Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Which has more accurate GPS?

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One of many first checks I conduct whereas evaluating smartwatches is GPS location accuracy — I need to see how shut it could actually observe my precise path. More often than not, the general distance is pretty shut, however zooming in on the GPS observe reveals variations in the place I walked. Google targeted closely on enhancing the accuracy of its location monitoring within the Pixel Watch 5, so I took it out operating, strolling, and biking with a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro over the previous few weeks to check. 

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Garmin watches have been the usual by which I’ve measured others over the previous a few years and so they have held up properly, notably in GPS monitoring. Clearly there is a vital worth distinction between the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro — beginning at $950 — and the Google Pixel Watch 5 at simply $400, so we can’t get into the worth proposition on this dialogue.

Let’s check out Google’s accuracy claims and some different key variations between these two watches.

Specs

You should purchase the Google Pixel Watch 5 if…

1. You need probably the most correct location monitoring

When the Pixel Watch 5 was introduced, Google claimed it outperformed the Garmin Fenix 8 Professional and Apple Watch Extremely 3 for GPS location accuracy. Google says a part of that is as a result of Pixel Watch 5’s compensation for constructing reflections and satellite tv for pc studying errors. Given its huge mapping database and understanding of buildings, it is sensible that the corporate has entry to knowledge to enhance indicators in these areas.

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With a purpose to check these claims, I ran by way of each tree-covered trails and downtown Seattle the place tall buildings obscure the sky. My testing with a Garmin Fenix 8 Professional confirmed that Google’s claims are correct and I used to be fairly shocked by the unusual monitoring that confirmed up on the Garmin watch. I not often run in huge cities, however in the event you do, the Pixel Watch 5 is prone to give you very correct location monitoring.

The general distance, ascent, and steps measured have been about the identical, however the observe captured by the Pixel Watch 5 matched my actual world experiences with the sidewalks and streets I used to be on throughout the run. It was spectacular how correct the monitoring was, and I look ahead to additional testing with extra watches, as this level alone has made the Pixel Watch 5 the brand new customary by which to measure in opposition to. 

2. You need an adaptive personalised AI coach

Individuals appear to both love or hate the brand new Google Well being Coach. Personally, I am within the camp of having fun with the conversational nature and excessive customization the AI coach affords. I like that I can have it create weekly coaching plans that embody two or three days of indoor rowing and two days of operating. The Garmin Coach plans will not be as versatile and customizable, and for these of us that aren’t severe athletes, we’d like that adaptability that helps typical every day life.

3. You need one of the best security options

A technique Google stands aside from nearly each different smartwatch is its give attention to security. The primary Pixel Watch included the essential fall and crash detection options we now see in others. The corporate additionally included emergency sharing and Security Verify. Word that the Security Verify works even when you do not have a subscription to mobile service. Simply set a timer to your exercise, and if it runs out with out you responding, your real-time location is shared together with your emergency contacts. 

Final yr, Google launched the heart beat detection function that may hopefully save lives for anybody who suffers cardiac points with out somebody shut by. This yr, Google launched the respiration emergency detection function and as somebody who tends to choke simply I look ahead to this safety blanket being permitted to be used within the U.S. quickly.

You should purchase the Garmin Fenix 8 Professional if…

1. You need to talk whereas off the grid

The Pixel Watch 5 has mobile help and satellite tv for pc connectivity, however the satellite tv for pc performance is just for sending SOS messages in a time of utmost want. The Garmin Fenix 8 Professional, just like the Apple Watch Extremely 3, can be utilized to ship location and verify in messages with household and pals through satellite tv for pc connection. When you spend a number of time path operating, mountain climbing, tenting, or fishing exterior of mobile protection, the Fenix 8 Professional could also be your best option.

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Whereas you are able to do extra with the satellite tv for pc connectivity on the Garmin Fenix 8 Professional, observe that it does require a Garmin inReach subscription. You’ll be able to subscribe for $7.99 monthly, and even the bottom degree of service supplies limitless LTE mobile service, too.

2. You utilize operating energy as a coaching metric

With a significant give attention to runners, I used to be a bit shocked that the Pixel Watch 5 (in addition to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely 2) doesn’t have operating energy as a trackable metric. Coronary heart price or tempo coaching are standard metrics to trace, however over the previous few years, operating energy has turn into extra standard because it accounts for diverse terrain and supplies on the spot measurement of your mechanical effort whereas beats of your coronary heart could also be delayed.

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Working energy is helpful inside an ecosystem and in contrast to biking energy the values cannot be in contrast throughout platforms, similar to evaluating Garmin operating energy to Coros operating energy. Nevertheless, inside an ecosystem it’s precious to check energy values throughout workout routines and inside a particular exercise over time. 

3. You need lengthy battery life and a flashlight

Google has achieved an excellent job of offering a few days of battery life on the Pixel Watch 5, however having a watch that lasts for per week (with always-on show enabled) or two is nice for normal coaching and brief journeys. Once I go away, I all the time swap to a fully-charged Garmin watch so I can neglect about charging and simply get pleasure from my time away for work or pleasure.

I am frankly a bit shocked that there’s nonetheless no single smartwatch vendor that has built-in the LED flashlight Garmin launched first in 2022. I used to be anticipating to see the bigger rugged Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely or Apple Watch Extremely combine this key design ingredient, however we now have solely seen different sports activities watch makers (Suunto and Amazfit) launch watches with the function. I take advantage of this shiny gentle on my watches each single day and hope to sometime see this on a smartwatch too.

Author’s selection

It’s nice to see Google pushing GPS location accuracy ahead with its superior know-how, and it is fairly clear if you wish to observe the precise particulars of your outside exercise, the Pixel Watch 5 must be your first selection. It additionally has a number of free superior security options and as a man approaching 60 I feel my household will respect it if I put on the watch the entire time.

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The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, nonetheless, captures extra well being metrics and has that LED flashlight I simply cannot quit — to not point out for a reasonably low month-to-month price I can hold my household up to date after I fly fish or path run off the grid. 

As I’ve been doing for a number of years, I’ll proceed to put on two watches (one on every wrist) since there’s not but one watch that has all of it. Annually I feel I can keep on with only one, then one other watch comes out with a function or operate that’s compelling and I am proper again to carrying two watches once more.