The Pixel Watch’s design is holding it back

When Google launched its first smartwatch, I was immediately sold. The domed glass and clean minimalist lines felt like a refreshing break from an otherwise predictable market. Three generations later, I still love the Pixel Watch’s silhouette. It’s charming, distinct, and undeniably “Google.” But as much as the design appeals to me, it’s also one of the most polarizing aspects of the line, and I’m increasingly convinced it’s holding the watch back from mainstream adoption.

The Pixel Watch 4 continues Google’s refined approach with a thinner bezel, a brighter domed Actua 360 display, and a case that feels lighter and more polished than ever. It looks great, full stop. Yet the same styling that makes the watch feel premium also makes it feel small, delicate, or overly minimalist to a meaningful chunk of users.

Google’s round-only, ultra-sleek philosophy gives the Pixel Watch a cohesive identity, but it also limits its audience. Not everyone wants a petite dome on the wrist; many prefer something flatter, larger, or more traditional-looking. Others want a more athletic or tech-forward aesthetic. And some simply want a display that uses its real estate more efficiently.

Circular watches are popular for a reason. Plenty of buyers gravitate toward round smartwatches because they echo the familiar aesthetic of analog timepieces. Some people dismiss the Apple Watch outright because its rectangular face strays too far from that tradition. The Pixel Watch technically checks the “circular” box, but its bubble-like dome and ultra-minimalist profile push it into more experimental territory. Many friends and acquaintances have told me that a more classic, flatter silhouette would feel instantly more wearable. And in a Wear OS ecosystem built on choice, Google should be the one to offer that option. Otherwise, buyers simply look elsewhere.

Offering two sizes for the line is genuinely appreciated, but it doesn’t fundamentally expand the design language the way Samsung’s Classic versus Standard approach does. When every Pixel Watch shares the same shape and styling, users who don’t click with that aesthetic are left without an option. They don’t switch sizes; they switch brands and buy Samsung or OnePlus.

Meanwhile, competitors are acknowledging that users want stylistic range. Even Apple, a company that has kept the same core look for eleven generations, recognized the value of offering a second design when it introduced the oversized, rugged Ultra lineup. Likewise, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra caters to athletes and adventure-seekers who want a bulkier presence on the wrist. Of course, Samsung’s latest move to unify its main lineup under a single squircle design shows how quickly user sentiment shifts when choice disappears. (Read: I and many others hated the latest lineup.) Variety matters, especially in wearables.

The Pixel Watch 4’s charger redesign stands out in contrast. The stronger magnetic dock that supports upright charging is a massive usability upgrade. The watch snaps into place securely, charges quickly, and supports a desk-friendly Clock Mode. It’s the kind of everyday improvement that shows Google is willing to rethink friction points and fine-tune the user experience.

None of this is an argument against the Pixel Watch’s iconic look. I’ll keep wearing mine precisely because the smooth, compact build feels comfortable and well-sized for my wrists, and because it doesn’t catch on clothing nearly as much as any other smartwatch I’ve tried. However, the reality is that the design isn’t universally appealing, and that limits the line’s growth potential.

Google has already proven it can nail fundamentals like display quality, fitness tracking accuracy, and fast charging. The next step isn’t a redesign, it’s more choice. A second Pixel Watch variant with a flatter profile, a more rugged case, or simply a different silhouette could bring in users who want a Pixel experience without the Pixel pebble. The original design can, and absolutely should, remain. It just deserves siblings.