Google’s Pixel Watch is finally making its way to India, giving Android users another smartwatch option to consider. Despite the first Pixel Watch not being launched in India, the decision to bring the Pixel Watch 2 to the market seems justified. Expected to be unveiled alongside the Pixel 8 series at the upcoming Made by Google event on October 4, the first Pixel Watch had a few flaws that may have influenced Google’s choice to skip its Indian release.
Announced last year at the Made by Google event, the Pixel Watch garnered attention for its distinct design featuring a dome glass, round dial, and a digital crown. Considered one of the most visually appealing smartwatches available, its aesthetics set it apart from competitors.
While the Pixel Watch didn’t excel in terms of health tracking, it performed well compared to the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 lineup and Apple Watch. The accuracy of health tracking data such as steps, exercise tracking, sleep monitoring, and heart rate was tested against the Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch SE (2nd gen), with the Pixel Watch proving to be reliable.
In terms of software, the Pixel Watch’s stock Wear OS 3.5 interface offered a smoother experience than the Galaxy Watch 5. However, battery life was a weak point, with AOD draining the battery in less than 16 hours. With AOD turned off and other battery-saving features enabled, a day’s worth of battery life was attainable, but active users would need to charge it overnight.
The size of the display was a source of discontent for many users, especially compared to the Galaxy Watch 5 or the 40mm Apple Watch. Additionally, the bezels on the Pixel Watch made the screen appear smaller. Nevertheless, Google cleverly concealed the bezels with software, minimizing their impact.
The durability of the Pixel Watch was also a concern. The dome glass with a glossy finish made scratches visible, and the glass had a tendency to crack easily when bumped against hard surfaces. Glass protectors were a popular solution for users, emphasizing the need for added caution.
Priced at $349.99 for the non-LTE variant and $399.99 for the LTE version, the Pixel Watch offered less compared to its competition in the same price range.
In India, the smartwatch market is dominated by brands like BoAt, Fire-Boltt, and Noise, known for their affordable offerings. Considering the flaws of the Pixel Watch, it was a prudent decision for Google to forgo its launch in India. The company’s presence in the Indian market had been limited, with only the Pixel 6a being released since the Pixel 3. With the recently launched Pixel 7 series, Google likely wanted to gauge the market’s response. Now, Google believes that Indian users are ready for a Pixel Watch, leading to the arrival of the Pixel Watch 2.
With the Pixel Watch 2, Google has had more time to refine and enhance its smartwatch. Leaks suggest that the new model will bear a close resemblance to its predecessor, but will offer improvements in health tracking, performance with a newer chipset, more band options, and extended battery life. The Pixel Watch 2 will be available for purchase on Flipkart starting October 5.
Unique Perspective: While the Pixel Watch 2 brings enhanced features and improvements, it’s important to remember that no smartwatch is perfect. Each device has its strengths and weaknesses, and what may work for one user may not suit another. As the Indian market welcomes the Pixel Watch 2, it will be interesting to see how it fares among the competition and whether it manages to find a loyal user base. Only time will tell if this launch proves to be a game-changer for Google in the Indian smartwatch market.
