Apple’s presence in the wearable tech industry is unmistakable. Since the launch of their very first Apple Watch in 2015, they’ve continued to dominate the market.
The Apple Watch SE, released just last year, stood out, contributing to a notable 8% of all Apple Watch shipments in Q3.
However, the tech landscape is always evolving. Google, not wanting to be left out, introduced its Pixel Watch in 2022 and has recently unveiled the Pixel Watch 2 on October 4, 2023.
With Apple having released the Watch SE 2 on September 7, 2022, consumers are now faced with a tantalizing decision: Android’s best or Apple’s affordable one.
Dive with us into a detailed comparison of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch SE 2 to help make that choice a little easier.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Price & Availability
When it comes to technology, price can be a deciding factor for many.
Google and Apple, two giants in the tech realm, often have differing pricing strategies, which is evident in their smartwatches just as it is in their smartphones.
But, interestingly enough, there’s a twist this time.
The Apple Watch SE 2, despite being from the more traditionally premium-priced brand, starts at an accessible $249.
However, the price can jump significantly based on your preferences. Opting for different sizes, connectivity options, bands, and specific band styles could push the cost all the way up to $629.
On the other side of the ring, we have Google’s Pixel Watch 2, launched with much fanfare on October 4th at the Made By Google event.
Offering two versions to cater to varying connectivity needs, Google gives customers a choice between an LTE-equipped model and a Wi-Fi-only model.
The base Pixel Watch 2 Wi-Fi version comes in at $349, while its LTE counterpart sits at a slightly steeper $399. Both of these models are fairly priced, maintaining consistency in the Pixel Watch lineup.
For those eager to get their hands on the Pixel Watch 2, Google isn’t making them wait. Pre-orders have already started, and general availability on the Google Store will kick off on October 12th.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel Watch 2 | View on Amazon |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | View on Amazon |
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Specs Comparison
| Specifications | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.2-inch AMOLED screen Up to 1000 nits brightness 320 PPI | 1.78 inches Retina LTPO OLED, (326 PPI density) |
| Display Resolution | 384 x 384 pixels | 448 x 368 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 with Cortex M33 co-processor | Apple S8 (64bit) |
| RAM | 2GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Operating System | WearOS 4 | watchOS 9 |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate, SpO2, ECG, continuous EDA, skin temperature, Accelerometer sensor Gyroscope sensor Ambient light sensor, Compass, Altimeter | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm |
| Weight | 31g (without strap) | 33 g |
| Strap Material | Various | Various |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, Quasi-Zenith Satellite | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE and UMTS Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz | Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Google Pay | Apple Pay |
| Battery | 306mAh (typical) Up to 24 hours with always-on display | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast charging / Quick charge | USB-C Fast charging cable | Yes |
| Price | Starting at $350 | Starting at $249 |
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Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE: Design, Build Quality & Display
When it comes to wearable tech, aesthetics, and functionality play an essential role. Both the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch SE offer top-tier designs, but each has unique features that might sway potential buyers.
Google Pixel Watch 2 Maintaining the form factor of its predecessor, it still showcases a 41mm dial with a thickness of 12.3mm.
However, the new model is feather-light at just 30g, which Google attributes to the use of 100% recycled aluminum housing. This construction has allowed Google to shave off six grams from the watch’s weight, as compared to the original Pixel Watch.
One design choice that has returned is the domed cover glass. Google insists it’s thinner this time, though its real-world implications are yet to be assessed.
If you’ve been following the Pixel Watch journey, you’d recall concerns regarding the first-generation domed screen. Due to its shape, it was prone to damage, raising eyebrows about the choice of making the new screen even thinner, especially given Google’s rather sparse repair policy for its watches.
However, Google has certainly made strides in other areas. A significant addition is the official IP68 water and dust resistance rating. This means the Pixel Watch 2 can confidently be submerged in up to 1.5m of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.
The display is nothing short of impressive. With a custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and a 320ppi AMOLED screen, it promises crisp visuals.
The display also supports DCI-P3 color, ensuring vibrant, lifelike colors. And for those sunny days, the brightness can be cranked up to a dazzling 1,000 nits.
Lastly, for the fashion-conscious, the Pixel Watch 2 offers several chic color and band combinations:
- Polished Silver/Bay band
- Polished Silver/Porcelain band
- Matte Black/Obsidian band
- Champagne Gold/Hazel band
Now, pivoting to Apple, the Watch SE boasts a Retina LTPO OLED display. Users have the choice between two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.
Like the Pixel Watch 2, Apple’s offering also has a brightness potential of up to 1,000 nits, ensuring clarity even under direct sunlight.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: What’s Inside?
The heart of any smart device is its processor, dictating everything from speed and efficiency to overall performance.
When it comes to smartwatches, the software they run on becomes equally significant, determining the user experience.
Let’s dive into the technicalities of both these watches and see which one has the edge.
Google has taken a notable departure from its previous partnership with Samsung. The Pixel Watch 2 boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor running with the latest WearOS 4. Moving from the 10nm dual-core Exynos 9110 in the Pixel Watch to the 4nm quad-core SoC in the Pixel Watch 2 marks a significant step up.
This processor, equipped with its A53 CPU cores and a Cortex M33 co-processor, not only promises faster operations but also greater power efficiency and an enhanced Wear OS experience.
On the connectivity front, the Pixel Watch 2 is decked out with the familiar Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, and GPS. The LTE model also includes 4G LTE connectivity.
