Have you ever bought something with high hopes, only to be let down?
That’s a common sentiment among Pixel Watch 2 users. The device promised so much but failed to deliver in crucial areas. Here’s an in-depth look at why the Pixel Watch 2 may not be the best choice.
Disappointing Fitbit Integration
Many users expected smooth health tracking with the Pixel Watch 2, but the experience has been less than satisfactory. Connecting the Pixel Watch 2 to the Fitbit app has proven to be a challenge, and even when connected, the health tracking features feel incomplete. Additionally, users must pay for a Fitbit subscription to access essential features. In contrast, Samsung Health offers a more personalized experience and is completely free, making it a superior option for health monitoring.
Essential Features Are Missing
A smartwatch should come with basic features right from the start, but the Pixel Watch 2 falls short. Even after six months, it lacks the ability to rearrange quick-setting tiles or switch to a grid launcher for easier app navigation. Other Wear OS devices have had these features for years, making the Pixel Watch’s shortcomings even more frustrating. In India, Google Wallet’s limitations render tap-to-pay useless, unlike Samsung Wallet’s more flexible approach.
The Impractical Design
The design of the Pixel Watch makes it incredibly difficult to find accessories such as screen protectors and third-party bands. The few protectors available are hard to apply and don’t stay on. The curved screen, although stylish, is prone to damage, and Google doesn’t offer replacement displays. This means that if the Pixel Watch screen breaks, it cannot be replaced.
Competitors Are Simply Better
Why settle for less when other options are better?
The OnePlus Watch 2 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic both outshine the Pixel Watch 2. The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts exceptional battery life, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is an all-around performer with a wider range of sizes and longer software support. Samsung’s One UI Watch offers a richer feature set compared to the Pixel Watch’s basic Wear OS. Plus, these competitors are often priced similarly or even lower.
The Extreme Ecosystem Lock
Google’s Pixel Watch features are heavily restricted when paired with non-Pixel phones. Basic features like Watch Unlock, Bedtime Mode sync, Clock and Alarm Sync, and Do Not Disturb sync are only available with a Pixel phone. While Samsung also has some restrictions, they offer alternative ways to use the features. Google’s tight ecosystem lock is a dealbreaker, making the watch less appealing for non-Pixel phone users.
Conclusion
The Pixel Watch 2 seemed promising, but its lack of essential features, poor health tracking, impractical design, better competitors, and extreme ecosystem lock-in make it a less desirable purchase. Have you ever had a similar experience with a gadget? Share this article and let others know what to watch out for when buying a smartwatch.