After a disappointing first attempt last year, Google is returning to the busy field of connected watches with a new version of its Pixel Watch. A revised copy, but not entirely corrected.

After a disappointing first attempt last year, Google is returning to the busy field of connected watches with a new version of its Pixel Watch. A revised copy, but not entirely corrected.

The first Pixel Watch of the name had been desired for a long time to finally arrive in the fall of 2022. The wait was rather strong and the preconceptions concerning the very first watch from the American giant lived up to the ambitions of the firm which, some months earlier, had just bought Fitbit. But unfortunately, the Pixel Watch turned out to be very disappointing (read our test). Quite limited functions, erratic measurements and half-mast autonomy have not allowed Google to shine in a market where solid players like Samsung, Xiaomi, Fitbit or even Huawei have been competing for several years now, without forgetting the king Apple and his Apple. Watch. Suffice to say that the Pixel Watch 2 was expected around the corner to see if Google had learned its lesson. And, if the answer were to appear on a school report, it could well be turned into the formula: making progress but can do better. We were able to test this Pixel Watch 2 for several weeks. Here is our verdict.

Google Pixel Watch 2: identical design, similar flaws

We take the same one and start again. For the design of its Pixel Watch 2, Google delivers a carbon copy of the first model. It’s difficult to distinguish one from the other because they look so similar. The discerning eye will, however, notice that the stainless steel which constitutes the body of the Pixel Watch 1 case has given way to recycled aluminum on the new version. That’s a handful of grams gained.

We always benefit from a watch in the shape of a pebble, all round. The format has not changed one iota either, remaining fixed at 41 mm. Too bad because a more generous case would have appealed more to those with a larger wrist. In fact, on large arms, the Pixel Watch 2 can seem a little ridiculous.

At the same time, the screen hardly changes. And the criticisms that we made a year ago for the Pixel Watch 1 remain relevant. We are dealing with an Oled panel that is certainly very bright (1000 nits, half as much as an Apple Watch Series 9 by the way…), but quite small with its 1.2 inch. It has a definition of 440 x 450 pixels for a resolution of 320 ppi. Above all, Google has kept the large black borders all around the screen. If the illusion of a fairly large screen remains with a dial on a black background (in the gallery of dials offered all adopt this color), the deception is obvious as soon as an element on a white or light background is displayed. It’s ugly and not worthy of a watch of this price.

The right side of the case still has a microphone to call the assistant or make a phone call, the rotating crown to navigate the menus more easily, and a button to access recently used apps. This one is still not customizable unfortunately. On the other hand, only the mini speaker grille stands out.

The bracelet attachment system has not changed either. Google retains its proprietary attachment system so that it is impossible to reuse the strap from an old watch. The bracelet provided in the box is made of silicone (two sizes are available). And if you want to adopt another style, you will have to checkout at Google with prices that are painful: from 49 to 209 euros all the same! Fortunately, there are a host of compatible bracelets of all styles and much cheaper among the e-commerce giants.

The Pixel Watch 2 can always accompany you for your swimming sessions with its IP68 rating and 5 ATM water resistance. However, it is better to avoid water sports with strong variations in pressure and water projection.

Google Pixel Watch 2: a top OS and app

If Google has not made progress on the general design of its connected watch, we see that efforts have focused on the software aspect. On the watch, a new processor from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon Wear 5100, chases away the “antique” Samsung Exynos 9110 used in the first model. As a result, WearOS 4, the Google mobile system that powers the tocante, is much more comfortable. Fluidity is there. We did not encounter the slightest slowdown or latency in handling the watch or the various on-board applications. Because this is also a strength of WearOS in the face of competition: the Pixel Watch can benefit from a large catalog of apps (like the Apple Watch).

The companion app, simply called Watch, is also a success. It adopts a simple and efficient interface with clear menu titles. It is through it that we make the main settings of the watch, choose and personalize new dials or find apps on the PlayStore. These operations are also possible from the watch but, given the size of the watch’s screen, it is really easier to use the app on the smartphone… Android only. Yes, like last year, the Pixel Watch is ignoring the iPhone.

Finally, if Google owns Fitbit, the Watch application does not yet integrate the brand’s software component. You must therefore also download the Fitbit app on the smartphone to benefit from health and sports monitoring. On the other hand, unlike last year, a Google account is enough to connect to Fitbit. We are making progress.

Google Pixel Watch 2: reliable and precise measurements

The Pixel Watch 1 wasn’t really a watch designed for sports. His heart rate monitor was not up to the task of providing precise monitoring. The Pixel Watch 2 corrects this pitfall. Google has equipped it with a new, more precise LED sensor. Result, compared to the measurements of an Apple Watch Ultra, the Pixel Watch 2 comes out with flying colors. The two tocantes provide generally similar measurements during exercise and at rest. Appreciable.

As for GPS tracking, the watch includes a module adapted for the main systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS). Still facing the Apple Watch Ultra, the Pixel Watch 2 does not disappoint by offering a precise route layout. The distance recorded is also reliable.

All the data collected is found in the Fitbit app. Its interface is not yet harmonized with Google’s Watch app (it is still not possible to use dark mode) but it is making progress.

Google Pixel Watch 2: autonomy still behind

The main downside of the first Pixel Watch is that the autonomy is progressing very slowly on this new model. But unfortunately, you should not forget to keep the watch charger with you if you are about to start a long day. The battery of the Pixel Watch 2 is a bit more generous than the previous model, 306 mAh compared to 294 mAh. But that’s still not enough. Google announces a battery life of 24 hours with Always On Display mode engaged. An estimate that is only verified when the day is calm and without any sporting activity activating the various sensors. But as soon as you trigger an activity that uses the GPS and the heart rate monitor, the battery melts quickly. So much so that we can find ourselves at the end of the day with less than 10% autonomy on the clock. Difficult to start monitoring sleep in these conditions. Energy management is therefore still not controlled on the Pixel Watch 2. Difficult to determine the culprit but WearOS probably has its share of responsibility. We also noted disappointing battery life on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, also powered by WearOS (read our test).

For recharging, Google provides a magnetic dock with four pins which prevents unexpected unplugging. No charger comes in the box and the cable has a USB-C plug. You will therefore need to equip yourself with a suitable charger or plug the watch into a computer equipped with a USB-C port to recharge it. Allow around 30 minutes to recover 50% battery life. Fully filling up to 100%, however, takes 80 minutes. It’s really long.

Google Pixel Watch 2: should you go for Google’s connected watch?

The Pixel Watch 2 marks some slight progress compared to the previous model. We appreciate the better reliability of the measurements and the smoother and more pleasant interface. But we regret Google’s persistence in offering only one single-size model. The screen is too small and unsuitable for all wrists. Above all, the firm must carefully consider energy management. This Pixel Watch manages to do less well than an Apple Watch which is not a benchmark in this area. For the asking price, 400 euros is exaggerated. Too bad because the Pixel Watch 2 is really pleasant on a daily basis. With the wide variety of applications available on the Play Store, it lends itself to many activities. Just a little more effort !