Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE smartwatch in review - Where are the improvements?

Google relies on the Google Assistant. It can be reached by just pressing a button, using an app, or placing a calling. Requests are accurately recorded and processed fast. Answers are displayed as text on the screen, but they are also spoken. 

Amazon Alexa can also be installed on the Pixel Watch 2 via the Google Play Store. We failed to accomplish this with its predecessor a year ago. Alexa can also control the microphone and speaker. However, it cannot be started just by summoning it. To use Alexa, the app must be loaded on the smartphone, and an Amazon account must be created.

Both the Pixel Watch 2 and the Fitbit app provide a comprehensive overview of daily activity. The software offers details about steps taken, distance covered in kilometers, calories burned, and "zone minutes." Fitbit categorizes the heart rate into Low, Medium, High, and Peak Performance zones, counting all minutes not spent in the lowest zone as active zone minutes.

Performance in each category is not only represented as a numerical value but also visualized with circles that close as completion increases. The app can also display a widget for tracking climbed floors, and it awards badges for achieving or surpassing goals.

The software presents stress as a stress index with a numerical value ranging from 1 to 100, where higher numbers indicate lower detected stress levels. Fitbit Premium further breaks down the value into sensitivity, stress, and sleep rhythm. Users can supplement recordings with mood logs, and the watch prompts a pop-up message when it detects an abrupt change in state, encouraging users to log the event, termed as "body reaction" by Fitbit.

All the measured values can be displayed not only for a single day but also for one week, one month, or one year. The software also provides insights into trends over time.

The Pixel Watch 2 offers heart rate and blood oxygen saturation measurements. To assess these values, they were compared with those of reference devices, although this wasn't possible for blood oxygen saturation as the measurement cannot be initiated manually. 

For heart rate, the Pixel Watch 2 was taken on a bike ride alongside a Polar H10 chest strap. Both devices showed identical values for the resting heart rate, and three values were recorded for the performance heart rate. On average, the deviation between the results was of 2.25 percent, with the smartwatch consistently displaying lower values than the chest strap.

The Pixel Watch 2 includes an ECG feature, which can notify users of irregular heart rhythms. ECG measurements can be manually initiated, although the results are only displayed briefly on the smartwatch and not in the Fitbit app.

The Pixel Watch 2 supports sleep tracking, capturing various sleep phases such as light, deep, and REM sleep. The software provides information on the duration of each phase, calculates the proportion of total sleep, and displays the sleep cycle as a graph. Users can access this data through both the app and the smartwatch, with sleep being evaluated with a numeric score and an assessment. 

During sleep, the smartwatch monitors heart rate and assesses restlessness, indicating tossing and turning. Additionally, the device measures oxygen deviation from standard values, where significant fluctuations could signal breathing issues during sleep.  

These values can also be displayed for one day, but also for longer periods of time. If the smartwatch is worn for at least 14 nights, the software creates a monthly sleep profile. In the test, we observed that the sleep times were not always recorded accurately. In some cases, the watch detected when the wearer fell asleep far too late. It is regrettable that the producer does not use the sleep data for a smart alarm clock.

Thanks to its built-in satellite connection, the Google Pixel Watch is undoubtedly capable of tracking exercises, including the recording of distance traveled. The measured values change according on the sport that is selected. For example, the smartwatch shows finished altitude meters when hiking, but not when cross-country skiing. 

The device can display heart rate zones and speed on a map, and the software can track the amount of training sessions completed each week. Furthermore, the daily fitness index indicates whether to train or relax. 

The Pixel Watch 2 is also capable of automatically recognizing and recording training sessions. However, in the test, this feature performed just marginally. Recognition of movements during walking sometimes took an extended period, while, on the other hand, the smartwatch recorded a car journey as a bike workout. 

In terms of customizing training sessions, there are limited options available. For instance, setting goals for training sessions or personalizing the display on the smartwatch is not supported. Importing or exporting routes is also somewhat convoluted. Individual workouts can be exported as TCX files, as well as the entire Fitbit activity data. Routes can be exported through the Fitbit online portal. Notably, the Pixel Watch 2 lacks return route navigation.

Depending on the workout, a protruding crown may cause issues. During gymnastics activities, accidental commands or menu exits occurred frequently. To alleviate concerns with incorrect entries, the wristwatch can be worn in a different way, with the crown facing the forearm.

Google uses an OLED panel with a size of just 1.2 inches for the Pixel Watch 2. The producer has taken a very clever approach to the UI design and uses dark backgrounds throughout. On the one hand, this saves energy, and on the other, the thick display edges are barely visible. They are only noticeable with bright content.

The display size is the same as its predecessor. Our measured values for maximum brightness are also at the same level. Although the values are slightly lower, they are within the tolerance range because it is difficult to measure these values on smartwatches to cover the sensor with enough light.

In everyday use, the panel impresses with its vibrant colors, perfect black levels, and good brightness. Content is also easy to read in the sun. However, the current Samsung Galaxy Watch6 is significantly brighter. We like the always-on display, which remains easy to read at all times. The lift detection, on the other hand, is rather disappointing, as it only works unreliably.

Many eagerly anticipated the arrival of the first Pixel Watch, hoping for a revolutionary addition to the WearOS landscape. However, the Pixel Watch 2, its successor, doesn't quite fulfill this expectation. Moreover, discerning changes or improvements over its predecessor requires a close examination. 

While the Pixel Watch 2 is lighter by 5 grams, the shift from a stainless steel case to aluminum represents a downgrade compared to competitors like Samsung and Apple. The display, although offering excellent contrast, remains relatively small with thick edges. 

Battery and charging aspects follow a familiar pattern. The battery capacity and runtimes remain unchanged, offering modest performance. Utilizing all functions, including training and phone calls, may deplete the battery within 24 hours. Notably, Google has discontinued wireless charging, requiring the usage of a charging cable. 

The primary enhancement comes in the form of the current Snapdragon W5 Gen 1. The Pixel Watch 2 not only impresses in benchmarks but also delivers smooth performance in everyday use. Some software improvements include the ability to initiate navigation with Google Maps directly on the smartwatch and the introduction of a security check. 

Google, this wasn't a groundbreaking achievement. The Pixel Watch 2 doesn't bring many improvements over its predecessor, and in terms of charging, there's even a step backward. The only noticeable enhancement is a slightly more powerful processor. The anticipation for a Pixel Watch 3 is high.

In essence, the Pixel Watch 2 doesn't represent a significant upgrade. While the integration of Fitbit may have demanded considerable effort, it's time for a larger display and a more substantial battery. These issues could be addressed with a larger case. 

Comparatively, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 priced ~$55 lower than Google's offering, boasts a WearOS foundation with a significantly better battery life, a brighter display while also providing wireless charging. The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5, another WearOS option, surpasses the Pixel Watch 2 in battery life, although without LTE. For those open to alternatives outside WearOS, the Huawei Watch 4 Pro offers a similar feature set with a longer battery life.