Google Pixel Watch 2 Is Good, but There’s Still Room for Improvement
There’s a lot to like about the Pixel Watch 2, Google’s newest Android smartwatch. First, the battery finally lasts all day, even when using the always-on display. It also runs Wear OS 4, making it the fastest version of Android wearable OS we’ve ever seen (and that’s what helped the Galaxy Watch 6 feel so good). But despite all the positives, there are some things I don’t particularly like about Google’s newest watch.
It’s not that there are any major problems with the Pixel Watch 2, but there’s nothing earth-shattering about what Google is doing here. Like most smartwatches and smartphones released these days, the updates are minor and there’s a lack of real innovation in the market right now. But that’s no reason to rule out Google. The Pixel Watch 2 is still a great device, the only one Google should have released last year.
Same watch, better battery life
There’s something… familiar here. Of course, Google changed the case material from stainless steel to aluminum, creating a slightly lighter device, but not as durable. It still offers the same pebble-like bubble display, which I’m genuinely happy about. This helps the Pixel Watch 2 stand out in a world where smartwatches have started to blur together.
Google has also increased the battery life of the new Pixel Watch 2, providing up to 24 hours of battery life even when using the always-on display. Sure, the original Pixel Watch could hit that 24-hour mark, but you couldn’t use the always-on display that I think all smartwatches should offer. However, these changes are significant and cannot be ignored, especially in terms of battery life. (After all, a dead smartwatch is a paperweight on your wrist.)
But the Pixel Watch 2 remains much the same as the original, and not that that’s a bad thing. What set the Pixel Watch apart from its competitors was that it offered the purest version of Wear OS money could buy. And now, with the Pixel Watch 2, Google has combined the latest version of its operating system with a faster chip.
The company has also introduced a new charging system based on a proprietary charger. Gone is typical wireless charging, replaced by a connector system that requires you to charge the watch by plugging the four charging pins into the corresponding sockets on the back. This is a bit annoying because now you can’t use your old wireless chargers. However, it does provide some faster charging capabilities that weren’t possible with the wireless charging setup that the first-gen Pixel Watch offered.
Survival Fitbit
The inclusion of Wear OS 4 also brings another big change to the Pixel Watch 2: improved Fitbit integration. Google is working hard to blur the lines between its more robust fitness trackers, like the Fitbit Charge 6, and the company’s smartwatch options. Pixel Watch 2 seamlessly integrates with many of the features offered in the Fitbit app, making it easy to track all your fitness stats and goals.
Honestly, this is one of the most attractive features of the Pixel Watch 2 and one of the reasons why I would recommend the original Pixel Watch update to people, especially if they rely heavily on it for fitness tracking. The second-generation Pixel Watch also offers more accurate tracking than the original, as well as the ability to track stress, sleep, including naps, and a new security check feature that allows for updated emergency features.
It’s still unusual
Despite all the benefits of the Pixel Watch 2, it’s not perfect yet. While the Pixel Watch was a rough draft, the Pixel Watch 2 is more like a third or fourth draft. It’s a big step up from what Google did with the Pixel Watch, but it doesn’t quite reach the same levels we see in other smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 6 or Apple Watch Series 9 . Of course, Samsung has been at this for a lot longer, and it really shows in the differences between its smartwatches and Google’s.
One such area is sizing. There’s only one size available for the Pixel Watch 2, and while I love the pebble-like display, 41mm is too small for someone with a wrist like mine. I definitely feel more comfortable with the larger display of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or the Apple Watch Ultra 2 , which I reviewed previously.
The lack of these size options means that smartwatch users who want a larger display have no choice but to ignore the Pixel Watch 2 as there are no other sizes available. It’s a one-size-fits-all deal, but one size doesn’t fit all.
There’s also a lot to be said for the lack of repairability offered on the Pixel Watch 2. Not only is support limited to just three or four years, it also only comes with a one-year warranty. If something breaks that Google support can’t fix, this guarantee means you’ll get a replacement and have to start over with a new device. There’s no repairability here, which seems a little odd considering how repairable Google is trying to make the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro .
We also get to talk about the change Google made to the charger for the Pixel Watch 2. Going from a more universal charging system to one that requires a proprietary charger is honestly a huge kick in the teeth, especially after all this. the hoax that Apple is being forced to offer USB-C in its products . Sure, it charges a little faster, but you’re limited to one branded charger. Any wireless chargers you previously had will no longer be useful, which means more devices will have to be recycled, adding to the amount of e-waste that the likes of Google are fighting so hard to reduce.
This is a strange step and seems unnecessary. However, the Pixel Watch 2 shouldn’t be completely ignored. Google has done a lot here, and if I had a smaller wrist, I’d probably be more willing to ditch the larger design of my Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the Pixel Watch 2. But the lack of variety in sizes means I’m still I’m not ready to make this sacrifice.
Final thoughts on the Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 is a fantastic addition to Google’s Android lineup and fixes a lot of the issues that most of us experienced with the OG Pixel Watch. Twenty-four hours of battery life is a huge improvement, and the fact that it runs just as smoothly and offers just as accurate tracking is all reason to praise what Google is doing. Now all the company needs to do is continue this growth trend and the Pixel Watch has the opportunity to become the best Android smartwatch on the market.
Pros :
- 24 hours battery life
- Better fitness tracking and features
- WearOS 4 makes it easier to move your devices
Cons :
- Only one size option
- New branded charger.