Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Which is the Better Smartwatch?
As a seasoned smartwatch reviewer, I always conduct thorough tests to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each wearable. Recently, I decided to wear both the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 on separate wrists for a two-week period. While I received some strange looks and my family questioned my sanity, I wanted to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these two devices compared to one another. At the end of the experiment, only one would earn a permanent place on my wrist.
Sleeping with the watches proved to be a crucial factor in my decision. The Pixel Watch 2, despite its slight thickness and uncomfortable bump on the back, was tolerable for the duration of the night. However, the Apple Watch Series 9, which boasts a thinner profile, offered a more comfortable sleep experience. This was a vital consideration since a watch that hinders sleep quality is essentially useless for tracking sleep patterns.
One notable difference between the two watches was their ability to recognize physical activities. The Pixel Watch 2 excelled at automatically identifying a brisk outdoor walk, consistently outperforming the Apple Watch Series 9 in this regard. I suspect that the Pixel Watch 2’s extensive heart rate sensors, four times as many as the Apple watch, may contribute to this accuracy. However, after two weeks, both watches provided similar heart rate readings during workouts, indicating that the Apple Watch had learned from my activity patterns.
In terms of daily encouragement and workout tracking, both watches offer comparable features. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out with its vibrant badges and colorful awards. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 9 double-checks when you indicate that you are done with a workout, ensuring accuracy. It’s a small detail, but one that showcases Apple’s commitment to user experience.
Both watches offer seamless integration with email, social media accounts, and other apps, tapping the wrist simultaneously for notifications. As for screen size, the Pixel Watch 2’s display is clear and bright, but the Apple Watch Series 9’s larger screen size provides a more visually pleasing experience. The round face of the Pixel Watch 2 is not the issue; rather, it is the size of the black bezel surrounding it that diminishes its impact. The Apple Watch Series 9, with its thinner bezel, offers a more aesthetically pleasing design.
The crown, a central control feature on both watches, received praise for its functionality. While the Pixel Watch 2’s crown is slightly more prominent, I found both crowns to be efficient in navigating through apps and screens. The button placement on both watches also serves as a useful control tool, with the Pixel Watch 2 allowing interchangeability between the crown and button.
Google’s Pixel Watch 2 boasts swipe-friendly features, with multiple swiping options for different functions. In contrast, Apple simplifies navigation by limiting swipes to either up or down, with the option to swipe from the side within certain apps. The four-way swipe capability of the Pixel Watch 2 makes the home screen more versatile and useful.
Battery life is a critical consideration for any smartwatch, and both the Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 impress in this regard. They can easily last a whole day and into the night. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s discomfort during sleep led me to charge it overnight, while the Apple Watch Series 9 only required a quick top-up in the morning. Additionally, the physical charging pins on the Pixel Watch 2 often presented a challenge, as it could only be placed on the charger in one specific direction. The Apple Watch Series 9’s wireless charging base, on the other hand, allows for easy placement without any guesswork.
Watch faces contribute significantly to the overall appeal of a smartwatch. While the Pixel Watch 2 offers attractive designs, it lacks the playful factor found in the Snoopy watch face on the Apple Watch Series 9. This particular watch face remains unmatched in the market and adds a delightful touch to the device.
Lastly, the importance of a comfortable watch band cannot be understated. Apple’s decision to include the Sport Loop band with their watches is commendable, as it offers a perfect fit and exceptional comfort. Conversely, the Pixel Watch 2’s watchband falls short in comparison.
In conclusion, both the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 have their strengths and weaknesses. However, after a thorough comparison, it is evident that the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out in multiple areas, including sleep comfort, activity recognition, vibrant badges, and a superior watch face selection. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 9’s design, including a thinner bezel and comfortable watch band, sets it apart from its competitors. With these factors in mind, it’s safe to say that the Apple Watch Series 9 deserves the crown as the ultimate smartwatch in the market.
