Pixel Watch 5 may outpace its biggest rivals in GPS route accuracy

Aug 12, 2026 — 10:00 AM ET

• Google has improved GPS route tracking on the Pixel Watch 5.
• Tracking was improved by combining Android Location technology with 3D building models, a GNSS reference station network, atmospheric corrections, and building-reflection corrections.
• Google boasts that its GPS route tracking outperforms that of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.

Google has launched the Pixel Watch 5, its most advanced smartwatch to date. While it looks the same as earlier iterations, the device includes several new features and improvements. One of the most notable improvements is the GPS route tracking.

The company says that every stride you take is captured with precision thanks to its new GPS route-tracking algorithm, whether you’re running in a city with tall buildings or on a tree-lined trail.

Google adds that its GPS tracking delivers twice the route-tracking accuracy of previous generations. In fact, Google is so confident in the Pixel Watch 5’s GPS tracking that it is making some big claims. The firm boasts that its tracking outperforms that of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.

Pixel Watch 5: Hot or not?

For route tracking, Google is using a new technique that combines its technology with third-party solutions. Specifically, the Pixel Watch 5 uses L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L5 (1176.45 MHz) GPS frequencies to implement a dual-band receiver.

The GPS coordinates are sent to a server, where the data is combined with other factors such as 3D building models, building reflection corrections, and atmospheric corrections. Google says it then performs calculations after you run, making your map more accurate.

Another way to put it is that when you go for a run, you’ll see your real-time GPS data as usual. This data is then fed into Google’s new algorithm, which incorporates information from third-party sources. Your running map is then tweaked to account for the corrections, improving the map accuracy.

The Pixel Watch 5 wasn’t the only hardware Google is showing off today. Google’s latest smartphones are also getting the spotlight this morning. This includes the base model Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.