Google Pixel Watch 2 Review

Google Pixel Watch 2: A Refined Wearable Experience

The original Pixel Watch was Google’s ambitious foray into the smartwatch arena, a stylish proof-of-concept that, while beautiful, left some room for improvement. The Pixel Watch 2 arrives with the promise of addressing those shortcomings, bringing enhanced performance, improved battery life, and a host of new features to the Wear OS ecosystem. But does it stick the landing? Let’s dive in.

The most immediately noticeable change is the improved responsiveness. The new Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 1 chipset offers a significant boost in performance compared to the original’s older Exynos processor. Apps launch quicker, animations are smoother, and overall navigation feels more fluid. This upgrade alone makes the Pixel Watch 2 a noticeably more pleasant everyday companion.

Google has largely retained the elegant, minimalist design of the first Pixel Watch, which is no bad thing. The domed glass display and sleek circular form factor remain instantly recognizable. However, the build quality feels subtly refined. While not drastically different, the slightly altered curvature where the glass meets the stainless steel case provides a more seamless and premium feel. Durability also seems improved, although extended use will be required to thoroughly assess its long-term robustness.

The Pixel Watch 2 shines when it comes to health and fitness tracking. The addition of a continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor for stress management, coupled with skin temperature tracking, adds valuable layers of biometric data. Integration with Fitbit remains a core strength, providing detailed insights into sleep patterns, activity levels, and heart rate variability. The new heart rate sensor boasts improved accuracy, particularly during high-intensity workouts.

Battery life, a major pain point of the original, has seen a welcome improvement. While it still won’t rival some of the more rugged, less feature-rich smartwatches on the market, the Pixel Watch 2 can now comfortably last a full day with always-on display enabled, something that was often a struggle on its predecessor. Expect around 30-36 hours with moderate usage.

Wear OS continues to evolve, and Google’s tight integration with its own services is a key differentiator. Google Assistant is readily available, providing quick access to information and smart home controls. Google Wallet makes contactless payments seamless, and Google Maps offers reliable turn-by-turn navigation directly on your wrist. The software experience is clean, intuitive, and deeply integrated within the broader Google ecosystem.

However, the Pixel Watch 2 isn’t without its drawbacks. The display, while vibrant, can struggle in direct sunlight, making outdoor visibility challenging. The proprietary band connectors, while aesthetically pleasing, limit aftermarket strap options. And finally, the price point places the Pixel Watch 2 firmly in the premium smartwatch category, which may deter some potential buyers, especially given the existence of more affordable and comparably competent options.

Ultimately, the Pixel Watch 2 represents a significant step forward from its predecessor, addressing many of the original’s shortcomings while retaining its stylish design and deep integration with Google’s ecosystem. It’s a fantastic smartwatch for those who value a premium experience, prioritize health and fitness tracking, and are already heavily invested in the Google ecosystem.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon