Google Pixel Watch vs Pixel Watch 2: What's new and should you upgrade?

Google is officially two generations deep into its wearable lineup with the launch of the Pixel Watch 2. The new smartwatch features many of the same specs and design features as the original model but adds a few key upgrades to the user experience. Is it worth upgrading to the newest version if you already own Google’s first release? Read our Google Pixel Watch vs Google Pixel Watch 2 comparison to find out.

Google Pixel Watch vs Google Pixel Watch 2 specs

Google Pixel Watch vs Google Pixel Watch 2: Features

Both Google Pixel Watches offer shoppers a unique Wear OS experience with the best Google has to offer and the top tools from Fitbit’s ecosystem packed into a single device. The smartwatches feature the staples of a solid wearable, including first and third-party apps, fitness tracking, health monitoring, and daily-use tools like phone call support, music storage, and assistant support. Where the Pixel Watch 2 pulls ahead is in its internal upgrades and added features.

The second generation packs a powerful new processor, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, with four cores running at 1.7GHz. This makes the smartwatch much more efficient and supports low-power states such as Deep Sleep and Hibernation. Each of these modes contributes to improved battery specs. In testing, the impact is a speedy user experience with smooth navigation. The Pixel Watch 2 also features ultra-wideband (UWB), enabling a new Find My Device feature.

On the fitness tracking front, the Google Pixel Watch 2 brings automatic workout detection to users’ wrists, including seven popular activities. This was a major oversight of the original model and an exciting tool to see added for active users. The new device also offers Pace Training and an improved heart rate sensor for monitoring heart rate zones during workouts. I found these tools extremely useful for optimizing training mid-exercise. The color-coded rate zones, in particular, made it easy to manage exertion during HIIT workouts. The device’s built-in Google Assistant will also answer health and fitness queries with real-time stats. These improvements make the device a more reliable gym companion and a more attractive option for athletes.

Beyond the gym, the watch also features new cEDA and skin temperature sensors for keeping closer tabs on advanced health metrics. Specifically, Fitbit’s stress management features are among the best in the business and a welcome addition to the Pixel Watch line. That said, I wasn’t personally impressed by the tool during my review period. I would love to see Fitbit add more actionable analysis to its stress-tracking platform.

The watch also boasts new safety features. These include Safety Check, which allows users to preset a contingency plan when approaching situations they are uncertain about. The latter allows users to share their location with specific contacts for a chosen amount of time. Finally, Fitbit Premium members can access phone-free connectivity to safety features without activating an LTE plan.

Because the Pixel Watch 2 runs Google’s latest Wear OS 4 out of the box, it also offers an improved user interface with updated apps. The device also features dynamic theming, new watch faces, and a revamped Fitbit UI. However, these improvements are also available on the older model via software update.

Google Pixel Watch vs Google Pixel Watch 2: Design

The second Pixel Watch echoes the overall minimalist impression of the original Pixel Watch with clean lines, integrated bands, and a curved display. Case in point: the image above is a Pixel Watch and a Pixel Watch 2!

However, the back housing is slightly redesigned to accommodate the new model’s added sensors. More noticeably, the new device is made from 100% recycled aluminum rather than stainless steel. The watch is, therefore, slightly lighter and, according to Google, features thinner domed glass over its display. It’s hard to recognize the differences in person, but the slightly larger digital crown is a nice improvement. Overall, the device is very comfortable for all-day wear. It also boasts an IP68 rating not seen on the original model. This means the device is certified as dust-tight and protected from water in all directions. The IP rating is in addition to the 5ATM water resistance rating carried over from the original model.

Like the previous model, the Pixel Watch 2 is available in four color combinations. Each new device ships with a fluoroelastomer sport band and plenty of additional accessories are also available. These include new metal and active band options.

Internally, the Pixel Watch 2 packs a slightly larger battery that Google claims will offer longer use between charges. The official specs list the device’s battery life at up to 24 hours with the always-on display enabled. Unlike its predecessor, the second-generation device actually provides 24 hours of power between charges, even with always-on display enabled. During my review, a full charge lasted about 25 hours, including a 40-minute GPS workout.

The watch also ships with a new fast-charging cable that cuts charge times, though only slightly. Google claims the new cable will charge the device from 0 to 80% in under 45 minutes. During my review, charging the watch from zero to 100% took a little over an hour (almost a full 30 minutes less than the original model), and charging to 50% took 25 minutes. The new charger won’t work with the first Pixel Watch, which charges even slower than ever after a controversial software update.

Google Pixel Watch vs Google Pixel Watch 2: Price and colors

The Google Pixel Watch launched at $349.99 in October 2022, landing squarely between leading wearables from Apple and Samsung. For an LTE model, Google added a $50 upcharge to the device. Both models shipped with active-style bands and were available in the same four colorways. Options include Matte Black with an Obsidian band, Polished Silver with a Charcoal or Chalk band, and Champagne Gold with a Hazel band.

This October, the Google Pixel Watch 2 landed at nearly identical prices to its predecessor globally. In the US, a Bluetooth Pixel Watch 2 costs $349.99. Like last year, the LTE model runs for an extra $50. the Google Pixel Watch 2 also comes in four colorways. Matte Black with an Obsidian active band and Champagne Gold with a Hazel active band echo the line’s original colors. This year, Google mixes things up slightly by pairing its polished silver case with an active band in Bay or Porcelain.

Google Pixel Watch vs Google Pixel Watch 2: Should you upgrade?

Like any first draft, the original Google Pixel Watch featured some first-generation kinks. It was missing advanced sensors, its battery life was unfortunate, and it didn’t pack a few staple tools for active users. Many of these shortcomings are addressed in the new model (though certainly not at all). In short, the Pixel Watch 2 offers users a more powerful and refined wearable. With hardware and software upgrades, shoppers find a more comprehensive health and fitness tracking companion and a better Google Wear OS experience. Meanwhile, it’s still a highly attractive device with a unique look. If you’re a Pixel phone user, the watch is an even more attractive buy.

With that said, we’re still dubious about the device’s durability and desperate for true multi-day battery life. Given the many highly-rated competitors at this price point, it isn’t easy to recommend dropping roughly $350 for an imperfect upgrade. The biggest reason for average users to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 2 is for its powerful new chipset. The new model’s upgraded heart rate sensor and added stress management tools are also major selling points for anyone with health concerns. If none of these upgrades strike you as necessary, it may be worth hanging on to the original model for now.

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