Google Pixel Watch 2 Vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Battle Of The Titans — Which Smartwatch Reigns Supreme?

Alphabet Inc.’s GOOG GOOGL Google launched Pixel Watch 2 on Wednesday, offering notable improvements to the Android wearable landscape.

Having said that, it hasn’t been long since Apple Inc. AAPL released its Watch Series 9 — a formidable contender to the search and advertising giant’s offering. 

This brings us to the burning question: which one deserves the top spot?

Price Point

The Pixel Watch 2 has maintained its pricing structure, starting at $349, which is $50 less than the base 41mm Apple Watch Series 9. Price-conscious consumers will find the Google Pixel Watch 2 to be the more budget-friendly option.

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Design Face-Off

While Google embraced the traditional circular construction for its Pixel Watch 2, giving it a timeless appearance, this design choice results in a slightly thicker profile on the wrist.

In comparison, Apple continues to stick with its signature rectangular design, which, although iconic, has faced criticism for its less-than-snug fit and scratch-prone curved glass. 

Additionally, Apple’s design has started showing its age as many Apple enthusiasts are keenly waiting for the company to develop something new.

It is worth noting the Tim Cook-led company could mark the device’s 10-year anniversary with the biggest overhaul yet, and it could come with the rumored Watch Series X. 

Display

Both Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 offer impressive screens with more than 320 pixels per inch and vivid DCI-P3 color.

They diverge with maximum brightness. While Google’s offering shines brightly, it can only reach half the brightness of the Apple Watch. Google Pixel Watch 2 goes up to 1,000 nits of brightness, and Apple Watch Series 9 is twice as bright at 2,000 nits.

For most scenarios, the Google Pixel Watch 2 spec could be more than sufficient, but Series 9 takes the lead in extreme conditions.

Health And Fitness Tracking

Google leveraged its acquisition of Fitbit technology to offer a comprehensive health suite. The Pixel Watch 2 features a multi-path heart rate sensor with AI algorithms for precise measurements, continuous electrodermal activity sensing for stress detection, automatic workout tracking and fall detection.

Apple Watch Series 9 has features like an ECG app, blood oxygen measurements, sleep tracking and ovulation cycle tracking. It also excels in mindfulness and workout tracking, offering detailed metrics like heart rate zones and customized intervals.

While Pixel Watch 2 has added a new feature called “Safety Check,” Apple also offers similar convenience with an added Crash Detection feature.  

Battery Life And Charging

Google claims the Pixel Watch 2 can last 24 hours with the always-on display. In contrast, Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life under average use without the always-on display. Enabling the low-power mode extends this to 36 hours. 

The Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 9 remains the logical choice for iPhone users, given its seamless integration with iOS.

With its sleek design and Fitbit integration, Android enthusiasts may find the Pixel Watch 2 a more compelling option.

In terms of specifications and features, the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out, thanks to years of iterative updates. Nevertheless, the aging design of the Apple Watch might make the Pixel Watch 2 a more visually appealing choice.

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Photo: Google Pixals 2, courtesy Google; Apple Watch 9, courtesy Apple