The smartwatch market offers a wide spectrum of options, from ultra-affordable fitness trackers to premium, feature-rich devices. We're pitting the Realme Watch, a contender in the budget segment, against the Google Pixel Watch 2, Google's latest attempt at a flagship wearable. This comparison aims to dissect their capabilities and determine which smartwatch delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a comprehensive smartwatch experience with advanced health tracking and seamless Google integration, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the clear winner. However, the Realme Watch presents a compelling option for those on a strict budget who primarily need basic fitness tracking and notifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 25. Released 2020, June 05 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 36.5 x 25.6 x 11.8 mm (1.44 x 1.01 x 0.46 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 320 x 320 pixels (~323 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 380 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm 5100 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 160 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | RMA161 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Realme Watch
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to simpler features
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Limited smartwatch functionality
- Inferior display quality compared to AMOLED
- Less powerful processor and slower performance
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Powerful Qualcomm 5100 chipset for smooth performance
- Advanced health tracking features powered by Fitbit
- Seamless integration with the Google ecosystem
- Higher price tag
- Battery life may be shorter than the Realme Watch
- Relatively small display size
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display information for the Realme Watch, we can infer it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel common in its price bracket. The Google Pixel Watch 2, however, benefits from a more advanced AMOLED display, offering superior contrast and color accuracy. While the Realme Watch may suffice for basic readability, the Pixel Watch 2’s display will provide a more vibrant and engaging visual experience, especially outdoors. The Pixel Watch 2’s always-on display functionality, absent on the Realme Watch, is a significant convenience factor for quick glances at the time and notifications.
Camera Comparison
This comparison is not applicable. Neither the Realme Watch nor the Google Pixel Watch 2 feature a camera.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100 chipset represents a substantial leap in processing power compared to what’s typically found in the Realme Watch’s segment. The 5100, built on a power-efficient node, allows for smoother animations, faster app loading times, and more responsive interactions. While the Realme Watch likely handles basic tasks adequately, the Pixel Watch 2 is better equipped for demanding applications and future software updates. The Pixel Watch 2’s improved processing power also benefits its health tracking features, enabling more accurate and detailed data analysis.
Battery Life
The Realme Watch’s battery life is likely optimized for extended use, given its simpler feature set. However, the Google Pixel Watch 2, despite its more powerful chipset and advanced features, offers a respectable battery life, achieving 80% charge in approximately 45 minutes with its wired charging. The Pixel Watch 2’s fast charging capability mitigates the impact of its potentially smaller battery capacity, allowing users to quickly top up their device when needed. The Realme Watch likely relies on a slower, more traditional charging method.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch if you need a simple, affordable fitness tracker with essential features like heart rate monitoring and step counting, and aren't concerned with advanced smartwatch capabilities. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prioritize a premium design, in-depth health insights powered by Fitbit, seamless integration with the Google ecosystem, and a more responsive user experience, and are willing to pay a significant price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Google Pixel Watch 2's Qualcomm 5100 chipset generate noticeable heat during extended use, such as during a workout with GPS enabled?
The Qualcomm 5100 is designed for efficiency, and while some heat generation is inevitable during intensive tasks, user reports and initial testing suggest it manages thermal performance well. Google has implemented thermal management strategies to prevent overheating and maintain consistent performance during workouts and other demanding activities. It's unlikely to become uncomfortably hot.
❓ How does the Realme Watch handle notifications compared to the Google Pixel Watch 2's more integrated system?
The Realme Watch likely provides basic notification mirroring from your smartphone, displaying alerts but offering limited interaction options. The Google Pixel Watch 2, however, offers a much richer notification experience, allowing you to respond to messages, dismiss alerts, and even initiate calls directly from your wrist, thanks to its deeper integration with the Google ecosystem.
❓ Is the lack of NFC on the Realme Watch a significant drawback for contactless payments?
For users who frequently utilize contactless payments, the absence of NFC on the Realme Watch is a notable limitation. The Google Pixel Watch 2 supports Google Pay, enabling convenient and secure transactions directly from your wrist. If contactless payments are a priority, the Pixel Watch 2 is the superior choice.
