Google Pixel Watch 2 REVIEW: Is it Actually Better?

The Cheapest Google Pixel Watch 2: hawk.ly/m/Goog...
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is here, and in some ways, it introduces major upgrades over the first Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 for the best Android smartwatch title, and even the Apple Watch Series 9 for the best smartwatch crown overall. But in other ways, it doesn't have the improvements I was hoping to see, namely in terms of design. I tested out the Pixel Watch 2's fitness tracking features, wellness monitoring tools carried over from Fitbit, and battery life to see if it's actually a better smartwatch than it was before.
00:22 - The Pixel Watch
01:08 - Pixel Watch 2
02:24 - New Features
02:39 - Safety Check
04:14 - Mental Wellbeing
05:18 - Fitness Tracking
06:55 - Battery
08:26 - Conclusion
Videos • Reviews • Tech Insight
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#googlepixelwatch2 #googlepixelwatch #smartwatch

[@CupheadAleks]

This was a fantastic review! So in depth and considerate for every little detail. Loved the Manhattan walk test!

[@CodySSC]

Thanks for doing the GPS-on battery life testing! I ordered one already (delivery tomorrow) but it was a major concern of mine. I regularly do bike rides of 3-5 hours and was concerned that I might not be able to make it until the end. This is the first review I've seen that has that test, a huge one of importance for me.

[@katekozuch6957]

glad it was valuable to you! I was very worried it wouldn't last through my whole walk, so it was a pleasant surprise.

[@agumartz]

It's not 100% recycled titanium, it's aluminum 😂

[@xxkillerdogxx]

Aluminumumumumum.

[@DerekBasthemer]

Ah-loo-min... Yum!

[@CybekCusal]

Bimbouminum

[@1MythicalMarvel]

I was just about to literally look that up untill I seen this comment 😅

[@WatchMDS]

Good. I'm not the only one who heard that

[@barakfletcher541]

How long does the battery last on the Pixel watch 2 without the always on display? I'm wondering why everyone reviewing it is leaving that part out. Did Google tell you all y'all have to say It lasts 24 hours with always on display?

[@BrandonGraham]

I'm not sure how long the development cycle is for a piece of tech like this, but I imagine that if they hadn't started working in on Gen 2 before Gen 1 released, they didn't have a lot of time for changes before tooling up the manufacturing process. So I'm guessing with you that next year is where they hit their stride.

[@iiiduncaniii]

They are probably working on gen 4 or 5 right now

[@arsonshadow187]

I was gonna give it til gen 3 or 4 really

[@marcochavanne]

Yeah that's not how that works. Development for a model is way further out than you realize. It takes a month or two to internally test once they have a model ready. Then when it's finalized it has to pass regulatory testing and await certifications for each market they want to sell it in. They are probably wrapping up with the Watch 3 design now and moving towards the 4 and successive models.

[@iiiduncaniii]

Also technology in development is always ahead of the market by far. That's part of how developers keep their jobs. They develop the highest tech, then release it in steps. Remember the pentium? They were already developing the pentium 4 while they were releasing pentium 2's at MHz increments. I would say if you don't have any issues with your current phone, there is no need to upgrade. To me it comes down to battery and storage. I like the slightly better battery and also i upgraded to 4x the storage.

[@chrisjenkins9613]

Hi Kate Great review i love the size of the watch 2, 41mm for the smaller wrists but the bezel could be smaller, therefore having a bigger viewable screen. Great idea about SOS and safety check.

[@reqausxobi]

If I use the watch for music with the always-on display off, how long will the watch last?

[@hdtravel1]

I upgraded from the 1 to the 2 and so far loving it a lot

[@Mike.Tech.]

What's the difference? Has the speaker been improved for calls?

[@CodeGr88n]

Ive been itching for a smart watch but never made the plunge. Didnt even want to do it for the gen1. But with a 50% off deal, im snagging it! Looking forward to future versions wirh less bezel

[@LV2355]

02:12 "recycled titanium"- Are you sure?

[@katekozuch6957]

recycled aluminum! 😬too many smartwatches out recently with all different materials lol. thanks for catching!

[@Mospen]

Great review Kate! Really enjoyed the overview/comparisons and real-world testing. Very informative and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work!

