Comparing the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: A Deep Dive

Google’s Pixel Watch 2 makes its debut as an enticing successor to last year’s impressive original. This smartwatch enters the foreground alongside Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, a wearable that has garnered considerable acclaim, earning a solid four-star rating from PCMag. As we embark on our testing journey with the Pixel Watch 2, let’s break down how these two competitors stack up, evaluating design, features, price, and more.

Design: Crown vs. Buttons

Both the Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 6 flaunt smooth, circular designs, but their aesthetics differ notably. The Pixel Watch 2 features more pronounced curves, creating a softer look compared to the flatter and starker design of the Galaxy Watch 6. Importantly, the Pixel Watch 2 is available only in one size (41mm diameter and 12.3mm thickness), whereas Samsung offers both small (39.6mm) and large (43.6mm) options.

Weight-wise, both devices are lightweight, with the Pixel Watch 2 coming in at 31 grams and the Galaxy Watch 6 ranging from 28.7 to 33.3 grams, making them comfortable for prolonged wear.

A significant divergence lies in the physical controls. Samsung opts for two side buttons on the Galaxy Watch 6, relying heavily on touch for navigation. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 2 sports a rotating crown, providing users with an additional tactile option for scrolling. This design choice boils down to personal preference, as both navigation methods have their enthusiasts.

Screen: A Brighter Galaxy

Turning our attention to the displays, both smartwatches utilize always-on AMOLED screens that deliver impressive contrast and vibrant colors. However, the Galaxy Watch 6 leaps ahead in terms of size and brightness.

The Pixel Watch 2’s display measures 1.2 inches with 320 pixels per inch (ppi), maxing out at an impressive 1,000 nits of brightness. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers a larger display—1.31 inches for the small model and 1.47 inches for the large model—with sharpness ratings of 330 ppi and 327 ppi, respectively. The pièce de résistance is its brightness, peaking at a dazzling 2,000 nits, which translates to enhanced visibility even in direct sunlight.

Battery Life: What All-Day Means

Google has upgraded the battery life on the Pixel Watch 2 to promise a full day of usage (around 24 hours) with the always-on display activated. Charging is notably efficient, reportedly reaching a full charge in just 75 minutes. If these figures hold up in testing, this could mean that the Pixel Watch 2 lasts approximately two hours longer than the Galaxy Watch 6, which in practice may total about 22 hours.

Both devices fall short when compared to the astonishing longevity of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (which can manage 57 hours) and the Galaxy Watch 5 (30 hours). Still, almost a full day of use is commendable and should cater to most users’ needs.

Software: Both Run Wear OS

Samsung has embraced Google’s Wear OS in recent years, meaning that both the Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 6 share the same operating system. This commonality ensures similar interfaces and access to the same app catalogs, optimizing functionality for those using Android devices.

For users with either a Pixel phone or a Galaxy phone, there’s an added bonus of enhanced integration with their respective watches, streamlining functionalities like notifications or health tracking.

Health and Fitness: Loaded, With Exceptions

Both Google and Samsung have packed their smartwatches with health and fitness features, almost bridging the gap to dedicated fitness trackers. The Pixel Watch 2 integrates Fitbit’s health ecosystem, while Samsung relies on its Samsung Health platform.

In terms of health sensors, both smartwatches are equipped with optical heart rate monitors, skin temperature sensors, and SpO2 sensors, tracking everything from workout intensity to potential health issues. However, Samsung edges out slightly with additional capabilities like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition. Moreover, Samsung offers snore tracking functionality when paired with a Galaxy phone.

For emergency situations, both devices are equipped with fall detection and SOS features.

Connectivity: Google’s Basic Kit

In the connectivity department, both smartwatches come equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, although Google seems to lag a bit behind in specifications. The Pixel Watch 2 only supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, while the Galaxy Watch 6 boasts Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz).

The difference in Bluetooth standards could affect performance, particularly for features that rely on Low Energy (BLE). However, given that smartwatches typically connect to phones in close proximity, users might not notice a significant difference in connectivity quality. Both watches do support NFC for easy tap-to-pay transactions using Google Wallet.

Ruggedness: Similarly Sturdy

When it comes to durability, the Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 6 are both designed to withstand the rigors of daily life. They share an IP68 rating, making them both dustproof and waterproof, capable of enduring pressures equivalent to depths of 164 feet underwater.

The glass materials differ slightly, with Google opting for Corning Gorilla Glass 5 while Samsung uses sapphire glass. Although both are resistant to scratches and impacts, concerns arise regarding the susceptibility of the Pixel Watch 2’s domed design to cracks. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 6 complies with military-standard testing (MIL-STD-810H), reassuring users of its robustness, although the specifics of the test conditions remain unclear.

Cost: The Pixel Is Pricier

It’s no surprise that there’s a price difference between these two devices. The Galaxy Watch 6 starts at $299 for the smaller model and $329 for the larger version, while LTE options cost between $349 and $379. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 2 retails for $349 with Wi-Fi only and $399 with LTE, marking it as the pricier option among the two.

The Galaxy Watch 6 presents a more economical choice, though the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers higher price points, ranging from $369 to $449, depending on size and features.

As we continue our evaluations of the Pixel Watch 2, stay tuned for our comprehensive review. Meanwhile, check out our curated selection of the best smartwatches to discover top choices beyond Wear OS.