Choosing the right smartwatch has become more exciting—and challenging—than ever, especially with the release of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9. Both wearables represent the latest advancements from two tech giants, each bringing unique features, impressive health-tracking capabilities, and a variety of design choices to the table. But when it comes down to it, which one is truly the better smartwatch for you?
The Pixel Watch 2 builds on Google’s debut model, featuring a lightweight design and leveraging Fitbit’s expertise in fitness tracking. It offers deep integration with Google Assistant and is powered by Wear OS 4, giving Android users an easy and stylish way to stay connected and monitor their health. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 9 continues Apple’s legacy of quality with a more refined design, industry-leading health features, and the ever-smooth watchOS 10. Apple has also introduced innovations like the new Double Tap gesture, which simplifies user interactions even further.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll look at everything from display quality and fitness tracking to battery life and ecosystem compatibility to help you decide whether the Pixel Watch 2 or the Apple Watch Series 9 is the ideal fit for your wrist.
Release Date and Pricing
The Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 hit the market within close range of each other, each catering to the latest demands of smartwatch enthusiasts. Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 2 in early October 2023, making it available shortly after its announcement, with options starting at $349 for the Wi-Fi model and slightly higher for the LTE variant. The watch comes in a single 41mm size, with color choices in Polished Silver, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold.
The Apple Watch Series 9, on the other hand, was released in mid-September 2023 as part of Apple’s annual product launch event. Pricing for the Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the base model, with a range of customization options available. Apple offers two case sizes (41mm and 45mm), allowing users to select a fit that suits their style and comfort. For a premium look, Apple also provides a stainless steel option with sapphire glass, although these variants are priced higher.
Both watches are available in Wi-Fi and LTE models, with major carriers and retailers offering financing options. While the Pixel Watch 2 provides affordability, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers variety in materials and sizes, catering to a wider range of style preferences.
Display Quality and Features
When it comes to display quality, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Google Pixel Watch 2 both bring unique strengths to the table, but there are notable differences. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a more expansive screen with two case sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The smaller bezel design allows for a larger display area, and its OLED screen is exceptionally bright, reaching up to 2,000 nits—ideal for viewing in bright sunlight. With a high pixel density of 326 ppi, the Apple Watch Series 9 produces vivid colors and crisp text, enhancing the visual experience for everything from app interactions to notifications.
On the other hand, the Google Pixel Watch 2 features a 41mm AMOLED display with a 1.2-inch screen and 320 ppi, which provides sharp visuals but falls short of the Apple Watch in terms of brightness, maxing out at 1,000 nits. The Pixel Watch’s display is surrounded by a thicker bezel, which some users may find less immersive. However, the dome-shaped screen and back add to its aesthetic appeal, offering a unique and comfortable design for 24/7 wear.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Both smartwatches cater to fitness enthusiasts with comprehensive health-tracking features. The Apple Watch Series 9 includes an array of sensors for 24/7 heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, and even fall and car crash detection, making it a versatile tool for daily wellness. The car crash detection feature, unique to Apple, provides added peace of mind by alerting emergency services in severe accidents.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 emphasizes fitness tracking through its integration with Fitbit, offering in-depth health insights. It supports continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and stress detection. Fitbit's influence means users benefit from highly detailed health data, but some advanced insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription, which may add to long-term costs. However, the Pixel Watch 2 covers the essentials with automatic workout detection, which will activate even if users forget to start tracking their activity manually.
Performance and Processing Power
Powered by the S9 System-in-Package (SiP), the Apple Watch Series 9 provides swift, responsive performance, ensuring smooth interactions with apps and quick response times. This chip is engineered for optimized performance within the watchOS ecosystem, enhancing everything from app loading times to Siri interactions.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor, which also ensures smooth daily performance. While the Apple Watch may have an edge in sheer processing power, both watches handle daily tasks like notifications, fitness tracking, and apps with ease. The Snapdragon chip keeps the Pixel Watch responsive, though it may lag slightly behind the Apple Watch’s performance in heavy multitasking scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery life is often a crucial factor for smartwatch users. The Apple Watch Series 9 generally lasts around 18 hours on a full charge, covering a full day of normal use but often requiring nightly charging if using features like sleep tracking. The Google Pixel Watch 2 similarly offers around 24 hours of battery life under regular usage, allowing for a full day’s performance. Both devices feature fast-charging capabilities, with each reaching a near-full charge in about an hour, keeping users powered up even during busy schedules.