[@Ayesuku]

This was a good review. It was fair and you put it through its paces (pun intended).

[@larrynicholson5913]

One big problem, for me, the pixel watch 1 & 2 use the Fitbit app for storing and viewing data. I already own a Fitbit device and would like to use both devices together. Sadly the app forces me to choose just one device. If I choose the pixel watch, I won't get the additional data that the Fitbit device offers. If I don't choose the pixel watch, it's functionality is limited. This seems crazy to me and is a big drawback IMO. A separate app that allows full use of the pixel watch, or a change to the Fitbit app (Google owned) would be a better option for myself and others who already own Fitbit devices.

[@LukeVesty]

The massive draw back for me isn't so much battery life as it is battery degradation. If you were to buy a conventional watch you can be assured you have a timepiece that will last a lifetime if you look after it. Just swap out a coin battery every year or two and you're sweet. But if the Pixel Watch (and indeed any smart watch, to be clear) has a battery life that is only decent on the day you buy it, what's it going to be like in three years time? We shouldn't have to keep buying a brand new device just because of battery degradation. For me, user replaceable batteries should be the highest priority. We should be able to get 10 years out of these things. I really don't think this is unreasonable, especially given the price of smart watches.

[@sbashir9460]

That's not going to happen. Apple is the benchmark and I had the 3 for 3 years before the mb died and then used a 4 that was working fine till I switched to Pixel phone. If I can get three-five years I'll take it.

[@LukeVesty]

​@@1vbAPiYk😂

[@GalaxyNexus1]

Lol. Hate to break it to you but your laptop won't last a lifetime either. 🤦

[@xxkillerdogxx]

Great review. Im a marathon runner and would have been concerned that the watch would die in 5 to 6 hrs while GPG was working. Very useful review for me. Thanks!

[@bharat5194]

Nice review but I'm here for the soundtrack! What's that tune playing at 5:06?

[@dropshot1967]

I like what I hear about the pixel watch 2 so far. I would also like a bigger version. The extra space in the watch could then be used for a bigger battery and longer battery life. I could adept those safety features for my use though, as I regularly suffer from Atrium fibrillation and am scheduled to be operated at the end of the year. I could set it for timed checks while these episodes occur. I wonder if it is possible to download and forward the heartrate sensor readings to my cardiologist.

[@DannyFenton217]

Coming from the apple ecosystem of an iphone 13 pro max and series 6 apple watch. I must say the pixel watch 2 aesthetically is eye catching. I do understand the want for a bigger size for me i actually wanted to see less more simplistic information and went into full fitness tracking

[@Mark_Williams.]

2:14 Recycled Titanium?? I wish. It's recycled aluminium. I'm liking the watch so far but yeah the bezels are disappointing and the circular shape doesn't help things either with corners chopping off content/view.

[@Lasky1]

Great review! Looks like a great walk too! Having just bought the Pixel 8Pro, i would love to get a smart watch/fitness tracker to go with it (More focus on health tracking rather than typical smart watch features). In your opinion, how does this watch compare to something like the fitbit sense 2?

[@p4ul.f708]

In my country, when you buy a pixel 8 pro until 16th october you can get a pixel watch 2 for free. You get it when filling out a formula and then the watch will be send to you in about a month. Maybe you should check if you purchase is viable for this offer as well. 🤷‍♂️

[@danielpauley5238]

Great review! Hopefully with more software updates that the battery life will improve further. Do we know how long it will last with Always On display setting off? Personally, I really wish they would release a rectangular shape watch like the Apple Watch or the Fitbit Sense. I'm not a big fan of the circle and I also find it shows much less information. I love the features, apps, and design of the Apple Watch and wish I could get that for Android.

[@katekozuch6957]

Agreed a rectangular style would be interesting!

[@somethingelse25]

I got a first Gen Pixel Watch for Christmas so I'll have to see for my battery does for workouts other than walking. Great review!

[@JeremyStMartin]

What abou the LTE version in terms of batery life? Thank you for going on the walk for us. That was great.

