A titanic confrontation pitting two wearable technology titans against one another has occurred in the industry. We’re here to give you an in-depth study of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9, which have seized center stage. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge you need to choose wisely and make sure you receive the best return on your investment.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs Google Pixel Watch 2
| Specifications | Apple Watch Series 9 | Google Pixel Watch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (starting) | $399.00 | $349.99 |
| Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 41mm |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED display (Up to 2,000 nits) | Always-on AMOLED display (Up to 1,000 nits) |
| Case Materials | Aluminum and Stainless steel | Aluminum |
| Processor | S9 SiP | Qualcomm 5100 and Cortex M33 co-processor |
| Health Sensors | Temperature, Blood oxygen, Electrical heart sensor, Third-generation option heart sensor | Red and infrared oxygen saturation sensors, ECG sensors, Optical heart rate sensor, Skin temperature sensor, Skin conductance sensor |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 5 ATM |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (36 in Low Power Mode) | Up to 24 hours |
| Recharging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Connectivity | LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS/GNSS, NFC | LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GNSS, NFC |
| Other Sensors | Compass, Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Always-on altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Compass, Barometer, Magnetometer, Altimeter, 3-axis accelerometer, Gyroscope |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, (PRODUCT)RED | Polished Silver case with Bay Active Band, Matte Black case with Obsidian Active Band, Champagne Gold case with Hazel Active Band, Polished Silver case with Porcelain Active Band |
Design and Appearance
In this corner, Apple flaunts its signature square form factor, a design language synonymous with the Apple Watch Series. Across the ring, Google’s Pixel Watch 2 emerges with a circular face and a curvy body. A unique feature of the Pixel Watch 2 is its 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 cover, adorning a recycled aluminum chassis.
Apple offers two size variants: the 45mm and 41mm, each with distinct dimensions. The 45mm model measures 45mm by 38mm and is 10.7mm thick, while the 41mm model is slightly smaller at 41mm by 35mm but maintains the same thickness. On the other side, the Pixel Watch 2 holds a 41mm diameter and 12.3mm thickness, drawing parallels to the smaller Apple Watch while being noticeably thicker. Google claims the Pixel Watch 2 weighs a mere 31 grams (1.09 ounces) without the band.
In contrast, Apple’s watch weight varies depending on the model, with stainless steel versions heftier than their aluminum counterparts, and cellular-enabled models adding a bit more to the scale. For instance, the 41mm aluminum model starts at just 31.9 grams (1.125 ounces) without the band, while the 45mm model can weigh as little as 38.7 grams (1.37 ounces) in its lightest configuration, or up to 51.5 grams (1.81 ounces) at its heaviest.
Both watches rely on touch-enabled displays as their primary means of interaction. They also feature a crown on the side, with Apple using its iconic Digital Crown and Google opting for a smaller, centrally positioned “Haptic Crown.” To further aid navigation within apps, both watches come equipped with additional buttons near the crown.
Display
In the display department, Apple’s square screens boast resolutions of 352×430 and 396×484 pixels, ensuring sharp visuals. These Retina LPTO OLED panels offer a remarkable brightness range, spanning from a mere 1 nit to an eye-popping 2,000 nits. Google’s circular display, with its 1.2-inch diameter and 450×450 pixel resolution, introduces a refreshing visual aesthetic. It employs an AMOLED panel and can reach up to 1,000 nits of brightness, which is not too shabby. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s pixel density stands at 320 pixels per inch (ppi), slightly below the Apple Watch Series 9, which commands around 326 ppi across both size options.
An interesting note is Google’s choice to include DCI-P3 color space coverage, a welcome addition for those who appreciate accurate and vibrant colors.
Processing
Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by an S9 System in Package (SiP) equipped with a four-core Neural Engine. This advancement delivers twice the machine learning processing speed when compared to its predecessor, improving dictation accuracy by 25%. On the other side of the ring, Google outfits the Pixel Watch 2 with the Qualcomm 5100, nestled within the Snapdragon W5 chipset. The Qualcomm 5100 features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7GHz and is complemented by a Cortex M33 co-processor. This low-power co-processor is designed to optimize resource consumption, ultimately extending the Pixel Watch 2’s battery life. In comparison to its predecessor, this should result in enhanced speed and energy efficiency.
Health and Fitness
In the realm of health and fitness tracking, both watches rise to the occasion. The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, electrical heart sensor, and blood oxygen sensor. These sensors work in harmony to monitor your vital signs during workouts and provide quick health assessments in between activities. Apple’s ECG feature, widely praised for its life-saving potential, is a noteworthy inclusion.
