Google’s Pixel Watch 2 maintains its design integrity while upgrading crucial components to enhance performance, achieve a brighter display, and extend battery longevity. Additionally, it introduces valuable health, fitness, and safety functionalities. These improvements position it as a strong contender for the title of the ultimate smartwatch.
For those interested, it’s available on Amazon.
Pros:
- Slimmer aluminum body
- Swift processor
- Innovative safety and workout options
- Speedier charging
Cons:
- Unaltered screen size
- Unchanged dimensions
Google Pixel Watch 2: Quick Overview in 60 Seconds
The Google Pixel Watch 2 remains faithful to the blueprint of its well-received predecessor, a choice that bears fruit in many respects.
Visually, this smartwatch maintains its prior design, albeit with a subtle refinement of the digital crown for improved usability. Screen size and dimensions mirror those of the original Google Pixel Watch. However, appearances can be deceiving. Google has slimmed down the cover glass (while maintaining strength) and opted for a lightweight, recycled aluminum body. Collectively, these changes render the watch noticeably lighter.
What truly sets this watch apart is its revamped internals and a substantial platform upgrade. Armed with a new quad-core processor and running Wear OS 4.0, it stakes a strong claim as one of the premier Wear OS watches and a top-tier smartwatch overall.
Features:
Significant features include the introduction of the Personal Safety Check and automatic recognition of workout initiation and cessation. The Google Pixel Watch 2 aims to elevate workout tracking with its new multi-path heart rate sensor on the rear.
These are initial impressions of the Google Pixel Watch 2. For a more comprehensive look at this year’s October Made by Google Event, explore our early reviews of the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro.
While a conspicuous black bezel frames the 320ppi display, it now operates in Always On mode by default, while maintaining a 24-hour battery life (as per Google’s claims).
For those who wear the watch while sleeping:
made more comfortable by its reduced weight, quicker charging is now on offer, courtesy of four physical charging pins on the back, a departure from the induction charging of the previous model. Google asserts that a 50% charge can be attained in under 30 minutes, facilitating a swift evening recharge.
Additionally, the Pixel Watch 2 integrates a skin temperature sensor for enhanced sleep tracking and a continuous electrodermal activity (CEDA) sensor to detect signs of stress when you’re awake.
In summary, this update is a smart and pragmatic one. Google refrained from a complete design overhaul but left almost no stone unturned, from the CPU to major sensors and the charging mechanism. With Wear OS 4.0, safety enhancements, and new Fitbit capabilities, the Google Pixel Watch 2 emerges as an enticing smartwatch upgrade worth considering.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm): Specifications Comparison
| Component | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $349 / £349 / AU$549 | Starting at $399 / £399 / AU$649 |
| Dimensions | 41 x 12.3 mm | 41 x 35 x 10.7mm |
| Weight | 31 g | 32.1g (aluminum) |
| Case/Bezel | Aluminum | Aluminum or stainless steel |
| Display | 384 x 384 px always-on AMOLED, 320 ppi | 352 x 430 px always-on OLED Retina Display |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours, Fast Charging | Up to 18 hours |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE options available |
| Water Resistant | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, WR50 (swimproof) |
Google Pixel Watch 2: Price and Availability
The Google Pixel Watch 2, unveiled alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro on October 4, offers pricing and availability details as follows:
- Starting at $349 in the US for the WiFi-only model.
- Priced at £349 in the UK.
- In Australia, it’s available at AU$549 for the WiFi-only version.
For those seeking LTE connectivity, the price is as follows:
- $399 in the US.
- £399 in the UK.
- AU$649 in Australia.
Preorders for the Google Pixel Watch 2 commenced on October 4, and the official release date is set for October 12. This sleek timepiece is accessible in four distinct color combinations: Polished Silver/Bay, Polished Silver/Porcelain, Matte Black/Obsidian, and Champagne Gold/Hazel.
Google Pixel Watch 2: Aesthetic Excellence Preserved
The Google Pixel Watch 2 upholds the elegance of its predecessor’s design while introducing some notable refinements.
Retaining the visual allure of its forerunner, the Google Pixel Watch 2 boasts a slender glass cover and a body crafted from lightweight, recycled aluminum. This harmonious blend exudes a seamless, visually pleasing gumdrop shape. Impressively, despite reducing the overall weight by approximately 10%, Google opted to maintain the watch’s universal dimensions at 41mm, ensuring a comfortable fit for all.
One notable enhancement in the aesthetics department is the redesigned digital crown. Primarily, this facelift focuses on altering the stem leading to the crown, resulting in a more watch-like appearance and, crucially, improved usability.
While Google left the band attachment system untouched, it introduced a selection of new bands, including six fitness-oriented options. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to test them firsthand, initial impressions indicate that the materials used are comfortable and promising.
Google Pixel Watch 2: Enhanced Features
The Pixel Watch 2 brings:
- Safety Features: Includes Safety Check, automatic workout recognition, a runner’s heart rate zone, and a precise multi-path heart rate sensor.
- Wear OS 4.0: Features core apps like Calendar, Gmail, and an updated Google Assistant.
- Fitbit Integration: Fitbit Premium users access Safety Check for free, and new Pixel Watch 2 owners receive six months of Fitbit Premium at no cost.
These upgrades promise smoother operation with the new quad-core processor and Wear OS 4.0.
Early Impressions
Though my time with the Google Pixel Watch 2 was brief, I’m cautiously optimistic.
While a larger display would have been nice, the watch faces are information-packed, and the interface feels clean and responsive.
The shift from inductive to physical pins for charging surprised me, but faster charging for sleep and temperature tracking is a logical choice.
With the new quad-core processor and Wear OS 4.0, it’s poised to be a more responsive and user-friendly wearable.
Google’s pricing strategy is reasonable, yet a $299 WiFi model could potentially make the Pixel Watch 2 a best-seller.