The smartwatch market is booming, and two contenders vying for your wrist are the Xiaomi Watch S2 and the Google Pixel Watch. Both offer a blend of fitness tracking, notifications, and smart features, but cater to different ecosystems and priorities. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Google Pixel Watch shines with its seamless Wear OS integration and Google Assistant, while the Xiaomi Watch S2 offers a more robust fitness tracking suite and longer battery life. For Android purists, the Pixel Watch is the clear winner; for fitness enthusiasts prioritizing battery, the S2 takes the crown.
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 66, 71 - GWT9R |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 5, 7, 26 - GBZ4S |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 11 | 2022, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 11 | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 36 g (1.27 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68)
ECG certified |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), body composition (BMI) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless (Qi) |
| Type | Li-Po 500 mAh | Li-Ion 294 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Gold | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold |
| Models | - | GQF4C, GBZ4S, GWT9R |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S2
- Exceptional battery life (7-12 days)
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Larger, brighter display
- Stylish design
- Affordable price
- Less integrated with Google services
- Slightly less responsive performance
- Proprietary operating system (less app availability)
Google Pixel Watch
- Seamless Wear OS integration
- Google Assistant support
- Premium design and build quality
- Access to Google apps and services
- Fitbit integration
- Poor battery life (less than 24 hours)
- Higher price point
- Smaller display
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Watch S2 boasts a vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display with excellent brightness and clarity. The Pixel Watch features a smaller, circular 1.17-inch AMOLED display with a unique edge-to-edge design. While the Pixel Watch's design is visually appealing, the S2's larger screen offers more real estate for information and easier readability.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch's Exynos 9110 chipset, while older, is generally smooth for everyday tasks. The Xiaomi Watch S2's performance is adequate for fitness tracking and notifications, but may feel slightly less responsive compared to the Pixel Watch. The Pixel Watch's Wear OS provides a more fluid and feature-rich experience.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S2 significantly outperforms the Pixel Watch in battery life. The S2 can typically last 7-12 days on a single charge, while the Pixel Watch struggles to reach a full day with moderate use. This is a major advantage for the S2.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S2? Fitness enthusiasts, those seeking long battery life, and users comfortable with a less integrated smartwatch experience. Who should buy the Google Pixel Watch? Android users deeply invested in the Google ecosystem, those prioritizing seamless integration with Google services, and those who value a premium Wear OS experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Google Pixel Watch worth the price?
The Pixel Watch is worth it if you're deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and prioritize Wear OS integration and Google Assistant. However, the battery life is a significant drawback.
❓ How does the Xiaomi Watch S2 compare to other fitness trackers?
The Xiaomi Watch S2 offers a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features comparable to dedicated fitness trackers, with the added benefit of smartwatch functionality and significantly longer battery life.
❓ Does the Pixel Watch work with iPhones?
No, the Google Pixel Watch is designed primarily for Android devices and has limited functionality when paired with an iPhone.
❓ What is the battery life like on the Pixel Watch?
The Pixel Watch's battery life is a major weakness, typically lasting less than a full day with moderate use. Heavy users may need to charge it twice a day.
