Pixel Smartwatch Guide: Features & Comparison

Did you know Google waited eight years before launching its first Pixel Smartwatch in 2022¹? The wait was worth it, as the Google Pixel Watch hit the market on October 13, 2022, at $349². For those in the Google ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 2 offers more with better health sensors, longer battery life, and faster Wear OS 4. But, if you already own one, you might not need to upgrade. Many new features were added to the original through updates.

This guide explores the detailed features and comparisons of the Pixel Smartwatch. It aims to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Key Takeaways

• The original Google Pixel Watch launched on October 13, 2022, with a starting price of $349 for the Wi-Fi-only model and $399 for the LTE variant²³.
• Pixel Watch 2 promises improved health sensors, including a “multi-path” heart rate monitor for enhanced accuracy³.
• Available in one 41mm size and offered in three colors: Champagne Gold, Matte Black, and Polished Silver².
• Expected enhancements in the Pixel Watch 2 include better battery life and more responsive software with Wear OS 4¹³.
• Wear OS 5, anticipated for the Pixel Watch 3, aims to introduce improved battery performance and enhanced fitness tracking¹.

Introduction to Pixel Smartwatches

Pixel Smartwatches stand out in the crowded market by blending Google’s tech know-how with Fitbit’s health tracking skills. This mix gives users a smooth digital experience and valuable health insights. The top pixel smartwatches come with features that cater to different needs.

The Google Pixel Watch costs $349 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or $399 for 4G LTE, offering flexibility in connectivity⁴. It comes with six months of Fitbit Premium and three months of YouTube Music Premium, adding value for buyers in supported areas⁴.

The latest Pixel Watch 2 ups the ante with advanced sensors for better health tracking. It tracks heart rate more accurately during intense activities like HIIT, a big plus for fitness lovers⁵. It also features heart rate tracking every second and supports 40 exercise modes, boosting its health tracking capabilities⁴.

Recent reviews praise the device’s battery life, lasting up to 24 hours, and quick charging to 50% in 30 minutes⁴. The watch’s long battery life, always-on display, and fast charging mean users can count on it all day⁵. The fall detection feature, added in February 2023, adds an extra layer of safety by alerting emergency services after a hard fall⁶.

The first Pixel Watch shipped 880,000 units by Q4 2022, showing strong demand and making up 22% of Google’s wearable sales⁶. This success hints at the potential for future models. The watch supports both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and 4G LTE, making it a great match for Android users and compatible with Pixel phones and Android 8.0+ devices⁴.

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel Watch 2 has a better design and build than its first version. Google chose 100% recycled aluminum for it, making it lighter and kinder to the planet⁷.

Materials Used

The first Pixel Watch was made of strong stainless steel. But, the Pixel Watch 2 uses 100% recycled aluminum instead. This change makes it 10% lighter and supports eco-friendly goals⁸⁷.

Size and Weight

The Pixel Watch and its sequel both have a 41mm case size, looking modern and sleek⁷. The new aluminum makes the Pixel Watch 2 31 grams, lighter than the first one’s 36 grams⁹. This makes it more comfortable to wear for a long time.

Color Options

The Pixel Watch 2 comes in colors like matte black, polished silver, and champagne gold. These options let users match the watch with their style and bands for a unique look⁸.

Display Features

The Pixel Watch 2 has a 320ppi AMOLED display for bright colors and clear images. Gorilla Glass protects it, making it tough against daily damage. The display is also super responsive, giving users a great experience⁸⁹.

The Pixel Watch 2 is a top pick for tech fans and everyday users. Its strong build and advanced design make it a standout choice.

Health and Fitness Tracking

The Google Pixel Watch series is a leader in health monitoring, thanks to Fitbit’s fitness tracking expertise. It has 40 pre-loaded activity modes, supporting many workouts¹⁰. But, the first version doesn’t track workouts automatically¹⁰. The Pixel Watch 2, however, has new sensors that make heart rate tracking better, especially for HIIT and spinning, by up to 40%¹¹.

The Pixel Watch is great at tracking sleep. It tracks sleep stages and gives a sleep score to help users understand their sleep¹⁰. Users can also sync their sleep data with the Fitbit app for more details¹². The Pixel Watch 2 has a new sensor that checks sleeping skin temperature¹¹. This info helps users understand their sleep quality and health better.

The Pixel Watch tracks your heart rate all the time, every second, 24/7, but doesn’t send heart rate alerts for irregular rhythms¹⁰. It can do ECGs and detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that affects 6.1 million Americans¹⁰. With Fitbit Premium, it also has a Daily Readiness Score to help users know if they’re ready for the day¹⁰.