[@jamarri7340]

I think it’s a solid watch it’s really good with mental health & sleep, tracking all your activities but still some improvement needed but I must say the pixel watch 2 is a improvement from the first one

[@ConnerVilhauer]

The sport band design is used by everyone, including Fitbit, who's been making watches a lot longer than Apple.

[@IronCan88]

You know it. Whenever apple makes something, they invented it at the same time. Doesn't matter how many people has made it before😂

[@brandonscholl967]

The size is why I didn't get the first one. I only got the second because it was "free" with the pixel 8 pro lol

[@Wallette3]

How does it feel? Is it too small?

[@brandonscholl967]

@@Wallette3 eh a bit but may just be a preference thing. It's not terribly small.

[@Wallette3]

@@brandonscholl967 thank you, I was on the fence, I'll likely wait for next year and hope they have something bigger and better

[@VinnyUnion]

Oi even the GW4 40mm looks somewhat bulky on my wrists ._.

[@sbashir9460]

Sounds like a viable purchase then for someone who has just come to Pixel and was not ready to get the W1 due to battery life. I also have small wrists so 41 is fine.

[@gauravsharma3765]

How does the accuracy compare to an apple watch because the galaxy watch isn't that accurate so i was disappointed. Can you please compare them?

[@Lp-qm9wj]

Can you make a call from the watch and how does it sound?

[@AmandeepSingh-qe4ok]

i have both watches Both work the best while calling

[@clevelandaglennable]

Great video! Can you tell me does the LTE functionality and blue tooth calling automatically work and is automatically associated with your phone number so you don't have to pay for another phone number with your carrier? Thanks!

[@dragon2knight]

Not with AT&T, you need another number unfortunately....only $10 a month, but I shouldn't need to pay even that.

[@RackBaLLZ]

I don't like the size of the bezel at all. Looks like a high percentage of unused screen potential. I did order a free pixel watch 2 with a pixel 8 pro today for my wife and I each. I'm still excited to see it. It will be the 1st smart watch for each of us.

[@mike_abramyan]

Isn't it now 100% recycled aluminum, not titanium?

[@famillebouletrouleau]

Question: On a regular Fitbit like the Charge 5, we can rely on the GPS of your connected phone instead of the internal GPS to save on battery like of the watch. Can we do that on the pixel watch 2? BTH good meaningful review with actual usage.

[@larrynicholson5913]

If you have a recent Fitbit device the Fitbit app forces you to choose between the Fitbit device or the pixel watch. There is no alternative, which for me is a serious drawback.

[@Dandre312]

I have this and it works. The problem is, I used it and forgot to turn it off. None of my contacts checked in except a cousin who is last on the list who I assumed would be concerned

[@t3hpwninat0r]

you need a membership to make the most of it but what is "the most of it"? am i missing out on anything that i actually want if i don't pay for a subscription?

[@jamesrowles9762]

Great review. Manhattan walk looks ace also

[@buffalufacus]

Definitely interested in opinions: I'm upgrading to the 8Pro and have the Free Watch 2 on the way - but currently have a Galaxy Watch 5. I have no issues with the 5, but would consider the switch to the watch 2 if it is in fact better than the samsung offering. Otherwise, might just sell the Watch 2 to pay off the 8 Pro faster. I'd like to get out of the Samsung Ecosystem, but the Buds 2 Pro are better than the Pixel offering, and the Watches are pretty darn great too.

[@That_spicy_rocco]

Same, mines coming tomorrow, I'll be keeping my Samsung smart watch

[@rakeshsinghprs]

I think its worth using pixel watch 2 with better accuracy in health, heart, sleep and other functionality that may offer when paired with Pixel 8 pro.

[@matrix1169a]

How's the speaker? Mine sounds very muffled.

[@yanni2737]

I ve used the watch and the bezels are absolutely fine. The face has a domed shape so you cannot put a screen under it as it get distorted.

[@bonniebrown3045]

Do you need to buy premium for features

[@NITINCHAWLA]

safety check is the exact same as check in on imessage, but good review overall

[@rubenmoreno407]

Safety check with the camera person following you 😂

[@Juliusabcd]

Thank you for the great review!