Likewise, Google takes health tracking seriously, equipping the Pixel Watch 2 with a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, multi-purpose electrical sensors that can even provide ECG functions, and infrared and red sensors for monitoring oxygen saturation. The latest iterations of both watches leverage advanced AI heart rate algorithms, offering an impressive 40% increase in accuracy during high-intensity activities.
Google goes a step further, introducing an electrical sensor to measure skin conductance. This electrodermal activity sensor can detect changes in your skin’s response, a feature that, when integrated into the Body Response system, can alert users to elevated stress levels.
Both smartwatches offer additional features such as sleep tracking, workout routine monitoring, and the ability to query trends and results. This holistic approach to health and fitness tracking ensures that users have a complete overview of their well-being.
Battery and Storage
One of the critical aspects of a smartwatch is battery life. According to Apple, the Apple Watch Series 9 can deliver up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge, which extends to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. In contrast, Google claims the Pixel Watch 2 can achieve up to 24 hours of usage on a single charge.
It’s important to note that these claims are based on usage testing, and the real-world performance may vary depending on your specific usage patterns. For example, Apple’s testing includes scenarios like 90-time checks, 45 minutes of app usage, 90 notifications, and a 60-minute workout with music playback within those 18 hours.
Google, on the other hand, provides less detailed information, stating that its testing is based on a usage profile that encompasses a mix of talk, data, standby, and the use of other features. In essence, both smartwatches are built to offer all-day battery life, and recharging is a breeze with the included charging puck.
In terms of storage, Apple has doubled down on capacity, offering a generous 64GB for apps and music in the Apple Watch Series 9. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 2 is equipped with 32GB of eMMC Flash memory.
Other Features
Beyond the fundamental features, both Apple and Google have implemented additional functions to cater to their user bases. Apple includes Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection, providing critical safety features to users in emergencies. Google mirrors these safety elements while also integrating fall detection and the ability to share medical details during emergencies. Furthermore, both watches offer 4G LTE cellular connectivity options and support Wi-Fi, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.
Apple takes the lead in Bluetooth connectivity, offering Bluetooth 5.3 support, while the Pixel Watch 2 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0. These features contribute to seamless wireless connections and device compatibility.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the options are as diverse as the features themselves. The Google Pixel Watch 2 starts at $349.99 for the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi version, with the cellular model priced at $399.99. Meanwhile, Apple’s pricing structure offers various configurations to cater to a wide range of users. The Apple Watch Series 9 begins at $399 for the 41mm non-cellular model in aluminum and $429 for the 45mm version. Opting for cellular capabilities increases the cost to $499 for the 41mm model and $529 for the 45mm model.
Apple Watch Series 9
Elevate your style with a Pink Aluminum Smartwatch! It’s a fitness tracker with Blood Oxygen & ECG apps, an Always-On Retina Display, and an eco-friendly, carbon-neutral design.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Experience the perfect fusion of Fitbit and Google in Android Smartwatch! Enjoy heart rate tracking, stress management, and safety features, all in a sleek Polished Silver Aluminum Case with a Bay Active Band and LTE connectivity.
If you have your sights set on the stainless-steel versions, prices start at $749 and go up to $799, depending on the size. These models already include cellular connectivity, providing added value.
Conclusion
In the world of smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Google Pixel Watch 2 are shining examples of wearable technology, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. They share common virtues, including style, functionality, all-day battery life, and an extensive suite of health and safety features.
However, when making the ultimate choice, your decision might be swayed by your smartphone ecosystem. If you are an iOS user, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers seamless integration with your iPhone, making it the preferred choice. Apple’s diverse design options, larger screen, and generous onboard storage are compelling advantages.
On the other hand, the Google Pixel Watch 2 excels in battery life and presents a traditional round face, which may appeal to Android enthusiasts. Its lightweight design and distinctive round display add a touch of elegance.
But let’s not forget, the smartphone you already own is a significant factor. Apple Watch aligns seamlessly with iPhones, and Google Pixel Watch pairs naturally with Android devices. Ecosystem integration can streamline your daily interactions and overall experience, making your choice crystal clear.
In the end, whether you opt for the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Google Pixel Watch 2, rest assured that you’ll be acquiring a wearable that not only meets your expectations but also enhances your daily life with its myriad features.
Where to Buy
If you’re leaning towards the Apple Watch Series 9, it’s available on Amazon.
For those interested in the Google Pixel Watch 2, it’s available for purchase starting at $349.99 and can be found on popular online retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
