Google Pixel Watch 5 GPS tested against
A writer for TechRadar tested Google's claim that the Pixel Watch 5 has superior GPS accuracy to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.
Google claims its Pixel Watch 5 offers more accurate GPS route tracking for exercise than the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. A TechRadar writer tested this assertion by running a problematic section of the London Marathon course twice while wearing all three smartwatches.
The test focused on miles 18-20 of the marathon route on the Isle of Dogs, an area known for tall skyscrapers that create difficult GPS conditions. The writer ran the segment once in each direction, using the native workout tracking apps on each device.
How the new GPS system works
Like its rivals, the Pixel Watch 5 includes dual-band GPS, which uses two frequency bands to communicate with satellites for better accuracy in urban or forested environments. Google states it also uses building data from Google Maps and AI to account for signal bounce, and leverages a global network of GPS reference stations to mitigate atmospheric interference.
To manage battery drain, Google's system compresses raw GPS data on the watch. This data is sent to a server for processing and correction before being synced to the Google Health app, moving the main computational load off the device.
Test results on the marathon course
The writer compared the GPS tracks using a tool called IloveGPX. On the first run, the tracks from the Pixel Watch 5 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 remained close together for most of the route. The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro's track, however, began to noticeably drift off course.
| Metric | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Google Pixel Watch 5 | Garmin Fenix 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance Recorded (First Run) | Similar to Pixel Watch 5 | Similar to Apple Watch | 0.2 miles/0.3km longer |
| Average Speed (First Run) | Similar to Pixel Watch 5 | Similar to Apple Watch | Reported slower average speed |
On the second, faster run, the Pixel Watch 5's track stuck closest to the actual route run, especially around the tall buildings of Canary Wharf. The Apple and Garmin tracks lost their way in this section. Distance tracking varied again, with the Garmin recording the longest distance and the Apple Watch being closest to the planned 5k route.
The impact on pacing data
Accurate GPS is crucial for real-time pacing, a key metric for runners. The writer monitored current and average pace data during the runs. All three watches showed pacing fluctuations, particularly in the challenging GPS area. The Pixel Watch 5 struggled to get pacing data right at the beginning of each run before settling down, a pattern also seen with the Apple and Garmin watches.
Post-run data in the companion apps indicated the Pixel Watch 5 reported some quicker paces than the writer felt they had actually run.
While not definitive, the test results surprised the writer, who had expected the Pixel Watch 5 to flounder. For recording a precise route, especially for activities like hiking, Google's innovation appears impressive. The writer notes that from a racing perspective, real-time pacing accuracy needs to match the strong route tracking, an area where there is still room for improvement. The breakthrough leverages Google's access to vast positioning data and AI.