Software and User Interface
The Apple Watch Series 9 runs on watchOS 10, a fluid, highly user-friendly interface with deep integration into Apple’s ecosystem. Known for its smooth transitions, intuitive menus, and reliable notifications, watchOS offers a seamless experience with minimal issues. Siri also performs well for on-the-go voice commands, enhancing ease of use.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 operates on Wear OS 4, which brings new improvements but has some occasional inconsistencies, like sporadic notification issues or occasional software glitches. Google Assistant offers a solid voice-command option, although it doesn’t quite match Siri’s integration within Apple’s ecosystem.
Unique Features and Innovations
Apple’s Double Tap feature on the Series 9 allows users to control the watch with simple hand gestures, making it easy to navigate the watch without touching the screen—a great convenience for hands-free control. The Google Pixel Watch 2 highlights Google Assistant as a central feature, giving users access to Google’s powerful AI for quick responses and smart home controls.
Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration
Compatibility is where both devices show their true loyalties: the Apple Watch Series 9 works exclusively with iPhones, allowing it to seamlessly sync with other Apple devices and apps like iMessage, Apple Music, and Health. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is optimized for Android, particularly Google Pixel devices, though it’s compatible with most Android phones, offering native integration with Google services and apps.
For users already embedded in a particular ecosystem, the watch’s integration can be a deciding factor, making each device the perfect companion for its respective operating system.
Comparison of Long-Term Updates and Support
When investing in a smartwatch, long-term updates and support are essential considerations. Apple leads in this area, as the Apple Watch Series 9 is expected to receive around five years of software updates, allowing users to enjoy the latest watchOS features, security patches, and app compatibility for a significant time. Apple’s consistent update schedule offers a sense of reliability, ensuring that the watch remains functional and current.
The Google Pixel Watch 2, while relatively new, is also expected to receive several years of updates, though Google’s support window for Wear OS may not match Apple’s longevity. Google’s collaboration with Fitbit enhances its health-tracking capabilities, but users may need a Fitbit Premium subscription to access advanced health insights, which can add to long-term costs.
In terms of value for money, the Pixel Watch 2 starts at a more affordable $349, which provides users with Fitbit’s health-tracking expertise and Google’s software integration without a high initial price. The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 but justifies its price with premium build options and a polished ecosystem experience. For users prioritizing durability, long-term updates, and ecosystem integration, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers a stronger value proposition, whereas the Pixel Watch 2 is a budget-friendly choice with robust health-tracking features.
Conclusion
In the match-up between the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9, each watch brings standout features to cater to its brand’s ecosystem and user preferences.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a clear choice for those deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem. Its sleek design, top-notch build quality, and intuitive watchOS 10 make it a premium option that aligns perfectly with other Apple devices. Features like the bright, large OLED display, advanced health metrics (including car crash detection), and the new Double Tap gesture add to its appeal. With around five years of guaranteed updates, Apple Watch users can expect long-term functionality and compatibility, making it worth the investment for Apple enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Watch 2 offers Android users a robust wearable experience with unique advantages. Its integration with Fitbit provides valuable health and fitness insights, and its lower price point makes it an affordable entry into premium smartwatch features. Although some advanced insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription, the Pixel Watch 2 remains a well-rounded, cost-effective option for users in the Android ecosystem.
Ultimately, the Apple Watch Series 9 is ideal for iPhone users seeking the best Apple experience, while Pixel Watch 2 is the go-to choice for Android fans looking for reliable health-tracking and Google integration.