Google have announced the much anticipated Pixel Watch 2 which succeeds the successful Pixel Watch that debuted last year. The new watch looks exactly like its predecessor and comes with the same 32GB storage. However, it’s powered by a more powerful Snapdragon 5100 chip and also features more health and safety tracking features. The battery life is longer and it now takes less time to charge. Moreover, joining the Galaxy Watch 6, the Pixel Watch 2 also ships with Wear OS 4 out of the box. Interestingly, despite the new features, the new watch retails at $349 for the Wi-Fi model and $399 for the LTE model (same price as when Pixel Watch was released).
Like the Pixel Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 is only available in a 41mm size which comes in two models; LTE and Wi-Fi. In this post, you will learn the difference between these two models to help understand which is right for you.
In few words, the difference between the LTE and Wifi model is the presence of an embedded SIM in the LTE model that enabled cellular capabilities. As a result, the LTE model can make and receive calls and can send and receive messages without your phone. In contrast, the Wifi model can do all these, however, it needs your phone.
Pixel Watch 2 LTE vs Wi-Fi Full Specifications
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Pixel Watch vs Pixel Watch 2 – What’s New?
Before we continue, lets take a look at what’s new in the Pixel Watch 2. Is it a worthy upgrade? Let’s fine out.
- Pixel Watch 2 has an aluminum frame
- Pixel Watch 2 is powered by a more powerful Snapdragon 5100 chip
- Pixel Watch 2 Ships with Wear OS 4
- Pixel Watch 2 features a skin temperature sensor
- Pixel watch 2 features an EDA stress sensor
- Pixel Watch 2 has a superior heart rate sensor
- Pixel Watch 2 features new safety features
- Pixel Watch 2 has a longer battery life and charges faster
While the Pixel Watch 2 has an identical shape and appearance as it’s predecessor, the frame is different. It is a stanless steel frame for the Pixel Watch while the Pixel Watch 2 has an aluminum frame. As a result, it weighs 6 grams lesser. Meanwhile, the glass is still the same Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Though, I was expecting to see a sapphire glass.
Beyond the difference in frame build, both watches have the same 1.2 inches display powered by AMOLED with up to 1000 nits brightness.
Since the case size is the same, the straps are also the same. You can use the Pixel watch straps on the new Pixel Watch 2. The colours are also the same.
Google paired a 2GB RAM with Samsung’s Exynos 9110 chip – A 10nm chip which of course resulted in a decent performance on the Pixel Watch. With the Pixel Watch 2, it’s a whole different ball game. Google decided to equip it with a superior Snapdragon W5+ chip. It’s same chip that powers the Ticwatch Pro 5 which many users have testified to its monstrous performance.
In contrast to the 10nm Exynos 9110 which boasts up to 1.1GHz speed, the 4nm Snapdragon W5+ chip is a quad core processor that delivers a staggering 1.7GHz clock speed. Obviously, Pixel Watch 2 will perform faster than it’s predecessor.
Joining the likes of Galaxy Watch 4, 5 and 6, the Pixel Watch 2 ships with Wear OS 4 out of the box. Interestingly, Google have announced that Wear OS 4 will come to the Pixel Watch but failed to state when. Wear OS 4 brings new apps, better performance, and more interactive watch faces to Wear OS watches.
Another interesting addition is the presence of a skin temperature sensor in the Pixel Watch 2. This sensor will enable the watch to track your temperature during sleep. This is just like my Galaxy Watch 5 Pro which also tracks my skin temperature during sleep.
Furthermore, Google decided to also introduce the EDA sensor we have seen in Fitbit Sense 2 and the new Charge 6 to the Pixel Watch 2. This sensor enables the watch to monitor your stress level, and if you are stressed, there is a breathing app that can help you reduce stress by guilding you through a breathing session.
While the Pixel Watch is an accurate heart rate tracker, the Pixel Watch 2 is equipped with a more powerful heart rate sensor with 25 times more LEDs which Google claim is more accurate and 45% more accurate for vigorous exercises.
