The Google Pixel Watch 2: A stylish marvel in Android wearables
Google Pixel Watch 2. Picture: Noel Campion.
About a year after its foray into the competitive smartwatch market, Google has released its latest offering, the Google Pixel Watch 2. While iPhone users relish the seamless integration of iOS with the Apple Watch, a similar synergy awaits Google Pixel and Android phone users. It's essential to note that, akin to the Apple Watch exclusively pairing with iPhones, the Pixel Watch 2 is exclusively compatible with Android phones. The revamped Watch 2 has many improved hardware and software features, making it a compelling choice for individuals entrenched within the Android ecosystem.
Externally, the Pixel Watch 2 retains its predecessor's sleek and aesthetically pleasing round, 1.5-inch touchscreen design. This design choice is a nod to continuity and a deliberate effort to maintain the watch's sleek and versatile appeal.
The display remains a highlight, characterised by its crisp and vibrant visuals and a responsive touch interface that facilitates effortless app navigation. However, the bezels are noticeable and about the same as the original Pixel Watch — it would have been nice to have seen these slimmed this time. However, using darker watch faces creates an illusion that mitigates their prominence, but they remain a visible design element.
The overall size of the watch remains similar and, while ideal for slimmer wrists and women, might appear slightly small on those with larger wrists, but of course, this is subjective. It would be good to see two sizes in the next iteration, including a larger option.
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with an updated four-pin charging pad and an additional band for customisable fitting. The setup process is remarkably user-friendly, underscoring Google's commitment to a seamless user experience. I did the setup on the Pixel 8 Pro, and by simply bringing the charged watch close to the phone, it initiated an automatic setup process, requiring just a few confirmation taps. You can also link an existing Fitbit account during the setup, emphasising the close integration of Fitbit technology into the broader Google ecosystem.
Beneath the surface, the Pixel Watch 2 houses the latest Snapdragon W5 chip, an upgrade that provides smoother performance and extended battery life. During my typical daily use, I saw a slight improvement in battery longevity, particularly with the implementation of the always-on display feature. However, this still equates to a daily charge routine, which is a little disappointing — stretching this to two days with all the features turned on would have been a massive upgrade. Google says you should be able to get 24 hours on a single charge, and that’s true, even with the always-on-display and sleep tracing enabled. The introduction of a new Pogo pin charger, replacing its predecessor's wireless charger, also improves charging times. Roughly 30 minutes on the charger got me to over 75% with a full charge in just over an hour.
Building upon the success of its predecessor in health and fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 2 introduces three new sensors: a Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, a skin temperature sensor, and an electrical sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) for body response tracking.
The new sensors enable features like continuous electrodermal activity sensing for stress detection, a feature known as Body Response. This feature takes wellness tracking a step further, detecting movement when you might be stressed or excited. The watch then offers interventions to destress and prompts you to reflect on your day, providing a holistic approach to managing stress.
These additions represent a significant stride in enhancing the watch's capabilities. During various activities, they enable more accurate readings, stress tracking, and even body temperature measurement.
Integrating Fitbit technology further expands the watch's health and fitness tracking prowess, with some advanced features reserved for Fitbit Premium members. A purchase of the new watch entitles you to six months of free Fibit Premium membership, and while it has a lot of advanced features and benefits, the standard, non-subscription data is more than enough for my needs.
I’m not an athlete, but I did use the watch to track my sleep, walks and cycling extensively. I have been particularly impressed by how accurate it has been in analysing my sleep.
The Pixel Watch 2 introduces novel functionalities in safety features, including Safety Check. This feature allows users to schedule timers for notifying friends or family of their location, adding an extra layer of personal safety. Emergency SOS and medical information sharing with emergency services are notable additions that enhance the watch's utility as a safety device.
These safety features and the watch's ability to control smart home gadgets through its built-in Google Assistant position the Pixel Watch 2 as a versatile companion in various aspects of daily life.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is a compelling contender in the smartwatch landscape, particularly for Android users seeking a feature-rich and stylish wearable. Its seamless integration with the Google ecosystem and the marriage of sophisticated design and advanced technology position it as an excellent option in a crowded market. The Pixel Watch 2 addresses many of its predecessor's shortcomings while only slightly improving battery life.
Google Pixel Watch 2 from €349
