Despite featuring Wear OS 4, a new chipset, and enhanced apps, it still falls short in workout capabilities and remains unrepairable compared to its competitors
Google’s second-generation Pixel smartwatch addresses numerous issues from its predecessor, boasting a significantly faster chip, extended battery life, and improved health-related functionalities. However, it continues to lack repairability, which is a significant drawback.
Priced at £349 (€399/$349.99/A$549), the Pixel Watch 2 aspires to be the Android equivalent of the Apple Watch but faces tough competition from Samsung’s well-established Galaxy Watch series.
Externally, the new model maintains a similar appearance to Google’s initial attempt, with the only notable change being the use of aluminum for the watch body, making it 5 grams lighter than the previously used stainless steel.
The smartwatch’s sleek, rounded design offers a comfortable fit, featuring a crown and button on one side and a speaker on the opposite side. It includes a silicone strap, with a range of styles available from Google and third-party sources. Additionally, it’s compatible with bands designed for previous models, utilizing a convenient button-release system for easy customization.
Faster and lasts longer
The Watch 2 is powered by an updated Qualcomm chip, delivering improved responsiveness to swipes, taps, scrolls, and Assistant commands compared to its forerunner. However, the most significant enhancement is the extended battery life, now reaching a solid 36-38 hours, even with sleep tracking enabled. Engaging in a 30-minute run consumes approximately 8% of the battery. While it may not quite match the top performers on the market, it still offers a sufficiently long-lasting performance for a smartwatch that you’ll typically need to charge daily.
Specifications
Screen: 1.2-inch AMOLED display (320 pixels per inch)
Case dimensions: 41mm
Case thickness: 12.3mm
Band width: 20mm (proprietary)
Weight: 31g
Processor: Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SW5100
RAM: 2GB
Storage capacity: 32GB
Operating system: Wear OS 4, based on Android 13
Water resistance: Up to 50 meters (5ATM) or IP68 rated
Sensors: Includes barometer, altimeter, gyro, heart rate (HR), electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), cEDA, temperature, NFC, GNSS, and compass
Connectivity: Features Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 4 (n), NFC, and optional 4G/eSIM support.
Sustainability
Google doesn’t specify a projected battery lifespan, but it is designed to endure over 500 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its initial capacity. Regrettably, the battery is not replaceable, and currently, the watch cannot be repaired.
The Pixel Watch 2 is crafted from recycled aluminum and includes rare earth elements in its construction. The company offers a detailed breakdown of the watch’s environmental footprint in its report. Furthermore, Google provides a free recycling service for old devices.
Wear OS 4
The smartwatch comes preloaded with the latest Wear OS software and will receive support for a minimum of three years. Wear OS 4 includes new Gmail and Calendar applications, which are essentially streamlined versions of their mobile counterparts. This feature is particularly useful if you wish to manage your emails directly from your watch. Additionally, it offers improved notifications, swifter and more dependable dictation, and a safety check function that notifies a designated contact when you arrive home safely.
Furthermore, Google’s revitalized watch platform is witnessing an increasing number of third-party apps. A noteworthy recent addition is a comprehensive WhatsApp application, simplifying the process of initiating or responding to conversations directly from your wrist—an offering that even the Apple Watch currently lacks.
Fitbit for monitoring your health
The Watch 2 utilizes Google’s Fitbit service and applications to manage health and activity tracking. It offers a comprehensive range of features for general health monitoring, such as standard heart rate monitoring, ECG measurements, step counting, effective sleep tracking, and numerous other metrics that one would typically desire.
A novel addition to the Watch 2 is a skin sensor for stress tracking. This sensor, in conjunction with other data, keeps a record of stress events and recommends calming activities, like controlled breathing exercises when stress is detected.
Fitbit’s historical weak point has been its sports tracking capabilities. Google has made improvements, introducing automatic detection for seven workout types, encompassing activities like walking, running, and cycling. It has also incorporated personalized heart rate zones and pace targets. Moreover, the new multipath heart rate sensor enhances accuracy during vigorous physical activity.
Nevertheless, Fitbit still lags behind competitors when it comes to advanced features, such as running dynamics, cadence, route guidance, and other functionalities available on Samsung and Apple watches. There were instances where the Watch 2 missed parts of a run, recording only the outward or return journey and not the entire loop I had completed.
Many of Google’s advanced health monitoring features require a Fitbit Premium subscription, providing in-depth analysis of your metrics and access to coaching programs for strength, cardio, and yoga, among others. The watch includes a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium, which subsequently costs £7.99 per month unless canceled.
Price
The pricing for the Google Pixel Watch 2 starts at £349 (€399/$349.99/A$549).
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is available from £289, the Apple Watch Series 9 starts at £399, and the Garmin Venu 3 begins at £449.99.
Verdict
For the second version of its smartwatch, Google has addressed two significant issues: it now boasts a swifter chip and extended battery life.
The Pixel Watch 2 is compact, lightweight, comfortable to wear, aesthetically pleasing, and operates smoothly. However, individuals in search of a larger display will need to explore alternative options, as the Pixel Watch 2 is designed for more slender wrists, without the availability of a larger size.
As a general-purpose smartwatch for Android users, the Pixel Watch 2 is a solid choice, particularly for those with Pixel smartphones. Nonetheless, Samsung’s Galaxy Watches offer comparable functionality, superior advanced sports tracking, a lower price point, and a variety of size and style options.
The most prominent drawback of the Pixel Watch 2, however, is Google’s persistent absence of repair options for its smartwatches. If the screen becomes damaged, the sole recourse is to replace the entire watch, a limitation that diminishes its appeal. Google has the capacity and the responsibility to do better in this regard.
