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For those of us who have been eagerly awaiting the evolution of the mythical Google Pixel Watch, the first iteration last year left us with a mix of excitement and tempered expectations. While it didn’t quite meet the lofty standards for a Google-branded smartwatch, it certainly marked a promising beginning. Sporting an elegant, round design with curved glass and accurate heart rate measurements, the first-generation Pixel Watch showed potential. Perhaps most importantly, Google didn’t abandon it after just one attempt.
Now, Google unveils the Pixel Watch 2, an evolution of its predecessor. At first glance, it might seem like déjà vu, as the design remains largely unchanged. However, don’t let appearances deceive you. The Pixel Watch 2 packs a promise of all-day battery life with the screen on and introduces a swifter chip to eliminate the occasional stutters that plagued the first-generation watch. So how does it stack up against the Apple iWatch and other smartwatches? Let’s find out.
Design, Sizes, and Water Resistance
While the Pixel Watch 2 maintains the stylish, minimalist design of its predecessor, the slight change from stainless steel to aluminum enhances its comfort and wearability. However, it’s worth noting that, unlike some other smartwatches, the Pixel Watch 2 lacks a raised bezel around the screen for added protection. This means you might want to handle it with extra care to prevent any potential damage.
The watch boasts a 1.2-inch OLED screen with a prominent border and a peak brightness of 1000 nits. While this display’s Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is the sole layer of protection, it has proven to be quite durable in real-world use. Unfortunately, the Pixel Watch 2 still comes in one size: 41mm. While this size works well for smaller wrists, it might appear small on larger ones. Some users have expressed their desire for a larger option, and we hope Google considers this in the future. At least you can choose small and large bands in the package.
Bands and Customization
The Pixel Watch 2 sticks with the band attachment mechanism. While some may find it a bit frustrating initially, it becomes more manageable with practice. In the box, you’ll find both small and large wristbands made of synthetic rubber. Google offers an array of band options, including leather, metal, and fabric models. The active sports band included in the package is comfortable, but you may opt to purchase additional bands for customization. It’s worth noting that Google could improve the purchasing process by allowing band selection at the time of purchase.
Software and Features: Embracing WearOS 4
The Pixel Watch 2 runs on the latest WearOS 4 by Google, which brings improved and more functional notifications. Notably, it introduces six new watch faces, addressing one of the limitations of its predecessor. These new watch faces offer a more information-dense experience, particularly suitable for those who appreciate multiple complications on their watch face. While the choice of complications remains somewhat limited, Google’s commitment to the platform could inspire more developers to create innovative options.
However, the Pixel Watch 2 does face some challenges with notifications. The experience can vary among different messaging apps, leading to occasional frustrations. In some cases, there is a noticeable delay between receiving a notification and its display on the watch. Additionally, the handling of Instagram direct messages could be better, with the need to manually scroll to view messages, rather than automatically displaying the latest one when raising your wrist.
Battery and Charging: Improved, But Not Perfect
Google aims to deliver all-day battery life with the screen on, thanks to the new quad-core CPU and a slightly larger 306mAh battery. While this target is within reach for the Pixel Watch 2, it’s not always consistent. Real-world usage scenarios reveal variations in battery life. A full day of use is achievable with moderate activity, but you may need to give it a quick top-up by evening. Charging is faster on the Pixel Watch 2, with 50% charge in 30 minutes and 80% in 45 minutes, compared to the previous model’s 55 minutes. A full charge takes 80 minutes. The new magnetic charging puck offers a more secure connection to the watch, eliminating the issue of accidental detachment.
Suggestions
With prices ranging from $349 to $399, the Pixel Watch 2 is not the most affordable smartwatch on the market. It faces competition from other models, including the Galaxy Watch 6 and Garmin Venu 3. However, it manages to stand out with its style, accuracy in measurements, and focus on wellness features. Ultimately, the Pixel Watch 2 is a significant step forward, and while it might not be the perfect smartwatch, it’s certainly one of the best options you can find in the market. If you’re in the market for a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2 is a worthy contender.
