Google Pixel Watch 2 Review – Wait for Watch 3

Google Pixel Watch 1 wasn’t perfect, especially on the battery side of things but this time, Google has fixed almost everything in Pixel Watch 2 because they have borrowed lots of things from Fitbit.

Is Pixel Watch 2 the best Android smartwatch out there? Not yet.

Pixel Watch 2 non-LTE version is priced at Rs 39,990 in India whereas the same non-LTE version costs $349 in the USA while the LTE version is priced at $399. As of now, there is no mention of whether Google will launch the LTE version in India as it’s not listed on Flipkart India.

It comes in Polished Silver/Bay, Matte Black/Obsidian, Champagne Gold/Hazel, and Polished Silver/Porcelain color options.

Google Pixel Watch 2 Review

Yes, 100% the Google Pixel 2 is worth buying but it’s not a perfect Android smartwatch out there. Still, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro makes more sense as it’s available in the same price range. 

Pixel Watch 2 should have been the Pixel Watch 1 but for some reason, Google delayed all the features. This time, they have covered all the areas from always on display, faster charging, better battery life, an improved sensor, and deep integration with Fitbit software.

Pixel watches are only two years old and they will get better with time. So if you’re someone who doesn’t buy a smartwatch every single year then it makes more sense to go with Samsung.

There is no doubt that the Pixel Watch 2 is better but still, I feel, it’s not the perfect smartwatch to use for day-to-day usage. The battery needs to last for a long time which isn’t the case yet with Pixel Watch 2.

In short, the Pixel Watch 2 is improved and has tons of new features but it’s not as good as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or even Watch 6. However, if you’re a fan of Google and want to try out the Pixel Watch 2 then go for it, you won’t regret it.

By the way, Google Pixel Watch 2 is not a huge upgrade from the Pixel Watch 1. Google has just fixed all the problems. Now, the watch has auto-exercise detection, improved battery life, and improved software.

Google Pixel Watch 2 Specifications:

• Display: 1.20-inch AMOLED display, 1000nits brightness, Always on Display, and resolution of 410 x 502.
• Build: ALUMINUM ALLOY and Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5)
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth Version 5.3
• Processor: Qualcomm 5100 SoC
• OS: Android Wear OS 4.0
• Storage and RAM: 2GB RAM and 32GB Storage
• Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance.
• Microphone and Speaker: Yes
• Compatible Device: Only Android.
• Battery: 306mAh (0% to 80% in 75 Minutes)
• Weight: 32 grams
• Colors: Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold

Display and Build

The 1.2-inch 1000 nits AMOLED display is solid for what it offers but you can’t ignore those bezels all around it. It’s too much for what we have in the market.

Of course, the display is responsive and smooth. Also, the IP68 is there, if you want to use the watch under the water.

Finally, Google added the always-on display option which stays ON all the time unlike the Pixel Watch 1. This time, you don’t have to tap on the screen to see time, the TIME will be always there on the screen all the time.

Related: Smartwatch Buying Guide

For those who don’t know, the design or even build is the same as the Pixel Watch 1. They have just changed the crown size which is good because it will be easy to negative in the UI.

The watch only comes in one size which is 41mm. Not a big fan but this is what it is. I was hoping that Pixel Watch 2 would bring more size options but that didn’t happen at all.

The straps are the same, no changes here. Yes, Google has used different kinds of straps, you just have to slide the strap and it will pop out but it will take some time to get used to it.

Again, the watch is comfortable to wear all day and all night. Also, the weight is only 31 grams which is perfect even if you want to wear it while sleeping.

Long story short, the Pixel Watch 2 has a good display and the same can be said for the build as well.

Software

The WearOS 4, is clean and has deep integration with all the Google products from To Do list to calendars. This time, Google has added Dynamic Theme support.

It’s a fancy word for customization. You can choose widgets, time, colors, and other stuff and put them on the home screen.

The Play Store is there, so you can download whatever app you want on smartwatch.

Now, we all know that Google owns the Fitbit. So it makes sense for them to add Fitbit features, so they did. Starting with the stress management system.

A stress management system is based on body response tracking. It will tell you how you’re feeling in the movement, it’s good and bad at the same time as Google will monitor your feelings.

The good news is, that you have the option to enable or disable this feature.

Now, for those who don’t know,

• Swipe up: Notifications
• Swipe Down: Quick Settings (DND, brightness, etc)
• Swipe Left: Favorite Widgets
• Right Bottom Button: Recently used Apps
• Crown: List of Installed App

All in all, WearOS 4.0 is fast and smooth, and you will love the UI as well as the Fitbit app. It’s not as good as OneUI for Watch but it’s getting there.

