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The Pixel Watch 2 solves several of its predecessor's biggest shortcomings. It has more health sensors, a faster new processor and slightly longer battery life, making it feel like a more well-rounded watch than Google's first attempt.
However, is the $350 Pixel Watch 2 worth upgrading from the original Pixel Watch? Having tested both, I can say the Pixel Watch 2's changes are appreciated. But I wouldn't recommend upgrading just yet. Some Pixel Watch 2 features, like automatic workout detection and the new heart rate and pace training tools, will be arriving on the older watch in an update. The original Pixel Watch also began receiving a software update to Wear OS 4 in October, showing that the first Pixel Watch is still gaining new functions. Unless you're particularly interested in the Pixel Watch 2's passive stress monitoring, which is the major health metric it offers compared with the first one, you'll be fine waiting for the Pixel Watch 3.
Google also still sells the first Pixel Watch for $280 (£279, AU$549), which is about $70 cheaper than the Pixel Watch 2. That makes the first Pixel Watch seem tempting, although I suggest splurging on the new one if you have room in your budget. The new processor and larger battery will help you get more longevity out of the second model compared to the first one if you're deciding between the two.
The Pixel Watch 2 is made of aluminum.
James Martin/CNET
The Pixel Watch 2 and original Pixel Watch look almost identical, and that's a good thing. Both watches are available in a 41-millimeter size in polished silver, matte black and champagne gold color options. Like the first Pixel Watch, the new version has a curved glass screen that gives it an elegant look compared to most smartwatches. The same watch bands are compatible with both Pixel Watch models.
The only major aesthetic difference is the Pixel Watch 2's aluminum casing, which replaces the original's stainless steel build. While stainless steel does look more premium, the aluminum design makes the Pixel Watch 2 lighter than the first model at 31 grams versus 36 grams. While you can feel the difference, the first Pixel Watch never felt particularly heavy to me.
The original Pixel Watch is stainless steel.
James Martin/CNET
The watch's underside also looks slightly different now that Google has added more health sensors and a new charging mechanism, which you can read more about below.
My only complaint about the Pixel Watch's design is that those black bezels framing the screen are still visible when using colorful watch faces and apps. There's also no larger size option for people who prefer a bigger screen.
James Martin/CNET
One of my criticisms of the first Pixel Watch was that it lacked some of the health sensors found on Fitbit's Sense 2 (Fitbit is also owned by Google), like a skin temperature reader and a sensor for measuring continuous electrodermal activity, or EDA, which is used for detecting potential signs of stress. While these omissions weren't deal-breakers, it felt like an odd choice considering the Pixel Watch's higher price and otherwise Fitbit-centric experience.
That's no longer the case with the Pixel Watch 2. Google's new smartwatch gains both a skin temperature sensor and that EDA sensor, bringing it up to speed with Fitbit's offerings. That means you'll get notifications throughout the day when the Pixel Watch 2 detects possible signs of stress or excitement, which makes the second model a better choice than the first Pixel Watch for those looking to keep tabs on their stress levels.
The Pixel Watch 2's other major health feature, and the more important one, is irregular heart rhythm detection. While the first Pixel Watch can take an ECG and alert you if your heart rate is too high or low, it can't notify you if it detects an irregular heart rhythm. That could be critical for those interested in a smartwatch primarily for cardiac health, although it's important to remember that smartwatches aren't meant to replace medical devices.
The Pixel Watch (pictured) and Pixel Watch 2 are both heavily influenced by Fitbit.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
When it comes to exercise tracking, the Pixel Watch 2 and original Pixel Watch have a lot in common. The big difference is that the Pixel Watch 2 has a couple of new training tools to help you run at a certain pace and remain in specific heart rate zones during a run. These modes certainly motivated me to pick up the pace during a run, although proper running watches will have more robust tools. But Google's website indicates these features will be arriving on the first Pixel Watch in the future, too.
The case is the same with automatic workout detection. Unlike the first Pixel Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 can automatically start and stop certain exercises, such as running, walking, rowing and spinning, after you've been working out for a certain amount of time. This is a standard feature on most smartwatches and fitness trackers, but it's one area where the original Pixel Watch was lacking compared to its rivals. However, Google's website also says auto workout mode will be coming to the original Pixel Watch.
Compared to last year's model, the Pixel Watch 2 also has a new heart rate sensor with multiple points of contact, which I found to be impressively accurate when compared against a chest strap heart rate monitor. Otherwise, both watches offer many of the same health, fitness and wellness tracking features, such as sleep monitoring, high and low heart rate alerts, overnight blood oxygen levels, and a built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts.
The Pixel Watch 2 has a new charger and a slightly larger battery.
