The Pixel Watch 2 Review.

As is often the case with second-generation products, the Pixel Watch 2 is very much the wearable that the original Pixel Watch should have been. Which isn’t to say it’s all that different. In terms of looks, you would have to be an expert at ‘spot the difference’ to tell which is which, even with one on each wrist.

But with one big hardware change, the Pixel Watch 2 is a far easier smartwatch to endorse than its predecessor. Of course, that’s a bitter pill to swallow for those who stumped up £339 for Google’s first attempt just one year ago.

That hardware change is a simple one. Out goes the ancient Exynos 9110 chipset – four years old on the Pixel Watch’s release day in 2022 – and in its place comes the Qualcomm SW5100, which is only a year old.

Not only is it faster, but the 4nm chipset is also much more energy efficient than its 10nm predecessor, which goes some way to tackling the smartwatch’s terrible battery life. The slightly larger battery (306mAh vs 294mAh) and faster charging also help on that score.

There are two other big changes. The first is the introduction of an all-new sensor: the continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor. This will be familiar to Fitbit Sense 2 owners, and is a way of estimating stress by examining stress, heart rate and heart rate variability. The second are some thoughtful safety features that could well save your life.

Finally, though it looks pretty much the same, the shell is now aluminium instead of stainless steel. In other words, Google is sacrificing a little bit of premium sheen for comfort – it’s five grams lighter on the wrist. And once again, it’s Android only. iPhone users need not apply.

Pixel Watch 2 review: Price and competition

As with last time, Google has only produced the Pixel Watch 2 in a single size: 41mm. The only choices you get are the colour (silver, black or champagne gold) and whether or not you want cellular support. You’re looking at £349 if you’re happy with just Bluetooth connectivity to your phone, or £399 if you want 4G built-in.

For: