the display is sufficiently bright and readable in sunlight, making it a solid choice for a smartwatch.
Temperature Sensors and Fitness
The Pixel Watch is the first product to incorporate Fitbit functionality into its health and fitness features. Upon activation, Google includes a six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium so you can sample the whole package. It displays all your fitness data on the watch. The Pixel Watch incorporates the high accuracy of Fitbit devices. One of the new sensors on the Apple Watch 8 estimates ovulation. However, experts say it is just an awareness tactic and should not be used for medical purposes.
The second temperature sensor measures the environmental temperature. The reason for having two different sensors is to increase the accuracy and decrease environmental bias. These sensors are, however, distinct from the Oxygen or EKG sensors because you cannot take a reading on demand. Secondly, these sensors show the temperature variation from the baseline and not the absolute temperature value at any given time.
Google Pixel watch has also implied the same concept, but its purpose is to incorporate these temperature variations into your sleep score. Whereas the primary goal of the Apple Watch 8 is to predict how exhausting activities such as exercise and workouts can alter your baseline body temperature.
Battery
Apple has always outclassed its competitors’ battery life, partly because of its near-to-perfect app optimization and superb software. On paper, Apple Watch 8 has a battery life of 18 hours, whereas Google Pixel Watch has a battery life of 24 hours (as publicized by Google at the launch event), but these stats take quite an exciting turn in real life.
Apple has introduced the low power mode feature, which reduces background sensor activity and limits wi-fi and cellular connectivity. This expands the battery span to 36 hours of use. An expert actively used the watch for 2 days and 2 nights, including sleep tracking, and they were still left with 20% of battery on the 3rd morning. When the same expert tried using Google Pixel Watch, it could last only 18 hours.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch: Which One is Better?
With so many pros and cons, picking a favorite can be tricky. After studying both devices in detail and pouring over user reports, we can confidently say the Apple Watch Series 8 is still the top dog. This boils down to a more sophisticated set of features like a car crash sensor, improved IP6X dust and water resistance, a better workout interface, and a practically bezel-less display.
No doubt Google Pixel Watch is a great watch. Fitbit fans and Pixel owners are more likely to purchase it. It has the best OS to wear, but Apple Watch Series WatchOS 9 performs better than ever. Google Pixel might have some advantage on the charging front, but Apple Watch Series 8 has a more satisfying long battery life.
Google Assistance is snappy and responsive and offers a customizable collection of google services. It has water resistance up to 50 meters but comes in one size: 41mm, which might not fit people with big wrists. The Apple Watch is ideal for users who want a larger wristband and has the added benefit of a larger display than the Google Pixel watch.
Both have pros and cons and cater to individuals with varying tastes and desires. But the rule of thumb is Android users are more likely to prefer Google Pixel Watch, while iOS users will go for Apple Watch 8.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Hadrian/Shutterstock.com.
