The two titans of tech have gone head-to-head in the smartwatch space and we just couldn’t let it go without a REFSIX review.

Whilst the Pixel Watch and Apple Watch Ultra aren’t on the same tier, we wanted to have a look at the latest releases ahead of Christmas. These watches will be pushed hard by the marketing teams at Apple and Google so it’s important to understand what the flagship watch of the season performs like. For a better comparison we recommend switching out the Ultra for the Apple S8 as this is the true like-for-like watch when compared to the Pixel.

As referees and REFSIX users we are in a unique position to recommend one or both of these watches for referees around the world. But which one looks good on a muddy Sunday, and which is more suited to extreme sports athletes? Find out below.

Google Pixel watch review - £379

Undeniably, the Pixel Watch is good-looking. Whether you’re in the middle covered in mud, or in a fine dining restaurant, this watch still looks smart. Having a smaller screen than the Ultra, this watch is less intrusive on your wrist and Google’s intelligent user interface makes up for the drop in real estate. The display is fantastic, however, and will work really well on rainy days.

If you’re already a Google hardware kind of a person, this watch seamlessly syncs up with the latest Pixel and earbuds. Wear OS works perfectly on this device - it’s almost like they designed it for this operating system! The OS is so slick, we love how it works with REFSIX, making our app even easier to use on the pitch.

In terms of software, there’s all you’d expect from a Google device - plenty of apps including maps, music, notifications, etc. Health and fitness are covered by the now Google-owned Fitbit. Talk of a Fitbit smartwatch has been shelved owing to the fantastic tracking in this watch.

Battery life is decent - 24 hours or more, and there are options to keep battery life for longer if not using always on display. Whilst not as good as some smartwatches (notably Garmin), the Pixel has an incredibly fast charging functionality. It can charge from empty to 25% in just 10 minutes. If you’re a referee with multiple games one after the other, taking a battery charger would enable you to use the watch all day with no problem.

The REFSIX verdict:

The Google Pixel watch has all a referee needs to time the game, track performance and look good doing it. It is also a great watch off the pitch too so you’ll be making a solid investment. Whilst it is at the higher end in terms of cost, and battery life may be slightly lower than other models, we think the smooth operating system and brilliant display make up for it. If you’re considering buying a watch this Christmas or Black Friday, we definitely recommend considering the Pixel.

Apple Watch Ultra review - £849

For Apple addicts, the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra was a step up from its already sublime performance. Aimed at ultra-marathon runners, mountain climbers and presumably astronauts too, this model is all the bells and whistles plus the kitchen sink.

Of course, referees are demanding smartwatch users too, so whilst we may not see Anthony Taylor flying to the moon any time soon it’s fair to say this watch is a great option for referees.

The biggest thing about the Ultra is its… size. It’s got a ginormous 49mm screen, which is 10-20% more than most watches on the market. Its rugged performance is awesome - including 100m waterproofing - way more than is needed for a waterlogged pitch.

As with all other Apple products this watch syncs up beautifully with all your Apple devices for seamless management. It has all the standard apps and more - including the ECG app. This is coupled with an S8 processor and chip that is top of the range.

Battery life is definitely a key feature of the Ultra that will appeal to hard-working referees. It has a 76% larger battery than other models. This enables it to last nearly two days without charge. It also has low power and workout modes which further stretch the battery life.

One of the big downsides of the watch is the price. This is a much more expensive model at the premium end of the market. There are fewer deals, offers and second-hand models on the market. That being said, you get a lot for your money and it is comparable to some of the Garmin models that it is trying to compete with.

The REFSIX verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra is an unbelievable device but we question whether the price tag is too much for some. Whilst the watch is pitched at marathon runners and divers, this watch is great for your average user too. We think referees will love the Ultra especially due to its battery life and the seamless way it works with REFSIX.

Conclusion

We love both the Google Pixel watch and the Apple Watch Ultra. Obviously, if you are already tied to a particular operating system the choice might be obvious. We think the beauty of the Pixel watch and its syncing capabilities with the Pixel phones make it a winner, along with a much-reduced price tag.

Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself this Christmas?