Google Pixel Watch 5 41mm vs 45mm: which smartwatch is better for you?

Comparing the Pixel Watch 5 45mm and Pixel Watch 5 41mm

Google has officially announced the new Pixel Watch 5. Just like the previous generation, the smartwatch is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. At first glance, the two models look very similar, but the difference in size does make a noticeable difference in everyday use. This is particularly true when it comes to weight, case dimensions and, most importantly, battery life.

At the same time, Google has made a number of improvements to the Pixel Watch 5. It features a brighter Actua 360 display, a larger battery, 64GB of storage, Wear OS 7 and an increased focus on health and artificial intelligence with Gemini. GPS accuracy has also been improved, while new features have been introduced for sleep, strength training and health monitoring.

But which version should you choose? Is the compact Pixel Watch 5 41mm the better option, or do you get more from the larger 45mm model? In this comparison, we'll put the two sizes head to head.

Specifications overview

The technical differences between the two models are therefore relatively small. The 45mm version is primarily larger and, thanks to its bigger battery, offers noticeably longer battery life.

Display: type, size and brightness

Both the 41mm and 45mm feature an Actua 360 display. It's an AMOLED LTPO panel with a refresh rate that can dynamically range from 1 to 60Hz. This allows the display to use less power when there is little happening on screen.

Both displays have a pixel density of 320 ppi and can reach up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. That's more than enough to keep the screen clearly visible outdoors, even in direct sunlight. For protection, Google uses specially designed 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

The biggest difference is, naturally, the amount of screen space available. The 45mm version gives you more room to view notifications, statistics and apps, while the 41mm is more compact and sits more discreetly on the wrist.

If you regularly want to see plenty of information at a glance, the 45mm therefore has a slight practical advantage. If you're mainly looking for a compact smartwatch, the 41mm will probably feel more comfortable.

Design: colours, weight and dimensions

Google has retained the round design of the previous generation with the Pixel Watch 5. Both models feature a case made from 100% recycled aluminium and measure 12.3mm in thickness.

There is a clear difference in weight:

• Pixel Watch 5 41mm: 31g without the band
• Pixel Watch 5 45mm: 36.7g without the band

The 41mm is therefore around 5.7g lighter. That may not sound like much, but you can notice the difference on your wrist, particularly when wearing the watch overnight or during exercise.

The 41mm also offers the widest choice of colours. It is available in Matte Black, Polished Silver, Satin Pyrite and Champagne Gold. The 45mm comes in Matte Black, Polished Silver and Satin Pyrite.

The 41mm therefore has two advantages here: its smaller, lighter design and an additional colour option.

Battery life

This is probably the biggest difference between the two versions.

The Pixel Watch 5 41mm has a 332mAh battery and, according to Google, offers up to 30 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled. In Battery Saver mode, this increases to up to 48 hours.

The 45mm features a considerably larger 465mAh battery. This gives it up to 40 hours with the always-on display enabled and up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode.

Charging is quick too. According to Google, both models can reach 50% charge in around 15 minutes. The 41mm takes approximately 25 minutes to reach 80%, while the 45mm takes around 30 minutes.

If you plan to wear your smartwatch overnight for sleep tracking, the 45mm is clearly the more appealing option. The extra battery life simply gives you more breathing room between charges.

Sensors

Google has equipped both versions with the same set of sensors. These include:

• Multipath optical heart rate sensor
• Electrical sensors for ECG
• Red and infrared sensors for SpO2
• cEDA sensor for skin conductance
• Skin temperature sensor
• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• Altimeter
• Barometer
• Compass
• Magnetometer
• Ambient light sensor

The sensors are therefore identical on the 41mm and 45mm. Choosing the larger model doesn't give you any additional sensors or health-tracking capabilities.

Health features

Health is one of the key pillars of the Pixel Watch 5. The smartwatch tracks metrics including heart rate, heart rate variability, SpO2, respiratory rate, skin temperature and resting heart rate.

Google is also introducing several new features as part of its wider health platform.

Blood pressure trends

The Pixel Watch 5 can track patterns related to blood pressure using collected sensor data and algorithms. Importantly, this is not a direct blood pressure measurement using a traditional blood pressure cuff. Instead, the feature is designed to identify trends over time.

Insulin resistance trends

Insulin resistance is also becoming part of Google's health analysis. The smartwatch uses existing sensors and algorithms to identify patterns over longer periods. Again, this should be viewed as a trend or wellbeing indicator, rather than a direct measurement of glucose or insulin.

Breathing Emergency Detection

One of the most notable new safety features is Breathing Emergency Detection. The feature looks at factors including changes in blood oxygen levels and, when combined with detected inactivity, can help initiate an emergency call in a serious situation. Availability varies by market and is subject to regulatory approval.

Sleep tracking

Sleep also receives additional attention. Google has further improved sleep tracking and introduced Sleep Breathing Quality. This analyses changes in oxygen levels during the night to provide more insight into breathing quality while you sleep.

All health features are available on both the 41mm and 45mm models, so your choice of size doesn't affect the health-tracking capabilities.

Sports features

The Pixel Watch 5 brings several interesting improvements for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

One of the most important is the updated dual-frequency GPS. Google combines GPS data with additional technology and machine learning to improve route accuracy, including in challenging environments such as cities with tall buildings and densely wooded areas.