Supporting these features is a commendable 32GB storage and 2GB RAM, ensuring that users have ample space for apps, music, and other essentials.
Apple’s Watch SE 2 is powered by the S8 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor. Operating on WatchOS 9, this chip ensures a smooth user experience synonymous with Apple products.
Whether you choose the GPS or Cellular model, you’ll be treated to 32GB of onboard storage, allowing users ample space for their favorite tracks, apps, and more.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Health & Fitness Tracking
In the modern era, health and fitness tracking capabilities are a paramount feature for smartwatches.
Both Google and Apple have invested heavily in this area, aiming to offer users a comprehensive view of their daily health and fitness metrics.
Pixel Watch 2: Step Up in Health Tracking
With the Pixel Watch 2, Google has introduced an array of new and improved features:
- Enhanced Heart Monitoring: The Pixel Watch 2 is armed with an all-new multi-path heart rate sensor. This promises improved signal quality by measuring pulse signals from different angles. Depending on the workout intensity, it toggles between single and multi-path modes. With this, Google claims to offer Fitbit’s most precise all-day heart rate tracking.
- Body Response Tracking: Google’s introduction of a cEDA sensor in the Pixel Watch 2 is notable. It tracks stress by detecting signs in the body, enabling users to reflect and respond accordingly. This feature, combined with the heart rate and new skin temperature sensors, offers holistic stress identification.
- Safety First with Safety Check: Mirroring the feature on Pixel phones, the Pixel Watch 2 now allows users to schedule Safety Checks. It ensures your safety by sharing your location with emergency contacts if you don’t respond after a set time.
- Fresh Software with Wear OS 4: The watch now boasts the new Wear OS 4 software, pre-loaded with essential apps like Gmail and Calendar. Google Assistant is also revamped, making interaction seamless.
- Additional Health Metrics: With features like Fitbit ECG, SpO2 measurement, heart zone training, pace training, and sleep tracking, the Pixel Watch 2 offers comprehensive health tracking.
Google sweetens the deal by offering Fitbit Premium features free for six months with the purchase of the Pixel Watch 2.
Apple Watch SE 2: Consistent, with Room for More
The Apple Watch SE 2, while a competent device, seems to carry forward many features from its predecessor. The few additions are notable:
- New Accelerometer: A more accurate accelerometer is the major hardware addition. It aids the new Car Crash detection feature, which, in the event of an accident, checks on the user and contacts emergency services if no response is received.
- Health Monitoring: While it doesn’t offer advanced features like ECG or pulse oxygen sensing, the Apple Watch SE 2 is capable of detecting irregular heart rhythms.
- Enhanced Sleep Tracking with watchOS 9: Apple has refined sleep tracking, offering detailed insights. Additionally, the introduction of a medicine reminder tool is a thoughtful addition.
- Workouts and Activity: Relying heavily on the Workouts app, Apple offers a plethora of exercise tracking options. The SE 2 also recognizes passive workouts, initiating tracking without manual intervention.
- The Familiar Three Rings: These remain the staple of Apple’s health ethos. Measuring exercise minutes, calories burned, and stand frequency, these rings provide users with a simple, visual metric to gauge their daily activity levels.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Battery Life
One of the most crucial factors for many when selecting a smartwatch is battery life. With today’s demanding lifestyle, having a device that lasts throughout the day is essential.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 has taken a step forward in this domain. Equipped with a 306mAh battery, an improvement from the previous model’s 294mAh, it promises users a full day of usage.
Google claims that even with the Always-on Display active, the watch can endure a whole 24 hours. Furthermore, the new Pixel Watch 2 boasts faster charging times. While the original Pixel Watch required 90 minutes to charge fully, this newer iteration is said to be ready to go in just 75 minutes.
On the Apple front, the Watch SE 2, despite being a worthy contender in most respects, seems to lag slightly behind in terms of battery longevity. It offers up to 18 hours of battery life, which, while decent, might not see you through those longer days.
However, Apple compensates with its USB-C magnetic charging cable, simplifying the charging process. Plus, for those moments when you’re in a pinch and need to conserve battery, the Watch SE 2’s low-power mode might just be your saving grace, extending your usage for a few precious hours.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Which Should You Buy?
Deciding between the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch SE 2 can feel overwhelming at first.
These two smartwatches are highly regarded and loaded with features from two well-known tech industry leaders.
To simplify the process, here’s a breakdown to assist you in making a decision.
Platform Compatibility:
This is perhaps the most straightforward deciding factor. The Google Pixel Watch 2 is tailored for Android users, whereas the Apple Watch SE 2 seamlessly integrates with iPhones.
So, if you’re deeply invested in one ecosystem, the choice becomes clear-cut: Android users should lean towards Google’s offering, and iPhone users should naturally gravitate to Apple’s watch.
Features and Functionality:
However, if you’re among the few who use both Android and Apple devices and are finding it hard to make a decision, diving deeper into the features might help.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 shines with its superior battery life, a plethora of sensors, and some innovative features that give it an edge in functionality.
So, unless you have a specific affinity for Siri or have your heart set on a particular bracelet-like band that Apple offers, the Pixel Watch 2 emerges as a more feature-rich option.
To sum up, both watches are of excellent quality, but your individual preferences and device compatibility will be crucial factors in your choice. If you’re uncertain, the Pixel Watch 2 has attractive features that could swing your decision in its direction.
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