Google adds a basketball twist to its flagship smartwatch
Google introduced the Pixel Watch 5 alongside the Pixel 11 smartphone family in August 2026. The line‑up offers two case sizes – 41 mm and 45 mm – and an optional LTE connection for those who want to leave their phone at home. While the core hardware and software remain the same across the range, the company has now released a limited‑edition model that celebrates NBA point‑guard Stephen Curry.
What makes the Stephen Curry edition different?
The special edition is only available in the larger 45 mm case and includes LTE, mirroring the top‑end configuration of the standard range. The differences are purely cosmetic:
- Case material – a satin‑finished pyrite‑coloured aluminium that gives the watch a muted metallic sheen.
- Band – a "Rye" performance loop, treated with a water‑repellent coating that helps wick away sweat during a fast break or a gym session.
- Packaging – the watch ships in a Curry‑branded box, making it a collector’s item for fans of the Golden State Warriors star.
All other specifications – the Snapdragon Wear 5+ processor, Wear OS 4, 1.2‑inch AMOLED display, health sensors, and Google’s suite of AI‑driven features – are identical to the regular Pixel Watch 5.
Pricing and the maths behind the discount
The Stephen Curry edition is listed at US$579.99. For reference, the standard 45 mm LTE Pixel Watch 5 retails for US$529.99, and the separate Rye performance loop band costs US$59.99. If you were to buy the watch and the band individually you would spend US$589.98, meaning the special edition saves you US$9.99 (roughly £7 at current exchange rates).
Converted to British pounds, the Curry edition would be around £452, while the regular LTE model sits at about £413. The price gap is modest, but the bundled band and exclusive styling may appeal to fans who want a ready‑to‑wear package.
Availability – where can UK shoppers get it?
At the moment Google only lists the Stephen Curry edition for purchase through the Google Store and Amazon in the United States. There is no official UK storefront yet, and third‑party retailers have not announced stock. UK fans will need to either wait for a local launch, use a forwarding service, or consider buying the standard Pixel Watch 5 and pairing it with the Rye performance loop band, which is expected to become available in the UK later this year.
Should you consider the special edition?
For most Android‑savvy consumers the decision will come down to two factors:
- Aesthetic appeal – If you are a Curry fan or simply like the satin‑pyrite look, the special edition offers a unique visual cue that sets it apart from the sea of black and silver smartwatches.
- Value for money – The £7 discount is negligible, so the real value lies in the bundled band and the novelty factor. If you already own a Pixel Watch 5, you could simply buy the Rye band separately when it arrives in the UK market.
From a contract‑deal perspective, the watch’s LTE capability means you could pair it with a data‑only SIM from a UK carrier, potentially saving you a small portion of your monthly phone bill. However, keep in mind that LTE on the Pixel Watch 5 still relies on the same network bands used by smartphones, so you’ll need a carrier that supports eSIM on wearables – something that is becoming more common but isn’t universal across all UK providers.
How the Pixel Watch 5 stacks up against the competition
The Pixel Watch 5 continues Google’s strategy of integrating deep AI features (such as real‑time translation and predictive health insights) with a clean Wear OS experience. Compared with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Apple Watch 9 (for iPhone users), the Pixel Watch 5 offers:
- Better integration with Google services – native Maps, Assistant, and Gmail notifications.
- A more affordable entry point – the 41 mm non‑LTE model starts at about US$429 (£≈335).
- Slightly smaller app ecosystem – Wear OS still lags behind Samsung’s Tizen‑derived platform in terms of third‑party apps.
The Curry edition does not change any of these performance metrics; it simply adds a sports‑themed skin to a solid, if not groundbreaking, smartwatch.
Bottom line
Google’s Stephen Curry‑themed Pixel Watch 5 is a niche offering that combines the same hardware and software as the regular model with a distinctive aluminium case and a performance band designed for active wear. Priced at roughly £452 in the US, it provides a small discount compared with buying the watch and band separately. UK shoppers will need to wait for an official launch or use a US‑based retailer with forwarding. For fans of the NBA star or collectors of limited‑edition tech, the watch is a tidy addition; for the average Android user, the standard Pixel Watch 5 (or a future UK‑available band) will likely be the more practical choice.