Moreover, there is a new Heart Rate Zone Coaching and Pace Training features that can help you stay on track with your workout goals (this will probably come to Pixel Watch when it gets Wear OS 4).
In addition to fall detection and emergency SOS features that were first introduced to the Pixel Watch, Pixel watch 2 has new safety features such as a safety check app and medical ID.
There is a new safety check app that will allow you set a timer for when you except to arrive at a destination. It will also allow you to set 15 emergency contacts that would receive a message with your location if you fail to check in at the expiration of the set time.
Furthermore, you can now share your medical information with first responders during an emergency. This is very similar to medical ID on Apple Watches and Galaxy Watches.
Last but not the least, the Pixel Watch 2 has a slightly bigger battery capacity which in addition to the superior Snapdragon W5+ chip offers a longer battery life. Google claims that thanks to the co-processor in the W5+ chip, the Pixel watch 2 can last up to 24 hours with always-on enabled.
Moreover, the Pixel Watch 2 takes lesser time to charge. Google claims you can get up to 80% in 45 minutes.
Going by the new additions, I think it’s a worthy upgrade from the Pixel Watch. The new chip and more health tracking features are a significant leap forward. Though, I was expecting to see two size options so that people can have the option to choose their preferred size.
Pixel Watch 2 LTE vs WiFi – What’s the Difference?
There is no much difference between the LTE and Wifi model. It is the same design and display. The same health tracking features and storage capacity. The CPU is the same and the battery capacity is the same. Both models have a microphone and speaker.
The only difference is that while the WiFi model has Bluetooth and WiFi, the LTE model has Bluetooth, WiFi and LTE for connectivity.
- The LTE model is a standalone smartwatch
- The LTE model cost a little more
As a result of the embedded SIM in the Pixel Watch 2 LTE model, it is a standalone smartwatch that can make and receive calls without connecting to your phone. It can also receive and reply to messages without connecting to your phone. The Wi-Fi model can also make and receive calls as well as receive and reply to messages but it needs your phone to be nearby.
Moreover, when Wi-Fi is not available, the LTE can still download apps and stream music without your phone.
Because of the cellular capabilities of the LTE model, it cost $50 more. While the Wi-Fi model retails for $349, the LTE model retails for $399.
Pixel Watch 2 LTE Supported Countries
It’s important that you know the countries where the LTE model will work so that you don’t end up buying the LTE model only to realize that your network provider doesn’t support it.
According to Google, the Pixel Watch 2 LTE is supported in United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and United Kingdom. In the US, supported carriers are AT&T, Google Fi, T-Mobile, Verizon, Cellcom, C Spire and US Cellular. And in the UK, supported carriers are EE and Vodafone.
Before buying the LTE model, it’s important to call your network provider to confirm that they actually offer data plans for the Pixel Watch 2 LTE.
Pixel Watch 2 LTE: How it works?
Just like Apple Watch cellular models, the Pixel Watch 2 LTE must be on the same network as your phone and it uses same phone number as your phone in what is called number sharing.
Number sharing allows both devices to use the same phone number to make and receive calls and receive and reply messages even when both devices are apart.
Note that you can still use the LTE model even without activating LTE on it. In that case it works just like the wifi model. So let’s say you very tight on budget and decide not to buy data plans for the watch, it would work perfectly just like the Wi-Fi model but it won’t have cellular capabilities.
LTE or Wi-Fi – Which Should You Go For?
For seniors, the LTE model is clearly the best choice. Secondly, for anyone that does outdoor workout, you need the LTE model. And if you are always away from your phone, you need the LTE model.
The LTE model means that you don’t need to carry your phone along. And if you ever forget your phone at home, you can still stay connected. This is the main purpose of the LTE model, it gives your phone some breathing space.
On the other hand, the wifi model is still a fantastic choice. If you are low on budget, the wifi model is a great choice. You get every feature in the LTE model except that it lacks cellular capabilities which means you will need your phone nearby to make calls as well as tend to messages.