<\/p>\n Of course, this isn\u2019t Google\u2019s first collab with the basketball superstar. The brand also debuted a special edition Fitbit Air Steph Curry model for an extra $30 with a similar-style upgraded sports loop designed with athletes in mind.<\/p>\n Latest Videos FromTom’s Guide<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When I reviewed the Fitbit Air,<\/a> the Steph Curry strap quickly proved to be my favorite of the three Air straps I tested<\/a>. And the same things that made me fall in love with that strap also apply to the Pixel Watch 5 Steph Curry loop.<\/p>\n With that in mind, here are the three biggest reasons I prefer the Pixel Watch 5 Stephen Curry edition to the standard Pixel Watch 5.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n 1. Quicker to dry and better breathability <\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n First, a quick clarification: Aside from the special watch face, there are no hardware or software differences between the Google Pixel Watch 5 and the Pixel Watch 5 Steph Curry edition. The cases are identical, as are the under-the-hood components.<\/p>\n What truly sets the two smartwatches apart is the quality of the included strap. The Steph Curry loop is made from a soft, flexible, sweat-wicking woven polyester-elastane mix. Unlike the silicone strap that comes with most of the standard Pixel Watch 5 options, the Steph Curry strap is actually comfortable to sweat in.<\/p>\n Not only is the woven material highly breathable, but the strap is also treated with a waterproof coating to further add to the sweat-wicking capabilities.<\/p>\n 2. Infinitely adjustable and all-around comfier <\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n Another key reason I prefer the Steph Curry Pixel Watch 5 over the standard version is how the straps attach to your wrist. Google\u2019s standard silicone strap uses a variant of the traditional pin-and-buckle style strap, which relegates you to choosing one of nine tightness options.<\/p>\n The Steph Curry loop, on the other hand, is secured in place via Velcro, giving users a near-infinite degree of adjustability. The underside of the upgraded strap also features raised silicone \u201cribs\u201d that run parallel along its length.<\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n These help keep the Pixel Watch 5 from moving around on your wrist, even during intense workouts and\/or when sweating profusely.<\/p>\n 3. It looks cool on the wrist <\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n Last but not least, I prefer the Pixel Watch 5 Steph Curry special edition to the standard model because the strap simply looks a lot snazzier IMHO. I\u2019m a big fan of the black, orange, and rye woven pattern (though a black, green, and rye would be my ultimate choice).<\/p>\n While this may sound superficial, at the end of the day, there\u2019s no benefit in an unworn wearable, even if you own one of the best smartwatches<\/a> of 2026 (like the Pixel Watch 5). This is to say, an aesthetically pleasing strap, in some ways, is just as important as reliable fitness tracking tech.<\/p>\n What are your thoughts on the Pixel Watch 5 Stephen Curry model? Do you think it\u2019s worth the extra $50? Let me know in the comments below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/a><\/p>\n Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. <\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/XcATSWZtBRwGxfxvXmF75Z.jpg\")
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