The Google Pixel Watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, perfect for shallow water activities¹¹. But, it’s important to dry the watch and band after getting wet to keep them clean and lasting longer¹¹. This shows how Google’s tech and Fitbit’s fitness tracking work together to give users a full health and fitness tracking experience.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel Watch 2 has made big strides in battery life and charging speed. Google aimed to make the user experience better in these areas.

Battery Capacity

The Pixel Watch 2 has a bigger battery, so it lasts all day with the always-on display on. The first Pixel Watch lasted 12 to 15 hours with regular use, needing two charges a day. Now, it can last 24 to 30 hours¹³¹⁴.

Charging Speed

This smartwatch charges fast. It gets to 50% in 30 minutes, 80% in 55 minutes, and fully charges in 80 minutes¹⁵. After just half an hour of charging, you get an extra 12 hours of use.

Battery Efficiency

The Pixel Watch 2’s new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chipset and Wear OS 4 make it more efficient. Google’s updates in software and hardware have boosted battery life. They’ve also added Full Doze Mode to save power by turning off the screen and radios when it’s not in use for 10 minutes¹⁵.

Performance and Hardware

The Google Pixel Watch 2 has made a big leap in performance and hardware. It has a powerful quad-core processor, a big jump from the old dual-core. This means it works much faster and smoother¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸. It also has 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, making it quick and efficient for apps and tasks¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸.

The watch uses the Exynos 9110 SoC and a Cortex M33 co-processor for fast and efficient processing¹⁶. It also supports 4G LTE, Bluetooth® 5.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz for staying connected anywhere¹⁷.

The watch has a 1.2″ AMOLED display that shows bright and colorful images, perfect for any lighting¹⁸¹⁷. It’s protected by tough Gorilla® Glass 5 and is IP68 rated, so it’s dust and water resistant¹⁷.

The Pixel Watch 2 also has many sensors like an optical heart rate sensor and a gyroscope for health and fitness tracking¹⁶¹⁸. It’s made of 100% recycled aluminum, making it light at just 31 grams but still strong and reliable¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸.

These updates make the Pixel Watch 2 much better in performance and features. Users get a smooth and efficient experience for everyday tasks and fitness tracking.

Wear OS and User Interface

The Pixel Watch 2 now has Wear OS 4, making the user interface much better. This new smartwatch OS offers better notification handling and app connections. Users can easily connect with their phones and use Google services like Google Assistant, Maps, and Wallet on their wrists¹⁹.

Wear OS started as Android Wear in 2014 and was renamed Wear OS by Google in 2018²⁰. Google has updated it every year since then, with Wear OS 3 before Wear OS 4. This keeps the Pixel Watch and other devices up-to-date with the latest features²⁰.

Wear OS 4 makes managing tasks easy, from emails to navigation and Google Assistant chats¹⁹. It also supports contactless payments with Google Wallet and lets users control smart home devices with their wrist¹⁹.

The new OS has many features like tracking workouts, stress levels with the Calm app, and sleep patterns. These show how the Pixel Watch 2 is great for fitness and health¹⁹. Fitbit adds to its fitness and health features, making it a top fitness watch²⁰.

Brands like Google, Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi use Wear OS 4 to offer unique user interfaces¹⁹. This lets users choose their own experiences. Google and Samsung are great at updating their devices with new features for a long time²⁰.

Wear OS 4 has many interactive parts like apps, tiles, and customizable watch faces. This lets every user make their watch their own²¹.

Health Sensors and Monitoring

The Google Pixel Watch series has made a big leap in real-time health tracking. It comes with a wide range of sensors. This shows Google’s strong focus on user health and wellness.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Pixel Watch uses an optical heart rate sensor to track heart rate every second. It does this with advanced green light absorption technology. This gives accurate readings for both everyday activities and workouts²².

The Pixel Watch 2 is even more precise, making heart rate tracking up to 40% more accurate for activities like HIIT, spinning, and rowing²³. It also has an ECG sensor to check for irregular heartbeats. This could signal serious health issues like AFib²².

Stress Monitoring

Managing stress is key for good health, and the Pixel Watch 2 has a special feature for it. It has a cEDA sensor that tracks electrodermal activity. This alerts users to stress changes²³.

With Fitbit’s Body Response on Sense 2, the watch can also notify about stress or excitement. This helps a lot with managing stress²⁴. These features make it easier for users to keep an eye on and manage their stress levels.

