Pixel Watch 2: Hands On With Google's Fitbit-Infused Smartwatch

pcmag.com:

Google today announced the Pixel Watch 2, a successor to its first smartwatch, the Pixel Watch, which reached consumers last year. At first glance, the two devices look remarkably similar. In fact, the size and the shape of the watch puck itself are identical to the original. However, there are lots of changes inside—much of it from coming from Fitbit—that could make the Pixel Watch 2 a much more compelling wearable than its predecessor.

The Pixel Watch 2 is still 41mm in diameter with a 12.2mm height. The AMOLED display remains at 1.2 inches and retains its 320ppi pixel density with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The watch's weight has dropped from 1.27 ounces to 1.09 ounces, for a reduction of more than 13%. Google switched the chassis from the 80% recycled stainless steel of the original to 100% recycled aluminum and this likely played a role in the device's weight loss. The digital crown and action button adorn the right edges of both the old and new watches and continue to work well.

Inside, the Pixel Watch 2 is powered by the new Qualcomm SW5100 system-on-a-chip (SoC), which replaces the original Samsung Exynos 9110. Google's reps told us the fresh silicon would lead to smoother experiences and Qualcomm says that its SoC draws far less power. Google is sticking with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of flash storage for the Watch 2, but it increased the battery capacity to 306mAh compared to the original's 294mAh.

The company says the watch provides 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display running. This would be quite a boost if true; the always-on display must be off for the original watch to reach 24 hours. Google changed the included charging puck, meaning you won't be able to reuse your old Pixel Watch charger