Google has launched its second-generation smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2, along with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. The new watch is a big improvement from the first one, with better performance, battery life, design, and health features. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to get the Pixel Watch 2.
Pixel Watch 2 Design and Display: Lighter, Larger, and Brighter
The Pixel Watch 2 has a circular 41mm case made from 100% recycled aluminum. It is 10% lighter than the previous model, which makes it more comfortable to wear. The crown is also larger and flusher with the case, for easier navigation. You can choose from four colors: Polished Silver/Bay, Polished Silver/Porcelain, Matte Black/Obsidian, and Champagne Gold/Hazel. You can also customize your look with different straps.
The display is a 384 x 384 Always-on AMOLED screen with a pixel density of 320ppi. It has a thinner domed glass that does not compromise on durability. The display is bright and sharp and shows your notifications, health stats, and customizable tiles.
| Feature | Pixel Watch 2 | Pixel Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 41mm | 40mm |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Stainless steel |
| Crown size | Large | Small |
| Colors | 4 | 3 |
| Straps | Various | Limited |
| Display size | 384 x 384 | 360 x 360 |
| Display type | Always-on AMOLED | OLED |
| Pixel density | 320ppi | 290ppi |
| Glass type | Domed glass | Flat glass |
Performance and Battery Life: Faster, Smoother, and Longer
The Pixel Watch 2 runs on WearOS 4, the latest version of Google’s operating system for smartwatches. It has a new quad-core Qualcomm SW5100 processor that delivers smoother and faster performance than the previous model. It also has a low-power co-processor that helps extend the battery life.
The Pixel Watch 2 claims to offer 24 hours of battery life, even with the always-on display enabled. This is a significant improvement from the original Pixel Watch, which had a notoriously short battery life. The Pixel Watch 2 also supports fast charging, which can power up your watch to 50% in just 30 minutes.
| Feature | Pixel Watch 2 | Pixel Watch |
|---|---|---|
| OS version | WearOS 4 | WearOS 3 |
| Processor | Qualcomm SW5100 quad-core | Qualcomm SW3100 dual-core |
| Co-processor | Yes | No |
| Battery life (with always-on display) | 24 hours | 12 hours |
| Fast charging (to reach 50%) | 30 minutes | N/A |
Health and Fitness Features: Deeper, Smarter, and Safer
The Pixel Watch 2 has three new sensors that give you deeper insights into your health: a heart rate sensor, a continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor, and a skin temperature sensor.
- The heart rate sensor has multiple LEDs that produce a more accurate heart rate reading than ever before. It is up to 40% more accurate for vigorous activities like HIIT, spinning, and rowing. This means you also get more accurate readings for other health metrics, such as calories burned, Active Zone Minutes, Daily Readiness Score, and sleep.
- The cEDA sensor can detect signs of stress using a machine learning algorithm that incorporates heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin temperature. When the algorithm picks up on physical indicators of positive or negative stress, including excitement, the Body Response feature will send you a notification. It will then prompt you to either reflect on how you feel at that moment or take actions to reduce your stress, such as guided breathing or mindfulness sessions.
- The skin temperature sensor tracks your skin temperature at night to reveal insights into your sleep and monitor for changes in your overall wellness.
The Pixel Watch 2 also has GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE connectivity options. It is water-resistant up to 5ATM, which means you can swim with it. It has access to Google Assistant, Google Pay, Google Maps, Google Fit, and other Google apps. It also integrates Fitbit apps and features, such as Fitbit Coach and Fitbit Premium.
| Feature | Pixel Watch 2 | Pixel Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate sensor accuracy (for vigorous activities) | Up to 40% more accurate | Less accurate |
| cEDA sensor | Yes | No |
| Skin temperature sensor | Yes | No |
| Body Response feature | Yes | No |
| Fitbit integration | Yes | No |
Price and Availability: Affordable and Accessible
The Pixel Watch 2 is available for pre-order now, priced at $349 / £349 / AU$549. The watch will ship on October 12 in 30 countries. You can order it from the Google Store or other retailers.
| Feature | Pixel Watch 2 | Pixel Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Price (in USD) | $349 | $399 |
| Availability (in countries) | 30 | 20 |
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor to the Original
The Pixel Watch 2 is a worthy successor to the original Pixel Watch, with many improvements and new features. It is a stylish and versatile smartwatch that can help you stay healthy, connected, and safe. If you are looking for a Google smartwatch with a clean and smooth experience, the Pixel Watch 2 might be the one for you.
