The smartwatch market is increasingly competitive, with both Apple and Google offering compelling options at various price points. This comparison focuses on the entry-level Apple Watch SE and the newer Google Pixel Watch 2, dissecting their core capabilities to determine which delivers the best experience for the average user. The Pixel Watch 2 aims to address criticisms of its predecessor, while the Apple Watch SE remains a stalwart in the affordable smartwatch space.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For iPhone users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch SE offers seamless integration and a mature app library. However, the Google Pixel Watch 2, with its faster charging and broader compatibility, is the better choice for Android users or those seeking a more platform-agnostic experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 15 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, September 18 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.41 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 36.4 g (1.27 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S5 | Qualcomm 5100 |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gold, Space Gray | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | A2353, A2354, A2355, A2356, A2351, A2352 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Apple Watch SE
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Mature and extensive app ecosystem
- Family Setup feature for added convenience
- Older S5 chipset may show its age
- Slower wireless charging
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Faster charging with 80% in 45 minutes
- Broader compatibility with Android and iOS
- Fitbit integration for enhanced fitness tracking
- Wear OS ecosystem is still developing
- Potential for software bugs and inconsistencies
- Reliance on Google services
Display Comparison
Neither device's context data provides display specifics. However, given the Apple Watch SE's positioning, it likely utilizes an OLED panel with standard brightness levels. The Pixel Watch 2, benefiting from newer technology, likely features a brighter OLED display, potentially with improved color accuracy. The Pixel Watch 2’s curved display is also a design differentiator, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience, though this comes at the cost of increased edge distortion. Bezels are likely comparable, given both devices aim for a modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This simplifies the comparison, as image quality isn't a factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Apple Watch SE utilizes the Apple S5, a dual-core processor. While capable, it's an older architecture. The Google Pixel Watch 2 boasts the Qualcomm 5100, a more modern chipset. This suggests the Pixel Watch 2 will offer snappier performance, particularly when handling complex tasks or multiple apps simultaneously. The Qualcomm 5100’s architecture is likely more power-efficient, potentially offsetting the older Apple chip’s optimizations. The lack of RAM specifications makes a direct comparison difficult, but the newer chipset gives the Pixel Watch 2 a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Battery life specifics are absent from the provided data. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s wired charging capability, achieving 80% charge in 45 minutes, is a significant advantage over the Apple Watch SE’s wireless charging. Wireless charging is convenient, but generally slower. The faster charging of the Pixel Watch 2 mitigates the inconvenience of more frequent charging cycles, making it more practical for users who don't want to be tethered to a charger for extended periods. The Apple Watch SE’s battery life will likely be sufficient for a full day of moderate use, but the Pixel Watch 2’s faster charging offers greater flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch SE if you prioritize tight integration with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, and value a well-established app ecosystem. You'll benefit from features like Family Setup and a generally smoother user experience within the Apple world. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you're an Android user, or prefer a more open smartwatch platform. The Pixel Watch 2’s faster charging and Fitbit integration make it ideal for fitness enthusiasts, and its Wear OS interface offers greater customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm 5100 chipset in the Pixel Watch 2 generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
While the Qualcomm 5100 is a more powerful chipset than the Apple S5, its thermal performance will depend on Google’s software optimization and the watch’s cooling system. Early reviews suggest the Pixel Watch 2 manages heat effectively, but sustained, intensive tasks could lead to some warming. The Apple S5, being less powerful, is less likely to generate significant heat, but also offers less overall performance.
❓ How does the Fitbit integration on the Pixel Watch 2 compare to Apple’s fitness tracking features on the Watch SE?
The Pixel Watch 2 leverages Fitbit’s extensive fitness tracking expertise, offering detailed sleep analysis, stress management tools, and a comprehensive activity tracking suite. Apple’s fitness tracking is also robust, but focuses more on Apple’s own Activity rings and workout metrics. The Pixel Watch 2’s Fitbit integration provides a more holistic view of overall health and wellness, appealing to users deeply invested in fitness tracking.
❓ Is the Apple Watch SE still a good option for Android users?
While the Apple Watch SE can technically pair with Android devices, functionality is severely limited. You’ll lose access to core features like notifications, app integration, and Apple Pay. The Apple Watch SE is overwhelmingly designed for the Apple ecosystem, making it a poor choice for Android users.
