Google Pixel Watch 5 review: Health AI and premium pricing

Google has released the Pixel Watch 5, a smartwatch that refines its existing design while significantly upgrading its health tracking and artificial intelligence capabilities. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip, which Google claims provides a 20 percent overall speed increase and double the RAM of its predecessor. While the hardware improvements are subtle to the average user, the software updates mark a distinct shift towards proactive health insights and offline functionality.

A key differentiator for the Watch 5 is the integration of Gemini AI, which now supports offline tasks. Users can initiate workouts and interact with the assistant without a connected smartphone, a feature that proves useful for runners who prefer to leave their phones at home. The watch also introduces a dedicated Strength Training experience, complete with a workout builder, audio cues, and the ability to generate personalised routines from photos of gym equipment using AI.

The health monitoring suite has been expanded with four clinically validated Health Guardian tools, scheduled for release in September. These include Insulin Resistance Trends, Blood Pressure Trends, Breathing Emergency Detection, and Sleep Breathing Quality Trends. While most of these features are designed to identify long-term patterns rather than provide medical diagnoses, the Breathing Emergency Detection tool can automatically contact emergency services if the user becomes unresponsive during a dangerous drop in blood oxygen levels.

Performance metrics have also seen improvements, with Google stating that route tracking accuracy in urban environments is now twice as accurate as the previous model. The system accounts for atmospheric interference and multipath errors to maintain positioning around tall buildings. Sleep tracking is claimed to be 15 percent more accurate, supported by a new Bedtime Mode and Smart Wake Alarms that target light sleep stages.

Despite the technological enhancements, the price of the Pixel Watch 5 has increased. The 41-mm model is now priced at $399, while the 45-mm model costs $429. A Stephen Curry Special Edition is available for $579. Battery life remains consistent with previous iterations, with Google estimating up to 40 hours of use, though reviewers have recorded approximately 36 hours. Fast charging continues to be a standout feature, providing 15 hours of usage in just 15 minutes.

It is important to note that many of the advanced health insights, particularly those related to the Health Guardian tools, require a Google Health Premium subscription. While the watch includes three months of free access, the ongoing cost adds to the total expense of ownership. For consumers weighing the purchase, the Watch 5 represents Google’s most capable smartwatch to date, although many of the new software features will also roll out to the previous Watch 4 model.