Google Pixel Watch 1 vs 2 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch often comes down to balancing your personal needs, daily habits, and budget. The Google Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 both deliver essential smartwatch features, but they cater to slightly different priorities. The original Pixel Watch introduced a sleek design and solid integration with Fitbit for health tracking. The Pixel Watch 2 improves on that formula with better performance, longer battery life, and added safety tools. This comparison outlines the most important differences to help you decide which Pixel Watch fits your lifestyle best.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.2″ AMOLED, 320 PPI, Always-On | 1.2″ AMOLED, 320 PPI, Always-On |
| Case Material | Recycled aluminum | Polished stainless steel |
| Weight (Wi-Fi model) | 31g | 36g |
| Processor | Qualcomm 5100 + Cortex M33 co-processor | Exynos 9110 + Cortex M33 co-processor |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours with Always-On Display | Up to 24 hours with Always-On Display |
| Charging Speed | 0–100% in ~75 minutes | 0–100% in ~80 minutes |
| OS | Wear OS 4 | Wear OS 3.5 |
| Health Sensors | Multi-path heart rate, SpO2, skin temp | Basic heart rate, SpO2 (inactive at launch) |
| Safety Features | Safety Check, Emergency Sharing | Not available |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Pixel Watch 1 features a premium stainless steel case, giving it a polished, heavier feel. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 2 opts for a lighter aluminum frame that reduces weight without sacrificing durability. Both have domed glass and similar size, but the Pixel Watch 2 is slightly more comfortable for all-day wear due to its lighter build.
Display Quality
Both models use a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with always-on capability and sharp 320 PPI resolution. There are no major upgrades in screen brightness or resolution, and the viewing experience remains nearly identical between the two. The bezels are still present on both models.
Performance and Speed
The Pixel Watch 2 swaps the Exynos processor for a newer Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, paired with the same M33 co-processor. This results in faster app launches and smoother transitions. Users will notice quicker responsiveness, especially when navigating Google Assistant or Fitbit metrics.
Battery Life and Charging
Despite using similar-sized batteries, the Pixel Watch 2 manages slightly better efficiency. With Wear OS 4 and better chip optimization, it delivers a full day with the always-on display active. Charging is also faster, reducing downtime when topping up before a workout or night of sleep tracking.
Software Experience
Out of the box, the Pixel Watch 2 runs Wear OS 4, which includes improved backup and restore options, smoother UI animations, and better app support. Pixel Watch 1 users can upgrade to Wear OS 4, but some software features, like safety tools, remain exclusive to the newer model due to hardware limitations.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches rely on Fitbit for tracking health metrics, but the Pixel Watch 2 brings hardware improvements. Its new multi-path heart rate sensor improves accuracy during exercise, and it includes skin temperature tracking and continuous electrodermal activity monitoring for stress. These features offer a more complete wellness picture than the original model.
Safety and Emergency Tools
A standout addition in the Pixel Watch 2 is Safety Check and Emergency Sharing, which lets users schedule check-ins or share location data with emergency contacts. These tools are not available on the Pixel Watch 1 and may appeal to users who prioritize personal safety during solo workouts or travel.
Durability and Water Resistance
Both watches are rated 5ATM water-resistant and built for daily wear, including during workouts and swimming. The Pixel Watch 2 offers added dust resistance (IP68), making it a slightly better pick for active or outdoor users who need more rugged protection.
FAQ
Does the Pixel Watch 2 have better battery life than the Pixel Watch 1?
Both watches offer around 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled, but the Pixel Watch 2 tends to be more power-efficient thanks to its newer processor and Wear OS 4 optimizations.
Can the Pixel Watch 1 upgrade to Wear OS 4 like the Pixel Watch 2?
Yes, the Pixel Watch 1 supports an upgrade to Wear OS 4, bringing improved system navigation and app functionality, though it lacks some hardware-based features available on the Pixel Watch 2.
Is the Pixel Watch 2 more comfortable to wear than the Pixel Watch 1?
The Pixel Watch 2 is slightly lighter due to its aluminum case, which some users find more comfortable for extended wear or while sleeping.
Are there any exclusive health features on the Pixel Watch 2?
Yes, the Pixel Watch 2 includes a multi-path heart rate sensor, skin temperature sensing, and electrodermal activity monitoring, which are not available on the Pixel Watch 1.
Do both Pixel Watches support Fitbit Premium features?
Yes, both models integrate with Fitbit and support Fitbit Premium for access to advanced health insights, guided workouts, and sleep reports.
Does the Pixel Watch 2 charge faster than the original Pixel Watch?
Yes, the Pixel Watch 2 reaches a full charge in about 75 minutes, while the original Pixel Watch typically takes closer to 80 minutes.
Can both Pixel Watches be used for phone calls and messaging?
Yes, both watches support phone calls and messaging when paired with an Android phone. LTE models of both watches also support standalone calling.
Are there any major differences in display quality between the two models?
No, both watches feature the same size AMOLED display with identical resolution and pixel density. The visual experience is nearly identical.
What are the new safety features in the Pixel Watch 2?
The Pixel Watch 2 introduces Safety Check and Emergency Sharing, which allow users to schedule safety alerts and share location with trusted contacts. These are not available on the Pixel Watch 1.
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel Watch 1 to the Pixel Watch 2?
If you value faster performance, improved health sensors, and new safety features, the Pixel Watch 2 is a worthy upgrade. However, if your Pixel Watch 1 still meets your needs and runs smoothly, you may not find the upgrade essential.