Google Pixel Watch 2

Overview

The Google Pixel Watch 2 represents a significant refinement of Google’s smartwatch vision, addressing many first-generation criticisms while maintaining the distinctive domed design. With improved battery life, new health sensors, and a lighter build, it’s a more mature product that better competes with established players while showcasing Google’s software prowess and Fitbit’s health expertise.

Key Improvements Over Original

The second generation brings meaningful upgrades:

• 31% lighter: 31g vs 36g (without band)
• Better battery: 24+ hours typical vs 18-20 hours
• New sensors: Skin temperature, improved heart rate
• Faster charging: 75 minutes vs 80 minutes
• Better processor: Snapdragon W5+ for efficiency
• Auto workout start/stop: Convenience feature
• Safety Check: Automated emergency contacts

Design & Comfort

Google doubled down on the distinctive design:

• Domed glass: Beautiful but still bump-prone
• 41mm only: Still no size options
• Recycled aluminum: 100% recycled case material
• Crown refinement: Better haptic feedback
• Lighter weight: Noticeably more comfortable for all-day wear

The single size remains limiting—too small for many men, perfect for smaller wrists.

Fitbit Integration Excellence

The Fitbit acquisition shines here:

• Daily Readiness Score: Training optimization
• Sleep Profile: Monthly sleep analysis
• Stress Management: Continuous monitoring
• Active Zone Minutes: Personalized intensity tracking
• Body Response: Stress notifications
• 6 months Premium included: Then $9.99/month

The health tracking rivals dedicated Fitbit devices while adding smartwatch capabilities.

Real-World Performance

Battery Life Reality

Google’s “24-hour” claim is conservative:

• Light use: 28-30 hours
• Typical use: 24-26 hours (always-on, notifications)
• Heavy use: 18-20 hours (GPS, streaming)
• Battery Saver: Up to 36 hours

While improved, daily charging remains necessary—a significant disadvantage versus Galaxy Watch or Garmin.

Health Tracking Accuracy

Leveraging Fitbit’s algorithms:

• Heart rate: Excellent, multi-path LED sensor
• Sleep tracking: Among the best, detailed stages
• SpO2: Accurate but battery-intensive
• Skin temperature: Useful for trend tracking
• Stress monitoring: New continuous tracking helpful
• ECG: FDA-cleared, very accurate

Wear OS 4 Performance

The Snapdragon W5+ makes a difference:

• Smooth interface navigation
• Quick app launches
• Better battery efficiency
• Responsive Google Assistant
• Reliable notification sync

Pixel Phone Advantages

While it works with any Android phone, Pixel owners get:

• Seamless setup and device switching
• Camera viewfinder and controls
• Call screening integration
• At a Glance complications
• Faster Google Assistant responses
• Better battery optimization

Safety Features

New safety additions are compelling:

• Safety Check: Schedule check-ins, auto-alert if missed
• Emergency SOS: Quick access to emergency services
• Fall Detection: Automatic with hard falls
• Emergency Sharing: Live location with contacts

These features alone justify the LTE model for some users.

Purchase Considerations

WiFi vs LTE

The $100 LTE premium ($449 vs $349) plus monthly fees adds up:

• Worth it for safety features alone
• Enables phone-free workouts with music streaming
• Emergency calling without phone
• Most users fine with WiFi model

Band Options

The proprietary system remains costly:

• Active Band (included): Excellent for fitness
• Woven Band ($60): Comfortable fabric option
• Leather Band ($80): Premium look
• Metal Links ($180): Most expensive, premium feel
• Limited third-party options emerging

Common Criticisms

Still Missing

• Multiple size options (41mm only)
• Music storage (streaming only)
• Multi-day battery life
• Rotating crown or bezel
• iOS compatibility

Fitbit Premium Dependency

Many best features require subscription after 6 months:

• Daily Readiness Score
• Sleep Profile
• Wellness Report
• Guided programs
• Advanced insights

This ongoing cost frustrates users expecting full functionality.

Verdict

The Pixel Watch 2 is a marked improvement that makes Google’s smartwatch vision more compelling. The lighter weight, better battery, and refined software create a more polished experience that genuinely competes with Samsung and approaches Apple Watch quality for Android users.

However, the single size option and daily charging requirement remain significant limitations. The proprietary bands and Fitbit Premium dependency add hidden costs. For Pixel phone owners deeply embedded in Google’s ecosystem, it’s the obvious choice. For other Android users, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 offers more flexibility with multiple sizes and better battery life.

Should you buy it? Yes, if you’re a Pixel owner or Google services devotee who values design and health tracking over battery life. The improvements make it a genuinely good smartwatch rather than just a pretty one. But Samsung remains the safer choice for most Android users until Google offers size options and better battery life.