Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 2: How are they different?

The Goole Pixel Watch 2 is here, less then a month after Apple launched its new Watch Series 9. So which smartwatch is better?

Let’s start with the one major difference everyone will notice right away: the design. The Apple Watch series has more of a squircle shape while the Pixel Watch line is circular — and this did not change with this latest generation of devices. For some people, this makes a big difference and will play into their decision to buy one over the other, but it’s a matter of personal preference.

Buy it for the OS

Another absolutely massive factor for prospective buyers is the operating system. Google Pixel Watch 2 runs on Android Wear and supports Android phones; it is not compatible with iOS. The Apple Watch Series 9, on the other hand, runs on watchOS, and is only compatible with iPhones.

Google Pixel Watch 2 runs on Android Wear, and is only compatible with Android phones.
Credit: Google

In fact, you shouldn’t even consider getting an Apple Watch if you have an Android phone. And if you have an iPhone, don’t bother snagging a Pixel Watch 2. Sure, you can still own these devices and get some limited functionality out of them without a compatible phone, but the experience is going to suck.

The specs

With that out of the way, let’s dive into the specs.

Compared to last year’s Pixel Watch, the new Pixel Watch 2 is lighter, has improved fitness capabilities, Safety Check (a feature that’s similar to Apple’s Check-in that allows your loved ones to keep tabs on you), and better battery life.

This last bit is important, as the original Pixel Watch’s battery life wasn’t great. Now, the Pixel Watch 2 has 24-hour advertised battery life. Conversely, Apple says the Watch Series 9 has an all-day battery life of 18 hours. Yes, this means you need to charge both watches basically every day. If that sounds like a drag to you, consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which lasts up to 36 hours, according to Apple.

In terms of size, Google Pixel Watch 2 is only available with a 41mm display, while Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The size difference isn’t crucial, but it is noticeable. If you want a larger Pixel Watch 2, you’re out of luck.

Apple Watch comes in several sizes and more finishes than Google Pixel Watch 2, which is only available with a 41mm display.
Credit: Google/Apple/Mashable composite

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is also quite a bit lighter than the Apple’s new wearable (31g vs. 42.3g for the 41mm version of the Apple Watch Series 9). I’ve only had time with a 45mm Apple Watch Series 9, which weighs 39g, and never thought of it as too heavy, but Google’s device is an absolute lightweight. If you don’t like heavy objects on your wrist, it’s worth considering.

Both watches are water and dust resistant, though only the Pixel Watch 2 has an official water resistance rating of IP68. Apple Watch Series 9 is rated IP6X, but Apple says it’s swimproof and can be submerged to depths of up to 50 meters.

It’s hard to tell how the performance differs between these two devices without thorough, side-by-side testing. Google Pixel Watch 2 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chip, has 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. Apple Watch Series 9 has Apple’s S9 chip, just 1GB of RAM, but double the storage with 64GB.

Fitness prowess

Google Pixel Watch 2 is all about fitness.
Credit: Google

One of Google’s main selling points for the Pixel Watch 2 is fitness capabilities and health tracking. The company is using a lot of tech from Fitbit, which it acquired in 2021, and has doubled down on fitness features this year. The Pixel Watch 2 has a new, more precise heart rate sensor as well as stress-level management via body-response and skin-temperature sensors. It also comes with automatic workout detection.

That said, Apple’s Watch Series 9 is no slouch in the health and fitness department, either. It has heart-rate and blood-oxygen sensors. It track your sleep, too. It can even keep tabs on users’ fertility and menstrual cycle while also providing retrospective estimates for ovulation. Similar to the Pixel Watch 2, the watch can also automatically detect workouts. And starting soon, users will be able to log their health data using Siri.

Keeping you safe and other tidbits

Both wearables have some advance safety features, including fall detection and emergency SOS calls. Apple Watch Series 9 also has Crash Detection, which can call for help on your behalf after a car crash.

There are numerous other differences between the two devices. For example, the new Apple Watch Series 9 supports a feature called Double Tap (coming later this month), which lets you perform various functions on the Watch just by tapping your fingers. The Pixel Watch 2 does not support touch gestures.

Conclusion

This is one of those rare instances in which the answer to “Which device is better for you?” is very straightforward and easy. If you have an Android phone, Pixel Watch is better. If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch is better.

That said, the two devices are actually are quite different in the sheer variety of the choices they offer. The Pixel Watch 2 starts at $349, only comes in one size (41mm) and is available in four color combinations: Polished Silver/Bay, Polished Silver/Porcelain, Matte Black/Obsidian, and Champagne Gold/Hazel.

Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399, but offers two sizes (41mm and 45mm) with either an aluminum or stainless steel case. If you just want a new Apple Watch that’s cheap, consider the Apple Watch SE, which starts at $249. And there’s the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is larger and more suitable for adventures and outdoor activities; that one starts at $699.