Pixel Watch 5 review: A fantastic watch that's missing features at launch

Still a solid smartwatch that does just enough to make up for the price hike.

One of the most frustrating things about reviewing any new device before it is available to the public is ensuring we have the right software and features. Often, companies announce upcoming features that will come to devices in the weeks or months after they go on sale, but don't have them available for testing before that. The testing process is all the more tricky with things like smartwatches, where you frequently have to wear them for at least a week before certain features kick in.

All that is my overwrought excuse for why I didn't have a full review of the Pixel Watch 5 ready earlier this week. I've had it for just about seven days and simply don't feel like I've managed to get enough testing done. Plus, new features like the workout builder and blood pressure and insulin resistance trend reports won't be available until September, and it felt remiss to put up a review with a score.

That's not to say there isn't enough here for me to tell you whether the watch is good. I've learned about a lot of the basics, like how it tracks activity and sleep, or whether it holds up to my daily workouts and weekend adventures. And I've spent time with new features like Gemini updates, more accurate GPS tracking and overall performance.

For now, I'm reviewing the Pixel Watch 5 as it is. I will continue to use and test it in the following weeks and, when the new functions land, I will update this review with my impressions. While I don't expect that any of these new features will affect the initial score I'm giving the Watch 5, I will adjust that number accordingly and note the change if they do.

The Pixel Watch 5 isn't very different physically from the Pixel Watch 4 . According to Google's own comparison chart , there is a slight disparity in the display, with the newer watch listed as using a 320ppi AMOLED panel while the older model's is described as "custom." I'll get into how the display held up in real life, but long story short, the two devices are basically the same.

I do love the peachy canyon shade of my Watch 5 review unit, and it was a beautiful match for the Pixel 11 Pro in the same hue. I will say, though, that I'm a bit concerned to find some discoloration on the band already, with some sort of dark stain appearing along its edges. I'm not sure if this might be because I recently started using a new black purse that might be leeching color, but it was saddening. Google does sell replacement or additional bands from $50 to $200, in case you wanted a spare.

We're at the point in smartwatch maturity where I no longer need to say how these compare to traditional watches. Like the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Apple Watch Series 11, the Pixel Watch 5 is light and mostly unobtrusive. While I still hate to wear any of these things to sleep, it's at least easy to forget you have them on when you're out on a grocery run or just lounging around at home.