Google Pixel Watch 2 Review: Is Wear OS Getting any Better?
Apple Watches are a benchmark of performance for every smartwatch. They deliver consistent and incredible performance that sets them apart. The latest Snapdragon processors are getting very close to the Apple smartwatches. Google Pixel Watch 2 is the latest WearOS smartwatch featuring a solid Snapdragon processor and the newest WearOS 4.0.
Pixel 1 was a rather successful experiment that showed that Google is capable of designing stunning, capable, and functioning smartwatches. So, can the Pixel Watch 2 surpass the Apple Watch’s performance? Here is a comprehensive review of all the good and bad.
Let’s Inspect!
Summary
Pros
- Beautiful design and robust body
- Up-to-date software and hardware with support for software updates
- Precise and interactive Fitbit health tracking system
- Functional and easy-to-understand smartphone app
- ECG support in various regions
- Smooth UI and the system navigation
Cons
- Expensive
- Three smartphone apps
Google Pixel Watch 2 – Price
The price of the smartwatch is on the steep side. It starts at $350, which used to be a psychological maximum for smartphones a few years back, but now it’s the starting price of a smartphone. For $400, you can get the LTE version that supports e-Sim.
Google Pixel Watch 2 Pro is competing against the big names like Ticwatch Pro 5, Galaxy Watch 6 series, and Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro in the WearOS landscape.
Google Pixel Watch 2 – Unboxing
The first thing you will see is that the Pixel Watch 2 has a bigger box than the Pixel 8 Pro. The presentation is undeniably good, and, in fact, one of the best that I have ever seen for a smartwatch. Words can’t do justice to the meticulous attention to detail by Google’s packaging designer.
So, watch our YouTube video to truly appreciate the beauty.
In addition to the smartwatch, we have a large-size strap, charger, and paperwork. I like that Google included a large-size strap to fit big wrists.
Appearance and Build Quality
The design is identical to the previous generation. The screen is made of glass, while the rest of the body is made of metal. The screen has a dome shape that looks good and adds a little depth to the smartwatch. However, because there is no border to absorb falls, the smartwatch is prone to scratches, scuffs, and screen damage. The rest of the body feels quite strong and can stand a lot of damage.
Google Pixel Watch 2 has a crown and a button on the right side that can perform multiple functions. It is one of the best-looking smartwatches of this year. The elegant design, functional controls, and beautiful screen make it a tempting device.
Technical Specifications
- Chipset: Snapdragon Qualcomm 5100
- OS: Android Wear OS 4.0
- Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED screen, 1000 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 450 x 450 resolution
- Body: Gorilla Glass 5 front, Aluminum Frame
- Weight: 31 grams
- Sensors: Accelerometer Gyroscope, Heart Rate, Altimeter, Compass, SpO2, thermometer and skin conductance sensors
- Storage: 2GB + 32GB
- Battery: 306mAh
- NFC: Yes
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.0 A2DP
- GPS: Yes GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, GPS
- Speaker & Microphone: Yes
- Waterproof: 5ATM water resistant
Software and User Experience
Let’s turn on the smartwatch. It should go smoothly, and we will be done in just a few minutes. It was not the case with my Pixel 2 smartwatch. I got a meaningless error, and that took a lot of time. If you are facing a similar error, just try to reset, go to settings, and adjust the date and time manually. After trying 10 times, I learned about the solution through a Reddit post.
So, combined with software updates, recharging, error resolution, and other annoying aspects, it consumed my 6 hours. So, the setup is off to a rough start.
The OS is responsive, and the apps are well-grouped; it has a nice stock Android feel. Other than the setup, everything about the smartwatch looks pretty good. The scrolling is snappy, and there are no ugly icons like the ones we have in Apple’s grid launcher. The cards are stylish and look like a piece of art. I have reduced the animation speed, too, which not only saves the battery life but also makes the operation flawless.
Regarding the app ecosystem, the Google Pixel Watch 2 relies on its own Fitbit ecosystem for health tracking. There is no bloatware, and everything feels incredibly functional, smooth, and detailed.
The smartwatch delivers on every level. It is consistent, predictable, and feels very comfortable in the long run.
Google Pixel Watch 2 – Performance
Now comes the performance; it can precisely track heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, sleep cycles, and ECG, but it is not supported in my country. Outdoor activities can be tracked with GPS. It is detail-rich and precise and provides accurate routes.
Smartphone App
Google have seemed to go the Samsung way to control the smartwatch and track all the health data. Firstly, we have the Watch app, which is basic, polished, and simple and focuses on the watch. We have the Fitbit app to track essential health data. It gives you access to all the tracking details in interactive and easy-to-understand charts. You can also analyze the routes you have gone to better understand your outdoor workouts. If ECG is available in your country, then you will need another smartphone app.
Keep in mind that Fitbit has become a premium app. You will get a 6-month free subscription, but afterward, there is a fixed monthly fee. The free version has a lot of good features, but if you want professional insights, then the premium version is your ideal choice.
The software is intuitive, simple, beautiful, functional, and not integrated into one app. It has three app fragments, and the Fitbit app has a fee, which can be a bad thing for many users, including me.
Battery Endurance
The battery life of the Google Pixel Watch 2 is not the best; you will have to charge it daily as it lasts pretty much the same. By turning off always on display and turning on battery saver mode, you can extend it up to 36 or 48 hours.
With quick charging, you can charge up to 80% in just 45 minutes.
Drawbacks
- The screen is prone to scratches
- 3 smartphone apps needed
- High price
- Difficulty setting up the smartwatch
Conclusion
Google Pixel Watch 2 has its drawbacks, but when it comes to WearOS smartwatches, it is the most logical choice. It is up to date with the latest technology, and Google provides long and consistent system and security support, making it a great choice. Other than that, it has incredible software, precise fitness tracking, and a stylish body that makes it a strong competitor to the Apple Watch.