[@turceapaulandrei]

recycled aluminium at 2:14, not titanium

[@jakelogan4389]

Informative vid. Thanks

[@spideyguard]

Do you have any recs for screen protectors, cases and extra chargers for the Watch 2? From everything I've read, the Watch 1 cases and chargers won't be able to be used on the Watch 2 because of the slight design changes.

[@AmandeepSingh-qe4ok]

i have both watches and have screen protectors and case for watch 1 , I'll use it on watch 2 and will let you know

[@therealmrstaten1]

Is it worth upgrading to the 2nd gen? Or should I buy the 1st gen and wait for the 3rd?

[@davidniositech]

Wait for the 3rd, it comes out on 13.8.2024! ❤🎉

[@tri0xin]

Great video.. that walk was ideal for testing the battery life. Did you happen to have bluetooth connected with earbuds or anything? I lived in NYC in 2006/2007 and used to do a similar walk from Central park north to battery park. So weird thinking that was before even the first Iphone. I used a Siriusxm Inno.. that was some awesome tech.. handheld satelitte radio walkman.

[@jonbikaku6133]

The thing about 99% smartwatch reviews is that they dont review the sensors..the main thing about a smart/fitness walk. Yeah there is one size, yeah there are bezels, but how is the heartrate sensor? How's the sleep tracking? How will you compare and find a baseline with it? Reviews without these details are useless, and your type of customers shouldn't even be in this space.

[@brizzleooo]

Does it have the irregular heart rate notifications? I loved the first watch and that was the main feature i wanted to see added here.

[@johnnylchalk2370]

This is great thanks

[@dwibrataproperty]

The battery life is so drain.. but everything is decent and good. Btw where to buy the straps in Asia or Indonesia? thanks

[@blue-fj9ky]

I was afraid this would be too small. I have pretty large wrists. The large band barely fits. It is not too small! I would not want a bigger, heavier, clunkier watch.

[@japyoo2248]

So size does matter?

[@lyndonjoycejr610]

Great job!

[@kathyhooker4965]

Any idea about batter life if you're tracking a walk with GPS and streaming music?

[@jorgecampos2643]

I have a fit bit versa 3 and I am happy with it so far nothing out there is tempting me to update

[@nomad7653]

great video!

[@DavidHust]

So disappointing. Was hoping to get a watch this year but this provides nearly for me and it's still small.

[@BugattiBoy01]

I had such a Wack time setting it up, it didnt set up properly the first time (Literally said that on the app) so had to reset it and do it again. Then it would Not take location data for the weather app, had to manually connect it to wifi then turn wifi off and then it finally worked with location. Weird

[@IAmYous3f]

safety check seem cool but imagine forgeting to turn it off or for example you estimate 30 minutes journey but get surprised with a traffic jam or something that delays your trip. feels weird to keep telling the emergency contacts that you are fine

[@IronCan88]

That's user error though. Per your analogy, same could be said about water resistance...and many other features. "Water resistance is nice. But imagine you submerge it beyond 6ft, and forget to retrieve it within 30min..."

[@geekmangreg1677]

So, I think I heard someone say that it will take blood oxygen readings when in sleep mode - but you still can’t manually take a blood oxygen reading, can you? Something the other watches can do.

[@Mike.Tech.]

Just like the first watch

[@FedDonovan]

Recycle titanium or aluminum....

[@rubenmoreno407]

Good thing I have small wrists, I don't like huge watches anyways.

[@Cotronixco]

No hourly chime, no seconds, and no angular display? No thanks.

[@ruggedrobbierob]

Review is good , but I well say she seem like she was going through something . All black , different from past hope she's okay mentally 🙏 but awesome review we all going through it keep your head up . If your going threw something . 😊

[@frooqy]

You say at the end to leave a comment and you'll answer them but two weeks later you haven't responded to a single comment

[@martkamo]

Titanium! I wish......it's aluminium

[@jamarri7340]

I think pixel watch 3 might be that watch 😂 I think it would be a better improvement than the first one & pixel watch 2 so I have high hopes for pixel watch 3

[@maarteneh]

Does this thing still measure the heart rate every second? That's so useless and it drains battery.

[@Sleventv]

What's the watch band ?