James Martin/CNET
The Pixel Watch 2 has a few upgrades over the original that make it feel faster and last longer on a single charge. There's a quad-core processor inside the Pixel Watch 2 compared to the first Pixel Watch's dual-core chip, for example. But more importantly, the Pixel Watch 2 has a new crown that's easier to twist, which makes scrolling through menus and apps feel smoother than on the first Pixel Watch.
Google's second watch also has a slightly larger battery, meaning it can now last for 24 hours with the always-on display activated. The previous-generation Pixel Watch can also last for a day, according to Google, but without the always-on display. In my experience, the Pixel Watch 2 lasted for more than 24 hours on a light day without tracking outdoor workouts. But logging outdoor runs and walks drained the battery much faster.
But it's not just about the battery life; the Pixel Watch 2 can also replenish its battery faster. In my testing, the Pixel Watch 2 went from flat to 97% in an hour, while the first Pixel Watch charged to 81% in the same time. It's worth noting, however, that they both charged to around 50% in 30 minutes.
The Pixel Watch 2 also uses a different charging mechanism that replaces the first generation's wireless charger. So if you do upgrade, you won't be able to repurpose your old charger for the new watch.
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The first Pixel Watch (pictured) will also get Google's Safety Check feature.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
The Pixel Watch 2 launches with Wear OS 4, the newest version of Google's operating system for smartwatches. The update brings improved notifications, better text-to-speech support and the ability to more easily transfer your watch to a new phone. The original Pixel Watch began receiving this update in October.
Both Pixel Watches have an app called Personal Safety that houses features such as emergency SOS and fall detection. Safety Check, which lets you start a timer to check in with your designated emergency contact during certain situations, was previously available only on the Pixel Watch 2. But the update to Wear OS 4 brought it to the first-generation model as well.
Safety Signal is new and exclusive to the Pixel Watch 2. It lets you use certain safety features like emergency location sharing without a data plan on the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 2. You do, however, need to subscribe to Fitbit Premium.
The Pixel Watch 2 is a welcome improvement over the original. Its stress-tracking sensors, longer battery life, faster charging and smoother performance make for a better all-round experience. But these are mostly routine upgrades that help address criticisms of the first watch rather than meaningfully pushing the smartwatch experience forward. With that in mind, original Pixel Watch owners shouldn't feel compelled to upgrade, especially since last year's watch will inherit some of the new model's features through software updates.
Take a closer look at how the two watches stack up below.
| Pixel Watch 2 | Pixel Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round | Round |
| Watch size | 41mm | 41mm |
| Materials, finishes | Aluminum | Stainless steel |
| Display size, resolution | 1.2-inch, 450 x 450 pixels (320 ppi) | 1.2-inch, 450 x 450 pixels (320 ppi) |
| Dimensions | 41mm x 12.3mm | 41mm x 12.3mm |
| Weight | 31g | 36g |
| Colors | Matte black, polished silver, champagne gold | Matte black, polished silver, champagne gold |
| Always On | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable bands | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic workout detection | Yes | No |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | 5ATM, IP68 | 5ATM |
| Calls | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Yes (Google Assistant) | Yes (Google Assistant) |
| Mobile Payments | Yes (Google Wallet) | Yes (Google Wallet) |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Health | ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, high and low heart rate alerts | ECG, high and low heart rate alerts |
| Period tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | SpO2, ECG, accelerometer, gyro, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, electrical sensor for body response tracking, barometer, magnetometer | SpO2, ECG, accelerometer, gyro, ambient light sensor, barometer, magnetometer |
| Emergency features | Safety Signal, Safety Check, emergency sharing, fall detection, medical information, emergency SOS, emergency international calling | Safety Check (coming later), emergency sharing, fall detection, medical information, emergency SOS, emergency international calling |
| Compatibility | Android 9 and above | Android 9 and above |
| Software | WearOS 4 | Wear OS 4 (later this year) |
| Processor | Qualcomm SW5100 (quad core) | Exynos 9110 SoC (dual core) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, NFC, 4G LTE option | Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, NFC, 4G LTE option |
| Memory and storage | 2GB memory + 32GB storage | 2GB memory + 32GB storage |
| Charging | USB-C to magnetic pin charger | USB-C to magnetic charger |
| Battery life | 24 hours with always-on display | 24 hours |
| Battery capacity | 306 mAh | 294 mAh |
| US price | $350 (Wi-Fi), $400 (Wi-Fi + LTE) | $280 (Wi-Fi), $330 (WiFi + LTE) |
| UK price | £349 (Wi-Fi), £400 (Wi-Fi + LTE) | £279 (Wi-Fi), £329 (WiFi + LTE) |
| Australian price | AU$549 (Wi-Fi), $649 (Wi-Fi + LTE) | AU$449 (Wi-Fi), AU$549 (Wi-Fi + LTE) |
