It's not even in retrospect, it's in comparison to older models. I bought this device assuming WearOS would have better integration with the Android ecosystem. A Pixel Watch for a Pixel Phone with Pixel Buds.
For the record, I generally fucking hate Samsung's bullshit OSes like Tizen or whatever. I don't like their OneUI tricks overlayed on top of stock Android. I do, however, like the Galaxy Watch as it is more functional than the Pixel Watch is, and is several generations older.
The main issue with the Pixel Watch is that is has a lot of stuff that should be available on the watch itself but prompts you to continue on the phone. The literal point of a smart watch is to reduce your dependency on the phone in terms of having to grab it to deal with notifications. I can't fucking see my notifications because the watch demands to be locked at all times even if it's on my fucking wrist so I can't conveniently check any notifications without doing the unlock pattern which is a huge pain in the dick.