Google has now launched the Pixel Watch 2, a new model that promises to improve upon its predecessor in various areas. While the new model is difficult to tell apart from the original Pixel Watch, the former has a recycled aluminium housing and a revised button layout. By Google's estimations, the Pixel Watch 2 is 5 g lighter than its predecessor, which equates to roughly a 14% reduction.
Additionally, although the company advertises an unchanged 24 hours of battery life, this estimate now includes more intensive usage and always-on display (AOD) functionality activated. In part, Google has achieved this by switching from the Exynos 9110 to the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1, a 4 nm chipset also found in the TicWatch 5 Pro. Incidentally, despite retaining a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, the Pixel Watch 2 has a lower resolution panel, 450 x 450 pixels versus 384 x 384 pixels, likely to reduce power consumption.
The Pixel Watch 2 can recharge more quickly than its predecessor too, with only 30 minutes needed to achieve 12 hours of battery life. Moreover, Google pairs the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 with 2 GB of RAM, a combination of which should handle Wear OS 4 and third-party apps smoothly. As expected, Google has included a new sensor array, albeit without BIA, blood pressure or ECG support like the Galaxy Watch6 series. Still, Google claims that its new sensors can record heart rate levels with 40% improved accuracy during strenuous workouts.
Furthermore, Google has added IP68 certification and an Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for use with its Find My Device service. The Pixel Watch 2 is available to pre-order in multiple markets with black, gold and silver finishes. At launch, the Pixel Watch 2 retails for US$349.99 or US$399.99 with an LTE modem. Alternatively, the smartwatch can be purchased as part of a pre-order deal with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which we have covered separately.