Temperature Sensors

The Pixel Watch 2 also has a skin temperature sensor that works best at night²³. It gives detailed data on sleep patterns and any sleep issues. This is key for better health.

This feature works with other sensors to give a full picture of the wearer’s health. Together, these sensors make the Pixel Watch 2 a top choice for health monitoring. They show Google’s commitment to creating top-notch stress management tools and real-time health tracking solutions.

Fitness Features

The Pixel Watch 2 changes the game with its cutting-edge fitness features. It’s packed with tools to make workouts better and give detailed insights.

Automatic Workout Detection

The Pixel Watch 2 now detects workouts automatically. It can track activities like walking, running, and cycling on its own²⁵. This means you won’t miss tracking your important exercises. It’s a top pick for tracking your fitness journey.

Exercise Tracking

The watch supports 41 different exercises, from spinning to martial arts²⁵. It tracks your heart rate and pace, helping you tailor your workouts to meet your goals²⁶. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about fitness.

GPS and Outdoor Workouts

For outdoor activities, the built-in GPS tracks your routes accurately. This is great for runners and cyclists who need precise data²⁷²⁵. The watch keeps a detailed history of your workouts, helping you see how far you’ve come and what to work on next.

The Pixel Watch 2 is a standout for its powerful and easy-to-use fitness tools. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a reliable way to track their fitness journey.

Safety and Emergency Features

The Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 come with top-notch smartwatch emergency features for safety. They have a fall detection feature that kicks in after 30 seconds of no movement. It alerts the user and can call emergency services automatically if needed²⁸²⁹. This uses machine learning to spot falls well and offers a vital safety net in emergencies²⁹.

The Car Crash Detection on these watches shakes, rings loudly, and tells the user if a serious car crash happens. It helps users quickly call for help²⁸³⁰. This feature starts a 60-second countdown with vibrations and alarms, giving users enough time to act and call for help³⁰.

Another key feature is the Emergency SOS, which is set off by pressing the watch’s crown five times fast. It sends alerts to emergency contacts or 911 for quick help³⁰²⁹. The Safety Check on the Pixel Watch 2 lets users set safety checks from one minute to 8 hours. If there’s no response, it shares the user’s location with emergency contacts²⁸²⁹.

These smartwatches also have crisis alerts that tell users about public emergencies and give links to trusted info from local authorities²⁸. The Pixel Watch 2 keeps important Medical Info like blood type and health conditions ready for emergencies, even if the watch is locked²⁹.

For those into high-impact sports, Car Crash Detection is a key safety tool. It works in many languages and places, like the US, UK, Canada, and Europe³⁰. The Pixel Watch 2’s Emergency Location Service sends location info to emergency services when needed³⁰.

Here’s a comparison of safety and emergency features in both Pixel Watch models:

Price and Value

The Pixel Watch 2 costs $350 and is a great deal for those looking for an affordable smartwatch³¹³². It’s cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 8, starting at $399, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5, at $280. This makes it a good middle option with top features³¹.

The Pixel Watch 2 shines with its improved hardware and software. It has a Qualcomm processor and a multi-path heart rate sensor for better workout tracking, 40% more accurate³³³². The screen is a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED with Gorilla Glass 5, bright enough for any light³¹³².

It also has 32GB of storage and runs on Wear OS, with many apps and features ready to go³¹³². The battery lasts a whole day on one charge, making it great for everyday use³³³².

The Google Pixel Watch 2 connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and 4G LTE, perfect for staying connected anywhere³³. It has health sensors, supports email, and has a better user interface with the updated Fitbit app³³³².

In summary, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a smart choice for those wanting a durable, feature-packed smartwatch at a good price.

Software Updates and Support

Google shows its commitment with the Pixel Watch series. Updates for the Pixel Watch usually take less than an hour. The watch must be charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi during this time³⁴. If updates take longer, you might need to troubleshoot further³⁴.

To check your software version, swipe down on the Pixel Watch and tap on Settings, then System, and About³⁴. You can also update apps through the Google Play Store on the watch and your phone³⁴. This shows Google’s effort to make things easy and efficient for users.

Google promises three years of updates for the Pixel Watch 2³⁵. Samsung offers four years for its Galaxy Watch series starting with the Galaxy Watch 4³⁵. This means users get the latest features and updates for a long time.

