Google introduced the Pixel Watch 2 at its “Made by Google” occasion on October 4, 2023 alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional. The system brings with it upgrades to inside {hardware} and new well being & wellness capabilities, leveraging Fitbit’s wealth of know-how.
Right here we’ll dive into variations between the Pixel Watch 2 and its predecessor to see how a lot of the wearable has improved and whether or not an improve is warranted for individuals who already personal the first-generation.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch (1st Gen): Technical Specs
Class
Google Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch
Case
41mm, 31 grams, Aluminum
41mm, 36 grams, Stainless Metal
Show
1.2-inch, Customized Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 320ppi,(450 x 450 decision)
1.2-inch, Customized Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 320ppi, (450 x 450 decision)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
Samsung Exynos 9110
Inner Storage
32GB
32GB
RAM
2GB
2GB
Connectivity
LTE (elective), WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
LTE (elective), WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Battery
306 mAh, 75 minutes for full cost
294 mAh, 150 minutes for full cost
Sensors
Compass, altimeter, multi-path optical coronary heart fee, gyroscope, electrical sensor for EDA, pores and skin temperature, barometer, magnetometer, accelerometer
Compass, altimeter, optical coronary heart fee, gyroscope, accelerometer
Sturdiness
5ATM
5ATM
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch (1st Gen): What’s totally different?
Google Pixel Watch 2, Jaime Rivera / Pocketnow
Specializing in its internals first, the Google Pixel Watch 2 shifts to the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor from the generations-old Exynos 9110 that shipped within the first-generation Pixel Watch. The swap to newer {hardware} is not going to solely convey higher fluidity to the person expertise, however it would even be answerable for a number of of the brand new well being and wellness monitoring options.
Leaning into the system’s monitoring capabilities, the Pixel Watch 2 has fully revamped its case-back, that includes a multi-path coronary heart fee sensor that may mechanically change the monitoring algorithms utilized primarily based on the depth of exercise. These are then run by means of the AI coronary heart fee algorithms to ship metrics, which Google says are 40% extra correct. The sensor array additionally allows different options from the Fitbit suite, probably the most notable one being Physique Response, which may help with stress administration.
Google Pixel Watch 2, Jaime Rivera / Pocketnow
Battery efficiency with the Pixel Watch 2 additionally sees an enchancment. Not solely is the cell packaged into the wearable barely bigger — 306 mAh vs 294 mAh — however with the improved chipset Google claims you may expertise 24 hours of use with All the time-On show enabled. The unique Pixel Watch claimed as much as 24 hours with out explicitly mentioning using the show characteristic.
Charging speeds are additionally considerably higher, as Pixel Watch 2 will go from 0 to 100 in 75 minutes, which is half of the 150 minutes that the unique Pixel Watch required.
Lastly, there is a change in casing materials with this era. The Google Pixel Watch 2 swaps over to recycled aluminum from the 80% p.c stainless-steel construct on the first-generation watch. This shift brings a couple of 5 grams change in weight (with out band) — right down to 31 grams from 36 grams. The dome glass, constructed with Gorilla Glass 5 has additionally been modified, it is thinner and ties into the load discount of the wearable.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch (1st Gen): What’s the identical?
Google Pixel Watch 2, Jaime Rivera / Pocketnow
As you’ll have seen from the photographs on this article, whereas there’s loads that is altering internally, in relation to the exterior elements there’s not a lot distinction. The Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Pixel Watch look practically an identical, barring some variations that you could be or could not discover within the colours of the system. The show bezels, which we hoped would have improved are no smaller too.
Happily, different elements, like the nice 32GB of inside storage, 2GB of RAM, and strap system stay unchanged. So you may nonetheless have loads of house for apps or information and will not must toss away your authentic band assortment.
Google can also be sustaining consistency with costs, as Pixel Watch 2 begins at $349 for its Wi-Fi solely variant and $399 for the LTE mannequin.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch (1st Gen): Must you improve?
Once you first check out the Pixel Watch 2, you may assume that there is not a lot distinction, however that is solely the state of affairs for its design as a result of internally and on its case-back, there are substantial variations. For those who’re somebody who makes use of their smartwatch to remain on prime of any sickness or simply handle your day-to-day exercise, the Pixel Watch 2 is well worth the improve. The improved efficiency, charging pace and battery life additional sweeten the pot.
The brand new Google Pixel Watch 2 contains a 1.2-inch AMOLED show, the extra highly effective Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, and new sensors. The wearable comes with extra superior monitoring, enabling customers to precisely measure their coronary heart fee, ECG, blood stress, sleep, and numerous sports activities actions.