Which is the better option: Google Pixel Watch 2 or Apple Watch Series 9?
The official release of the Google Pixel Watch 2 has been announced and pre-orders are now available. While it shares many similarities with its previous model, it also features new sensors and enhancements. How does it measure up against the popular Apple Watch? Let’s examine their differences in this comparison of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9.
Comparison
Comparison of Specifications: Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch Series 9
| Google Pixel Watch 2 | Apple Watch Series 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Diameter: 41mm Always-on display Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 gamut AMOLED display with a DCI-P3 color gamut and 320 pixels per inch (ppi). |
LTPO OLED Retina 396 x 484 pixels (45mm) 352 x 430 pixels (41 mm) Maximum brightness of 2000 nits. |
| Materials and finishes | 100% recycled aluminum
The band is made of Fluoroelastomer material and has a soft-touch coating. |
|
| Dimensions and weight | Diameter: 41mm Height: 12.3mm 31g (without band) |
Diameter: 45mm 45 x 38 x 10.7mm Aluminum: 38.8g Stainless steel: 51.5g Diameter: 41mm |
| Chip | Qualcomm SW5100 Cortex M33 co-processor |
The Apple S9 features a 64-bit dual-core processor. |
| Storage and memory | 32GB storage 2GB of RAM |
64GB storage 1GB of RAM |
| Power | 306mAh
A cable that enables fast charging for devices using USB-C technology. |
18 hours 45 min to 80% charge USB-C magnetic fast charging cable |
| Software | Wear OS 4.0 | WatchOS 10 |
| Sensors | Compass Altimeter Blood oxygen sensor Multipurpose electrical sensor Optical heart rate sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Ambient light sensor Electrical sensor to measure cEDA Skin temperature sensor Barometer Magnetometer |
Always-on altimeter Blood oxygen sensor ECG The third-generation optical heart sensor is a new and improved version of a technology used to measure heart rate. |
| Durability | 5ATM + IP68 | WR50 IP6X-certified |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE and UMTS Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz NFC System The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System consists of GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo satellites. |
GPS/GNSS GLONASS Galileo QZSS BeiDou Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bluetooth 5.0 Model A2475 (41mm) |
| Compatibility | Android 9.0 or newer | iOS 16 or later |
| Colors |
Black matte aluminum casing paired with an obsidian active band Sturdy silver aluminum case with a sleek Bay Active band. Sleek Aluminum casing / Stylish Porcelain Active wristband |
Golden case and Active band in Hazel color. Black matte case with an active band in obsidian. Sleek silver casing / White Active wristband Silver case with a glossy finish / Active band in a dark charcoal color |
and Display
Design and Display comparison between Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple and Google have vastly different design languages, starting with the displays. The Pixel Watch 2 has a very similar design to its predecessor, rocking a round body with a relatively small 41mm circular display. While it has the exact same dimensions as the original, it weighs around six grams less. This should make it a bit more comfortable on your wrist.
The design of the Apple Watch Series 9 remains true to its rectangular shape, offering two sizes to choose from: 41mm and 45mm. The Series 9 is slightly heavier than previous models, especially if you opt for a stainless steel case, weighing in at 32 to 39 grams depending on the specific model. This added weight adds to its luxurious feel and it is still comfortable to wear despite the slight increase in heaviness.
The author of this piece is Ryan Haines from Android Authority.
The Pixel Watch 2 stands out with its distinct design, but its round shape can make scrolling through certain apps more difficult compared to the Apple Watch Series 9’s square display. Additionally, the circular screen may have more unused space.
The Pixel Watch 2 has a thinner front glass than the original Pixel Watch. This has caused concern because the old watch was already prone to damage with its curved screen. Thinning the glass may worsen this problem.
In general, both timepieces are equally pleasant to wear and visually appealing, even though they use different approaches. As you continue reading, you will notice that this similar idea also pertains to their software and functionalities.
Comparison of Features: Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch Series 9
The main contrast between the Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 lies in the software that powers their functions. The Apple Watch utilizes watchOS 10 and is only compatible with an iPhone, while the Pixel Watch 2 runs on Wear OS and is designed for use with an Android device.
To begin, let’s examine the top qualities of the Pixel Watch. The user-friendly Wear OS 4 includes integrated Google Assistant functions and comes with essential applications such as Calendar and Gmail. This allows for effortless event management and email response, deletion, and archiving directly from your wrist.
The software is a major distinguishing factor between the Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9.
The Pixel Watch 2 offers the ability to monitor various health and fitness data, such as on-demand ECG readings through Fitbit ECG, pace training, heart zone training, SpO2 measurements, and sleep tracking. Additionally, six months of free Fitbit Premium access is included with the watch.
