Introduction
Your heart rate is how fast your heart is beating. Knowing your heart rate can tell you a lot about how your heart is doing. So, here’s the big question: Can the Google Pixel 8 check your heart rate for you?
Key Takeaways
- Pixel 8 lacks a built-in heart rate monitor: The Google Pixel 8 doesn’t have a dedicated heart rate sensor, so you can’t measure your heart rate directly through the phone.
- Google Fit as a workaround: You can use the Google Fit app, which employs the phone’s camera and flash to measure your heart rate, though it’s not as accurate as dedicated devices.
- For better accuracy, use a smartwatch: For more reliable heart rate monitoring and additional health features, pairing your Pixel 8 with a smartwatch like the Google Pixel Watch 2 is recommended.
The Google Pixel 8 is the little brother of the Pixel 8 Pro released in October, 2023.
The Pixel 8’s Capabilities
The Google Pixel 8 is pretty awesome and can do a lot of things. However, it doesn’t have a built-in heart rate monitor. Yep, you heard that right. You can’t just put your finger on the phone and get your heart rate instantly.
But don’t worry, Pixel 8 owners! Google has thought of a workaround. You can still keep an eye on your heart rate using an app called Google Fit. This app is like a fitness buddy that lives in your phone. It helps you track all sorts of health stuff, including your heart rate.
So, while the Pixel 8 itself doesn’t have a heart rate monitor built right in, you can still use it to check your heart rate with a little help from Google Fit.
Using Google Fit to Measure Heart Rate
Google Fit uses the phone’s camera and flash to approximate your heart rate. Here’s how you can use it:
- Download Google Fit: Install the “Google Fit” app from the Google Play Store.
- Navigate to Heart Rate: Open the app and go to the “Heart Rate” section.
- Place Finger: Put your finger on the rear camera and flash.
- Measure: Tap “Measure” and wait for the results.
- Review: Your heart rate will be displayed on the screen.
Pros and Cons of Using Google Fit
Pros:
- Convenience: Integrated into the Android ecosystem, Google Fit is readily accessible.
- No Additional Cost: The app is free, avoiding extra expenses.
- Data Integration: Syncs with other health data for a comprehensive health overview.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and understanding of health metrics.
- Regular Updates: Ensures access to the latest features and security enhancements.
Cons:
- Accuracy: Not as accurate as dedicated heart rate monitors and not suitable for medical diagnosis.
- Dependence on Phone Hardware: Performance may vary based on camera and flash quality.
- Battery Drain: Frequent use may lead to significant battery consumption.
- Limited Features: Lacks advanced features like continuous monitoring or arrhythmia detection.
- Data Privacy: Storing health data on a cloud service carries inherent risks.
Warning: The heart rate measurement using Google Fit is not medically accurate and should not be used for diagnostic purposes.
More about arrhythmia at NIH
AlternativeS
If you’re looking for more accurate heart rate readings and extra features, there’s a great option: pairing your Pixel 8 with a smartwatch, like the Google Pixel Watch 2. This watch is made to be worn all day and is packed with a powerful quad-core CPU, which means it runs smoothly and efficiently.
So, if you want a better heart rate monitor and a bunch of other cool health and fitness tools, the Pixel Watch 2 might be your new best friend. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car for your health tracking needs!
Warning: Although these tools are pretty handy, They should not be used as professional instruments or for diagnostic purposes.
More info about this topic at Google
Conclusion
While the Pixel 8 does not have a dedicated heart rate sensor, Google Fit provides a viable alternative for users to measure their heart rate using the phone’s camera and flash. It’s important to note that this method is not intended for medical use but can be a handy tool for those looking to monitor their general wellness. For more precise and feature-rich monitoring, a smartwatch remains the recommended option.
Note: Any verdict given by us on any of the companies, or specs of a device is subjective. Our preferences can be different from yours, so be sure to conduct your own research to make a decision that is good for you.
Check out these 7 things you must know before buying the Pixel 8 Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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