OneUI for Watch also runs on WearOS but Samsung has optimized the UI better and has better integration with Samsung phones than what Pixel Watch 2 has with the Pixel Smartphones.

Health and Fitness Tracking

This time, Google has added a few new sensors which they borrowed from Fitbit. The Pixel Watch 2 has an Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), and skin conductance.

For those who don’t know, the ECG won’t work in India because they’re yet to get approval from the Indian government. We don’t know yet whether the Gov is not giving permission or something else.

In short, the Pixel Watch 2 in India won’t be able to use an ECG sensor.

Google has also used Fitbit’s multipath heart rate sensor which will provide more accurate heart rate monitoring, especially during physical exercises. It’s going to give you better results compared to the last gen.

This also applies to running, walking, heart rate, and even stress monitoring.

Sleep tracking will be more accurate because of the upgraded sensors. Also, integration with Fitbit will provide better stability.

One of the biggest problems with Pixel Watch 1 was, it wasn’t able to auto-detect the workout and that problem has been fixed with Pixel Watch 2. 

So with Pixel Watch 2, if you start running without tapping on workout modes then the watch will detect that you’re running and start the workout mode.

This was a missing feature and now, added and it’s working perfectly. The built-in GPS is also there and it’s doing its job, it’s faster and better.

All the sensors will work everywhere except for India. For example; ECG. 

Fall detection sensors work well too. For example, if you are running, driving a car, or doing any sort of activity and for some reason fall down and don’t wake up then the watch will ask you whether you’re okay or not, and if you don’t respond then it will bring you to help.

Basically, it works.

The end story with Pixel Watch 2 is “Google has made lots of improvements, they have fixed lots of things and made a better smartwatch for health tracking. So yes, Pixel Watch 2 does provide accurate health data ”

Bluetooth & 4G LTE

Pixel Watch 2 LTE version is not available in India, so if you’re from India then you’re stuck with the Bluetooth model. If you’re from the USA then you know what you’re getting, I mean all the models.

The watch has a single speaker and a single microphone, and the quality is good. You can make calls, receive calls, and even reject the calls directly from the watch.

For the Bluetooth model, you have to connect the Pixel Watch 2 to your smartphone 24/7 to use the calling feature.

The microphone is excellent, the other person on call will be able to hear your voice without any problem. Even in public places, the microphone works the best.

FYI, NFC payments are not enabled in India yet.

Battery Life

1-day battery life, that’s what Google is saying and it’s kind of true.

WearOS is a heavy OS and it needs power. So,  if you use all the features from 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, ECG, stress monitoring, Bluetooth calling, and all the other features then you won’t get the 24-hour battery life.

The 306mAh battery will take about 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 50%  and 0% to 100% in 75 minutes which is not bad at all. 

It’s always better to charge the watch before you go too bad if you want to track your sleep, just in case.

The 24-hour claim is not true but I feel it will get better with updates.

Most companies test the battery with proper settings whether they will keep brightness at a certain level, only use limited features, or for a limited time.

So if someone says, this watch will last for 24 hours then it means, it won’t last for that long with real-life usage.

Still, it’s a better battery than what Pixel Watch 1 was offering.

By the way, the watch doesn’t have wireless charging support. Don’t know what to say to this…

Google Pixel Watch 2 Pros and Cons

PROS	CONS
Premium Build	Too pricey in India
Accurate Heart Rate Sensor	Bezels all around it
Close to Accurate Health Tracking	Battery Needs Improvement
Fast Charging Support	Fitbit Premium is necessary for additional features
Compact Design	Only on Size Available
Stable Microphone and Speaker
Fitbit’s Stress Monitoring System
Clean Wear OS 4.0

Verdict

Google Pixel Watch 2 is not a perfect Android Smartwatch, it has flows but it’s not as bad as Pixel Watch 1. So if you want to try out Google’s smartwatch then go for it otherwise, you can skip and consider Galaxy Watch 6 or Watch 5 Pro.

Google has fixed lots of problems with the Pixel Watch 2 but still, it’s not like it’s the best Android smartwatch available in the market.

It’s a decent one.

So try it out, if you have money and you don’t care about it. 

Maybe their third generation will be better and I might say “Pixel Watch 3 is the best Android Smartwatch out there, it is even better than Galaxy Watch 7 Pro”

I’m hoping that this will become a reality, otherwise, we will wait for that movement.

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Images by DC Rainmaker/yt