The device now has enhanced heart rate tracking abilities that significantly improve its performance. It utilizes a multi-path heart rate monitor with multiple LEDs and photodiodes to measure the pulse signal from different perspectives. This leads to a precise reading of the heart rate. Additionally, the sensor is expected to enhance sleep tracking and provide a more accurate Daily Readiness Score.
The second version of the Pixel Watch includes a recognizable Fitbit function: Body Response tracking, enabled by a cEDA sensor. This feature reads your temperature, heart rate, and electrodermal activity to detect signs of stress and offers tools like breathing exercises for relaxation.
Looking at the Apple Watch Series 9, we discover perhaps the most refined operating system for wearables currently available. The latest version, watchOS 10, brings back widgets in the form of Smart Stack. These information cards replace Glances and can be rotated by using the digital crown. Other notable features include offline map support for Apple Maps, follow-up medication reminders, and custom training plans on Apple Fitness Plus. The Apple Watch also offers a wide selection of apps specifically designed for its use.
Apple Health offers a wide range of useful resources for both physical and mental well-being. These include features such as sleep monitoring, alerts for high and low heart rates, tracking of ECG and Afib history, Cardio Fitness and Recovery information, data on heart health, Mood Logging, and even insights on time spent in daylight.
Can the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 be submerged in water without damage?
Both watches have been given an IP68 rating, indicating their excellent water and dust resistance.
Siri on the Apple Watch Series 9 has undergone significant enhancements. The latest Apple S9 SoC has a four-core neural engine that allows for on-device processing of Siri commands. This eliminates the need for a data connection to access health data and operate the watch solely through voice commands. Additionally, the new chip enables a gesture where you can control apps by tapping your index finger against your thumb twice with your watch hand, without needing to touch the display.
One of the most significant updates, in addition to Siri, is the U2 ultra-wideband chip. This technology is similar to that used in the AirTag and allows you to locate your iPhone 15 by pinging it from your watch. The watch will guide you within 20 feet of its position. Additionally, when you are within four feet of a HomePod, the watch will automatically sync with it, providing music suggestions or displaying the current playback screen if you are already using the speaker.
The Apple Watch Series 9 does not have any new sensor features like the Pixel Watch 2. However, this isn’t a major issue because its previous model already included a variety of specialty sensors such as a Blood Oxygen sensor, ECG, always-on altimeter, and temperature sensor. For a full list, please refer to the spec table at the beginning of this comparison.
Comparing the costs and color options of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9.
The second edition of the Pixel Watch is currently open for pre-orders and will commence shipping on October 12th. The starting price is $349, but there is also an LTE option available for $399. You can select from the following choices when purchasing:
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A case made of Matte Black Aluminum accompanied by an Obsidian Active band.
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This product features a sleek, shiny aluminum case and a Bay Active band.
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The case of the watch is made of shiny silver aluminum and it comes with a Porcelain Active band.
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Hazel Active band paired with a Champagne Gold Aluminum case
The Apple Watch Series 9 was released on September 12 and became available for purchase on September 22. It can now be purchased from all major retailers. The 41mm option is priced at $399 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the LTE model. The 45mm option starts at $429, with the LTE version costing $529.
Similar to the Pixel Watch 2, there are numerous options for band combinations available.
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Gold case with an Active Hazel band in Champagne color.
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Black Matte case paired with an Obsidian Active band.
- Polished Silver case with a Chalk Active band
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The case is made of polished silver and features a charcoal active band.
Should you purchase the Google Pixel Watch 2 or the Apple Watch Series 9?
The ultimate decision between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Pixel Watch 2 ultimately depends on your preference for either Android or iOS smartphones. While both watches offer similar core features and sensors, their design and software approach are vastly different. Rest assured, neither watch will disappoint, although the Pixel Watch may face more competition.
which runs on the Android-based Tizen OS) is a close second.
The Pixel Watch 2 is a reliable option for those who use Android, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (which operates on the Android-based Tizen OS) is also a great choice.
“Additionally, for iPhone users, the Apple Watch SE is the only viable alternative to the Pixel Watch 2, unless saving money is a priority.” ) or splurge on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (
There are limited choices available, such as Garmin watches, but Wear OS is not easily accessible.
FAQ about the comparison between Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9.
When were the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 released?
The official release date for the Google Pixel Watch 2 was October 4, with shipping slated to begin on October 12. The Apple Watch Series 9 was initially revealed on September 12 and began shipping on September 22.
Is the Google Pixel Watch 2 compatible with an iPhone?
The Google Watch 2 is not compatible with the iPhone. While you can transfer Fitbit data, you will not receive notifications or have access to other features available when pairing with an Android device.
Is it possible to replace the band on the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9?
Both watches are equipped with detachable bands.
What are the dimensions of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9?
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is only available in one size, which is 41mm. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 2 has options for both 41mm and 45mm sizes.