Apple also shows strong support, updating watchOS 10 for watches as old as the Series 4 from 2018³⁵. Garmin updated its Fenix 5 five years after it came out³⁵. These examples show how smartwatches are getting more support, giving users ongoing improvements and security.

Users love how the Google Pixel Watch works with Pixel phones, making things run smoothly³⁶. The Google Pixel Watch app is highly rated at 4.7 from 40.2K reviews³⁶. Even with some issues like Bluetooth resets, Google’s support keeps users happy.

The strong support and regular updates make the Pixel Watches valuable and long-lasting. With Google’s careful updates and support plans, users get the latest in smartwatch tech.

User Reviews and Feedback

Users love the Google Pixel Watch for its real-world performance. They praise its build quality and how well it works with Google services. Many reviews say the health tracking features, like ECGs and heart rate tracking, are as good as the Apple Watch’s³⁷.

The Pixel Watch looks great in matte black, silver, and gold³⁸. It tracks over 40 types of workouts, making it a top fitness tracker³⁸. Even though it might be a bit small for some wrists, you can change the straps to fit your style³⁹.

Reviews also highlight the software’s strengths, like the Wear OS 4 and its easy backup and phone switching³⁷. The Safety Check and Safety Signal add extra reliability for users³⁷.

But, some users say there’s room for improvement. They mention issues with Fitbit integration and missing automatic walk detection³⁹. Still, the workout tracking quality is excellent, making it a top choice³⁷.

The battery life of 24 hours gets mixed reviews. It’s enough, but users need to watch their usage to get the most out of it³⁸. The watch is also very light, thanks to its recycled aluminum case, making it great for wearing all day³⁷.

In the end, while the Pixel Watch isn’t perfect, its health tracking, interface, and Google integration are top-notch³⁹.

Pixel Smartwatch Deals and Where to Buy

Finding great deals on pixel smartwatches can save you a lot of money. There are many deals out there, like trade-in offers and installment plans. These deals make buying pixel smartwatches more affordable.

Current Deals

The Google Pixel Watch 2 costs $350 for the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model and $400 for the 4G LTE version⁴⁰. Best Buy gives My Best Buy Plus members a $60 discount on the Pixel Watch 2. Open Box models start at just $262⁴⁰. Google also offers trade-ins for the Pixel Watch 2, giving up to $75 or letting you pay in 12 monthly payments of $29⁴⁰. Amazon lets you pay in 18 monthly payments of $25.45⁴⁰.

Verizon has trade-in deals for up to $180 or the watch for free with 36 months of bill credits when buying a new 5G Android phone⁴⁰. AT&T gives the Pixel Watch 2 for free with a new Google Pixel Phone purchase or for $6 a month on an installment plan⁴⁰. For more deals, visit this link.

Retailers

Looking for pixel smartwatches? Check out different retailers. Amazon sells the standard Pixel Watch for $200 and the LTE version for $250 with a $150 discount⁴¹. Best Buy offers the same prices and has trade-ins and financing options⁴¹. For more deals, visit this page.

The Google Store also has deals, offering the standard Pixel Watch for $200 and the LTE version for $250 with a $150 discount and two years of free data service⁴¹. They have trade-ins and financing too⁴¹. Keep an eye on these retailers for the latest deals.

Amazon is also offering the Echo Dot smart speaker for $27.99, a discount of $22 off the regular price⁴². Deals like this show how buying from retailers can save you money. For more offers and options, check out this link.

By comparing prices and using current promotions, buyers can get the best pixel smartwatches without spending too much.

Conclusion

The Pixel Smartwatch series shows Google’s aim to mix style with smarts. It gives users a watch that looks good and works great. The first Pixel Watch was a hit with its unique design and fitness tracking. Now, the Pixel Watch 2 has even more to offer, like better fitness tracking with Fitbit and a battery that lasts up to 24 hours⁴³.

The Pixel Watch 2 focuses on health with four heart rate sensors for accurate readings⁴⁴. It only comes in a 41mm size, which might not please everyone⁴³. But, its features and design are top-notch. Users should think about how easy it is to fix and the need to sometimes turn on exercise tracking manually⁴⁴.

The design of the Pixel Watch is modern and sleek, with stainless steel and customizable faces⁴⁵. It also has a Safety Check feature in the Pixel Watch 2, making it more appealing⁴³. The Pixel Watch is a top pick for Wear OS watches, making it a great choice⁴⁵.

Choosing the original or the latest Pixel Smartwatch means getting a mix of design, performance, and health tracking. They are a strong choice in the wearable tech market, offering great value and a good user experience.

Source Links

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