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Google Pixel Watch 2

Google’s Pixel Watch 2 takes a familiar route, building on the solid foundation of its predecessor while introducing key improvements that make it one of the most compelling smartwatches on the market today. While the outward appearance may seem largely unchanged, a closer look reveals that this is more than just a minor refresh—Google has made thoughtful enhancements that significantly elevate the overall user experience.

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

At first glance, the Google Pixel Watch 2 looks almost identical to the original Pixel Watch, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The design of the first Pixel Watch was widely praised for its sleek, modern look, so it makes sense that Google would choose to retain the same aesthetic. The signature round face, minimalist design, and customizable bands are all still here, providing a seamless blend of style and functionality.

However, Google has made some subtle but meaningful tweaks to the design. The digital crown has been redesigned for improved ease of use, making it more responsive and easier to navigate through menus and notifications. This small adjustment might not be immediately noticeable, but it contributes to a smoother overall experience, especially during one-handed operation.

The cover glass is another area where Google has made changes. It’s now thinner than on the original model, though Google assures users that it’s just as durable. This change, combined with the switch to a lightweight, recycled aluminum body, results in a noticeable reduction in the watch’s weight. This lighter build not only makes the watch more comfortable to wear throughout the day, but it also underscores Google’s commitment to sustainability by using recycled materials.

Performance: A Major Leap Forward

While the design changes may be subtle, the internal upgrades are anything but. The Google Pixel Watch 2 is powered by a new quad-core processor, which delivers a significant boost in performance over its predecessor. This makes the watch faster and more responsive, allowing for smoother interactions, quicker app launches, and better overall efficiency. Whether you’re swiping through menus, tracking workouts, or using Google Assistant, the Pixel Watch 2 handles it all with ease.

The introduction of Wear OS 4.0 is another major highlight. Google’s latest operating system brings a host of new features and improvements that make the Pixel Watch 2 one of the best Wear OS devices available today. The user interface is more intuitive and customizable, offering a cleaner and more streamlined experience. Additionally, the new software enhances battery management, helping the watch maintain its 24-hour battery life even with the Always On display mode enabled.

New Features: Safety and Health at the Forefront

One of the most exciting aspects of the Pixel Watch 2 is the array of new features aimed at improving both safety and health tracking. The watch now includes a Personal Safety Check feature, which allows users to set a timer that, when it expires, prompts the watch to check in with the wearer. If there’s no response, the watch can automatically notify emergency contacts with the wearer’s location, providing an added layer of security.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the new auto-recognition feature, which automatically detects when you start and stop workouts. This eliminates the need to manually start and stop workout tracking, ensuring that every moment of activity is accurately recorded. The watch’s new multi-path heart rate sensor also contributes to more precise workout tracking, offering better insights into your fitness performance.

Sleep tracking has also been enhanced with the addition of a skin temperature sensor, providing more comprehensive data on your sleep patterns. The Pixel Watch 2 can now monitor changes in your skin temperature throughout the night, offering a deeper understanding of how your body is responding to various factors like stress, environment, and overall health.

For those concerned about stress management, the new continuous electrodermal activity (CEDA) sensor is a welcome addition. This sensor monitors subtle changes in your skin’s electrical conductance, which can indicate stress levels. By providing real-time feedback on your stress, the Pixel Watch 2 can help you better manage your mental and emotional well-being.

Battery Life and Charging: Faster and More Convenient

Battery life is a critical factor for any smartwatch, and Google has made significant strides in this area with the Pixel Watch 2. Despite the inclusion of new features and the Always On display mode, the watch still manages to deliver up to 24 hours of battery life. This is a notable achievement, especially considering the increased processing power and additional sensors.

One of the most practical improvements is the watch’s new charging methodology. Google has moved away from induction charging in favor of four physical charging pins on the back of the device. This change allows for much faster charging times, which can be a game-changer for users who need to quickly top up their watch before heading out. Google claims that the Pixel Watch 2 can reach a 50% charge in under 30 minutes, making it easier than ever to keep your watch powered up, even with a busy schedule.

This faster charging capability is particularly beneficial for those who use the watch for sleep tracking. If you forgot to charge your watch before bed, a quick 30-minute charge can give you enough battery life to track your sleep through the night. This means you won’t have to sacrifice valuable health data just because you didn’t have time to charge your watch during the day.

Price

Google officially unveiled the Google Pixel Watch 2 on October 4, alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel Watch 2 is priced starting at $349 in the US, £349 in the UK, and AU$549 in Australia for the WiFi-only model. If you want LTE connectivity, the price goes up to $399 / £399 / AU$649.

Preorders for the Pixel Watch 2 began on the same day as the announcement, October 4, and the watch started shipping on October 12. It’s available in four distinct color combinations: Polished Silver/Bay, Polished Silver/Porcelain, Matte Black/Obsidian, and Champagne Gold/Hazel, offering a variety of stylish options to suit different tastes.

The Verdict: A Thoughtful, Effective Update

Overall, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a smart, albeit safe, update that builds on the strengths of the original Pixel Watch while addressing some of its shortcomings. Google didn’t attempt a wholesale redesign of the watch’s exterior, but that’s because it didn’t need to. The original design was already well-received, and the small tweaks that have been made only serve to enhance the overall user experience.

Where Google really made significant changes is under the hood. The new quad-core processor, Wear OS 4.0, and improved health and safety features make the Pixel Watch 2 a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. These enhancements position it as not just the best Wear OS watch currently available, but also one of the best smartwatches on the market overall.

In a landscape where many smartwatches offer only incremental updates, the Google Pixel Watch 2 stands out for its meaningful improvements and thoughtful design choices. Whether you’re looking for a device that can help you stay on top of your fitness goals, manage stress, or simply keep you connected throughout the day, the Pixel Watch 2 is an excellent choice that offers a perfect blend of style, performance, and functionality.

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 also saw an iterative update this year, the Google Pixel Watch 2’s upgrades are more substantial, making it a clear winner in the battle of Wear OS devices. If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2 should definitely be at the top of your list.