You can also customise workouts in greater detail. For strength training, for example, you can set reps, weights and rest periods. For running, cycling and HIIT, you can create warm-ups and intervals. During a workout, the smartwatch provides both visual and audio feedback.

The Readiness Score also plays a bigger role. It is designed to help you understand whether your body is ready for a demanding workout or whether you may benefit from additional recovery.

Both the 41mm and 45mm offer the same sports features. The 45mm does, however, have the advantage of its longer battery life during workouts.

Smartwatch features

As a smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 5 runs Wear OS 7, with Gemini playing a major role in the overall experience. You can interact with Gemini directly from your wrist and perform various tasks without constantly reaching for your phone.

These include:

• Viewing and replying to notifications
• Making calls and sending messages
• Using Google Wallet
• Controlling music
• Using navigation and other Google services
• Using Gemini as an assistant
• Finding devices with Find My Device
• Controlling the camera on a connected Pixel phone
• Adjusting various smartwatch settings using your voice

The LTE version takes things a step further. With a compatible mobile plan, you can make calls and receive messages even when your phone isn't nearby.

The Pixel Watch 5 also comes with 64GB of storage, double the 32GB offered by the previous generation. The smartwatch additionally supports Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC and Ultra Wideband (UWB).

Price

In the UK, the Pixel Watch 5 starts at £369 for the 41mm Wi-Fi version. The larger 45mm model starts at £399.

The LTE versions cost £469 for the 41mm and £499 for the 45mm.

The 45mm therefore costs just £30 more than the 41mm when comparing the same connectivity option. Considering that you get a larger display and a significantly larger battery, this makes the 45mm particularly interesting for anyone who values battery life.

Where the Pixel Watch 5 41mm is better

The 41mm is particularly appealing if you're looking for a compact and lightweight smartwatch.

Its main advantages are:

• Lighter: 31g compared with 36.7g
• More compact case
• Better suited to smaller wrists
• The same sensors and health features as the 45mm
• The same processor and storage
• An additional Champagne Gold colour option
• £30 cheaper than the 45mm

For everyday use and sleep tracking, the smaller version is also less noticeable on the wrist.

Where the Pixel Watch 5 45mm is better

The 45mm mainly has the advantage when it comes to display size and battery life.

Its main benefits are:

• Larger display
• More room for information and controls
• 465mAh battery
• Up to 40 hours of use with the always-on display enabled
• Up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode
• Better suited to long workouts and travelling
• Only £30 more than the 41mm

For serious athletes, people who wear their smartwatch overnight and anyone who wants to charge as little as possible, the 45mm is therefore the more logical choice.

Conclusion

The choice between the Google Pixel Watch 5 41mm and 45mm ultimately comes down to size and battery life. In terms of features, the two models are almost identical. Both have the same display technology, sensors, processor, storage and health and fitness features.

The 41mm is the better choice if you want a compact, lightweight smartwatch or have a smaller wrist. The additional colour option may also be a deciding factor.

However, we think the 45mm is the more interesting option for most users. For just £30 more, you get a larger case and, more importantly, a significantly larger battery. The increase from up to 30 hours to up to 40 hours with the always-on display enabled is genuinely useful in everyday use.

Our pick: Pixel Watch 5 45mm.

Only if having a compact smartwatch is more important to you than maximum battery life would we recommend choosing the 41mm.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Pixel Watch 5 41mm and 45mm?

The main difference is the size. The 45mm is larger and heavier and has a bigger battery. The 41mm weighs 31g, while the 45mm weighs 36.7g. Battery life is rated at up to 30 and 40 hours respectively with the always-on display enabled.

Does the Pixel Watch 5 41mm have the same features as the 45mm?

Yes. Both models have the same processor, storage, sensors, health features and sports features.

How long does the Pixel Watch 5 battery last?

The 41mm offers up to 30 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled, while the 45mm offers up to 40 hours. In Battery Saver mode, this increases to up to 48 and 72 hours respectively.

Is the Pixel Watch 5 waterproof?

The Pixel Watch 5 has a water-resistance rating of 5 ATM and an IP68 rating. Google states that it can be used for activities such as swimming and showering.

Does the Pixel Watch 5 work with an iPhone?

No. The Pixel Watch 5 requires an Android phone running Android 12 or later.

Can you swap the straps between the two sizes?

No, due to the differences in size, both Pixel Watch 5 models require different watch straps. Specifically, Google Pixel Watch 5 - 41mm straps are available for the smaller model and Google Pixel Watch 5 - 45mm straps for the larger model.

Does the Pixel Watch 5 have an ECG?

Yes. Both the 41mm and 45mm feature electrical sensors that are compatible with the ECG app.

Does the Pixel Watch 5 have GPS?

Yes. Both sizes feature dual-frequency GPS. Google has also improved route tracking using machine learning and additional location data.

How much does the Pixel Watch 5 cost?

In the UK, the Pixel Watch 5 starts at £369 for the 41mm Wi-Fi version and £399 for the 45mm Wi-Fi version. The LTE versions cost £469 and £499 respectively.

Is the Pixel Watch 5 45mm worth the money?

For just £30 more than the 41mm, you get a larger display and a significantly larger battery. If battery life is important to you, the 45mm is therefore the more attractive choice. If you prefer a compact and lightweight smartwatch, however, the 41mm remains the better option.