Google Pixel Watch 2 smartwatch with WearOS review

Along with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, Google also recently announced its second Wear OS-powered watch. It is not surprising that the new watch bears the name Google Pixel Watch 2 and is now officially on sale in the Netherlands.

In terms of appearance, the new watch looks exactly like its predecessor, but a lot has changed on the inside, according to Google. I’ve been checking how much I like the new Watch and whether the Pixel Watch 1’s Achilles’ heel issue has been resolved for the past month. The Pixel Watch 1 was a great all-round smartwatch, but in our review last year we had one serious point of criticism, which was absolutely poor battery life. Thanks to the new processor, an improved and more economical version of Wear OS and more efficient sensors, this should now be greatly improved.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is available in different colors and is available in WiFi and LTE versions. At the time of writing, we see the WiFi version starting at just under €390 at Pricewatch; Variants with LTE are about 100 euros more expensive.

appearance

Google has barely tinkered with the look of the Pixel Watch 2. Just like the first Pixel Watch, it’s a round watch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED display and a turn-and-push crown with a single push button above it. Like its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 2 is only available in one size, which is unfortunate. . The 1.2-inch screen has a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels, so it’s nice and sharp, but it’s also small. The watch is on the small side anyway. This is of course great if you have a small wrist, but it would have been nice if Google had also offered a larger version, if only because it would also accommodate a larger battery. Other manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin offer a choice of multiple formats and I was hoping Google would follow suit this year.

Google Pixel Watch 2 (blue) and older Pixel Watch 1

We tested the Silver Blue WiFi version, which has a silver-colored case and blue silicone strap. The watch is also available with a matte black and gold case, as well as straps in other colours. Google has maintained the special fastening system for the watch straps, and all Pixel Watch 1 straps can also be used for the Pixel Watch 2. Compatibility also basically applies to the opposite, although the new “slim metal” and “metallic” link straps, according to Google, only suitable for Pixel Watch 2.

When the old and new Pixel Watch are next to each other, the only visible difference is the crown: its diameter is now slightly larger, while at the same time it has become slightly thinner. Google claims that the convex Gorilla Glass 5 lens covering the screen should be more resistant to scratches, but in practice the screen that sits entirely on top of the case remains vulnerable. After a month of use, I saw some superficial scratches on the top of the screen and a couple of deeper scratches on the edge on my review sample, while I didn’t do anything crazy and always handle watches with care. Wearing comfort of the Pixel Watch 2 is good. The silicone strap doesn’t bother me and is easy to adjust to the correct length. Since the watch is small and lightweight, it is difficult to notice that you are wearing something on your wrist.