Taking a total 180 from the Apple Watch lands you at Google’s offering — the Pixel Watch 2. Despite looking nothing like its contender, it shares similarities when it comes to the feature set and, unfortunately enough, its incompatibility with the rival’s operating system. On the flip side, you get a watch with a beautifully round design and one that is surprisingly durable, as explored in our review of the Pixel Watch 2. The front is shielded with Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5, and the body is protected with an IP68 certification for water resistance.
The watch has a 1.2-inch circular AMOLED display with Always On Display functionality. Just like the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 sports a rotating crown that can be used to interact with the interface. The device has a plethora of sensors, including a barometer, altimeter, compass, and heart rate sensor — plus infrared and electrical sensors to measure blood oxygen levels and an electrocardiogram, respectively.
Google’s acquisition of Fitbit was tipped to improve Wear OS, and it looks like it definitely paid off. Buyers enjoy a free Fitbit premium membership for 6 months that unlocks exclusive workout modes and other features. The Google Pixel Watch 2 is available at a comparable price point of $350 for the Wi-Fi model. For $400, you unlock LTE support, which gives the watch added independence when you’re on the go.
