Pixel Watch 2 Evaluation: Improved Speed and Battery Performance

While equipped with Wear OS 4, a new chipset, and improved apps, it lags behind in workout capabilities and lacks repairability compared to its competitors

The second iteration of Google’s Pixel smartwatch tackles various issues seen in its predecessor, featuring a notably faster chip, extended battery life, and enhanced health-related capabilities. Despite these improvements, the persistent lack of repairability remains a notable drawback.

With a price tag of £349 (€399/$349.99/A$549), the Pixel Watch 2 aims to be the Android counterpart to the Apple Watch but faces formidable competition from Samsung’s firmly established Galaxy Watch series.

Externally, the new model retains a comparable appearance to Google’s initial iteration, with the sole notable alteration being the adoption of aluminum for the watch body, resulting in a weight reduction of 5 grams compared to the previously utilized stainless steel.

The smartwatch’s elegant and rounded design ensures a comfortable fit, incorporating a crown and button on one side and a speaker on the opposite side. It comes with a silicone strap, and users have the option to choose from various styles offered by Google and third-party sources. Furthermore, it is compatible with bands designed for earlier models, utilizing a convenient button-release system for effortless customization.

Quicker and has an extended duration

The Watch 2 runs on an upgraded Qualcomm chip, offering enhanced responsiveness to swipes, taps, scrolls, and Assistant commands when compared to its predecessor. The most notable improvement, however, lies in the extended battery life, now reaching a robust 36-38 hours, even with sleep tracking activated. A 30-minute run consumes approximately 8% of the battery. While it may not quite rival the top performers in the market, it still provides a sufficiently long-lasting performance for a smartwatch that typically requires daily charging.

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 does not specify an estimated battery lifespan, but it is engineered to withstand more than 500 full charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Unfortunately, the battery is non-replaceable, and currently, the watch is not repairable.

Constructed from recycled aluminum and incorporating rare earth elements in its composition, the Pixel Watch 2 aligns with environmentally conscious practices. The company provides a comprehensive breakdown of the watch’s environmental impact in its report. Additionally, Google offers a complimentary recycling service for old devices.

Wear OS 4

The smartwatch comes with the latest preloaded Wear OS software and is guaranteed support for at least three years. Wear OS 4 introduces new Gmail and Calendar applications, streamlined versions of their mobile counterparts. This feature is especially handy for those who want to manage emails directly from their watch. Furthermore, it provides enhanced notifications, faster and more reliable dictation, and a safety check function that alerts a designated contact when you safely arrive home.

Moreover, Google’s rejuvenated watch platform is experiencing a growing array of third-party apps. A notable recent inclusion is a fully-featured WhatsApp application, streamlining the process of initiating or responding to conversations directly from your wrist—an offering currently absent even on the Apple Watch.

Fitbit for monitoring your health

The Watch 2 leverages Google’s Fitbit service and applications for health and activity tracking management. It provides an extensive set of features for overall health monitoring, including standard heart rate monitoring, ECG measurements, step counting, effective sleep tracking, and various other metrics that are typically sought after.

A new feature in the Watch 2 is a skin sensor designed for stress tracking. This sensor, working in tandem with other data, records instances of stress and suggests calming activities, such as controlled breathing exercises, when stress is detected.

Historically, Fitbit’s sports tracking capabilities have been a drawback. Google has addressed this by implementing improvements, including automatic detection for seven workout types such as walking, running, and cycling. The introduction of personalized heart rate zones and pace targets is also noteworthy. Additionally, the new multipath heart rate sensor enhances accuracy during intense physical activity.

However, Fitbit falls short compared to competitors in terms of advanced features, including running dynamics, cadence, route guidance, and other functionalities found on Samsung and Apple watches. There were instances where the Watch 2 missed segments of a run, capturing only the outbound or return journey and not the entire loop I had completed.

Numerous advanced health monitoring features from Google necessitate a Fitbit Premium subscription, offering thorough analysis of your metrics and access to coaching programs covering strength, cardio, yoga, and more. The watch comes with a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium, after which it incurs a monthly cost of £7.99 unless canceled.

Price

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is priced starting at £349 (€399/$349.99/A$549).

In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 starts from £289, the Apple Watch Series 9 has a starting price of £399, and the Garmin Venu 3 begins at £449.99.

Verdict

In its second iteration of the smartwatch, Google has tackled two significant issues: it now features a faster chip and an extended battery life.

The Pixel Watch 2 is compact, lightweight, comfortable to wear, aesthetically pleasing, and operates smoothly. However, those seeking a larger display will need to consider alternative options, as the Pixel Watch 2 is designed for slimmer wrists, without the availability of a larger size.

As a versatile smartwatch for Android users, the Pixel Watch 2 stands as a reliable option, especially for individuals with Pixel smartphones. However, Samsung’s Galaxy Watches provide similar functionality, enhanced advanced sports tracking, a more affordable price, and a range of size and style choices.

The most significant drawback of the Pixel Watch 2, though, is Google’s continued lack of repair options for its smartwatches. If the screen sustains damage, the only option is to replace the entire watch, a limitation that detracts from its overall appeal. Google has the capability and the obligation to improve in this aspect.