[@KapitanPoop]

I have a much better “ safety check”…..lol 😂

[@AngelMcElroy]

Is this watch capable of playing games? Literally asking because I get bored at work 😂

[@Theafire]

Yes, definitely need the SOS feature just in case a blue whale 🐋 eats you

[@kriegtiger]

Samsung, Apple, and Google... That's it? Where's Garmin? Seriously I swear by my vivoactive for all the smart features you'd expect and the battery life crushes all of the big three.

[@davidniositech]

But the Garmin doesn't look good!

[@kriegtiger]

@@davidniositech- the Garmin looks fine, and you have a ton of options available from watchbands to watch faces. it's because it can't compete against Garmin's 7-10 day battery life.

[@HarpreetSingh1991]

I dont think its worth the price. Price should be lower or half the price

[@channelDD25]

Don't understand this review's critique on the size of the watch. It's mainly to collect data in which you can review thoroughly through the phone. It's not supposed to be a big entertainment system on your wrist. Quick notifications at a glance that you can take care of on your phone. Add in AI + Voice capabilities and you should be able to do tasks on the watch hands free. This is a great wearable for people in the Pixel ecosystem. If you want something that looks more like a real watch, then Wear a Real Watch. My only complaint for the Pixel watch 2 is the subscription service. Other than that it is a viable option for those on Android.

[@matrix1169a]

Guess answering people's questions is not part of the job🤔

[@cmjhonline982]

A bit too much face time and too little watch view

[@JacobConkin]

You're not Tom.

[@jamiesplinter8758]

I don't care about fit sleep trackering i want maps gps make receive calls respond to email WhatsApp text ect via voice

[@AliKazi]

^*Recycled aluminium 😊

[@mjjones1045]

What is it with Google? Why do they always release underwhelming products with premium pricing? It's like they do not want to sell too many not to hurt competitors who they make money off of from using Google. I'd never use this watch at this size. I'll be keeping my galaxy watch 6 with my big screen. Even the 8 pro is underwhelming but they increased the price. The soc still warms up like the pixel 7 pro. I guess I still need to view pixels as phones made for developers like the Nexus program was, smh.

[@maciejcichocki4535]

👍

[@rune6506xx]

Google discriminates people with big hands

[@geolykos]

Doesn’t even compare to HUAWEI smart watches. I bought mine for £140 2 years ago and it’s still going strong with easy 10 days battery.

[@davidniositech]

It's not all about Battery...

[@billfreeman398]

Poor review

[@rico4you]

Stop complaining so much you are stressed out....Titanium 😂 you've been watching way too many IPhone 15 vídeos

[@AlMamunVideos]

You know what...do yourselves a favor. Get an Apple Watch Ultra or S9. Thank me later. 😊

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Google has the classic Microsoft problem. All software and sucks at hardware. Samsung all the way!

[@IronCan88]

Samsung uses android though, so Samsung does suck at software.

[@atetraxx]

Lmao. Samsung uses Google software dude.

[@Nawk32]

Im sorry but both pixel watches are a complete flop. Not in my opinion, its a fact. $350 for a smart/active watch with a battery that maybe last a day gets a 0/5. The features dont matter when they dont have a battery to support their extended use. When you take into consideration that Google bought fitbit, obtained their tech ($300+ watches with a 7+day battery WITH GPS) and that ITS GOOGLE selling this watch, its pathetic. This is a watch for a 9-5/non tech, novice, smart watch user. What most people dont consider is how the battery on the watch will drain quicker over time. How this thing is getting "kind" reviews is beyond me. Garmin is running circles around google which is hilarious and sad. Ive bought pixel phones since the 2 and i just cant get behind their subpar watches.

[@Popper_]

It's not a smartwatch, it's a fitness wearable for women. Same bezels and same 41mm size. Swing and a miss Google.

[@jcap8391]

This woman is exactly who this watch is for. Take it for what it is. Horrendous watch. You can always count on Google to ruin hardware 😊

[@RealBroman]

Beatiful review with a beatiful woman.

[@sailormakaw]

Slightly creepy comment

[@bluesfear]

False statement. Not beautiful woman

[@NathanMatthews.]

You seem to be the person that would say "any hole is the goal"

[@davidjacobs6244]

Simp 😂

[@Ayesuku]

Dial it down creepo