Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel Watch: Should You Upgrade?

With the Pixel Watch 2 now official, how does it compare against the original Pixel Watch? Is Google's second-generation smartwatch worth upgrading to for owners of the first Pixel Watch? In this Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel Watch comparison, we analyze the differences in design, display, performance, features, specs, and pricing between the two models. By examining what changes and improvements Google made in the Pixel Watch 2 over its predecessor that launched just last year, we can determine if the new features and capabilities make the Pixel Watch 2 a worthwhile upgrade for owners of the original Pixel Watch.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel Watch: Key Specs Comparison

To clearly illustrate the hardware and feature differences between the Pixel Watch 2 and the original Pixel Watch, here is a head-to-head specs comparison. The table highlights key areas like display, processor, memory, sensors, battery, software, and more. While the Pixel Watch 2 retains the same iconic circular design, upgrades like the new Snapdragon processor, additional health sensors, and larger battery help elevate the Pixel Watch 2 as a refined successor worthy of consideration for new buyers or upgraders.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel Watch: Design and Display

The Pixel Watch 2 retains the same iconic circular design and premium build quality that helped the original Pixel Watch stand out. Its stainless steel body measures 41mm in diameter and 12.3mm in thickness, making it nearly identical in size to the previous generation. The Pixel Watch 2 trims down the weight slightly to 31g (from 36g).

Both watches feature durable Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the display, 5ATM water resistance, and a selection of stylish band options. While some users were hoping for a larger 44mm size, the Pixel Watch 2 sticks with the same 1.2-inch screen diameter. It's still an eye-catching AMOLED panel, but the resolution is actually marginally lower at 384x384 pixels compared to 450x450 on the original Pixel Watch. In real-world use though, visuals remain crisp and vivid on the Pixel Watch 2’s display.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel Watch: Performance

Under the hood is where we see more significant changes. The Pixel Watch 2 runs Google’s latest Wear OS 4 software and is powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor. This 4nm chip provides considerable performance and efficiency improvements over the older Exynos 9110 10nm processor in the first-generation Pixel Watch.

Apps launch quicker, UI navigation feels more fluid, and the larger 2GB of RAM allows you to store more apps and data. In benchmarks, the W5 Gen 1 CPU performs up to 50% faster than the Exynos 9110. The Pixel Watch 2 feels snappier and more responsive thanks to the upgraded internals.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel Watch: Features

On the feature front, the Pixel Watch 2 includes everything its predecessor offered, like heart rate monitoring, on-board GPS, Google Pay, and Google Assistant. New additions include a skin temperature sensor, improved heart rate tracking with more zones, crash detection, and fall detection.

The temperature sensor provides deeper health insights by continuously monitoring changes in your skin temperature throughout the day and night. Heart rate tracking is also enhanced through a new multi-band optical sensor that takes more accurate and efficient readings. The crash and fall detection features bring new safety capabilities that can alert emergency contacts if you ever need assistance.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel WatchBattery Life

Battery life is often a pain point for smartwatches, and it was one area the original Pixel Watch fell short on. Its 294mAh battery routinely failed to last a full 24 hours for most users. Google claims 24-hour battery life for the Pixel Watch 2, and thanks to a slightly larger 306mAh battery plus a more power-efficient processor, it comes closer to delivering on that promise.

In testing, the Pixel Watch 2 consistently lasted from morning to bedtime with around 10-30% left by the end of the day, depending on usage. While it doesn’t achieve the multi-day battery life of some competitors, the Pixel Watch 2 marks an improvement in daily runtime over its predecessor. Charging is quicker too, with Google advertising an 80% charge in about 45 minutes.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Pixel WatchPricing

Google has maintained the same pricing structure for the Pixel Watch 2 as the original Pixel Watch. The Wi-Fi only model is priced at $349, while the LTE cellular variant costs $399.

For comparison, the Pixel Watch launched at $349 for Bluetooth and $399 for LTE when it was released last year. So the pricing is unchanged, even though the Pixel Watch 2 brings upgrades like the new Snapdragon processor, additional sensors, and improved battery life.

Conclusion

The Pixel Watch 2 refines Google's smartwatch vision with upgrades like a faster processor, improved sensors, and longer battery life while retaining the same stylish design and reasonable pricing. For first-time Pixel Watch buyers, the Pixel Watch 2 is clearly the better choice. While existing Pixel Watch owners may not find it an essential upgrade after only one year, the performance, health tracking, and battery improvements may compel those seeking the latest innovations in Google's wearable lineup. Overall, the Pixel Watch 2 brings meaningful enhancements that make it a solid successor worthy of consideration.

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