Google Pixel Watch 2 is out and reviewed

We look at the new Google Pixel Watch 2, see more about the device on the Google Pixel Watch website here.

Google Pixel Watch 2 reviewed

The watch does a lot of things well, which we will dive into. But, when we sent one of the team away on the road to test it while they travelled, they forgot to bring the dedicated charging cable for it. As we move towards universal chargers for all types of phones, it would be great if the same applied to all other related devices too. That niggle in the road to one side, set up was quick and pretty painless. Very soon it was relaying information and updates blue toothed over from the phone, which our testers were very positive about.

It is not huge, and fits well on the wrist. It is always going to be a small challenge to find the sweet spot between being too big and clunky, versus too small and not easy to read. With the Pixel Watch 2 this balance has been achieved and, for our female testers at least, they liked the size, shape and feel of the watch. In terms of price it sits pretty much in the middle in terms of similar products by Google’s competitors. The health related features were a popular element and well received by our testers.

The Pace training option also enables you to use this for your runs too. There maybe better specific running watches, but, for most users the Pixel 2 will probably be used to cover a range of use cases, rather than solely for a dedicated runner. In this way it is a nice feature to have. A lot of the health data will need to be viewed via the Fitbit app, which, while free for 6 months, is then a paid for subscription.

Maybe this is going to be inevitable, but you would imagine that it could be nice for perhaps Pixel Watch 3, that this is all just part of the package, inhouse data and reports, without then pushing the buyer to have to shell out for again to get the complete functionality that the watch offers.

Our testers liked it overall, and are confident that it will be appearing under the Christmas tree in quite a few homes in the next two weeks.

More about the Pixel Watch 2

We’ve made some big improvements from the original Google Pixel Watch, both inside and out: Pixel Watch 2 comes with upgraded performance, all-day battery life (with always-on display), new safety features and sensors for deeper health insights — including our most accurate heart rate tracking on any tracker or smartwatch — to give you a much better pulse on your day.

From the inside out, Pixel Watch 2 is designed for all-day (and night) wear. Its housing is made from 100% recycled aluminum which makes it 10% lighter than Pixel Watch — so it’s even more comfortable, especially when you’re sleeping. The crown is also larger and more flush with the circular silhouette for easier access and navigation.

Inside, Pixel Watch 2 has an all-new, quad-core CPU for smoother and stronger performance. Together with the low-power co-processor, the new CPU gives the watch 24 hours of battery life, even with always-on display. Combined with a faster charging rate that powers your watch to 50% in just 30 minutes, your Pixel Watch 2 can support your activities from day to night.

Pixel Watch 2 has three new sensors to give you deeper insights into your health. Working alongside our improved AI heart rate algorithm, an all-new heart rate sensor with numerous LEDs produces a more accurate heart rate reading than ever before. In fact, it’s up to 40% more accurate for vigorous activities like HIIT, spinning and rowing. This means you’ll also get more accurate readings for other important health metrics — from calories burned and Active Zone Minutes to Daily Readiness Score and sleep.

We’ve also brought Fitbit’s Body Response feature to Pixel Watch 2, powered by a new continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor. This new sensor can point to possible signs of stress using a machine learning algorithm that incorporates heart rate, heart rate variability and skin temperature. When the algorithm picks up on physical indicators of positive and negative stress, including excitement, the Body Response feature will send you a notification.

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